Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 28 - EDUCATION
Part CXV - Bulletin 741-Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators
Chapter 4 - Reopening School Facilities for the 2020-2021 School Year
Section CXV-401 - Purpose and Background

A. This Chapter provides minimum health and safety standards regarding the reopening of school facilities for the 2020-2021 school year in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in order to ensure that students, faculty, staff, and others on school property are protected to the maximum extent possible and practical. These minimum standards regarding the reopening of schools for the 2021-2021 school year expire on June 30, 2021. Any future requirements for schools related to a statewide pandemic will be communicated as needed.

B. The requirements contained within this Chapter were developed by the LDE in coordination with the LDH using guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding school settings, defined as a setting in which educational services are provided to children. As research and information about COVID-19 is updated or if the LDH or CDC revise guidance regarding school settings, LDE will review the standards contained within this Chapter and, as appropriate and necessary, propose revisions of this Chapter to BESE.

C. While the requirements outlined in this Chapter are designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to create a safe and healthy environment for students, faculty, staff, and others on school property, no requirement or plan guarantees that individuals will not contract COVID-19.

D. By executive proclamation, the governor establishes the statewide phase(s) of reopening (phase 1, phase 2, or phase 3). If the local governing authority of a parish or other municipality has established a more restrictive phase of reopening, the LEA located within that parish or municipality must conform to the more restrictive requirements.

E. In the event the governor orders, via executive proclamation, a reversion or progression from one phase of the state reopening plan to another, BESE shall immediately communicate the substance of such executive proclamation to each LEA, including the impact of the executive proclamation on the roles, responsibilities, and requirements of each LEA in the state.

F. Medical or disability impact exceptions to any standard in this Chapter should be addressed on an individual basis by the LEA in accordance with local policies.

G. For the purposes of this Chapter, the following definition will apply.

Physical Distance-the act of an individual maintaining a space of at least three feet from another individual.