Security and policy changes have been made at Barbe High School in response to two large fights that broke out on campus last week.

On Thursday, Sept. 7, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a large fight involving several students, resulting in detentions but no arrests. On Friday, another student altercation was quickly resolved by CPSO school resource officers. Additionally, a second fight among adults happened as parents and guardians arrived in response to the morning fight, but deputies and school personnel intervened to stop it. Investigations are ongoing.

The Calcasieu Parish School Board is assisting in the investigation. At the Calcasieu Parish School Board meeting on Tuesday, Superintendent Shannon LaFargue gave an update regarding the changes being made at the school.

Student gatherings in common areas have been restricted. The hallways can only be used during class transition and lunch to purchase items from vending machines. To make up for the lost space, the gym has been designated as a gathering area for students before school and during lunch.

Select bathrooms will be used before school and during lunch for increased monitoring.

Additionally, the Barbe administration has decided to revoke “bring your own device” (BYOD) and reinstate the existing electronic device policy that is in CPSB’s code of conduct. During instruction hours, cell phones, headphones and earbuds may not be visible.

The day-to-day operation modifications at Barbe High School have already been instituted.

The campus has also permanently posted additional security on the campus. He said that modification will continue over the coming weeks.

Last week, the district also received its allocated funding from the Louisiana Department of Education’s Louisiana Stronger Connections grant program for further external security upgrades, including open-gate weapons detectors at all 11 high schools.

Stipends

Lafargue stated in his report that nonsupport staff will receive a $550 stipend during the September pay period. Support staff will receive $385.

The stipend money was generated by non-used Esser funds and was approved for all 14 schools.

In October, the sales tax stipend and state stipend will be distributed.

Damon Hardesty, District 9, Karen Hardy McReynolds, District 2, Aaron Natali, District 1, Patrick Pichon, District 5, Eric Tarver, vice-president, District 8 and Desmond Wallace, District 14, were not present at the meeting.