April 3, 2000

CROWLEY, LOUISIANA

APRIL 3, 2000

1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 3rd day of April 2000, at 5:00 p.m., in a regular session, with President John H. Quebodeaux presiding. Members present were Mr. Lyle C. Johnson, Mr. Bill Pinac, Ms. Kitty M. Valdetero, Ms. Wadie H. Bias, Mr. John A. Suire, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, Mr. Roland J. Boudreaux, Mr. Rodney J. Trahan, Mr. Johnnie L. Smith, Mr. Shirley Vige', Dr. Robert McManus, and Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Marietta W. James. Members absent were Mr. Woody M. Marceaux (ill), Mr. Nolton J. Senegal, Sr. (attending NSBA meeting), Mr. Charles F. Daigle (ill), and Mr. Paul K. Bellon.

2&3) Shayla Leopold, daughter of Mrs. Shelia Leopold, a senior at Midland High School, led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Shayla is presently the Student Council President and has held this position for two years. She is a member and officer of several clubs, was chosen as Student of the Year from Midland High School, and has been accepted at LSU in Baton Rouge where she plans to pursue a career in Chemistry. Shayla has a GPA of 3.86

4) Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a majority voice vote (Ms. Valdetero opposed), the agenda was revised by deleting Routine Item 6 (CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION OF THE BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE REGARDING BIDS RECEIVED FOR TEACHING, DUPLICATING, AND JANITORIAL SUPPLIES.) and Routine Item 12 (CONSIDER RESCINDING THE BINGHAM STUDY.), adding Routine la (CONSIDER ADDITIONAL RESOURCE OFFICERS FOR 2000-01 SCHOOL. YEAR.), Routine 15a (HEAR UPDATE ON CAUTION LIGHTS AT CROWLEY HIGH AND MARTIN PETITJEAN T ELEMENTARY. , Routine 16a (CONSIDER SETTLEMENT OF GENERAL LIABILITY CLAIM. BOARD MAY CONSIDER GOING INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.), Consent 5 (CONSIDER REQUEST FROM MR. LEE BELLARD, PRINCIPAL, ^{FOR CHURCH POINT HIGH 9TH} GRADE WORLD GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS TO TRAVEL TO SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, MAY 5-8, 2000.), and the words "Budget/Finance Committee" were deleted on Routine Item 5 and Discussion Item 1.

5) Reading of the minutes of the March 13, 2000, meeting was dispensed with (copies of minutes were sent to each member prior to this meeting) and adopted as submitted, upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

6) Ms. Adrianne Vidrine from the LSU Extension Office addressed the Board regarding school age child care. She presented the potential advantages of after school child care for students in Acadia Parish. She presented results of a recent survey of parents of school age children in grades K-6 in Crowley schools. She asked the Board to consider the implementation of an after school child care pilot program at one school in Acadia Parish. Funds would be generated from fees collected from parents. APSB cost would be limited to the use of space and the related utilities. Ms. Vidrine answered questions regarding the merits of this program.

7) Mr. Richard Lavergne introduced Mr. Eddie Bergeron, coach, who spoke about the fact that Rayne High School recently won the class AAA state power lifting championship. Mr .Bergeron introduced team members, who were commended for this honor.

8) Mr. Lance Gauthier addressed the Board. He highlighted the many programs and accomplishments of 4-H clubs in Acadia Parish. A presentation was made to the Board by members of senior 4-H clubs. Mr. Gauthier reminded the Board of the upcoming annual Achievement Day which will be held in Church Point this year. Dr. McManus and Mr. Trahan made comments in support of the 4-H program and Acadia Parish 4-H leaders.

ACTION ITEMS:

1) Mr. Boudreaux motioned and Mr. Johnson seconded to require architects, who have working projects, to give monthly updates. Ms. Valdetero suggested that updates be given early Corrected in the meeting. Mr. Shamsie questioned the need to require this every month. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote. (Corrected at the May , meeting.) Ms. Bias left at this point.

(2-8) Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Action Items 2 through 8 were adopted en globo.

(2) SCHOOL BOARD ETHICS

Recognizing that as a member of a public school board and that each Board member is filling a position of public trust, responsibility, and authority endowed by the State of Louisiana, the Board, individually and collectively, shall subscribe to the principles of the Louisiana School Boards Association, by which a school board member should be guided.

In addition, certain actions of elected officials may be considered improper, and in some circumstances, illegal. Actions which may present a conflict of interest, acceptance of gifts, or solicitations, or gratuities, abuse of authority of office or position, and decisions regarding the employment of a family member of an official are all subject to statutory restrictions. The ethical conduct of Board members, as well as other designated officials, shall be in accordance with state law.

NEPOTISM

No member of the immediate family of an agency head shall be employed in his/her agency. No member of the immediate family of a member of a governing authority or the chief executive of a governmental entity shall be employed by the governmental entity, except that the School Board may employ any member of the immediate family of any Board member or the Superintendent as a classroom teacher provided that such family member is certified to teach. Each member of the Board which employs a member of the immediate family of a School Board member or the Superintendent shall recuse himself/herself from any decision involving the promotion or assignment of teaching location of the employee.

The provisions above shall not prohibit the continued employment of any public employee nor shall it be construed to hinder, alter, or in any way affect normal promotional advancements for such public employee where a member of a public employee's immediate family becomes the agency head of such public employee's agency, provided that such public employee has been employed in the agency for a period of at least one year prior to the member of the public employee's immediate family becoming the agency head.

PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS

Any School Board member, Superintendent, or employee is prohibited by state law, with limited exception as provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 42:1120, from participating in a transaction in which he/she has a personal substantial economic interest of which he/she may be reasonably expected to know involving the governmental entity. Also, any School Board member, Superintendent, or employee is prohibited by state law, except as provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann 42:1120, from participating in a transaction involving the governmental entity in which, to his/her actual knowledge, any of the following persons has a substantial economic interest:

(1) Any member of his/her immediate family.

(2) Any person in which he/she has a substantial economic interest of which he/she may reasonably be expected to know.

(3) Any person of which he/she is an officer, director, trustee, partner or employee.

(4) Any person with whom he/she is negotiating or has an arrangement concerning prospective employment.

(5) Any person who is a party to an existing contract with such public servant, or with any legal entity in which the public servant exercises control or owns an interest in excess of twenty-five percent, or who owes any thing of economic value to such public servant, or to any legal entity in which the public servant exercises control or owns an interest in excess of twenty-five percent, and who by reason thereof is in a position to affect directly the economic interests of such public servant.

Every public employee shall disqualify himself/herself from participating in a transaction involving the governmental entity when a violation of state law would result.

ABUSE OF OFFICE

No School Board member, Superintendent, or employee shall use the authority of his/her office or position, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to compel or coerce any person or other public servant to provide himself/herself, any other public servant, or other person with any thing of economic value.

TRANSACTIONS AFTER TERMINATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE

No former agency head or elected official shall, for a period of two (2) years following the termination of his/her public service as the head of such agency or as an elected public official serving in such agency, assist another person, for compensation, in a transaction, or in an appearance in connection with a transaction, involving that agency or render any service on a contractual basis to or for the Board. No former member of the Board shall, for a period of two (2) years following the termination of his/her public service on such Board, contract with, be employed in any capacity by, or be appointed to any position by the Board.

DEFINITIONS

Agency means a department, office, division, agency, commission, board, committee, or other organizational unit of a governmental entity. for public servants of political subdivisions, it shall mean the agency in which the pubic servant serves, except that for members of any governing authority and for the elected or appointed chief executive of a governmental entity, it shall mean the governmental entity. Agency head means the chief executive or administrative officer of an agency or any member of a board or commission who exercises supervision over the agency.

Immediate family as the term relates to a public servant means his/her children, the spouses of his/her children, his/her brothers and their spouses, his/her sisters and their spouses, his/her parents, his/her spouse, and the parents of his/her spouse.

Public servant means a public employee or an elected official.

Political activity means an effort to support or oppose the election of a candidate for political office in an election.

Substantial economic interest means an economic interest which is of greater benefit to the public servant or other person than to a general class or group of persons, except:

(a) The interest that the public servant has in his/her position, office, rank, salary, per diem, or other matter arising solely from his/her public employment or office.

(b) The interest that a person has as a member of the general public..

Transaction involving the governmental entity means any proceeding, application, submission, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, case, or other such particular matter which the public servant or former public servant of the governmental entity in question knows or should know:

(a) Is, or will be, the subject of action by the governmental entity.

(b) Is one to which the governmental entity is or will be a party.

(c) Is one in which the governmental entity has a direct interest. A transaction involving the agency of a governmental entity shall have the same meaning with respect to the agency. Revised:

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 17:428, 42:1101, 42:1102, 42:1116, 42:1119, 42:1121.

(3) RECRUITMENT OF SUPERINTENDENT

When an opening in the Superintendency occurs, the School Board shall aggressively recruit in an effort to fill the position with the most capable person available. The Board shall consider only those candidates who meet both state and local qualifications and who display the ability to successfully carry out the duties of the Superintendent.

The School Board shall advertise and solicit applications from qualified members of the staff and may list the vacancy with placement offices at selected educational institutions in Louisiana and in neighboring states with other educational placement agencies at its discretion. Prior to filling a vacancy, the School Board, at a minimum, shall publish a notice of the vacancy together with a request for the submission of applications to fill the position of Superintendent in accordance with all of the following: (a) On two (2) separate days at least one week apart in the official journal of the School Board. (b) Once in a daily newspaper published in the metropolitan area in the state having a population in excess of one hundred thousand persons that is nearest to the School Board offices, if such newspaper is not the official journal of the School Board.

All publication requirements stated above shall be completed at least thirty (30) days prior to action by the School Board to fill the position of Superintendent.

Revised:

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 17:54. 17:81

(4) SCHOOL EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL FILE Statement of Purpose

This policy is designed to comply with provisions of the School Employee Personnel Files Act enacted by the Legislature as R.S. 17:238. This policy provides the district with a uniform system for the use and maintenance of school employee personnel files (employee files). Definitions

Document means any written or otherwise tangible material intended to be or actually used as a part of or any evidence of the work history of any employee including, but not limited to, any and all reports, comments, reprimands, correspondence, memoranda, evaluations, observations, and grievances relative to a particular employee.

Personnel file means the file in the Personnel Department (and/or file at the work site) which contains the cumulative collection of any and all documents maintained by the school system with respect to each individual employee.

Personnel file custodians (file custodians) means those persons employed by the school system charged with the duty of maintaining and preserving the personnel files.

School system means the Acadia Parish School System.

Third party means any person or entity not regularly employed or employed under a contract b the school system in which the employee is employed.

Handling of File Documents

1. Each document concerning a school employee shall be placed in the employee's personnel file within a reasonable time and no document, except those resulting from routine record keeping, shall be placed in a school employee's personnel file by any school system employee, unless and until that school employee is presented with the original document and a copy thereof prior to its filing.

2. Upon receipt of the original document and a copy of the same, the school employee shall sign the original document as an acknowledgment of the receipt of the copy of the document. Such signature shall not be construed as an agreement to the contents of the document.

Rebuttal and Response to File Document

1. Each employee shall have the opportunity to rebut and respond to a document placed in his/her file.

2. A rebuttal and response shall be filed in writing within fifteen (15) school or work days from the date which employee signs document acknowledging its receipt.

3. The employee may be granted an additional ten (10) school or work days for filing a rebuttal and response.

a. A written request shall be addressed to file custodian within the original fifteen-day period.

b. File custodian signs and dates the copy and returns same to the employee. The personnel file custodian's consent to the ten-day extension of time shall not be unreasonably withheld.

4. The rebuttal and response shall be deemed filed by the delivery of the original and a copy of same to file custodian.

a. File custodian signs and dates the original, attaches same to applicable document, and places both documents in employee's file.

b. File custodian signs and dates the copy and returns same to the employee.

5. Rebuttal and response is a permanent part of employee's file as long as the original document remains in the file.

6. No document, or copy thereof, to which a rebuttal and response has been filed shall be used for any purpose whatsoever unless the rebuttal and response, or copy thereof, is attached to the document or copy sought to be used.

7. An employee has the right to receive proof of any allegations or statements contained in a document placed in his/her file that the employee believes to be inaccurate, invalid, or misrepresented.

If such proof is not presented, the document shall be removed from the employee's file and destroyed.

Access to file

1. An employee who submits to the file custodian a written request to see his/her file shall be given access within a reasonable time.

2. Contents of an employee file can be divulged to a third party by a file custodian without express written consent of employee when ordered by a court or by subpoena.

3. Access to an employee file without written consent of same is limited to the file custodian, Superintendent (or designee), and the employee charged with duty of supervising that particular employee's performance.

4. When an employee file is accessed by the Superintendent or designee, the employee whose file was so accessed shall receive written notice to the fact and the name and title of the person who was permitted access.

5. Contents of an employee file can be divulged or granted to parties other than those individuals identified in Sections 2 and 3 only after written consent by the employee is presented to the file custodian.

6. All persons permitted access to a file shall maintain confidentiality of documents which are not matters of public record.

7. The Acadia Parish School Board shall comply with all subpoenas for employee records.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Certain items in the personnel records of School Board employee shall be confidential, including:

1. The home telephone number of the employee where such employee has chosen to have a private or unlisted home telephone number because of the nature of his occupation with such body.

2. The home telephone number of the employee where such employee has requested that the number be confidential.

3. The home address of the employee where such employee has requested that the address be confidential, except it shall be made available to recognized educational groups.

4. The social security number as contained in the personnel records of an employee of the School Board. However, when the employee's social security number is required to be disclosed pursuant to any other provision of law, including such purposes as child support enforcement, health insurance, and retirement reporting, the social security number of the employee shall be disclosed pursuant to such provision of law.

The above information shall not be divulged to third parties.

Revised

Ref:5 U.S.C.A. 552 (Privacy Act of 19740; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 17:81, 17:1231 et seq., 44:1, 44:2, 44:11, 44:12.

(5) PERSONNEL RECORDS

The Acadia Parish School Board shall require the maintenance of a uniform system of personnel records for all employees. It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent or designee to keep the records updated and complete in accordance with statutory provisions. A School Board member or any other person authorized pursuant to this policy shall be permitted to examine any and all records of the school system, except school employee records relative to evaluations, observations, formal complaints, and grievances. The Board, however, upon a majority vote of the membership, shall have the right to examine any and all records of the school system.

A personnel file shall be accurately maintained in the central administrative office for each present and former employee. These files shall contain applications for employment; references; and records relative to compensation, payroll deduction, evaluation, and such other matters as may be considered pertinent to the proper maintenance of all personnel records. It is the duty of the employee to furnish the personnel office with certificates, transcripts, statements of degrees, and other educational experience related documentation.

The Superintendent shall be designated as custodian of all personnel files and shall have the overall responsibility for maintaining and preserving the confidentiality of the files. The Superintendent. may, however, designate another official to perform the duties of records management on the understanding that this official is to be held responsible for granting or denying access to records on the basis of these guidelines.

GENERAL ACCESS TO AN EMPLOYEE'S PERSONNEL FILE

No school employee shall be denied access to his/her personnel file. The contents of a school employee's personnel file shall not be divulged to third parties without the expressed written consent of the school employee, except when ordered by a court or by subpoena, or in accordance with this policy. No school system employee other than the personnel file custodian or the Superintendent of Schools for the system, or the designee or either, who shall be a school system employee, shall be allowed access to a school employee's personnel file without the school employee's expressed written consent, unless that employee is charged with the duty of supervising that particular school employee's performance. In case a personnel file should be accessed by the Board or anyone else, the employee whose file was so accessed shall receive written notice of the fact and the name and title of the person who was permitted access. All persons permitted access shall maintain the confidentiality of those documents in the file which are not matter of public record.

REQUESTS FOR ACCESS AND INSPECTION Additions to Personnel File

No complaint, commendation, suggestion, or evaluation may be placed in the evaluation file unless it meets the following requirements:

2. Upon receipt of the original document and copy of the same, the school employee shall sign the original document as an acknowledgment of the receipt of the copy of the document. Such signature shall not be construed as an agreement to the contents of the document.

Rebuttal and Response

Each school employee shall be given the opportunity to rebut and to respond to a document placed in his/her personnel file.

1. The rebuttal and response must be in written form and once filed shall be attached to the document to which the response and rebuttal applies, and thus become a permanent part of the school employee's personnel file as long as the document remains a part of the personnel file.

2. No document or copy thereof, to which a response and rebuttal has been filed, shall be used for any purpose whatsoever unless the rebuttal and response or copy thereof is attached to the document or copy sought to be use.

3. The rebuttal and response shall be deemed filed by the delivery of the original and one copy of the rebuttal and response to the personnel file custodian. The personnel file custodian shall then sign and date the original rebuttal and response and file the same into the school employee's personnel file. The personnel file custodian shall also sign and date a copy of the rebuttal and response and return the same to the school employee.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Certain items in the personnel records of School Board employees shall be confidential, including:

1. The home telephone number of the employee where such employee has chosen to have a private or unlisted home telephone number because of the nature of his occupation with such body.

2. The home telephone number of the employee where such employee has requested that the number be confidential.

3. The home address of the employee where such employee has requested that the address be confidential, except it shall be made available to recognized educational groups.

The above information shall not be divulged to third parties.

DEFINITIONS

Document means any written or otherwise tangible material intended to be or actually used as a part of or any evidence of the work history of any employee including but not limited to any and all reports, comments, reprimands, correspondence, memoranda, evaluations, observations, and grievances relative to a particular employee;

Personnel file means the file in the Personnel Department which contains the cumulative collection of any and all documents maintained by the school system with respect to each individual employee. Personnel file custodians (file custodians) means those persons employed by the school system charged with the duty of maintaining and preserving the personnel files.

Third party means any person or entity not regularly employed, or employed under a contract by the school system in which the employee is employed.

Revised:

Ref: 5 U.S.C.A. 552 (Privacy Act of 1974); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 17:81, 17:1231 et seq., 44:1, 44:2, 44:11, 44:12.

(6) ALCOHOL, DRUG, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION PROGRAM

The School Board shall require a comprehensive alcohol, drug, and substance abuse prevention education program be incorporated into every school of the parish that shall include grade appropriate programs on the education, prevention, and counseling of alcohol, drug, and substance abuse. Such programs shall be included in the school program so that every student in grades kindergarten through nine is involved for a minimum of sixteen (16) contact hours every school year, and every student in grades ten through twelve is involved for a minimum contact hours shall be incorporated into a comprehensive school health program.

As part of the alcohol, drug, and substance abuse program, substance abuse counseling students who have been identified as having an alcohol, drug, or substance abuse problem

Any student enrolled in school who is identified as having a substance abuse problem, including manufacture or distribution, shall be required to participate in the school drug counseling program, or an equivalent approved by the Board.

Each school shall have a substance abuse prevention team, whose membership shall be in accordance with statutory provisions, that shall investigate, research, and report on all instances or reports of possession of controlled dangerous substances or alcoholic beverages. The team shall adequately report their findings in writing and make appropriate recommendations for treatment, counseling, or other appropriate action to the principal of the school.

DRUG-FREE ZONES

It is unlawful for anyone to use, distribute, be under the influence of, manufacture or possess any controlled substances as defined by statute on or around school property or an area within 1000 feet of any property used for school purposes by any school, or on a school bus. These areas shall be designated as Drug-free Zones. The School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the State Department of Education, shall designate and mark drug-free zones which surround all schools and school property.

Revised:

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 14:403.1, 17:402, 17:403, 17:404, 17:405, 17:416.

(7) STUDENT ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE

The Acadia Parish School Board is dedicated to providing a drug-free learning environment for the students attending public schools. The Board directs that each student shall be specifically prohibited from being under the influence of, bringing on, consuming, or having in his possession on a school bus, on school premises, or at a school function away from the school, any alcoholic beverages, intoxicating liquors, narcotic drugs, prescription medications, marijuana, inhalants, imitation or counterfeit controlled substances, or other controlled substance as defined by state statutes, unless dispensed by a licensed physician as allowed by law. The Superintendent shall be responsible for maintaining appropriate procedures for the detection of alcohol, drugs, or any imitation or other controlled substances. Any student found in violation of the above shall be suspended and recommended for expulsion by the principal

Any violations of criminal laws, state or federal, committed on school property shall be prosecuted as provided by law. School officials, teachers and/or Board employees shall report all violators to the principal, who in turn, shall notify the proper law enforcement agency and shall cooperate with the prosecuting attorney's office in the prosecution of charges. Any student who distributes, sells or dispenses in any manner or form whatsoever a controlled dangerous substance as defined by state law to another student or anyone else while on the school premises shall be expelled pursuant to the provisions and guidelines as set forth in state law.

The principal shall immediately notify the parents or guardian, by telephone, of any student found in violation of this policy. If the parents or guardian cannot be reached by phone, the principal shall then notify them of the action by sending a letter within twenty-four (24) hours. Care shall be given to afford due process to all students.

REPORTS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE

State law mandates that teachers and other school employees report suspected substance abuse in school. These cases shall be reported to the principal and the Substance Abuse Prevention Team in the school. The principal must report each case of possession, distributing, sales or manufacturing to the proper law enforcement authority. Reports shall also be made to the appropriate person at each school, who shall investigate, research, and report on instances of reports of possession of prohibited substances or beverages. Designated personnel shall report its findings along with the recommendation for treatment, counseling or other appropriate action to the principal.

DRUG-FREE ZONES

it is unlawful for anyone to use, distribute, be under the influence of, manufacture or possess any controlled substances as defined by statute on or around school property or an area within 1000 feet of any property used for school purposes by any school, or on a school bus. These areas shall be designated as Drug-free Zones. The School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the State Department of Education, shall designate and mark drug-free zones which surround all schools and school property.

Revised

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 14:403.1, 17:405, 17:416, 40:617.1, 40:961 et seq.

($) BIDS AND QUOTATIONS.

PUBLIC WORKS

The Acadia Parish School Board shall advertise and let by contract, except in cases of extreme emergencies, all public work exceeding $100,000 or such sum as allowed by law, including labor, materials, equipment, and administrative overhead not to exceed fifteen percent (15 %). The contract shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder who has bid according to the contract, plans, and specifications advertised. Public works, other than the construction of buildings which are estimated to cost less than the contract limit, may be undertaken by the Board with its own employees.

As an evidence of good faith of the bidder, the Board shall require bidders for construction, improvement, repair, or other work to attach to the bid submitted, a bid bond, certified check, or cashier's check for not more than five percent (5 % 0 of the contract work to be done. The Board may require a bid bond or certified or cashier's check of not more than five percent (5 % 0 of the estimated price on bids taken for supplies and materials.

When any bid is accepted for construction or doing any public works, a written contract shall be entered into by the successful bidder and the School Board, and the successful bidder shall furnish a bond in an amount not less than one-half of the amount of the contract, for the faithful performance of his or her duties.

Under no circumstances shall there be a division or separation of any public work project into smaller projects, which division or separation would have the effect of avoiding the requirements that public work be advertised and let by contract to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with statutory provisions.

MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

All purchases of materials or supplies exceeding the sum of $15,000 to be paid out of public funds shall be advertised and let by contract to the lowest responsible bidder who has bid according to the specifications as advertised. In addition, purchases of materials or supplies of at least $7,500, but not more than $15,000, shall be made by obtaining not less than three (3) telephone or facsimile quotations. A written confirmation of the accepted offer shall be obtained and made a part of the purchase file. The Board may require a written contract or bond when purchasing the materials or supplies. If quotations are received that are lower than the quote accepted, a notation shall be entered into the file as to the reasons for rejection of the lower quotes.

EMERGENCIES

In cases of extreme emergency when time is not sufficient to advertise for bids for public works or purchase of materials, the Board is permitted by law to declare that a public emergency exists and extend a contract for more than the sums mentioned without going out to bid; however, in such cases every effort shall be made by the administration to secure competitive quotations through negotiations.

BID ADVERTISEMENTS

All advertisements for bids for public works shall appear in the newspaper selected as the official journal for the School Board, except in extreme emergencies as may be declared by the Board. Any advertisement for any contract for public works, when published, shall appear once a week for three (3) different weeks in a newspaper in the locality and the first advertisement shall appear at least twenty-five (25) days before the opening of bids.

Any advertisement for any contract or purchase of materials or supplies shall be published two (2) times in a newspaper in the locality, the first advertisement appearing at least fifteen (15) days prior to the opening of bids.

In any advertisement, the first publication shall not occur on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. The School Board shall not issue or cause to be issued any addendum modifying plans and specifications within a period of seventy-two hours prior to the advertised time for the opening of bids, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and any other legal holidays; however, if the necessity arises to issue an addendum modifying plans and specifications within the seventy-two hour period prior to the advertised time for the opening of bids, then the opening of bids shall be extended at lease seven (7) days, but not to exceed twenty-one (21) days, without the requirement of re-advertising. The addendum shall state the revised time and date for the opening of bids.

OPENING OF BIDS

All bids shall be opened in public in the presence of one or more witnesses, at the time and place designated in the invitation for bids. Each bid, together with the name of the bidder, shall be recorded and open to public inspection. However, the School Board shall not accept or take any bids including receiving any hand delivered bids, on days which are recognized as holidays by the United States Postal Service. The Superintendent and/or other appropriate administrators shall review, summarize and report bids to the Board with recommendations for final action.

If the School Board proposes to disqualify any bidder, the School Board shall:

(1) Give written notice of the proposed disqualification to such bidder, and include in the written notice all reasons for the proposed disqualification; and

(2) Give such bidder, who is proposed to be disqualified, the opportunity to be heard at an informal hearing, at which such bidder is afforded the opportunity to refute the reasons for the disqualification.

Revised:

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 38:2211, 38:2212, 38:2212.1, 38:2214, 38:2218, 38:2251, 39:1551 et seq.; Board minutes, 1-18-88, 1-5-98.

9) Dr. James read the revised summer session policy. Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero,

seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the summer session policy was adopted by the Board.

SUMMER SESSION

A summer school remediation program shall be provided to all students who fail the LEAP 21 Language Arts and /or Mathematics test administered in grades four and eight. An extended school year program may be provided for remedial and additional instruction, as needed. A regular summer school program may be offered to repeat courses for students who have failed. Operation of schools in the summer session shall be in accordance with regulations established by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, guidelines of the State Department of Education, and directives of the Superintendent and staff. Fees may be charged to students for attending summer school session, which shall be set by the Board upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and administrative staff.

Revised:

Ref: La. Rev. stat. Ann. 17:24.4; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators,Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education.

ROUTINE ITEMS:

1) Upon motion by Mr. Pinac, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent was authorized to advertise for bids for Official Journal.

la) Dr. James relayed correspondence from Sheriff Goss regarding the addition of two additional resource officers with a matching grant under the Universal Hiring Program from the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The approximate matching cost is $14,000. Dr. James indicated the possibility of using Drug-Free School funds to help with this cost. Mr. Johnson motioned and Mr. Vige' seconded to approve this request. Mr. Shamsie and Ms. Valdetero objected to cutting teachers and hiring other personnel. Mr. Boudreaux asked the Superintendent to develop more detailed plans regarding expanding this program. Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Shamsie opposed), this item was tabled until next month's (May) board meeting to allow time for the Superintendent to come up with a plan of action to present to the Board.

2) Dr. James recommended a performance contract renewal from June 1, 2000, until June 30, 2003, for Mr. Carl LeJeune, Personnel Executive Director. A motion by Mr. Suire to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent died for lack of a second. Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. LeJeune's performance contract was renewed for the time period beginning June 1, 2000, through June 30, 2002.

3) Dr. James recommended a performance contract renewal from June 1, 2000, until June 30, 2002, for Mrs. Mary Robbins, Supervisor of Technology/Media. Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mrs. Robbin's performance contract was renewed for the time period beginning June 1, 2000, through June 30, 2002.

4) Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation to purchase English Literature books for grades nine through twelve ($122,705), writing composition books for grades six through eight ($90,484), and spelling books for grades one through three ($44,656) at a total cost of $257,845 was approved.

5) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Suire, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Transportation/Facilities Committee's recommendation to allow farmers the option of whether or not to plant rice crops this year (2000) due to weather conditions (drought, salt water) was approved.

6) This item was deleted.

7) Dr. James asked the Board to approve the staffing component of the budget so that schools can begin scheduling classes for next year, and allow flexibility in filling teaching positions. Several board members expressed concern about staffing, especially in grades four and eight. Dr. James indicated that reduction of staff would be accomplished through attrition. She also indicated plans to reduce several central office positions through attrition by combining maintenance and transportation, and also pre-kindergarten and elementary education. Mr. Quebodeaux suggested appointing a board member to serve as parliamentarian and have the board attorney present only when there are legal matters to address. Mr. Milton Simar addressed the Board on behalf of the principals and cautioned board members regarding cutting too many teaching positions, and requested that the French program be continued at his school. Discussion followed regarding scaling down the French program. Dr. James reiterated that the estimated 44.5 teaching positions and 9 teacher aide positions would be reduced through attrition. After more discussion, the Board accepted Dr. James' request to approve the staffing component of the 2000-01 budget priorities by unanimous voice vote.

8) Dr. James reviewed the increase in funding in the Carl Perkins Budget and General

Fund Vocational Budget revisions. Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Carl Perkins Budget and General Fund Vocational Budget revisions were approved.

9) Dr. James reported that the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation was to

approve the IASA Consolidated Application for Federal Programs. Mr. Shamsie motioned and Dr. McManus seconded to approve the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation. It was noted that four salaries have been pro-rated (1/3 to general fund) for these media center positions. An approximate cost of $21,000 to be picked up by the general fund. Mr. Sherman Wilson, supervisor, answered questions raised regarding budgeted travel in general and federal funds. Several board members suggested that Title I continue to pick up the entire salary of these four employees. After more discussion, the motion passed by a majority voice vote (Mr. Boudreaux,Mr. Trahan, and Mr. Johnson opposed).

10) The school calendar for the 2000-2001 school year (previously distributed to board

members and all schools) was approved, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Ms. Valdetero,and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

2000-2001 SCHOOL CALENDAR Teachers Report August 15, 2000

Students Report August 17, 2000

Parent Conference January 16, 2001 .

School Year Ends June 1, 2001 HOLIDAYS

Labor Day September 4, 2000

Rice Festival October 20, 2000

Election Day November 7, 2000

Thanksgiving November 20-24, 2000

Christmas/New Year December 21, 2000-January 2, 2001

Martin Luther King January 15, 2001

Mardi Gras February 26-28, 2001

Good Friday/Easter April 13-20, 2001

11) This item died for lack of motion.

12) This item was deleted.

13) Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Ms. Stephanie Prothro, speech therapist, Martin Petitjean Elementary, was granted a sabbatical leave for professional development for the fall semester 2000-2001.

14) Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Darrell Dies, bus driver, was granted a leave without pay for 3 to 4 weeks

15) In the absence of Mr. Bellon, chairman of the Superintendent Evaluation Procedures Committee, this item was deleted, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

15a) Mr. John Doughty reported on the progress of obtaining caution lights at Crowley High

18) Dr. James reported that the NSBA Southern Regional Conference will be held in Williamsburg, Virginia, and asked board members to notify her office if they planned to attend. She also reported on the Career Expo at the Rice Festival Building sponsored by the City of Crowley, Chamber of Commerce, and the school system. She thanked and commended everyone involved. She also thanked everyone affiliated with the fund raiser at Crowley Middle School last Saturday. She appreciated Mr. Quebodeaux and others who cooperated in today's closing of schools due to weather conditions.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1) Mr. Michael Leonards presented the recommendation of the Transportation/Facilities Committee regarding substantial completion:

"Substantial completion of all projects which require an architect be approved by the architect, the Superintendent and/or their designee, and respective board members and a report be made to the Board at its following meeting. "

Discussion followed among board members regarding this recommendation. This will be discussed in more detail with the board attorney to get his opinion. Mr. Leonards relayed the recommendation of the Transportation/Facilities Committee regarding change orders:

"An amount of $5,000 for emergency contingencies be built into contracts and authority be given to the Superintendent, architect, and staff to make emergency change orders within these limits. Any existing Board policies regarding construction contracts be incorporated into bid documents and contract documents."

2) Dr. James reported that the Budget/Finance Committee recommended adopting a change in policy to reflect the mileage reimbursement rate at the state level of 28 cents per mile.

3) Dr. James summarized changes to maternity and emergency/sick leave which are necessary due to change in state laws.

CONSENT ITEMS:

Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following consent items were approved:

1) There were no personnel assignments and changes, since the last meeting.

2) Received Sales Tax report showing a year-to-date increase of 4.58 %.

3) Granted request to Mr. Ronald Doguet, principal, for iota high School 4-H Club members to travel to Orlando, Florida, June 4-8, 2000.

4) Consider request from Mr. Clyde Briley, principal, for the Midland High School Girls' Basketball team to travel to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, June 18-21, 2000.

Mr. Boudreaux felt that Routine Item 11, regarding reduction in board size, should have been addressed.

18) Dr. James reported that the NSBA Southern Regional Conference will be held in Williamsburg, Virginia, and asked board members to notify her office if they planned to attend. She also reported on the Career Expo at the Rice Festival Building sponsored by the City of Crowley, Chamber of Commerce, and the school system. She thanked and commended everyone involved. She also thanked everyone affiliated with the fund raiser at Crowley Middle School last Saturday. She appreciated Mr. Quebodeaux and others who cooperated in today's closing of schools due to weather conditions.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1) Mr. Michael Leonards presented the recommendation of the Transportation/Facilities Committee regarding substantial completion:

Discussion followed among board members regarding this recommendation. This will be discussed in more detail with the board attorney to get his opinion.

Mr. Leonards relayed the recommendation of the Transportation/Facilities Committee regarding change orders:

2) Dr. James reported that the Budget/Finance Committee recommended adopting a change in policy to reflect the mileage reimbursement rate at the state level of 28 cents per mile.

3) Dr. James summarized changes to maternity and emergency/sick leave which are necessary due to change in state laws.

CONSENT ITEMS:

Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following consent items were approved:

1) There were no personnel assignments and changes, since the last meeting.

2) Received Sales Tax report showing a year-to-date increase of 4.58%.

3) Granted request to Mr. Ronald Doguet, principal, for Iota high School 4-H Club members to travel to Orlando, Florida, June 4-8, 2000.

4) Consider request from Mr. Clyde Briley, principal, for the Midland High School Girls' Basketball team to travel to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, June 18-21, 2000.

Mr. Boudreaux felt that Routine Item 11, regarding reduction in board size, should have been addressed.

Ms. Valdetero commented that this was an unusually pleasant meeting.

CLOSING:

There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

John H. Quebodeaux, President

ATTEST:

Dr. Marietta W. James, Superintendent