CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
MAY 1, 2000
1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 1st day of May 2000, at 5:00 p.m., in a regular session, with Vice President John A. Suire presiding. Members present were Mr. Lyle C. Johnson, Mr. Bill Pinac, Ms. Kitty M. Valdetero, Ms. Wadie H. Bias, Mr. Woody M. Marceaux, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, Mr. Nolton J. Senegal, Sr., Mr. Roland J. Boudreaux, Mr. Rodney J. Trahan, Mr. Johnnie L. Smith, Mr. Charles F. Daigle, Mr. Shirley Vige', Dr. Robert McManus, and Secretary-Treasurer, Dr. Marietta W. James. President John H. Quebodeaux and Mr. Bellon were absent.
2&3) Under the direction of Mrs. Verelda Girouard, principal, kindergarten students from Central Rayne Kindergarten led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
4) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a majority voice vote (Ms. Valdetero opposed), the agenda was revised by adding Routine item 9a (CONSIDER SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION OF REWIRING AT MERMENTAU ELEMENTARY.), Routine 10a (CONSIDER DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION FOR POLICY REVISIONS FOR THE 2000-2001 SCHOOL YEAR.), Routine 10b (CONSIDER ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION FOR POLICY REVISIONS FOR THE 2000-2001 SCHOOL YEAR.), Routine 10C (CONSIDER APPROVING RESOLUTION FOR SPECIAL COUNSEL TO ACT AS HEARING OFFICER.).
5) Reading of the minutes of the April 3, 2000, meeting was dispensed with (copies of minutes were sent to each member prior to this meeting) and adopted as corrected to record Action Item 1 vote results, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
6) Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a resolution recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week will be drawn up.
1) Mr. Trahan motioned and Mr. Vige' seconded to accept the Transportation/Facilities and Budget/Finance Committees' recommendation that $5,000, contingency per contract, be allowed for emergency change orders with the approval of the Superintendent and staff.
A motion to amend to include approval of a majority of board members in the respective district was made by Mr. Boudreaux and seconded by Mr. Trahan. Mr. Bill Ackal gave input from an architect's perspective. The motion to amend passed by a unanimous voice vote. The main motion as amended passed by a unanimous voice vote.
2) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation to revise policy for mileage reimbursement to read "mileage will be reimbursed using the current state rate" was approved.
3) Mr. Carl LeJeune sent each board member, prior to this meeting, copies of maternity leave and emergency/personal leave changes that resulted due to changes in state law. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Marceaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation for maternity leave and emergency/personal leave revisions was approved.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Vige', and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board granted Ms. Norma Nix. Assistant Principal, Iota High School, a performance contract renewal for two years, July 1, 2000, through June 30, 2002, as recommended by Dr. James.
2) Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board granted to Mr. Charles Barbier, Assistant Principal, Church Point High School, a two-year performance contract renewal, July 1, 2000, through June 30, 2002, as recommended by Dr. James.
3) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board granted to Mr. Mikal Stall, Assistant Principal, Rayne High School, a two-year performance contract renewal, July 1, 2000, through June 30, 2002, as recommended by Dr. James. 4) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board granted to Mr. Marshall Thibodeaux, Assistant Principal, Armstrong Middle School, a two-year performance contract renewal, July 1, 2000, through June 30, 2002, as recommended by Dr. James.
5) Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Vige', and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board granted to Mr. Louis J. Joubert, Principal, Egan Elementary School, a two-year performance contract renewal, July 1, 2000, through June 30, 2002, as recommended by Dr. James.
6) Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board granted to Mrs. Sandra Doguet, Principal, Church Point Elementary School, a two-year performance contract renewal, July 1, 2000, through June 30, 2002, as recommended by Dr. James.
7) Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board granted to Mr. Paul DeRousselle, Principal, Church Point Middle School, a two-year performance contract renewal, July 1, 2000, through June 30, 2002, as recommended by Dr. James.
8) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Trahan. and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board granted to Mr. Glenn Mayard. Assistant Technology Supervisor, APSB Media Center, a two-year performance contract renewal, July 1, 2000, through June 30, 2002,as recommended by Dr. James.
9) Mr. Boudreaux suggested that in the attempt to cutback and save funds in the APSB budget, reassigning Mr. Steve Jones to a principalship, in lieu of a two-year extension of his contract. The Board discussed the merits of renewing this contract for two-years. Question was called and approved unanimously. Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board granted to Mr. Steve Jones, Energy Manager/Maintenance Supervisor, APSB Central Office, a two-year performance contract renewal, July l, 2000, through June 30, 2002, as recommended by Dr. James.
9a) Mr. Bill Ackal, architect, reported that rewiring at Mermentau Elementary was substantially complete and recommended Board approval. Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Vige', and carried by a unanimous voice vote, substantial completion of rewiring at Mermentau Elementary School was approved.
10) Dr. James received correspondence from Sheriff Kenneth Goss stating that his department is applying for funding for two additional resource officers for the 2000-2001 school year. Matching funds of approximately $14,000 would be required and a plan must be in place to retain these officers after the three-year grant. After some discussion, in order to acquire more information, this item was tabled until the special board meeting on May 15, 2000, upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Vige', and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
l0a) Mr. Eric Stutes reported that no major changes were made in the Discipline Policy. Funding of Saturday detention was questioned, as were time lines for appeals and responses by schools to such appeals. Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Discipline Policy revisions for the 2000-2001 school year were approved.
10b) Attendance Committee recommendations for policy revisions for the 2000-2001 school year were considered and approved by a unanimous voice vote, upon motion by Mr. Trahan and seconded by Mr. Vige'.
10c) Upon motion by Mr. Pinac, seconded by Mr. Vige', and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a resolution for special counsel was approved, and Mr. Gerald Caswell, attorney, was retained to act as hearing officer for the May 15, 2000, tenure hearing.
11) Mr. John Doughty updated the Board on estimated costs for flashing caution lights at Crowley High and Martin Petitjean Elementary. The estimated cost for lights extended over the road is $9,500 per location and $8,500 per location for a flasher mounted by the side of the road. These estimates include material and installation. In other parishes, such lights have been paid for by the school board, policy jury, city, or the State Highway Department. A suggestion was made to contact SLEMCO for their assistance.
12) Dr. James read the following statement from Mr. Sills regarding the Acadia Parish Educational Center. "I believe that we have pursued matters with Jim Cole of Wal-Mart to the extent that it is possible. After the recent efforts including further follow-up in March, I have not received any further response. Accordingly, we will continue to pursue discovery, and will upon the completion of discovery then request the status conference from the judge, in order to set the matter for trial. "
13) Mrs. Sondra Myers discussed the Head Start Self Assessment document (previously sent to each board member). Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Program Status Report on Head Start Self Assessment was received.
14) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Trahan opposed), the 2000-2001 Head Start budget was approved as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.
15) Two group health insurance proposals were received (Blue Cross and Benesys); however, only Blue Cross met specifications. This proposed renewal for one year contains a 23 % rate increase. Figures for group health insurance renewal proposals from Blue Cross/Blue Shield were presented showing new rates effective July 1, 2000, using existing percentages. The Personnel/Insurance and Budget/Finance Committees recommended renewal of Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Next month the committees will go back and look at other funding considerations (percentages paid by employee and employer). Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the recommendation of the PI and BF Committees was approved.
16) Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board awarded bids for teaching, duplicating, and janitorial supplies to lowest price items that meet specifications, as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.
17) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by. Dr. McManus, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Trahan opposed), IDEA Part B Application and Preschool Budget FY01 were approved as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.
18) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee for a yearly renewal of the AHERA asbestos monitoring contract with Poche' and Associates, Ltd. at a cost of $6,000. and allocate sufficient funds of approximately $36.250 for this and next year to address immediate needs was approved.
19) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a majority
voice vote (Mr. Trahan opposed), a request for a full-time computer technician for the special populations' department was denied as recommended by the PI and BF Committees.
20) Mr. Vige' questioned transfers to the school lunch fund, rental of warehouse, and summer inventory. After more discussion, budget revisions for all funds were approved by a unanimous voice vote, upon motion by Mr. Senegal and seconded by Mr. Vige'.
21) Dr. James indicated that general fund budget priorities remained the same for 2000-01, but because of increased insurance costs and additional transfers to the Alternative School, the budget now shows a projected deficit in the general fund for next year (2000-01).
22) Dr. James reported that classified employees' evaluation documents have been distributed to all schools and will take place this month. Dr. McManus made a few comments regarding the merits of this plan, comparing it to previous methods. Others expressed concern regarding the new pay scale.
23) Dr. James reported that Mr. Bellon asked the Board to consider setting May 22, 2000, as the date for a special board meeting to examine the superintendent's evaluation procedure. Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Vige' and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this matter was tabled until the special session on May 15, 2000, when Mr. Bellon will be present, and at that time a date will be considered.
24) Dates of Acadia Parish high school graduations were distributed. Mr. Johnson briefed the Board on recent actions by BESE regarding accountability and high school diplomas.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Board members were presented copies of correspondence from Mr. Joseph M. Bertrand, Attorney for Dr. Marietta James, to Mr. Kenneth Privat, Attorney for APSB. Dr. James requested that reimbursement of her attorney's fees be discussed in an executive session. Mr. Senegal motioned and Mr. Daigle seconded to go into an executive session. Mr. Johnson asked if going into an executive session for this matter was legal. Mr. Privat, attorney, indicated that it was proper, as written demand had been made. The motion carried by a roll call vote of 7 to 6, and the Board went into an executive session at 6:28 p.m.
YEA: Bias, Shamsie, Senegal, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus
NAY: Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Marceaux, Boudreaux, Trahan,
ABSENT: Bellon, Quebodeaux
Board members going into the executive session were Ms. Bias, Mr. Shamsie, Mr. Senegal, Mr. Suire. Mr. Trahan, Mr. Smith, Mr. Daigle, Mr. Vige'. and Dr. McManus. Members not going into the executive session were Mr. Johnson, Mr. Pinac. Ms. Valdetero, Mr. Marceaux, and Mr. Boudreaux.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige', seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous
voice vote, the Board reconvened at 6:57 p.m.
Mr. Tommy Cart, reporter, The Rayne Independent, felt that the executive session was illegal, lacking a two-thirds vote, and the letter from the Superintendent's attorney did not meet the requirements of the law. Mr. Johnson stated that the APSB policy calls for a majority of the membership of the Board to go into an executive session, not a simple majority. Mr. Privat echoed that the Board needed to reschedule this item as a discussion item at next month's meeting, because a two-thirds vote was not obtained.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Mr. Boudreaux asked if sales tax was being collected for truck stops located in Duson, but located in Acadia Parish. Mr. Leonards will check into this matter.
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous
voice vote, the following consent items were approved:
1) Received Sales Tax report showing a year-to-date increase of 4.25%.
2) Granted permission to Egan Elementary Junior High Goals Honor Club to travel to Houston, Texas, to attend an Astros' game, tour the Health and Medical Museum, and Astroworld, May 25-26, 2000.
3) Granted permission to Iota Elementary 4-H Club members to travel to Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, May 26, 2000.
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
ATTEST:
Dr. Marietta W. James Superintendent