CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
FEBRUARY 5, 2001
1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 5th day of February 2001, at 5:00 p.m., in a regular session, with 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. John H. Quebodeaux, Mr. Roland J. Boudreaux, Mr. Rodney J. Trahan, Mr. Johnnie L. Smith, Mr. Charles F. Daigle, Mr. Shirley Vige', Dr. Robert McManus, Mr. Paul K. Bellon and Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Marietta W. James. Mr. Nolton J. Senegal, Sr., was excused to attend an NSBA convention.
2&3) President John Suire led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
4) Consider approval of a revised agenda, if there are any changes.
Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the agenda was revised by adding Routine item 5a (CONSIDER AMENDING MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 4TH BOARD MEETING TO INCLUDE THE ROLL CALL VOTE ON ROUTINE ITEM 6 REGARDING FLASHING CAUTION LIGHTS AT CROWLEY HIGH AND MARTIN PETITJEAN ELEMENTARY).
5) Read and approve minutes of the January 8. 2001. meeting.
Reading of the minutes of the January 8, 2001, meeting was dispensed with (copies of minutes were sent to each member prior to this meeting) and adopted as submitted, upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
5a) Consider amending minutes of the December 4 board meeting to include the roll call vote on Routine Item 6 regarding flashing caution lights at Crowley High and Martin Petitjean Elementary.
Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, minutes of the December 4 board meeting were revised to record the roll call vote regarding flashing caution lights at Crowley High and Martin Petitjean Elementary which failed by a vote of 12 to 3. Voting for was Johnson, Pinac, and Boudreaux. Voting against was Valdetero, Bias, Marceaux, Suire, Shamsie, Senegal, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus, and Bellon.
ACTION ITEMS: There were no action items.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Consider superintendent's recommendation for Acting Principal of Richard Elementary School.
Superintendent James reported that there were four applicants for the position of Acting Principal of Richard Elementary School. She recommended Mrs. Johnette Leleux, the applicant with the highest score, for the position. Mr. Marceaux motioned and Mr. Quebodeaux seconded to appoint Mrs. Leleux to the position of Acting Principal at Richard Elementary. Mr. Daigle recommended Mrs. Marie Jeanise for the position. Mr. Smith concurred with Mr. Daigle because he felt that this would be least disruptive, since she is already on the faculty at Richard Elementary. Superintendent James disclosed the present location and position of all of the candidates. The Board continued to discuss the matter. Several teachers from Richard Elementary voiced their support of Mrs. Jeanise. The main motion failed by a majority voice vote (only Mr. Marceaux voted in favor). The Board discussed what action should be taken next and if it was proper for the Superintendent to make another recommendation, tonight. Superintendent James indicated that she was not prepared to make another recommendation tonight.
A motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Dr. McManus, to add an item to the agenda to re-advertise for Acting Principal of Richard Elementary, go through the interview process in an expedient fashion, then hold a special meeting to make an appointment, failed by a majority voice vote. Superintendent James asked for guidance, based on the fact that the position will not be re-advertised. Mr. Pinac asked that the Board reconsider its policy regarding appointments of school administrators. Dr. James reminded the Board of the purpose of the objective criteria. It was suggested that the Board be allowed to appoint persons to an interim position and not follow the objective criteria.
No action was taken on a motion by Mr. Smith and seconded by Mr. Trahan to appoint the Instructional Assistant as the acting principal at Richard Elementary.
A motion by Mr. Quebodeaux and seconded by Mr. Trahan to table this item until after Routine Item 21 was addressed was unanimously approved.
The Board unanimously approved a motion by Mr. Johnson motioned, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, to add Routine Item 22 (CONSIDER ATTORNEY'S OPINION REGARDING THE SELECTION OF AN ACTING PRINCIPAL AT RICHARD ELEMENTARY.)
2) Hear Career Expo presentation. (Lee Ethel Dupont).
Ms. Lee Ethel Dupont gave a presentation relating to the upcoming Career Expo. She introduced Mrs. Annette Stelly and Mrs. Ezora Proctor, who provided more information. The Board asked questions regarding the program which is geared toward students in grades eight and ten in the parish. Board members were invited to volunteer and participate in the event
3) Consider Career and Technical Education Week proclamation. (Lee Ethel Dupont):
Upon motion by Mr. Pinac, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Career and Technical Education Week proclamation was adopted.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, February 11-17. 2001, has been designated Career and Technical Education Week by the Association for Career and Technical Education; and
WHEREAS, profound economic and technological changes in our society are rapidly reflected in the structure and nature of work thereby placing new and additional responsibilities on our educational system; and
WHEREAS, career and technical education provides Americans with a school-to-careers connection and is the backbone of a strong, well educated work force, which fosters productivity in business and industry and contributes to America's leadership in the international marketplace: and
WHEREAS, career and technical education gives high school students experience in practical, meaningful applications of basic skills such as reading, writing and mathematics, thus improving the quality of their education, motivating potential dropouts and giving all students leadership opportunities in their fields and in their communities: and
WHEREAS, career and technical education offers individuals lifelong opportunities to learn new skills, which provide them with career choices and potential satisfaction; and
WHEREAS, the ever-increasing cooperative efforts of career and technical educators, business and industry stimulate the growth and vitality of our local economy and that of the entire nation by preparing graduates for career fields forecast to experience the largest and fastest growth in the next decade;
NOW THEREFORE, the Acadia Parish School Board does proclaim the week of February 11-17, 2001. CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION WEEK in the parish of Acadia and urge all citizens to become more familiar with the services and benefits offered by the career and technical education programs to enhance their individual work skills and productivity.
4) Hear presentation regarding nutritional value of rice and consider requirement regarding serving rice in school cafeterias. ( John Suire).
President Suire presented the following information he received from the USA Rice Federation to Board members regarding the benefits of increased rice use in school food service programs. Rice offers versatility unsurpassed by any other food. It can be made part of any meal in recipes for soups, salads, main dishes. and desserts. It is an easily prepared. economical base for any type of meal. Rice can also be an excellent complement to entrees or a main ingredient in many ethnic dishes.
It is recommended that at least fifty-five percent of your diet should come from the group at the base of the food Guide Pyramid the Rice, Bread Cereal. and Pasta group. These foods, including rice. are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and provide an important source of energy. Rice has added nutritional benefits since it is fat. sodium, and cholesterol free. The majority of white rice is also enriched with B Vitamins and folic acid for additional health benefits.
Not only is rice inexpensive and nutritious, but also a staple grain in the USDA commodity foods program. Commodity rice is a U.S. grown long grain white rice, much of which is grown in Louisiana and other southern states.
Food service quantities of rice can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as stockpot, conventional oven, convection oven, steamer, steam jacketed kettle, or automatic rice cooker. It is one of the few foods that holds well on a steam table and unused portions can be refrigerated up to one week for reuse.
Ms. Adrienne Vidrine from the LSU cooperative extension service addressed the Board regarding the nutritional value of rice. President Suire suggested that rice be served at least twice a week in APSB school cafeterias. Mr. Shamsie motioned and Mr. Quebodeaux seconded to have rice served an average of at least twice per week in school cafeterias. Mrs. Ruth Miller addressed the Board and stated that she will need state approval of revised menus. Mr. Boudreaux expressed concern about serving meals which may not be consumed by students. The matter of cafeteria waste was discussed in general. Mrs. Miller gave an update on past and current efforts to increase rice consumption. She provided revised menus that showed more rice being served in the future. Question was called to end discussion and passed by a unanimous voice vote. The main motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
5) Select topic(s) for professional development session for school board members.
Superintendent James collected surveys from board members. She will tally the results and report the findings to the Board.
6) Consider recommendation of the Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee regarding parish focus for language arts instruction.
Upon motion by Mr. Pinac, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the recommendation of the Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee for a balanced approach regarding parish focus for language arts instruction was accepted.
7) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to grant permission for air-conditioning Mire Elementary gym using PTC funds.
Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation was accepted, and Mire Elementary was granted permission to air condition the gymnasium using available PTC funds.
8) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance committee to adopt the budget preparation calendar.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board accepted the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation to adopt the budget preparation calendar.
2001-2002 BUDGET PREPARATION CALENDAR
Jan 24. 2001 @ 5:00 p.m. Initial Meeting
Feb 21, 2001 @ 5:00 p.m. Budget Committee Meeting
Mar 21, 2001 @ 5:00 p.m. Budget Committee Meeting
Apr 25, 2001 @ 5:00 p.m. Budget Committee Meeting
May 23, 2001 @ 5:00 p.m. Final Budget Meeting
May 24, 2001 @ Budget made available for public inspection
Publication of Public Hearing Notice in Official Journal
Jun 04, 2001 @ 4:00 p.m. Public hearing for budget
Jul 02, 2001 @ 5:00 p.m. Adoption of budget by School Board
Jul 31, 2001 Budget filed with Legislative Auditor
9) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee regarding midyear budget revisions.
Ms. Valdetero indicated that the Budget/Finance committee discussed midyear budget revisions in detail. Superintendent James spoke of the intent to purchase a new van with Title I carryover funds. She also mentioned that, within the existing budget, there is a need to hire another teacher at the Alternative School to maintain the desired 12 to 1 ratio. Currently the enrollment is growing and is expected to continue until the end of the school year.
A substitute motion to review this report and take action next month on the formal adoption of these revisions was offered by Mr. Boudreaux and seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux.
Mr. Johnson motioned and Mr. Vige' seconded to amend the substitute motion to allow the purchase of a van with Title I carry over funds, at this time.
Mr. Daigle motioned and Mr. Trahan seconded to amend the substitute motion to allow for the hiring of another teacher at Alternative School, at this time.
Question was called and passed by a majority voice vote. The substitute motion as amended was passed by a roll call vote of 8 to 6.
YEA: Bias, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Bellon
NAY: Johnson. Pinac, Valdetero, Marceaux, Shamsie, Quebodeaux
10) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance committee regarding time line of Head Start refunding application.
Superintendent James reported that the Vermilion Parish Head Start program is seeking a grantee agency and asked the Board for permission to attend a bidders' conference to gather more information.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Trahan opposed), the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation regarding Head Start refunding application was approved.
A motion to add Routine Item 10a (CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR VERMILION PARISH HEAD START PROGRAM) to the agenda failed.
11) Consider renewal of Head Start internal dispute resolution conflicts procedures.
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Vige', and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Trahan opposed), the Board approved renewal of Head Start internal dispute resolution conflict procedures.
12) Hear report regarding Head Start self-assessment.
Mrs. Sondra Myers briefly reviewed the self-assessment document and answered questions, particularly regarding eligibility for student enrollment into the program: Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this item was approved by the Board.
13) Consider placement of newly hired classified employees into the salary system.
Superintendent James answered questions regarding placement of pay level for new employees. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a majority voice vote, placement of newly hired classified employees into the salary system was approved.
14) Consider LAE's "Yellow Ribbon" resolution.
The LAE "Yellow Ribbon" resolution was discussed. The Board asked for the percentage of teachers who are members of LAE. Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the "Yellow Ribbon" resolution was adopted.
YELLOW RIBBON RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Association of Educators believes that adequate compensation is essential to the continued improvement of student achievement and teacher quality, and WHEREAS, for student test scores to continue to rise, there must be certified teachers in each classroom; and
WHEREAS, the education support personnel play a vital role in the educational attainment of students and support the efforts of teacher; and
WHEREAS, the state of Louisiana is faced with a crisis level teacher shortage; and WHEREAS, the state of Louisiana is near the bottom of state rankings in teacher salaries, and
WHEREAS, the future of our great state is dependent upon economic growth and a strong education system.
NOW, THEREFORE, on this the 5th day of February in the year 2001, the ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD joins with the Louisiana Association of Educators, the state's largest school employee organization, to support the Yellow Ribbon Campaign in an effort to "shine the light" on the dismal conditions of school employee salaries and to request that Governor Mike Foster call a Legislative Special Session to address the issue of school employee salaries and ask all citizens to join together to support this initiative.
15) Consider resolution regarding taxes paid in protest. (John Quebodeaux)
Mr. Quebodeaux expressed concern regarding the loss of revenues for taxes paid under protest by public utilities (pipelines). The matter was discussed and, upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a resolution regarding taxes paid in protest was adopted.
TAXES PAID IN PROTEST
WHEREAS, approximately one-third of local revenue of the Acadia Parish School board is derived from property taxes; and
WHEREAS, adequate funding is essential for the operation of the school system; and WHEREAS, local revenues supplement state and federal funds to provide quality educational programs and service for the students enrolled in public schools in Acadia Parish; and
WHEREAS, many pipelines and pubic utilities Acadia Parish have paid their 2000 tax assessments in protest; and
WHEREAS, each year there is an increasing number of pipelines and utilities that pay their taxes in protest; and
WHEREAS, taxes paid in protest are held in escrow and cannot be released until the protest is settled; and
WHEREAS, for the year 2000, $163,794 is being held in escrow for the Acadia Parish School Board, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that on this 5th day of February in the year 2001. the Acadia Parish School Board does hereby implore the Governor and State Legislature to sponsor legislation that would limit or disallow property taxes to be paid in protest, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to the Governor, members of the Legislature, the Public Service commissioner, and the Louisiana Tax Commission, presidents of parish and city school boards and local and State news media.
16) Consider proclamation designating February 4 10, 2001, as School Counselors' Week. (Dianna Guidry)
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a proclamation designating February 410, 2001, as School Counselors' Week was adopted.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, February 4-10. 2001, has been designated School Counselor Week by the Louisiana Association of School Counselors; and
WHEREAS, rapid changes occurring in our world and economy are increasing the complexity of work that spans the entire workforce of today's society and demand that education and ;guidance services for all students be made more relevant to future careers and life skills; and
WHEREAS, standards focusing on what students should know and be able to do need to be promoted and developed through thinking processes that students will use in the classroom and real world situations: and
WHEREAS, society in the 21st Century demands standards designed to address content knowledge, life skills. and career orientation while addressing the diversity of education needs of all Louisiana students: and
WHEREAS, a need exists to develop a counseling program model that aligns with rigorous academic standards and challenging assessments to ensure a better future for all our children: and
WHEREAS, there is a recognized need for a comprehensive developmental counseling program that will offer all students an opportunity to have their needs addressed through structured development experiences presented through individual, small group, and classroom activities;
NOW THEREFORE, the Acadia Parish School Board does proclaim the week of February 4-10, 2001. SCHOOL COUNSELOR WEEK in the parish of Acadia and urge all citizens to become more familiar with the services and benefits offered by the school guidance and testing programs to help address the needs of all students.
17) Receive information regarding status of master teacher for alternative school and special populations department.
Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, information regarding the status of a master teacher for Alternative School and Special Populations department was received.
18) Consider Board president's appointments to standing committees.
President Suire presented appointments for the Board's standing committees. The committee format was revised to include only Board members. The current policy calls for nine members and will require a policy revision for these appointments. The policy revision will be acted on at next month's meeting. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, President Suire’s recommendation was received and will be acted on next month.
19) Consider going into executive session regarding disposition of Police Report Number 99537 APSO.
This item is not eligible for executive session and was therefore discussed in open session. Rayne High School received a request from the District Attorney seeking dismissal of pending charges against two persons, provided that they successfully complete the terms of the pretrial diversion program. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the D.A.'s request was denied.
22) Item 22 was addressed at this time. Consider attorney's opinion regarding the selection of an acting principal at Richard Elementary.
Mr. Gerard Caswell, attorney, reported that there is no distinction between acting and permanent positions. No time lines are delineated regarding how long the Superintendent has to make another recommendation. A motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, to reconsider the Superintendent's recommendation to appoint Mrs. Johnette Leleux as Acting Principal of Richard Elementary School, failed by a roll call vote of 10 to 4.
YEA: Marceaux. Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux
NAY: Johnson. Pinac, Valdetero, Bias. Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Bellon
It was suggested that the Superintendent be given another week to make another recommendation. Mr. Quebodeaux suggested that the instructional assistant be appointed to serve as acting principal, until the end of the year. Discussion continued.
Ms. Valdetero motioned and Mr. Smith seconded to give the Superintendent a week to make another recommendation at a special meeting on Monday, February 12, 2001, at 5:00 p.m.
A substitute motion by Mr. Vige', seconded by Mr. Johnson, to hold this special meeting on Wednesday, February 14, 2001, at 5:00 p.m. carried by a majority voice vote.
20) Consider expulsion appeal of a Rayne High School student.
Upon motion by Mr. Pinac, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board went into executive session, at 7:31 p.m., to consider an expulsion appeal of a Rayne High School student, upon request of the student's attorney.
Upon motion by Mr. Marceaux, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board reconvened into regular session at 8:55 p.m.
Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Marceaux, and carried by a roll call vote of 8 to 5, the Board overturned the recommendation of the superintendent for expulsion of a student from Rayne High School.
YEA: Marceaux. Boudreaux, Trahan, Daigle, Vige'
NAY: Johnson, Pinac, Bias. Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Smith, McManus, Bellon
ABSTAIN: Valdetero
21) Correspondence
President Suire provided forms to evaluate the Superintendent to board members. He requested that the evaluations be completed and returned to him by April.
Board members were invited to the Science Fair scheduled for February 8, 2001.
Board members were also invited to participate in the Career Expo.
Ms. Valdetero asked about correspondence from Mr. John Dailey and requested that this be included in the minutes. President Suire declined, since all board members had received a copy. 22) This item was addressed before item 20.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Discuss Bingham Study. (Lynn Shamsie)
Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this item was postponed until next month.
2) Discuss policy change regarding qualifications for applicants for secretarial/clerical and teacher aide positions.
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this item was tabled until next month.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following consent items were approved.
1) Assignments and changes of professional employees.
2) Received sales tax report showing a year-to-date increase of 12.14%.
3) Granted request to Shelanda Prejean, teacher, for sabbatical leave for the Fall semester of the 2001-2002 school year.
4) Granted request to Joyce Boudreaux, cafeteria technician, South Rayne Elementary, for leave without pay from January 3, 2001, to August 1, 2001, due to family illness.
5) Granted request to Janet Walker, receptionist, Head Start, for maternity leave, from February 6, 2001, through February 2, 2001.
6) Granted request to Bradley Vincent, teacher, Church Point High, for release of contract effective January 31, 2001.
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 9:02 p. m.
s/
John A Suire, President
ATTEST:
s/______________________________
Dr. Marietta W. James, Superintendent