CROWLEY, LOUISIANA

APRIL 2, 2001

 

1)         The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 2nd day of April 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, Mr. Woody M. Marceaux, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, Mr. John H. Quebodeaux, 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, Mr. Paul K. Bellon and Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Marietta W. James. Ms. Wadie H. Bias was absent.

 

2&3) Dr. James led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

 

4)         Consider approval of a revised agenda, if there are any changes.

 

            Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the agenda was revised by moving Routine Item 7 to Routine Item la, adding in place of Routine Item 7 (CONSIDER APPROVAL OF EARLY HEAD START GRANT APPLICATION.), and adding Consent Item 4 (CONSIDER REQUESTS FROM NORA HEBERT, SITE SUPERVISOR AT ROSS HEAD START CENTER FOR A LEAVE WITHOUT PAY FROM APRIL 18, 2001, TO MAY 2, 2001.)

 

5)         Read and approve minutes of the March 5, 2001, meeting.

 

            Reading of the minutes of the March 5, 2001, meeting was dispensed with (copies were given to each member prior to the meeting) and adopted as submitted, upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

 

6)         Recognize Rayne High School power lifting team.

 

            Mr. Richard Lavergne, principal, introduced the coach and members of the State AAA Power Lifting Championships from Rayne High School. They will compete at the national level in Oklahoma City later this week.

 

ACTION ITEMS:

 

1)         Consider policy change regarding qualifications for applicants for secretarial/clerical and teacher aide positions.

 

            Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, policy changes regarding qualifications for applicants for secretarial/clerical and teacher aide positions were adopted.

 

SCHOOL SECRETARIES, CLERKS, AND CENTRAL OFFICE CLERICAL PERSONNEL

 

1.         General qualifications for regular employment shall be:

 

a.         work skills necessary for the position and ability to do related tasks

b.         possess a high school diploma or its equivalent

 

2.         Procedure for hiring for secretarial/clerical positions

 

a.         The Executive Director of Personnel is to be notified of all secretarial/clerical positions as they become vacant. The Personnel Department will advertise within the Acadia Parish School System for one (1) week: however, applications from outside the system will also be accepted Each interested person will submit a letter of application and a resume. The personnel office will submit the names of applicants to the Supervisor of Testing and Adult Education, and will notify applicants of the date and time of the standardized,/skills tests. A grade equivalency of 12.0 must be scored on the standardized test and minimum requirements met on the skill's test in order to become eligible for the interview. After the tests are given, the testing office will notify the personnel office of the results and the personnel office will notify each applicant, either by mail or phone, of the test results and whether or not the applicant advances to the interview. After interviews are conduced, the personnel office will notify remaining applicants, either by mail or phone, of the recommendation.

 

b.         If the grade level of 12.0 is not achieved during the first testing, a three-month waiting period must exist before re-testing can occur.

 

TEACHER AIDES

 

            For the purpose of this section, teacher aide means any person employed by the Acadia Parish School Board on a full-time or part-time basis to assist a teacher in an elementary or secondary classroom with the routine tasks inherent in conducting such class including but not limited to record keeping, preparation of classwork, the preparation of displays, assistance in student discipline matters, and grading student work

 

1.         General Qualifications for regular employment shall be:

 

a.         work skills necessary for the position and ability to do related tasks

b.         possess a high school diploma or its equivalent

 

2.         Specific qualifications for regular employment shall be the following:

 

a.         be at least twenty (20) years of age

b.         have taken a nationally validated achievement test and scored such as to demonstrate a level of achievement equivalent to grade level 12.0

c.         if the grade level of 12.0 is not achieved during the first testing, a three-month waiting period must exist before retesting can occur.

 

3.         Duties and Responsibilities are to:

 

a.         serve as teaching assistant in respective area(s) of instruction

b.         grade papers

c.         duplicate tests/materials

d.         prepare routine reports

e.         prepare media materials

f.          perform miscellaneous clerical duties, including typing

 

ROUTINE ITEMS:

 

1)         Consider authorizing the Superintendent to advertise for principal at Iota Middle School.

 

            Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent was authorized to advertise for principal at Iota Middle School.

 

1a)       Consider recommendation of the Bud et/Finance Committee to use services of Geographic Planning and Demographic Services for reapportionment.

 

            Mr. Senegal indicated that the Budget/Finance Committee recommended accepting the proposal from Geographic Planning and Demographic Services at an estimated cost of $14,900 for reapportionment work. Mr. Mike Hefner addressed the Board, briefly reviewing the process he will be using to consider reapportionment based on the most recent census, and then answered questions of the Board. Mr. Charles King raised a question regarding how this reapportionment may affect minority districts. Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Vige', and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board accepted the proposal from Geographic Planning and Demographic Services at an estimated cost of $14,900 for reapportionment work.

 

2)         Consider approval of calendar for the 2001-02 school year.

 

            Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the calendar for the 2001-02 school year was approved.

 

3)         Consider recommendation of the Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs and Budget/Finance Committees regarding textbook adoption.

 

            The cost to purchase new textbooks for reading/language arts for grades one through twelve, which were up for adoption this year, is $491,772.18. With kindergarten continuing to use The Wright Group materials, the additional cost for that grade level will be $14,350.00. Consumable books and "big books" for the primary grades and replacement books will cost $105,234.82. The total projected cost for textbooks for the 200102 school year is $611,357.00. The Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee and the Budget/Finance Committee recommended approval of this item. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the adoption of reading/language arts textbooks and consumables for 2001-2002 was approved.

 

4)         Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee regarding current year budget revisions.

 

            Sales tax collections have increased and the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) will supply an additional $498,940 from the State. The estimated surplus for FY 200001 is $1,006.973. The Budget/Finance Committee recommended approval of the budget revision and distribution of half of the anticipated surplus to teachers and administrators in a onetime supplement or 13th check, and also recommended that a supplemental check for support employees be considered after the final budget figures have been determined. Ms. Valdetero motioned and Mr. Trahan, seconded to approve the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation.

 

            A substitute motion was offered by Mr. Marceaux and seconded by Mr. Daigle to distribute 65% of the anticipated excess to all employees now, which would yield $525 for teachers and administrators and $238 for support personnel in a onetime payment. Several Board members suggested waiting until the books are closed (FY ending June 30, 2001), before making a decision to distribute these funds. Dr. Wakefield, representing the principals' association, made a presentation showing permanent pay raises for all employees with the fund balance. Mr. Daigle suggested that the principals' association refer their proposal to the Budget/Finance Committee.

 

            Mr. Johnson motioned and Mr. Quebodeaux seconded to table this matter until the Board learns what actions the state legislature and BESE take regarding distribution of MFP funds for 2001-02, or until July 2001, whichever comes first. The motion to table passed by a roll call vote of 11 to 3.

 

YEA:    Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Quebodeaux, Senegal, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith, Vige', McManus, Bellon

NAY:   Marceaux, Shamsie, Daigle

ABSENT: Bias

 

5)         Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to approve staffing formula for the 2001-02 school year.

 

            Dr. James, superintendent, explained that any staffing reductions would occur through retirement, attrition, and by not rehiring non-certified teachers. She reviewed the mechanics of the formula by way of example, indicating that this will help to align staffing with enrollment, provide funding for permanent pay raises, and reduce the percentage of non-certified teachers. The committee recommended approval of the staffing formula proposed for the 2001-02 year. Several Board members suggested that reduction should also take place at the administrative level.

 

            At 6:15 p.m., Ms. Valdetero left the meeting.

 

            Ms. Judy McRory from Mire Elementary addressed the Board regarding teacher staffing issues. Discussion continued among Board members regarding the merits of this staffing proposal. Ms. Jenny LeJeune of LAE indicated that the organization supports maintaining a balance as long as reductions occur through attrition and retirement. Mr. Quebodeaux called for question. It did not receive a second, therefore, he withdrew the call. Ms. Ellan Baggett, principal, addressed the Board indicating that the formula works for her school.

 

            A motion to table until the Superintendent comes back to the Board with a recommendation for central office staff reduction was made by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a majority voice vote.

 

(Routine Item 1 reconsidered)

 

            At this time, Mr. Marceaux motioned and Mr. Boudreaux seconded to reconsider Routine Item 1. The motion carried by a roll call vote of 10 to 3.

 

YEA:    Johnson, Pinac, Marceaux, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Senegal, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith, Daigle

NAY:   Vige', McManus, Bellon

ABSENT: Bias, Valdetero

 

            A substitute motion by Marceaux to authorize the Superintendent to reassign someone from the central office as principal at Iota Middle School was seconded by Mr. Johnson. Discussion followed. Mr. Bellon indicated that perhaps the real issue regarding perception of the central office is not the size of the staff, but the amount of their compensation. The motion failed by a 12 to 1 roll call vote.

 

YEA:    Boudreaux

NAY:   Johnson, Pinac, Marceaux, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Senegal, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Bellon

ABSENT: Bias, Valdetero

 

            The main motion to authorize the Superintendent to advertise for a p principal at Iota Middle School carried by a unanimous voice vote.

 

6)         Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance committee to approve placement of new hires into the salary system.

 

            Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the recommended placement of new hires into the salary system was approved.

 

6a)       Due to the upcoming retirement of Mrs. Ethel Brown, secretary at Iota High School, Dr. McManus motioned and Mr. Vige' seconded to add Routine Item 6a to the agenda (CONSIDER ELIMINATING THE SECRETARY POSITION AT IOTA HIGH SCHOOL AND UPGRADE TWO EXISTING OFFICE EMPLOYEES TO CARRY OUT THE SECRETARIAL DUTIES), carried by unanimous voice vote.

 

            Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Vige', and carried by a unanimous voice vote, due to the retirement of the secretary at Iota High School, the Board approved the elimination of the secretarial position at Iota High School and reclassification of two existing office personnel to carry out the secretarial duties.

 

            Dr. McManus commended Mrs. Ethel Brown for her many years of service and accomplishments.

 

7)         Consider approval of Early Head Start grant application.

 

            Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Trahan opposed), the Early Head Start grant application was approved.

 

8)         Consider awarding bids for teaching/duplicating and janitorial supplies.

 

            Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, bids for teaching/duplicating and janitorial supplies were awarded to the lowest bidders as recommended.

 

            At 6:55 p. m., upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board recessed.

 

            At 7:04 p.m., the Board reconvened, upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Senegal and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

 

9)         Consider request from Charles King regarding policy revisions.

 

            Mr. Quebodeaux motioned and Mr. Pinac seconded to consider a request from Charles King regarding policy revisions.

 

            Mr. Gerard Caswell, attorney, offered comments regarding the recommended changes, indicating that he saw no existing policies which conflict with state law. He suggested having APSB policies codified by a firm which provides such service. Mr. Caswell saw no reason to act on the policy revisions suggested by Mr. Charles King. There was a motion and second to receive the information. (Corrected at the May 2, 2001 Board mtg.) Mr. King reminded the Board that in December the Board received his request. Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the policy revisions as request by Mr. Charles King were tabled. (Corrected at the May 7, 2001 Board mtg.)

 

10)       Correspondence

 

            The Board received a copy of a letter from an employee at Mire Elementary School.

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

 

1)         Discuss discipline in schools and bullies and policies related to shootings. (Roland Boudreaux)

 

            Mr. Boudreaux asked the Board to consider APSB existing policies, in light of recent school violence. He introduced a parent from Rayne who addressed the Board. A policy which would immediately address potential bullies and counsel offenders was suggested. Superintendent James reviewed existing policies and ongoing training and awareness. The parent was invited to meet with the discipline committee later this month. This item will be referred to the discipline committee in lieu of coming back to the Board as an action item next month. A zero tolerance policy was suggested.

 

2)         Discuss four day school program. (Lynn Shamsie)

 

            Mr. Shamsie asked the Board to consider allowing a four day school week at schools in the Fifth Ward. The matter has been discussed in that community. The counselor at Midland High School, Dr. Farris, made a presentation to the Board citing the potential benefits of this program. He then answered questions of the Board. Mr. Boudreaux suggested having a special board meeting on Tuesday, April 25, to gather more information regarding this matter.

 

CONSENT ITEMS:

 

            Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board took the following action on consent items:

 

1)         There were no recommended assignments and changes of professional employees.

 

2)         Received sales tax report showing a year-to-date increase of 23.18%.

 

3)         Granted request to Norma Antoine, cafeteria technician at Church Point Elementary, for a leave without pay from February 21, to August 1, 2001.

 

CLOSING:

 

            There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

 

s/                                                           

  John A Suire, President          

 

ATTEST:

 

s/______________________________

  Dr. Marietta W. James, Superintendent