CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
APRIL 24, 2001
The Acadia Parish School Board met in SPECIAL SESSION on this the 24th day of April 2001, at 5:00 p.m., in Crowley, Louisiana, with President John A. Suire presiding, pursuant to the following notice given in writing to each and every member thereof and duly posted in the manner required by law, viz.
April 12, 2001
Dear Board Member:
By virtue of the authority vested in me by law by reason of the fact that it is deemed necessary, advisable, and to the public interest that the Acadia Parish School Board be called to special session; therefore, I, John A. Suire, president of the Acadia Parish School Board, do hereby give notice that a special meeting of the said Board will be held at its domicile in the City of Crowley, Louisiana, at 5:00 p.m., TUESDAY, April 24, 2001, to:1. DISCUSS FOUR-DAY WEEK.
and to transact any other business that may properly come before the Board.
Sincerely,
s/s John A. Suire, President
Acadia Parish School Board
Jm
(Copies sent to Central Office Staff Members, Principals, News Media)
1) Members present were Lyle C. Johnson, Bill Pinac, Kitty M. Valdetero, Wadie H. Bias, Woody Marceaux, Lynn Shamsie, John H. Quebodeaux, Roland Boudreaux, Rodney J. Trahan, Charles F. Daigle, Dr. Robert L. McManus, Paul K. Bellon, and President John Suire. Nolton J. Senegal, Johnnie L. Smith, and Shirley Vige' were absent
President Suire called the meeting to order.
2,3) Mr. Trahan led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
4) Consider approval of a revised agenda, if there are any changes. There were no changes to the agenda.
5) Reading of letter calling for Special Session.
President Suire read the letter calling for a special session.
SPECIAL SESSION ITEM(S):
1) Discuss four-day week.
Mr. Shamsie indicated that neither he nor the superintendent received questions from board members regarding the four-day week. He restated that the sole purpose for considering this change is to improve academics at schools in the Fifth Ward. He commended the faculty and staff for taking this bold initiative. Ms. Valdetero had questions regarding the validity of the survey that was sent to parents. Others expressed concerns about opening each school on Friday, instead of holding all classes at Midland High. Superintendent James indicated support of the concept, with continued guidance and direction from school administrators. Most acknowledged that changes may occur during the implementation of this program.
A motion by Dr. McManus to move this to an action item tonight was seconded by Mr.
Shamsie, and passed by a roll call vote of 13 in favor and none opposed.
YEA: Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Bias, Marceaux, Suire, Shamsie, Quebodeaux,
Boudreaux, Trahan, Daigle, McManus, Bellon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Senegal, Smith, Vige'
Mr. Shamsie motioned and Mr. Bellon seconded to accept the four-day school week for the Fifth Ward "in concept."
Discussion continued regarding the merits of a four-day school week. Mr. Clyde Briley, principal at Midland High School, addressed the Board. He asked the Board to give the school a chance to make a difference in academic achievement. A question was raised whether or not the four-day week was suitable for elementary schools. Mr. Jeff Kology of LAE addressed the Board and asked questions regarding the four-day week.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and approved, question was called.
The main motion to accept the four-day school week for the Fifth Ward "in concept" passed by a roll call vote of 10 to 1.
YEA: Pinac, Bias, Marceaux, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Daigle, McManus, Bellon
NAY:Johnson
ABSTAIN: Valdetero
ABSENT: Senegal, Smith, Vige'
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried, the meeting adjourned at 6: 10 p.m.
s/
John A. Suire, President
ATTEST:
s/
Dr. Marietta W. James, Secretary-Treasurer