CROWLEY, LOUISIANA

JUNE 4, 2001

1)         The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 4th day of June 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. 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.

2&3) Mr. Nolton Senegal led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

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

            The agenda was revised by adding Routine Item 6a (HEAR PRESENTATION OF SCHOOL INCIDENT RESPONSE PLAN BY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE.), Routine Item 2a (CONSIDER SUPERINTENDENT'S RECOMMENDATION FOR BUS REPLACEMENT DRIVER FOR EUNICE ROUTE.), deleting Routine Item 5, moving Routine Item 3 and 4 to be addressed out of order before Routine Item 1, upon motion by Mr Johnson, seconded by Mr. Marceaux, and carried.

5)         Read and approve minutes of the May 7. 2001, meeting.

            Reading of the minutes of the May 7, 2001, meeting was dispensed with (copies were sent to each member prior to the meeting) and adopted as revised to record Mr. Trahan opposing for Routine Item 5, and to record Mr. Trahan and Mr. Johnson opposing for Routine Items 9 and 17, upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried.

6)         Recognize Outstanding Support Personnel (Carl LeJeune).

            Mr. Carl LeJeune recognized Outstanding Support Personnel of the year. He first recognized school level winners, then Judia Lacombe of Iota Middle School, Elgine Maynard of Midland High School, and Enola Duhon of Mire Elementary were recognized as parish winners and presented plaques. They were congratulated by the Board.

6a)       Hear presentation of School Incident Response Plan by the Emergency Management Office.

            Mr. John Quebodeaux addressed the Board, providing information on efforts to update school incident response plans throughout the parish. This information is also maintained at the parish 911 office.

7)         Recognize winners of the Young Authors' Contest. (Cynthia Dominick)

            Ms. Adele Carr introduced Chelsea LeJeune, a student at Richard Elementary School, a state winner of the Young Authors' Contest in the poetry division.

8)         Recognize Even Start Program State Literacy Award (Yvonne Mills)

            Mrs. Yvonne Mills presented information regarding the Even Start State Literacy Program. She highlighted activities in Acadia Parish conducted to encourage family literacy. Even Start staff members, Margie Dubose, Linda Stewart, and Martha Williams were recognized.

9)         Hear presentation of Alternative School highlights (Evelyn Julian)

            Mrs. Evelyn Julian presented an overview of operations of the Alternative School during the past year. She provided enrollment information, described programs/activities, and identified plans for next year.

10)       Hear Presentation of LEAP 21 scores (Dianna Guidry)

            Ms. Dianna Guidry provided preliminary results for LEAP 21 scores in Acadia Parish. Noting overall improvements she reminded the Board that the results were preliminary and that she will be making more presentations to the Board as results become available.

ACTION ITEMS: There were no action items.

ROUTINE ITEMS:

3)         (Taken out of order)

            Consider going into executive session as Provided in LA R. S. 42:6.1A(2) to discuss threatened litigation by Helen Schmaltz, Principal at Crowley High School

            Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and passed, the Board went into executive session, at 5:41 p. m. to discuss threatened litigation by Helen Schmaltz, Principal at Crowley High School.

            Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried, the Board reconvened into regular session, at 5:57 p.m.

            A motion to reconsider approval of the performance contract of Mrs. Helen Schmaltz, Principal at Crowley High School, was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and passed (Mr. Johnson opposed).

4)         (Taken out of order)

            Reconsider approval of performance contract for Helen Schmaltz. Principal at Crowley High.

            Upon motion by Mr. Pinac, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried by a roll call vote of 11 to 2, Mrs. Helen Schmaltz's performance contract was renewed from July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2003.

YEA: Pinac, Valdetero, Bias, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Senegal, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Bellon

NAY: Johnson, Trahan

ABSTAIN: Marceaux, Boudreaux

            At this time, 6:00 p.m., Mrs. Bias left the meeting.

1)         Consider Superintendent's recommendation for Assistant Principal at Iota High School.

            There were two applicants for the position of Assistant Principal at Iota High School. Dr. James recommended Ms. Debbie Siebert for the position. Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried by a majority voice vote (Ms. Valdetero abstained), the Board appointed Ms. Debbie Siebert as Assistant Principal at Iota High School.

            Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried, Routine Item

3a        (CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE SUPERINTENDENT TO ADVERTISE FOR THE POSITION OF ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT CHURCH POINT HIGH SCHOOL.) was added to the agenda.

2)         Consider renewal of performance contract for Joseph Malveau Assistant Principal Church Point Middle School.

            Upon motion by Mr. Vige', seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a roll call vote of 1 I to 0, Mr. Joseph Malveaux's performance contract was renewed from September 4, 2001, to June 30, 2004. Mr. Malveaux was congratulated by the Board.

YEA: Pinac, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Senegal, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Bellon

NAY: None

ABSTAIN: Johnson, Valdetero, Marceaux

ABSENT: Bias

2a)       Consider superintendent's recommendation for bus replacement driver for Eunice route

            Upon motion by Mr. Vige', seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a voice vote, the Superintendent's recommendation was accepted and Ms. Danielle Lawyer was hired as a bus driver for the Eunice route. The Board congratulated Ms. Lawyer.

3)         Taken out of order earlier in the meeting.

3a)       Consider authorizing the Superintendent to advertise for the position of Assistant Principal at Church Point High School

            The rationale to advertise for an assistant principal at Church Point High School was provided. The additional assistant principal's duties will encompass those formerly performed by the Instructional Assistant. Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a majority voice vote (Marceaux opposed), the Superintendent was authorized to advertise for the position of assistant principal at Church Point High School.

4)         Taken out of order earlier in the meeting.

5)         Hear report from Don Breaux regarding modifications to Acadia Parish Alternative School This item was deleted from the agenda.

6)         Hear report from Ken Sills regarding Acadia Parish School Board vs. Folmer and Associates Ltd. and Lawland. Ltd

            Mr. Gerard Caswell reported that a trial date of October 29, 2001, has been set regarding Acadia Parish School Board vs. Fulmer and Associates, Ltd. and Lawland, Ltd.

7)         Hear update from Board Attorney addressing Budget/Finance Committee's concerns regarding Crowley High School's yearbook.

            Mr. Gerard Caswell responded to questions raised by the Budget/Finance Committee regarding the CHS yearbook debt. He stated that this debt is not an obligation of the school board, but of the school itself. Mr. Johnson reminded the Board of past issues related to school-based financial obligations. Mr. Daigle suggested that the Budget/Finance Committee revisit APSB policies regarding expenditure of funds and incurred debt at the school level. A question was raised regarding bonding of employees.

8)         Hear report on Four-Day School Program for schools in Ward V

            Dr. James previously sent information to board members regarding details of the four-day program proposed for this Fall for schools in the Fifth Ward. A request was made to have substitute costs in the Fifth Ward monitored. Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried, the Board accepted the report regarding the Four-Day School program for schools in Ward V.

9)         Consider recommendation of the Discipline Committee regarding additions to the Acadia Parish Discipline Policy.

            Ms. Valdetero motioned and Mr. Trahan seconded to accept additions to the Acadia Parish Discipline Policy. A substitute motion to change wording in the third paragraph to "Students who have been identified as habitual bullies by the principal will receive an out-of-school suspension and possible recommendation for expulsion." was offered by Mr. Quebodeaux and seconded by Mr. Johnson. Concern was expressed regarding the definitions of "bully" and "habitual." After further discussion, upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried, this item was tabled and referred to the Discipline Committee.

10)       Consider request from Egan Hub Partners for valve and road easement on Section 16, Township 8 South Range 2 West.

            Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and passed, Egan Hub Partners' request for valve and road easement on Section 16, Township 8 South, Range 2 West was granted.

11)       Consider recommendation of the Personnel/Insurance and Budget/Finance Committees for classified personnel reclassifications

            Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson opposed), the Personnel/Insurance and Budget/Finance Committees' recommendation for classified personnel reclassifications were approved and Deborah Gardiner, Media Center, Secretary I (210), was reclassified to a Clerk Typist H (230). The hourly rate of pay for this position was changed from $7.20 (2/3 with Title I Funds  1/3 with General Funds) to $8.46. The yearly salary changed from $13,192 to $15, 922, resulting in a difference of $1,810 funded with Title I funds and $910 funded with general funds. Letha Vincent, Account Clerk I (220), in the Sales Tax Department was reclassified to Sales Tax Clerk II (230). The hourly rate of pay for this position was changed from $9.19 to $9.96 (funded with general funds). Her yearly salary changed from $17,094 to $18,526, resulting in a difference of $1,432.

12)       Consider recommendation of the Personnel/Insurance and Budget/Finance Committees regarding placement of new hires into the salary system.

            Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Dr. McManus, the Board approved placement of new hires into the salary system as recommended by the Personnel/Insurance and Budget/Finance Committees.

13)       Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to award bids for small equipment for Child Nutrition Program.

            Mrs. Ruth Miller presented tabulations of bids received for small equipment for the Child Nutrition Program. Upon motion by Mr, Vige', seconded by Mr. Trahan, the Board awarded bids for small equipment for the Child Nutrition Program to vendors as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.

14)       Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to award bids for paper and cleaning products for Child Nutrition Program.

            Mrs. Ruth Miller presented tabulations of bids received for paper and cleaning products for the Child Nutrition Program. Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Daigle, the Board awarded bids for paper and cleaning products for the Child Nutrition Program to vendors as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.

15)       Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to award bid for official journal.

            Two bids were received for official journal. Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Ms Valdetero, the Board awarded low bid of eighty-five cents per legal square to The Rayne Tribune as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee. The Rayne Independent submitted a bid of $5.00 per legal square.

16)       Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to approve the Proposed budget summary for consolidated LEA application for grants.

            Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, the Board approved the proposed budget summary for consolidated LEA application for grants as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.

17)       Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to approve current year final budget revisions

            Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, the Board approved current year final budget revisions as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.

18)       Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to approve the budget for FY 200102.

            Mr. Senegal motioned and Mr. Vige' seconded to approve the budget for FY 200102. Mr. Marceaux indicated that notice of the public hearing was not made in the usual fashion, and suggested that another public hearing be held prior to next month's board meeting. He expressed concerns about the staffing formula proposed for the upcoming year and the number of employees who will be affected by the state pay raise.

            A substitute motion to hold another public hearing next month was offered by Ms. Valdetero and seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux. The motion passed by a majority voice vote. Mr. Carl LeJeune asked that the teachers' salary portion be adopted, at this time, so that teachers could be hired using the new teacher pay scale.

            Mr. Boudreaux offered a substitute motion which was seconded by Dr. McManus to adopt the teachers' salary schedule showing a $3,060 increase for classroom teachers, counselors, librarians, etc. Discussion followed.

            Another substitute motion to give a $3,060 pay raise to all certified employees was offered by Mr. Shamsie and seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux. Discussion continued concerning the public hearing advertisement and adoption of the budget. Mr. Caswell suggested that the Board adopt the budget as proposed, hold another public hearing next month, and, if necessary, ratify any changes. Another substitute motion was made by Mr. Vige', seconded by Mr. Trahan, to adopt the budget as proposed reflecting a $3,060 increase in the teacher pay scale passed by a roll call vote of 9 to 4.

YEA: Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Senegal, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Bellon

NAY: Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Boudreaux

ABSENT: Bias, Marceaux

19)       Consider approval of Special populations LEA application and budget.

            Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and passed, the Board approved Special Populations LEA application and budget.

20)       Correspondence.

            Dr. James received information for the BESE office that two schools in Acadia Parish received 8(g) grants. Mrs. Sandra Doguet, Principal of Church Point Elementary, received $59,923 for the Math Mania project. Dr. Gibson Miller, Principal of Morse Elementary, received $98,977 for a project Including Student Academic Achievement Through Technology Integration. The principals were commended for their efforts in securing these grants.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1.         Discuss band equipment sales nights (Lyle Johnson)

            Mr. Johnson asked the Board to adopt policy to allow any instrument vendor to make presentation to the schools. Mr. Quebodeaux motioned and Mr. Johnson seconded to move this to an action item tonight. Ms. Leola Woods, band instructor at Crowley Middle School, and Mr. Greg Mouton addressed the Board regarding this matter. Mr. Mouton asked for equal opportunities in offering band instruments to parish students. For consideration at next month's meeting, a policy will be drafted to state that "if a band night is held, all interested vendors will be allowed to participate."

CONSENT ITEMS:

            Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried, the Board took the following action on consent items.

1)         Approved assignments and changes of professional employees.

2)         Received sales tax report showing a year-to-date increase of 24.39%.

3)         Granted request to Kayla Hoffpauir, teacher, Head Start, Estherwood Elementary, for maternity leave, May 14, 2001, through May 29, 2001.

4)         Granted request to Dana Leger, teacher, Ross Elementary, for sabbatical leave for professional development for the 20012002 school year.

5)         Granted request from Peggy McGee, receptionist, Central Office, for leave without pay from May 6, 2001, to May 21, 2001.

CLOSING:

            There being no other business to come before the Board, upon. motion. by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried, the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

s/                                                            

  John A Suire, President          

ATTEST:

s/______________________________

  Dr. Marietta W. James, Superintendent