CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
JULY 2, 2001
1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 2nd Day of July 2001, at 5:00 p.m., in a regular session; with President John A Suite 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 chances
The agenda was revised by adding Routine Item 2a (CONSIDER ONETIME SALARY SUPPLEMENT FOR SUPPORT PERSONNEL), arid Routine Item 2b (CONSIDER RESOLUTION REGARDING REDUCTION OF MFP.), upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried.
5) Read and approve minutes of the June 4, 2001, meeting.
Reading of the minutes of the June 4, 2001, meeting was dispensed with (copies were sent to each member prior to the meeting) and adopted as submitted, upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried.
6) Recognize 2000-01 retirees. (Carl Lejeune).
Mr. Carl LeJeune introduced retirees from throughout the parish, presenting them with a certificate or plaque as a token of appreciation for their years of dedicated service.
1) Consider policy regarding band equipment sales night. (Lyle Johnson)
Mr. Quebodeaux motioned and Mr Johnson seconded to adopt policy regarding band equipment sales night. A substitute motion to replace the proposed policy offered by Mr. Daigle failed for lack of a second. An amendment to the proposed policy to delete "Acadia Parish" from the second sentence was offered by Mr. Boudreaux and seconded by Mr. Trahan. This amendment was then withdrawn. Mr. Johnson offered an amendment to his motion that contracts for lease or rental of band instruments run concurrent with the school term The attorney suggested that this was not a proper amendment. The amendment was withdrawn. Question was called. The main motion to adopt the policy as originally written passed by a majority voice vote (Mr. Daigle opposed).
EQUIPMENT SALES
BAND NIGHT POLICY
A Band Night that involves the demonstration, sale, lease, or purchase of band instruments and which has any school or school personnel involvement must include at least two instrument vendors. In addition, all Acadia Parish band instrument vendors who formally request to participate must be notified. Such notification must be in writing and mailed to all the interested vendors at the same time. Any school "recommended brands of instruments” must include an ”r;or equal to" statement. Preference to a particular vendor or brand will be strictly prohibited. The final choice of instrument brand belongs to the family. Student evaluation or scores will be based on performance and not brand of instrument used.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Consider Superintendent's recommendation for Assistant Principal at Church Point High School.
Dr. James reported that April Stagg Briscoe was the only applicant for the Assistant Principal position at Church Point High School and recommended her for the position. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried, Ms. Briscoe was appointed to the position of Assistant Principal at Church Point High School.
2) Consider renewal of Performance Contract for Dr. Gibson Miller, Principal at Morse Elementary School
Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson and Ms. Valdetero abstained), (Corrected Aug 6, 01) Dr. Gibson Miller was granted a Performance Contract renewal beginning February 2, 2002 and ending June 30, 2004.
2a) Consider one-time salary supplement for support personnel.
Dr. James explained the State is funding a onetime pay supplement. to support personnel funded within the general fund and some federal funds. Mr. Quebodeaux motioned and Shamsie seconded to approve a onetime state salary supplement for support personnel funded with general funds. Mr. Vige' offered a substitute motion to use federal funds where available to pay this onetime supplement and use general funds where federal funds are not available. Dr. McManus seconded the substitute motion Discussion followed regarding the merits of this proposal. Ms.. Valdetero called for question which was seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux. The original recommendation to use general funds to provide a onetime pay supplement to all support personnel, on a prorata basis for part-time employees, regardless. of funding source passed by a majority voice vote with one opposition.
2b) Consider resolution regarding reduction of MFP.
Mr. Senegal motioned and Mr. Bellon seconded to adopt a resolution regarding reduction of MFP. Dr. James reported that although progress is taking place on this matter, LSBA is urging adoption of this resolution by all parishes, in case funding is not forthcoming. Acadia Parish's shortfall amounts to $215,016. After more discussion by the Board, the following resolution was adopted by a majority voice vote, (Mr. Boudreaux abstained.).
RESOLUTION
NONHOLD HARMLESS SYSTEMS
WHEREAS, Article VIII; Sec. 13(B) of the Louisiana Constitution provides. that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) shall annually develop a formula to determine the cost of a minimum foundation program (MFP) of education in all public elementary and secondary schools. and requires the Louisiana Legislature to annually appropriate funds sufficient to fully fund the cost to the state of such a program, and
WHEREAS, State Superintendent. of Education Cecil Picard has notified, die State of Louisiana through the Commissioner of Administration that an additional appropriation of SEVENTEEN MILLION TWO HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS ($17,210,600.00) necessary to fully fund the MFP for fiscal year 20002001, and
WHEREAS, Because of this failure on the part of the State of Louisiana, the State Superintendent of Education has been required to reduce the amount of MFP funds flowing to fifty-five (55) school districts in Louisiana by amounts totaling SEVENTEEN MILLION TWO HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS ($17,210,600.00), and
WHEREAS, Those funds are vitally important for continuation of educational services to students and, in many instances, have already been budgeted and/or expended by school districts, and
WHEREAS, The issue of whether the State of Louisiana through the Commissioner of Administration can unilaterally reduce the level of funding provided by the state to the school districts through application of the MFP is one of importance to all public school systems in Louisiana, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED by the Acadia Parish School Board in regular session duty convened that:
l. The Acadia Parish School Board authorizes the special counsel listed below to name it as a party plaintiff in any litigation which may need to be filed against the State of Louisiana, Governor Mike Foster, Commissioner of Administration Mark Drennen or any other agency or individual with regard to the failure of the state to appropriate the SEVENTEEN MILLION TWO HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS ($ 17,210,600.00) referenced above.
2. Subject to the approval of the Attorney General for the State of Louisiana, the Acadia Parish School Board employs and retains Mr. Frank Endom, Jr. of the Law Finn of Polack, Rosenberg, Endom, and Ries, L.L.P. and Mr. Fred Sutherland of the Law Firm of Beard and Sutherland to serve as special counsel to represent it and other school systems throughout the State of Louisiana in such litigation. The School Board agrees to reimburse such counsel in accordance with the rate structure approved by the Attorney General for special counsel with the understanding that such fees and any expenses of litigation will be equitably assessed and paid pursuant to a formula to be agreed upon by all of the school systems participating in such litigation.
RESOLUTION OFFERED BY: Mr. Nolton J. Senegal
RESOLUTION SECONDED BY: Mr. Paul K. Bellon
The vote, in open meeting on the within resolution was as follows:
YEAS:Mr. Lyle Johnson, Mr. Bill Pinac, Ms. Kitty Valdetero, Ms. Wattle Bias, Mr. Woody Marceaux, Mr. John Suite, Mr. Lynn Shamsie Mr. John Quebodeaux, Mr. Notion Senegal, Mr. Rodney Trahan, Mr. Johnnie Smith, Mr. Charles Daigle, Mr. Shirley Vige, Dr. Robert McManus, Mr. Paul Bellon
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Mr. Roland Boudreaux
ABSENT: None
CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the Acadia Parish School Board in regular session duly convened on July 2, 2001, and that the same has not been rescinded or repeated.
Crowley, Louisiana, this 2nd day of July, 2001.
s/s Dr. Marietta W. James, Superintendent s/s Mr. John A Suire, President
Acadia Parish School Board Acadia Parish School Board
3) Hear report from David Broussard regarding cellular phones on school buses
Mr. David Broussard was not present. Mr. Steve Jones addressed the Board with results of a survey by bus drivers regarding the need for cell phones on buses. He also distributed a proposed policy regarding the use of cell phones by bus drivers. After Mr. Jones provides more detail at this month's Transportation/Facilities Committee meeting, the Board will consider a final decision at the August meeting.
4) Hear update from Child Nutrition Program regarding centralized purchasing and warehousing. (Ruth Miller).
Mrs. Ruth Miller presented a report on the implementation and benefits of centralized warehousing for the APSB Child Nutrition Program. She answered questions from the Board regarding this operation.
5) Hear report on GEE 21 scores (Dianna Guidry)
Ms. Dianna Guidry presented preliminary test results for Acadia Parish tenth grade students who recently took the GEE 21. She discussed the results and answered questions of the Board.
6) Consider distribution of vitamins from Food Bank to students.
The staff had been contacted and asked to participate in a program to distribute surplus vitamins to Acadia Parish students. Mrs. Marilyn Lawson, school nurse, addressed the Board regarding the distribution of donated vitamins to parents for their children. The APSB's role would be limited to distribution of the vitamins to parents. A motion to table by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Trahan, failed. A motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, that the APSB not participate in this program passed by a majority voice vote (Mr. Pinac opposed).
7) Consider recommendation of the Discipline Committee regarding changes in Discipline Policy. (Eric Stores)
After a brief discussion, upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried, recommendations of the discipline Committee for the following changes in the Discipline Policy were approved.
ADDITIONS TO THE APSB DISCIPLINE POLICY
Students and their parents/guardians are reminded that the school and school bus environments are to be safe and secure for all. Therefore, all statements of a bullying, threatening or violent nature made on campus, at school sponsored activities, on school buses, at school bus stops, and en route from home to the bus stop and from the bus stop to home will not be tolerated. Even if made in a joking manner, these statements threatening other students, school personnel, or school property are unacceptable.
Threatening/Violent Statements
Whether written or verbal, such threats will be dealt with severely. School authorities will conduct an investigation to determine the severity of the incident. Students who have made a verbal threat overheard by a staff member or reliable student witnesses will receive an out-of-school suspension and possibly a recommendation for expulsion. Students who write a hit list or a death threat shall be recommended for expulsion. Bullying A bully is a person(s) habitually intimidating to others who are perceived as being different or weaker physically, emotionally, racially, or sexually. Bullying may involve a verbal, physical, social, or psychological imbalance of power. Depending upon the severity of the incident, the principal may suspend and/or recommend expulsion on the first offense.
1st offense: Three (3) day out-of-school suspension and contract signed by student, parent or guardian, and administrator
2nd offense:Five (5) day out-of-school suspension
3rd offense: recommendation for expulsion
Other actions that may be taken for my of the above offenses of threatening or bullying include but are not limited to referral to school counseling, referral to law enforcement officials, and/or referral to FINS. It is strongly recommended that parents/guardians seek additional counseling for these students. The Acadia Parish Alternative School will not be an option for students receiving a recommendation for expulsion for making a comment of a threatening violent nature or bullying.
Punish Work
The principal shall determine what is acceptable in a written alternative to a disciplinary referral to the office Assigning "lines" is not allowed. Mass punishment is not allowed.
Over-the-Counter Products
Over-the-counter products in the student's possession may result in an out-of-school suspension.
#18 Leaving School Premises or Classroom Without Permission) (including cutting class/being in an unauthorized area)Middle School Students consequences
Consequences are to be the same as those for Secondary School Students:
1st offense leaving classroom: Two (2) full days in-school suspension
1st offense leaving campus: Three (3) day out-of-school suspension
2nd offense leaving classroom: Three (3) full days in-school suspension
2nd offense leaving campus: Five (5) day out-of-school suspension
All 3rd offenses: Five (5) day out-of-school suspension
All offenses thereafter: Recommendation for expulsion
8) Consider approval of locally initiated electives
Upon motion by Mr. Pirate, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried, the Board approved recommendations of the elective team of central office administrators for locally-initiated electives for the 200102 school year.
9) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to approve Fifth Ward maintenance fund expenditures for computer labs at Mermentau, Estherwood and Midland.
Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried, the Board approved Fifth Ward maintenance fund expenditures as recommended by the Budge/Finance Committee to rather than purchase hardware and software to establish new labs at Estherwood and Mermentau and update Midland's lab.
10) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to brick multipurpose building at Midland High School with Fifth Ward maintenance funds
Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried, the Broad approved using Fifth Ward's maintenance funds to brick the multipurpose building at Midland High School to eliminate water damage, and then seek legal remedies to recover funds used for this project.
11) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to hire a computer lab aide at Midland High School.
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried, the Board approved hiring a computer lab aide at Midland High School.
12) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to award bid for bread, milk, dairy products, and juice
Two bids were received for bread and two for milk, dairy products, and juice. The Committee recommended the low bid for both. Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried, the Board awarded low bid to Evangeline Maid for bread, and low bid to Foremost for milk, dairy products and juice as listed below:
VENDOR Bread Bread (wheat) Hamburger Buns Hot Dog Buns
Cotton Brothers (Holsum) .85 .95 1.65 1.03
Evangeline Maid .79 .85 1.48 .90
VENDOR Milk Pouches Sour Cream Mini Sip Straw Juice Pouches
Borden's .2390 1.65 .0040 .19
Foremost .2229 1.00 .0035 .1689
13) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to revise the teacher pay scale.
The current teacher pay scale does not have step increases every year. There are several "plateaus" whereby employees with 14, 15, 17, 20, 23 and 24 years of experience do not receive increases in salary. The Budget/Finance Committee recommended that a step increase be provided every year up to year twenty-five. The initial cost of implementation is approximately $26,000, as about seventy employees fall into these "plateau" years and would be affected immediately. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried, the Board accepted the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation to revise the teacher pay scale to provide step increases for the teacher pay scale every year up to twenty-five years, to become effective with the 2001-02 school year.
14) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to revise Head Start Refunding Application.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Trahan and Mr. Johnson opposed), the Board accepted the Head Start officials' recommendation for revisions to the Head Start Refunding Application to reclassify Head Start teachers and center level and central office level managers from hourly to salaried employees. With the change, a beginning Head Start teacher's yearly salary will be $15,880 and associate degrees will become a requirement for teaching and management positions.
Later in the meeting Mr. Boudreaux requested that this item be readdressed. Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried, the APSB will ask Head Start for supplement funding to cover the one-time "state" pay supplement for Head Start employees
15) Correspondence
Dr. James reported that South Crowley received a grant for a computer lab, and she read a card of appreciation from the Crowley High School teacher cadet class.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Discuss revision to Acadia Parish School Board Employee Dress Code.
Mr. Carl LeJeune briefed the Board regarding the meeting between teachers, principals, and others regarding the need to address the APSB Employee Dress Code. Proposed guidelines were discussed among the Board and members of the audience.
2) Discuss revision to Test Security Policy.
Changes to the Test Security Policy, as prescribed by the State, have been distributed by the State.
3) Discuss inappropriate language by teachers and faculty. (Lyle Johnson)
Mr. Johnson suggested that a policy should be developed regarding the inappropriate use of language by teachers and faculty. This item will be referred to the Personnel/Insurance Committee. The Superintendent was asked if she could give the Board a detailed report regarding a recent incident regarding a teacher using improper language. It was also asked that an item be added to next month's agenda for the Board to consider (by two-thirds vote) reviewing the personnel records of the teacher involved in this incident.
At this time, Mr. Boudreaux asked to readdress Routine Item 14. Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried, the APSB will ask Head Start for supplement funding to cover the onetime "state" pay supplement for Head Start employees.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, 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 25.63%.
3) Granted request to Julie P. Miers, Curriculum Facilitator, a release of contract, effective June 20, 2001.
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried, the meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
s/
John A Suire, President
ATTEST:
s/______________________________
Dr. Marietta W. James, Superintendent