CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
NOVEMBER 5, 2001
1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 5th day of November 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. 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. Roland J. Boudreaux was absent.
2&3) Mr. Nolton Senegal led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
4) Consider approval of a revised agenda. if there are any changes.
Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Senegal, the agenda was approved as submitted.
5) Read and approve minutes of the October. 1. 2001;: meeting
Reading of the minutes of the October 1, 2001, meeting was dispensed with and adopted as submitted, upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a voice vote.
6) Recognize Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Carl LeJeune addressed the Board, recognizing Acadia Parish Teachers of the Year. The regional winners are Shawn LeJeune, Egan Elementary; Donna Victorian, Church Point Middle; and Regina Smart, Crowley High.
1) Consider approval of updates to District Test Security Policy.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried, updates to the District Test Security Policy, which were necessary due to changes at the state level (BESE), were approved.
2) Consider policy change regarding school level indebtedness.
Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried, this item was tabled and will be considered with item 8.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Consider extension of Superintendent's contract.
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a roll call vote of 8 to 6, the contract for Dr. Marietta W. James, Superintendent of Acadia Parish Schools, was extended for two years, beginning July 1, 2002, and ending June 30, 2004, under the same terms was her current contract. Dr. James thanked the Board for its support,:, stating that she was looking forward to continuing her work in improving education in Acadia Parish.
YEA: Bias, Shamsie, Senegal, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Bellon
NAY: Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Marceaux, Quebodeaux, Trahan
2) Consider interagency agreement regarding Truancy and Assessment Service Center.
Ms. Melise Trahan addressed the Board regarding legislatively created and approved Truancy and Assessment Service Center (TASC), which addresses truancy in grades K-5. The APSB was asked to sign an interagency agreement and act as fiscal agent. This center will be housed at Armstrong Middle School in Rayne and the APSB will provide a phone line for this program. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried, the Board accepted the terms of the interagency agreement regarding the Truancy and Assessment Service Center (TASC.ACADIA PARISH TRUANCY ASSESSMENT SERVICE CENTER INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
The Acadia Parish Truancy Assessment Service Center (TASC) will be established to identify children who have exhibited truant tendencies and provide services to these children and to their families. The TASC will identify and service kindergarten through 5th grade students.
The TASC will also conduct comprehensive assessments to determine the causal problems of the truant behavior. The TASC is a joint effort involving the Offices of the Mayors of Acadia Parish, Acadia Juvenile Services (OYD), the Acadia Parish School System, Crowley, Rayne, and Church Point City Police, Acadia Parish Sheriffs Office, Rayne and Crowley City Courts, Office of Community Services, and the Acadia Parish District Attorney's Office. The 15th Judicial District Court will serve as the lead agent via the FINS program and the Acadia Parish School Board will serve as the fiscal agent for this program award.
The signers of this agreement concur that an interagency approach to combating truancy in the parish will lead to a reduction in truancy throughout the system and maintain all children in an effective educational system. Reaching children in critical developmental stages with support, guidance, and direction that prevents poor decision-making and teaches and encourages the power of learning, responsibility, and resourcefulness can point our children toward paths of opportunity and accomplishment. Each agency agrees to follow the guidelines set out in this agreement and the FINS office will have oversight responsibilities. Each agency agrees that their specific contribution is as follows:
OFFICE OF THE MAYORS OF ACADIA PARISH
1. Develop and monitor the accountability mechanism to ensure adherence of all collaborating agencies to the goals and objectives of the program.
2. Ensure information management and coordination of all law enforcement agencies.
3. Provide data required for evaluation as needed.
4. Work with all agencies involved to plan, revise, and improve the program.
ACADIA PARISH JUVENILE SERVICES (OYD)
1. Complete juvenile services record check.
2. Work in partnership with TASC staff to monitor client progress in dual category cases.
3. Monitor all court orders resulting from TASC petitions.
4. Participate in the interview process of the TASC coordinator and TASC Truancy Intervention Specialists and make recommendations to the TASC Advisory Council.
5. Provide student background records and. data to the TASC as needed.
6. Provide data required for evaluation as needed.
7. Work with all agencies involved to plan, revise, and improve the program.
ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM
1. Identify youth who fit the criteria for referrals to the TASC.
2. Provide student background records and data to the TASC as needed.
3. Assist in completing forms for evaluation.
4. Participate in the interview process of the TASC coordinator and the TASC Truancy Intervention Specialists and make recommendations to TASC Advisory Council.
5. Provide data required for evaluation as needed.
6. Work with all agencies involved to plan, revise, and improve the program.
7. Provide the site for the TASC.
8. Serve as Fiscal Agent for TASC.
9. Have Child Welfare and Attendance supervisor serve on Advisory Board.
ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
1. Coordinate efforts of School Drug Programs with the TASC needs.
2. Accompany TASC staff on some visits as needed.
3. Provide data required for evaluation as needed.
4. Work with all agencies involved to plan, revise, and improve the program.
CROWLEY MENTAL HEALTH
1. Provide active mental health and/or substance abuse treatment, as well as associated necessary services to individuals. identified, in the assessment process as needing -those related services. Treatment will be provided upon referral to the appropriate agency.
2. Select appropriate assessment instrument(s) and administer to TASC families as needed.
3. Participate in interviewing process of TASC coordinator and TASC Truancy Intervention Specialists and make recommendations to TASC Advisory Council.
4. Provide data required for evaluation as needed.
5. Work with all agencies involved to plan, revise, and improve the program.
JUVENILE COURT OF 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT AND CITY COURTS OF RAYNE AND CROWLEY
1. Assist the TASC in obtaining and utilizing a continuum of services and sanctions for identified youth.
2. Fine parents for non-compliance with School Board Service Plans with attendance issues.
3. Docket matter within 30 days of filing petition.
4. Provide data required for evaluation as needed.
5. Work with all agencies involved to plan, revise, and improve the program.
OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
1. Provide services related to child abuse and neglect to identified youth.
2. Collaborate (as needed) to develop treatment plan.
3. Work with other parts of Department of Social Services to get available resources, i.e., shelter, clothing, etc.
4. Provide data required for evaluation as needed.
5. Work with all agencies involved to plan, revise, and improve program.
ACADIA PARISH DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
1. Assign a special prosecutor to provide legal counsel to the TASC Advisory Board.
2. Assist with data follow-up and outcome evaluation by completing data sheets to be developed.
3. File petition against family for non-compliance with School Based Service Plan within 10 days of receipt of information from TASC.
4. Provide data required for evaluation as needed.
5. Work with all agencies involved to plan, revise, and improve program.
3) Hear report on LEAP 21 summer school and DRA test results.
Ms. Adele Carr presented results of the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) in grades 1, 2, and 3. She answered questions of the Board.
Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried, Routine Item 3a (CONSIDER FUNDING $30,000 FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT FOR READING INSTRUCTION IN GRADES 4 AND 5) was added to the agenda.
3a) Consider funding $30,000 for staff development for reading instruction in Grades 4 and 5. Mr. Shamsie motioned and Ms. Valdetero seconded to approve funding $30,000 for staff development for reading instruction in Grades 4 and 5. An amendment offered by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Marceaux, to schedule training for teachers in grades 4 and 5 during holidays, summers, and weekends instead of taking teachers from the classroom for training, failed by a majority voice vote. A motion to table and refer this matter to the Budget/Finance Committee was offered by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a majority voice vote.
4) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance committee to approve leases extending beyond 90 days and/or long-term indebtedness for Crowley High, Central Rayne Kindergarten, Church Point Elementary. South' Rayne Elementary, Evangeline Elementary. Iota Middle. Richard Elementary and Crowley Middle.
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried, leases extending beyond 90 days and/or long-term indebtedness for Crowley High, Central Rayne Kindergarten, Church Point Elementary, South Rayne Elementary, Evangeline Elementary, Iota Middle, Richard elementary, and Crowley Middle was approved.
5) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to refinance outstanding bonds for the E Egan/Iota School District.
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried, the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation to refinance outstanding bonds for the Egan/Iota School District was approved. By refinancing these outstanding bonds, there will be an approximate $20,000 per year savings to tax payers for the remaining life of the bonds
6) Consider adding classes at North Crowley Elementary and South Ravne Elementary for autistic students.
There are sixteen autistic students in Acadia Parish. Some are functioning well in their current setting; however, Dr. James stated that there is a need for a more restrictive setting for others. One additional teacher and one additional aide will be needed. Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried, the Board approved adding classes at North Crowley Elementary and South Rayne Elementary for autistic students.
7) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to insure contents of APSB-owned trailers used for instrumental music programs.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried, the Board approved providing insurance for contents of APSB-owned trailers used for instrumental music programs. The cost to acquire insurance coverage for school board-owned band instruments and uniforms would be an annual premium of $50 per year and $5000 deductible per occurrence for each band instrument and $5000 deductible per occurrence for each band uniform.
8) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee regarding its duties.
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried, the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation to leave duties of the Budget/Finance Committee unchanged and replace "Executive Committee" with "Budget/Finance Committee" throughout the policy manual and delete "Executive Committee" on pages 24 and 25.
9) Consider adopting a resolution authorizing purchase of property in Iota
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried, a resolution authorizing purchase of property in Iota was approved. Bond money that has been set aside is available for this purchase.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Acadia Parish School Board has previously entered into an agreement with Lillie Belle Andrus Cart to purchase property adjacent to the Iota High School Athletic Track
WHEREAS, the current property owner, Sonoma Joan Bertrand Miller, is now desirous to sell the remaining portion of that certain tract of ground, together with all buildings and improvements situated thereon, commencing at the Northwest corner of Block 45, Town of Iota, Acadia Parish, LA, thence South 57 degrees 45 minutes East, in and along the South line of Cypress Street, a distance of 301 feet to the point of beginning and from said point of beginning, thence South 57 degrees 45 minutes in and along the South line of Cypress Street, 155.85 feet; thence South 0 degrees 26 minutes 23 seconds East, 83.06 feet; thence 57 degrees 45 minutes 200.71 feet; thence North 32 degrees 15 minutes East, 69.91 feet to the point of beginning, all as more particularly shown as Tract 1-A on the plat of survey of Letz Engineers dated march 10, 1993, for the agreed upon price of $17,000
WHEREAS, funds have been set aside in the Iota Bond Construction fund for this acquisition
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Acadia Parish School Board is hereby authorized to purchase the tract of property described above from Sonoma Joan Bertrand Miller for the sum of $17,000
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that John A. Suire, President of the Acadia Parish School Board is authorized to execute any and all documents relating to this transaction.
10) Consider approval of recommendations for school bus drivers for Head Start routes
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Dr. McManus, and passed by a roll call vote of 12 to 2, recommendations for school bus drivers for Head Start routes were approved and Ms. Sherry Terro was assigned to the Ross Head Start route and Ms. Cindy Faul was assigned to the Rayne Head Start route.
YEA: Pinac, Valdetero, Bias, Marceaux, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Senegal, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Bellon
NAY: Johnson, Trahan ABSENT: Boudreaux
11) Correspondence
Dr. James reminded Board members that it was time to register for the LSBA Convention in Shreveport, February 28 through March 2, 2002, and the NSBA Convention in New Orleans April 6-92002. Also, she distributed a schedule of the Head Start Program's on-site review which will be February 4-8, 2002. Additionally, Dr. James provided copies of two pending lawsuits.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Discuss policy change regarding administrative records.
2) Discuss policy change regarding building and grounds management.
3) Discuss policy change regarding equipment maintenance.
4) Discuss policy change regarding personnel records.
5) Discuss policy change regarding contracts and compensation:
6) Discuss policy change regarding employment of personnel.
7) Discuss policy change regarding curriculum.
8) Discuss policy change regarding administration of medication.
9) Discuss policy cane regarding student records.
10) Discuss policy change regarding student fees, fines: and charges.
Discussion items 1 through 10 are new policies or policy revisions that are a result of Louisiana Legislative updates. President Suire read each item aloud and solicited comments from Board members. Discussion ensued regarding item 10 regarding fees, fines and charges for lost textbooks and the logic of schools paying for lost textbooks. This is the result of a new wave of accountability at the school level
11) Discuss removal of flag. (Lyle Johnson)
Mr. Johnson indicated that the issue of the American Flag painted on the football field should not be a school' board issue, but resulted from actions of a principal. He regretted that the flag was removed from the field. Mrs. Helen Schmaltz, principal at Crowley High School, addressed the Board. She stated that telephone calls had been received concerning the desecration, by being trampled on, of the American Flag. She stated that the intention never was to leave the flag on the field, but to repaint the CHS insignia before its game on Friday. Several members of the VFW addressed the Board.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Bellon and carried the Board took the following action on consent items:
1) Approve & assignments and changes of professional employees.
2) Received sales tax report showing a year-to-date increase of 118.71%.
CLOSING
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried, the meeting adjourned, at 6:43 p.m.
John A. Suire; President
ATTEST:
Dr. Marietta W. James, Superintendent