CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
APRIL 10, 2002
1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 10th day of April 2002, 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 Senegal, Sr., Mr. Roland J. Boudreaux, Mr. Rodney J. Trahan, Mr. Johnnie L. Smith, Mr. Charles F. Daigle, Mr. Shirley Vige', Dr. Robert L. McManus, and Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Marietta W. James. Mr. Paul K. Bellon was absent.
2&3) Mr. Senegal led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
4) Consider approval of a revised agenda, if there are any changes.
Mr. Johnson motioned to move Discussion Item 1 to Routine Item 1a; Ms. Valdetero seconded the motion. President Suire ruled that to change a discussion item to a routine item upon which action would be taken would require a unanimous vote. Mr. Johnson challenged this ruling. The challenge by Mr. Johnson was upheld by a roll call vote of 8 to 6. ( A "yes" vote upheld the President's ruling. A "no" vote upheld Mr. Johnson's challenge)
YEA: Bias, Shamsie, Senegal, Daigle, Vige', McManus
NAY: Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Marceaux, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith
ABSENT: Bellon
Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a simple majority roll call vote of 11 to 3, Discussion Item 1 was moved to Routine Item 1a.
YEA: Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Marceaux, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus
NAY: Bias, Shamsie, Senegal
ABSENT: Bellon
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Opening Item 6a (HEAR REMARKS FROM MR. KENNETH PRIVAT REGARDING CANDIDACY FOR DISTRICT JUDGESHIP.) was added to the agenda, and Routine Item 2 was changed to read (CONSIDER SUPERINTENDENT'S PLAN REGARDING SUPERVISOR OF CHILD WELFARE AND ATTENDANCE POSITION.).
5) Read and approve minutes of the March 4, 2002, meeting.
Reading of the minutes of the March 4, 2002, meeting was dispensed with (copies of minutes were sent to each member prior to this meeting) and adopted as submitted, upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
6) Recognize Midland High School basketball team.
Coach Tod Briley presented Midland High School basketball members. The team was commended for their performance on and off the court.
6a) Hear remarks from Mr. Kenneth Privat regarding candidacy for a district judgeship.
Mr. Kenneth Private briefly addressed the Board, announcing his candidacy for district judge in Acadia Parish.
7) Hear overview of indicators used for District Performance Score.
Ms. Dianna Guidry presented preliminary district performance scores. She explained the logic used in computing these numbers, suggesting that Acadia Parish is showing improvement. Official results are expected next month.
1) Consider approval of Sections A, B, C of the Policy manual as submitted by Forethought.
Copies of changes in policy were sent to each member prior to this meeting. Mr. Quebodeaux motioned and Ms. Valdetero seconded to approve Sections A, B, and C of the Policy Manual as submitted by Forethought, Inc. Dr. James explained some wording changes in the policy, in order to be consistent with existing policy. Mr. Quebodeaux amended his motion to include these changes. The amended motion passed by a unanimous voice vote. (Changes are noted in italics and underlined.)
FILE: BBBE
Cf: DJD
COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES
The School Board shall provide an expense allowance and provide for expense reimbursement for its members in accordance with state law. Each member of the Board shall be paid a monthly compensation of $350.00. Board members will not receive reimbursement for mileage going to and from meetings but may be reimbursed for travel and related expenses outside the jurisdictional boundaries of the Board while on official School Board business, all in accordance with Board policy.
Any action increasing the compensation for Board members shall require a two-thirds vote of the total membership. Before any action is taken, however, the Board shall advertise the time and place where the meeting is to be held to consider the compensation in the official journal of the Board on at least two (2) separate days during the fifteen (15) days immediately preceding such meeting.
The President shall be provided an additional $100.00 monthly expense allowance.
FILE: DJED
OPENING OF BIDS
All bids shall be opened in public in the presence of one or more witnesses at the time and place designated in the invitation for bids. Each bid, together with the name of the bidder, shall be recorded and open to public inspection. However, the School Board shall not accept or take any bids including receiving any hand delivered bids, in days which are recognized as holidays by the United States Postal Service. The members of the Budget/Finance Committee, together with the Superintendent, Business Manager/Accountant, and/or other appropriate administrators shall review, summarize and report bids to the Board with recommendations for final action. If the School Board proposes to disqualify any bidder, the School Board shall:
(1) Give written notice of the proposed disqualification to such bidder, and include in the written notice all reasons for the proposed disqualification; and
(2) Give such bidder, who is proposed to be disqualified, the opportunity to be heard at an informal hearing, at which such bidder is afforded the opportunity to refute the reasons for the disqualification.
ROUTINE ITEM:
1) Consider approval of calendars for the 2002-2003 school year.
Copies of calendars for the regular 2002-2003 school year, fifth ward schools (Midland High and Estherwood, Mermentau, Morse), and twelve-month employees were approved as submitted, upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
1a) Discuss reducing the Acadia Parish School Board to 8 or 12 members prior to the October election. (John Quebodeaux)
Mr. Quebodeaux motioned and Ms. Valdetero seconded to reduce the Board size to 8 members prior to the October election. A substitute motion to reduce to 12 members instead of 8 members was offered by Mr. Senegal and seconded by Mr. Smith. After discussion among board members, question was called to end debate and carried by a majority voice vote.
The substitute motion to reduce to 12 members instead of 8 members failed by a roll call vote of 8 to 6.
YEA: Bias, Shamsie, Senegal, Smith, Vige', McManus
NAY: Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Marceaux, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Daigle
ABSENT: Bellon
The main motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, to reduce the APSB size to 8 members passed by a roll call vote of 10 to 4.
YEA: Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Marceaux, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige'
NAY: Bias, Shamsie, Senegal, McManus
ABSENT: Bellon
At this point, upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a roll call vote of 10 to 4, Routine Item 1b (CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE BOARD ATTORNEY TO SUBMIT ACADIA PARISH POLICE JURY DISTRICT BOUNDARIES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FOR APPROVAL AS SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICTS, USING CURRENT DEMOGRAPHICS.) was added to the agenda.
YEA: Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Marceaux, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige'
NAY: Bias, Shamsie, Senegal, McManus
ABSENT: Bellon
1b) Consider authorizing the board attorney to submit Acadia Parish Police Jury district boundaries to the Department of Justice for approval as school board districts, using current demographics.
Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a roll call vote of 12 to 2, the board attorney was authorized to submit Acadia Parish Police Jury district boundaries to the Department of Justice for approval as school board districts, using current demographics.
YEA: Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Marceaux, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus
NAY: Bias, Senegal
ABSENT: Bellon
2) Consider Superintendent's plan regarding Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance position.
Dr. James informed Board members that Mr. Eric Stutes announced that he will retire in July. She suggested moving Child Welfare and Attendance duties to Mr. Cal Simar, presently in the position of Secondary Supervisor. Mr. Steve Jones, presently Supervisor of Transportation and Maintenance, will become Supervisor of Secondary Education and Transportation. Ms. Lee Ethel Dupont, presently Supervisor of Career/Tech. Math and Science, will become Supervisor of Career and Technical Education and Middle Schools. Mr. John Miller, maintenance foreman, will head the maintenance department.
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent's plan was approved. She was commended for this staff reduction.
3) Consider recommendation of the Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee to approve implementation of Pro-Start Program for the 2002-2003 school year.
High School juniors and seniors enrolled in this program will receive an introduction into the food service and hospitality industry and will be implemented at Rayne High School. Upon motion by Mr. Pinac, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Pro-Start program for the 2002-2003 school year was approved as recommended by the TIF Committee.
4) Consider recommendation of the Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee to approve implementation of 1st Responder Program for the 2002-2003 school year.
This program will be offered at several high schools in the parish and is an elective course that introduces students to emergency medical services. Upon motion by Mr. Pinac, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the 1st Responder Program for the 2002-2003 school year was approved as recommended by the TIF Committee.
5) Consider recommendation of the Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee and Budget/Finance Committees for salaries of two additional teachers for Pre-GED/Skills Option Program for the 2002-2003 school year.
The Technology/Instruction/Federal Program Committee and the Budget/Finance Committee forwarded conflicting recommendations for salaries of two additional teachers for Pre-GED/Skills Option Program for the 2002-2003 school year. The Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee forwarded this item with a favorable recommendation to the Budget/Finance Committee. The Budget/Finance Committee forwarded it to the board with a negative recommendation. Mr. Daigle motioned and Mr. Smith seconded to approve this matter as recommended by the TIF Committee. Discussion followed. Mr. Cal Simar answered questions regarding this program. Question was called to end discussion and failed by a voice vote. Discussion continued. The motion to approve salaries of two additional teachers for Pre-GED/Skills Option Program for the 2002-03 school passed by a majority voice vote.
6) Consider recommendation of the Transportation/Facilities and Budget/Finance Committees regarding bid to re-roof Church Point Middle School.
Three bids were received to re-roof Church Point Middle School. Upon motion by Mr. Pinac, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the low bid of $185,990 from Habetz Roofing was accepted as recommended by both the Transportation/Facilities and Budget/Finance Committees.
7) Consider recommendation of the Transportation/Facilities and Budget/Finance Committees regarding lights at Gardiner Memorial Stadium.
A motion by Mr. Pinac to refer this item to the TF Committee, with the possibility of seeking a 4-mill tax for one year (approximately $200,000) to fund work on lights at Gardiner Memorial Stadium was seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried.
8) Consider recommendation of the Transportation/Facilities and Budget/Finance Committees regarding additional classrooms at Estherwood Elementary.
Mr. Shamsie motioned and Dr. McManus seconded to approve construction of four additional classrooms at Estherwood Elementary at an estimated cost of approximately $175,000 as recommended by the BF Committee. A substitute motion to provide a portable building at an approximate cost of $55,000 was offered by Mr. Boudreaux and seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux. An amendment to the substitute motion to allow the fifth ward to use the amount of $55,000 either toward portable classrooms or a permanent classroom structure was offered by Mr. Pinac, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a majority voice vote.
9) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to approve Head Start refunding application for 2002-2003.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Head Start refunding application for 2002-2003 (copies were sent to each member prior to the meeting) was approved as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.
At 6:58 p.m., President Suire called for a five-minutes recess. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board recessed.
Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board reconvened at 7:06 p.m.
10) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee regarding distribution of supplemental pay.
Dr. James reviewed a list of ten questions regarding the implementation and distribution of supplemental pay. She read questions and answers recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.
1. When will the "sign-up bonus" be distributed?
September 15, 2002
2. When will the "13th check" be distributed?
June 2003
After discussion, upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, one-half of the 13th check will be issued at the end of the first semester in January and the second half will be issued at the end of the second semester on June 15th. Teachers eligible for the first half of the 13th check must have completed work through the first semester. Teachers eligible for the second half of the 13th check must have completed work through the second semester.
3. Will the "sign-up bonus" be prorated for teachers who do not complete the entire school year?
Yes
Upon motion by Mr. Marceaux, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the sign-up bonus will be prorated for teachers who resign or terminate during the year.
4. Will the "13th check" be prorated for teachers who do not complete the entire school year, or do they have to complete the full year to be eligible? What about midyear retirements, etc?
Teachers must complete the full year to be eligible.
Teachers must complete the full first semester or the full second semester to receive each respective half of the 13th check.
5. Will both supplemental payments be prorated for part-time employees?
Yes
Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, both the sign-up bonus and the 13th check will be prorated for part-time employees.
6. How will new teachers coming into the system during the year be handled?
Both supplemental will be prorated for these teachers.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, both the sign-up bonus and the 13th check will be prorated for new teachers coming into the system during the year.
7. Are teachers who are not currently working (but otherwise qualify) eligible for these supplemental payments? (Example: teacher may be out on extended sick leave, sabbatical leave, or workers compensation).
No
Action for question 2 changed this answer to YES for teacher who may be out on extended sick leave or sabbatical leave. Teachers on workers compensation are not eligible. A motion by Mr. Quebodeaux to strike the words "workers compensation" was seconded by Mr. Pinac and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
8. Is the sign-up bonus for professional staff authorized by the board in December 2001still in effect?
The committee's recommendation regarding routine item #11 will answer this question.
Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the December 2001 commitment of a $1,000 sign-up bonus was upheld. This action will provide a $1,000 sign-up bonus for all teachers and administrators.
9. Will General Fund provide these supplemental payments to all teachers regardless of their funding source?
Yes
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Trahan opposed), all teachers who otherwise qualify for these payments (not including Head Start teachers).
10. Will the 13th check be computed using extra pay beyond the teacher pay scale? (Example: coaching and band pay, PIPS, etc.)
No, teacher's salary only.
Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Marceaux, and carried by a majority voice vote, (Mr. Shamsie opposed), the 13th check will be computed using the teacher pay scale only.
11) Reconsider previous action taken by the Board in March regarding signing bonus.
Upon motion by Mr. Marceaux, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a majority voice vote (Ms. Valdetero abstained and Mr. Shamsie opposed), to reconsider action taken in March regarding $1,000 signing bonus for teachers and rescind this action.
12) Correspondence
Dr. James shared correspondence from Daniel G. Kyle, Louisiana Legislative Auditor, stating that the Legislative Auditor is not authorized to examine performance issues at the local level as requested by the Board. She also informed the Board that she has applications for NSBA Southern Regional Conference for those who were interested in attending. She drew attention to a Lafayette Schools Federal Credit Union newsletter that announced Mr. Michael Leonards was elected to serve on its Board of Directors. Mrs. Sondra Myers was commended for her selection to a special Head Start National Directors Conference this summer at UCLA.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Discuss reducing the Acadia Parish School Board to 8 or 12 members prior to the October election. (John Quebodeaux)
This item was moved to Routine Item 1a and acted on earlier in this meeting.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, 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 41.04%.
3) Granted request to Tekoah Reiners, teacher, Martin Petitjean Elementary, for sabbatical leave for medical reasons, effective Fall Semester of 2002-2003.
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 7:57 p.m.
_________________________________
John A. Suire, President
ATTEST:
________________________________
Dr. Marietta W. James, Superintendent