CROWLEY, LOUISIANA

MAY 6, 2002

1)         The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 6^th day of May 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, Mr.  Paul K. Bellon and Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Marietta W. James.

2&3)    Mr. Trahan 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 Opening Item 9 (HEAR FROM MR. CHRISTIAN EARLES, CANDIDATE FOR DISTRICT JUDGE), Opening Item 10 (HEAR REMARKS FROM DR. ROBERT MCMANUS REGARDING THE COMMITTEE SYSTEM), and Discussion Item 3 (DISCUSS ADOPTING A RESOLUTION CONCERNING ADULT VIDEO STORES IN ACADIA PARISH), upon motion by Mr. Marceaux, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

            Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a roll call vote of 9 to 6, Routine Item 4 was removed from the agenda.

YEA:    Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Marceaux, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith, Vige’

NAY:   Bias, Shamsie, Senegal, Daigle, McManus, Bellon

            Upon motion by Mr. Marceaux, was seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote no other items were added to the agenda..

            At this point, Mr. Daigle called for a moment of silence in memory of John Suire’s mother, who passed away last week.

5)         Read and approve minutes of the April 10, 2002, meeting.

            Reading of the minutes of the April 10, 2002, meeting was dispensed with (copies of minutes were sent to each member prior to this meeting) and adopted as corrected on page 221, Action Item 1, to read $100.00 instead of $1000.00 for the president’s monthly expense allowance, and page 220, Opening Item 5, to read March instead of February, upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

6)         Receive comments regarding Governor’s Program on Abstinence.

            Mr. Gordon Atwell addressed the Board regarding the Governor’s Program on Abstinence.    The curriculum is designed for 7^th and 8^th grade students taught in health classes.  He presented facts regarding abstinence and informed members that this program is funded by grants and would not cost the parish anything. Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this item was moved to Routine Item 1a to be acted on at this meeting.

7)         Receive school awards from United Way. (Paul Molbert).

            Mr. Paul Molbert reported that the United Way Campaign was very successful this past year.  He commended Dr. James for her support in allowing United Way to address each faculty in Acadia Parish and presented a plaque recognizing the APSB for having the largest percentage increase in employee giving during the 2001 United Way Campaign.  He then recognized Rayne High, Armstrong Middle, and Richard Elementary for highest per capita contributions in Acadia Parish.

8)         Receive comments regarding Dyslexia Program. (Dr. Mouawad)

            Dr. Mouawad addressed the Board regarding a program available to the APSB which may assist in diagnosis and treatment of dyslexia.  He then answered questions of Board members.

9)         Hear from Mr. Christian Earles a candidate for district judge.

Mr. Christian Earles, candidate for district judge, was not present to address the Board.

            (Mr. Earles arrived and addressed the Board during routine item 9.)

10)       Hear remarks from Dr. Robert McManus regarding APSB committee system.

Dr. Robert McManus resigned as chairman of the Personnel and Insurance Committee, due to lack of quorums at recent PI Committee meetings.        

ACTION ITEMS:

There were no action items to address.

ROUTINE ITEM:

1)         Consider resignation of Superintendent.

            Dr. James read her letter of resignation as stated:

            It has been an honor for me to serve as Superintendent of the Acadia Parish School Board for the past six years.  Recently, however, I was offered the Superintendency of the Columbia, Mississippi School District.  While it is with regret that I leave friends and coworkers who care deeply for the education of children in Acadia Parish’s public schools and the community in which I have lived for nearly thirty years, I look forward to a new challenge in the State of Mississippi.

            After taking accumulated leave, my resignation as Superintendent of the Acadia Parish School Board will be effective, and my retirement in Louisiana will be deferred until October 16, 2003.  The accumulated leave will begin on July 1, 2002, and end no later than September 13, 2002.

            A motion by Mr. Quebodeaux to accept the resignation of Dr. James was seconded by Mr. Trahan.  There was discussion regarding the Superintendent’s contract ending June 30, 2006.  Question was called by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and passed by a majority voice vote (Mr. Trahan opposed).  The main motion by Mr. Quebodeaux and seconded by Mr. Trahan to accept the resignation  of Dr. James (to expire no later than September 13, 2002) passed by a unanimous voice vote.

            Dr. James was commended for her years of service to the Acadia Parish School Board.

1a)       Consider Governor’s Program on Abstinence.

            Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Governor’s Program on Abstinence was accepted.

            At this time, a motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, to add Routine Item 1b to advertise for the position of Superintendent of Acadia Parish Public Schools passed by a majority voice vote.

1b)       Consider advertising for the position of Superintendent of Acadia Parish Public Schools.

            Mr. Quebodeaux motioned and Mr. Shamsie seconded to advertise for a Superintendent of Acadia Parish.  Ms. Valdetero suggested appointing an interim superintendent and then allow the newly elected Board to select a permanent replacement.  The matter of timing and criteria was discussed among Board members.

            An amendment to use the same criteria and methodology used previously to select a Superintendent (except for the psychological profile) and to set the salary at $75,000 was offered by Mr. Marceaux and seconded by Mr. Daigle.    

            A substitute motion offered by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, to hold a special meeting Monday, May 20, 2002, at 5:00 p.m., to discuss criteria for selecting a superintendent and setting a salary range, passed by a unanimous voice vote.

            At this point, a motion by Mr. Marceaux to add Routine Item 1c to authorize the Board to take applications for an Acting Assistant Superintendent to serve until a Superintendent is selected was seconded by Mr. Pinac and passed by a unanimous voice vote.

1c)       Consider accepting applications for Acting Assistant Superintendent until a Superintendent is selected.   

            Mr. Marceaux motioned and Mr. Pinac seconded to accept applications for Acting Assistant Superintendent until a Superintendent is selected.  Discussion followed.  An amendment to declare that the Acting Assistant Superintendent may not apply for the permanent superintendency was offered by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux.  Discussion followed. Mr. Caswell cautioned the Board that it may not be legally permissible to prohibit the ”r;Acting Assistant Superintendent” from applying for the permanent position.  More discussion followed.

            At this point, a motion to table this item until the special meeting scheduled for Monday, May 20, 2002, was offered by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

            At 6:26 p.m., upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board recessed for a break.

            At 6:34 p.m., upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board reconvened.

            Mrs. Esther Trahan addressed the Board, at this time, and affirmed that the APSB has had a program in place for Dyslexia children since 1991.  The program proposed by Dr. Mouawad will supplement the current program.  The difference is they will be able to work one on one.

2)         Consider resolution regarding purchase of property in Iota.

            Mr. Caswell explained that although the Board previously the purchase of property in Iota, a resolution is necessary to authorize the current President to proceed with this purchase.  Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a resolution regarding purchase of property in Iota was adopted.           

                                                                RESOLUTION

BE IT RESOLVED by the ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD that John Suire, President, be and he is hereby empowered and authorized to enter into an Act of Cash Sale with SONOMA JOAN BERTRAND MILLER, upon such terms and conditions as he in his sole discretion shall deem fit, of the property shown on the attached Exhibit AA for the price and sum of $17,000.00.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that John Suire, President of the Acadia Parish School Board, is hereby authorized and empowered to execute any and all documents in connection with the above Cash Sale, and any and all acts necessary in the premises.

                                                            Property Description

That certain tract or parcel 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 North 57 degrees 45 minutes 200.71 feet; thence North 32 degrees 15 minutes East, 69.91 feet to the point of beginning, all as is more particularly shown as Tract 1-A on the plat of survey of Letz Engineers dated March 10, 1993, a copy of which is attached to that certain Act of Partition recorded on April 19, 1993, in the records of the Clerk of Acadia Parish, as Original Act Number 0588183 and in Conveyance Book D51-540.

3)         Consider changes to the Discipline Policy as recommended by the Discipline Committee.

            Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved changes to the Discipline Policy as recommended by the Discipline Committee.

4)         Consider alternate plan for Board size reduction.

            This item was deleted from the agenda, earlier in the meeting.

5)         Consider Superintendent’s recommendation regarding replacement of a bus driver.

            Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board accepted the Superintendent’s recommendation and appointed Ms. Shelby Vincent as bus driver for a special education route in the Fifth Ward.

6)         Consider recommendation from the Budget/Finance Committee regarding bids received for large and small cafeteria equipment.

            Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, bids received for large and small cafeteria equipment were approved as recommended by Ms. Ruth Miller to the Budget/Finance Committee.

7)         Consider recommendation from the Budget/Finance Committee regarding an election date of July 20, 2002, for maintenance millage for Crowley School District.

            Upon motion by Mr. Pinac, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this item was tabled until the June board meeting.

8)         Consider recommendation from the Budget/Finance Committee regarding change in the rate of pay for Board Attorney.

            The committee referred this item to the full Board with no recommendation pending additional information.  For the past two years, Mr. Caswell’s average yearly billing has been 240 hours.  The proposed $30 per hour increase will yield an additional $600 per month.  Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried by a roll call vote of 8 to 7, the rate of pay for Mr. Gerard Caswell, APSB attorney, was increased from $95 to $125 per hour, an estimated additional cost of $7,200 per year.

YEA:                 Suire, Senegal, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige’, McManus, Bellon

NAY:                Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Marceaux, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux

ABSENT:              Bias

9)         Consider recommendation from the Budget/Finance Committee regarding change in compensation for the maintenance foreman.

            The Budget/Finance Committee recommended an hourly increase of $4.00 for John Miller, maintenance foreman, due to additional responsibilities approved by the Board in April.  The maintenance foreman’s salary is currently $25,075.20; the proposed salary is $32,985.60.  Mr. Trahan motioned and Mr. Daigle seconded to approve this request.

              Comments were made from the audience regarding this proposal.   Ms. Jenny LeJeune, president of AAE, and Mr. Sheeney Gauthreaux, president of the Bus Drivers Association, addressed the Board opposing this request.  Mr. Steve Jones, Mr. Boudreaux, Mr. Quebodeaux, and Mr. Smith voiced their support for this change. Mr. Shamsie suggested that the position be opened up, since it involves additional duties and a significant change in compensation.  Mr. Marceaux asked about a new job description.  A substitute motion to table this matter pending a new job description and details of additional duties, was made by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a majority voice vote.

            At this time, Mr. Christian Earles addressed the Board.  He announced that he was running for district judge and asked for the Board’s support.

10)       Consider recommendation from the Budget/Finance Committee regarding a portable building (2 classrooms) at Mire Elementary.

            The Budget/Finance Committee referred this item with no recommendation and requested additional information.  Enrollment at Mire Elementary has increased from 413 in 1998 to 437 in 2001.  The cost to purchase a two-classroom portable building is approximately $55,000.  Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved the purchase of a two-classroom portable building at Mire Elementary at an approximate cost of $55,000.

11)       Consider recommendation from the Budget/Finance Committee regarding attorney fees for Ms. Melanie Venable.

            On October 11, 1999, Ms. Venable retained the services of Attorney Fritz Welter at a cost of $2,295.  The Board’s insurance company assigned an attorney to handle the case on October 29, 1999.  The committee recommended reimbursing Ms. Venable attorney fees billed by Mr. Welter ($395.00) until the time the insurance company’s services began.  Mr. Daigle motioned and Ms. Valdetero to reimburse attorney fees of $395.00 to Ms. Melanie Venable as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.

            Mr. Charles King addressed the Board and suggested that this Board readdress, at its next meeting, a similar situation from September 11, 2000, when the Board denied reimbursement of legal fees. 

            A substitute motion to reimburse half ($1,147.50)of the total attorney fees incurred by Ms. Venable was offered by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and failed by a roll call vote of 9 to 5.

YEA:    Johnson, Valdetero, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan

NAY:   Pinac, Marceaux, Shamsie, Senegal, Smith, Daigle, Vige’, McManus, Bellon

ABSENT:          Bias

            The main motion carried by a roll call vote of 13 to1

YEA:    Johnson, Pinac, Valdetero, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Senegal, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige’, McManus, Bellon

NAY:   Marceaux

ABSENT:          Bias

12)       Consider recommendation from the Budget/Finance Committee regarding Early Head Start Application and Supplemental Grant Applications.

            Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Early Head Start Application and Supplemental Grant Applications were approved as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.

13)       Correspondence

            Dr. James made available Attorney General Opinion No: 02-0083 regarding the interpretation of a property tax to mean an ad valorem property tax only.  A household fee or assessment may not be considered as local effort in the Minimum Foundation Program.

            Mr. Senegal announced the death of the mother of Mr. Freddie Whitford, Director of the Louisiana School Board Association.

            Mr. Quebodeaux requested that an item be placed on next month’s Board meeting to discuss adopting a resolution on a household fee or assessment.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1)         Discuss Tobacco Settlement Legislation

            Information was made available to Board members regarding passage of the Tobacco Settlement Legislation.  Mr. Smith discussed the options the Board has to consider regarding the sum of approximately 1.5 million.  He suggested that the APSB gather more information before making a decision regarding this one-time source of revenue.

2)         Discuss policy regarding changing agenda items.

            President Suire stated that his intention for this item was to suggest that the policy requiring a unanimous vote of the members present in order to move a discussion item to an action item be amended.  Although the Board approved the policy in 1995, as recorded in the minutes, it was never incorporated into the APSB Policy Manual.  Mr. Suire felt that the wording should also include ”r;a routine item” since the current policy was being used to move discussion items to routine items for immediate action.  He suggested that the policy be amended and followed or eliminated, since it seems useless worded as it is now.  Discussion followed among the Board regarding the merits of this policy.

            Mr. Charles King suggested that the Board also adopt a policy regarding the deletion of an item from the agenda.

            President Suire will have an action item on next Board’s meeting to adopt policy regarding changing agenda items from one category to another.

3)         Discuss adopting a resolution concerning adult video stores in Acadia Parish.

            Mr. Quebodeaux asked that the APSB oppose the expansion of adult video businesses in Acadia Parish by enacting a resolution in opposition.

CONSENT ITEMS:

              Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, 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 34.97%.

3)          Granted request to Darla G. LeJeune, teacher, Estherwood Elementary, for sabbatical leave for the 2003 Spring semester for professional development.

4)          Granted request to Regena Steen, teacher, Iota Elementary, for leave without pay for the 2002-2003 school year.

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 7:48 p.m.

                                                                        __________________________________

                                                                                    John A. Suire, President

ATTEST:

________________________________

Dr. Marietta W. James, Superintendent