CROWLEY, LOUISIANA

JULY 1, 2002

1)         The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 1^st day of July 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. Wadie H. Bias, Mr. Woody M. Marceaux, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, Mr. John H. Quebodeaux, 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.  Ms. Kitty M. Valdetero was on vacation and Mr. Nolton J. Senegal was attending an NSBA conference.

2&3)    President Suire led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

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

The agenda was revised by deleting Routine Item 7, and postponing Routine Item 16 at the request of the attorney to postpone this attendance appeal hearing to a later date, upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote. It was noted that the policy timeline for such matters might be affected and the request for a later date may not be possible.

5)         Read and approve minutes of the June 3, 2002, meeting.

Reading of the minutes of the June 3, 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. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

6)         Hear comments from Mr. Sherman Wilson, Acting Assistant Superintendent.

Mr. Wilson commended the Board for selecting him as Acting Assistant Superintendent.  He noted that he was the first African-American appointed to the position of Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent in the history of Acadia Parish Schools.  He pledged to maintain the continuity of the system, until a permanent Superintendent is appointed.

7)         Recognize APSB 2001-02 retirees.

Mr. Carl LeJeune recognized APSB 2001-02 retiring employees and presented each a certificate.  Those with more than thirty years of service will also receive a plaque.  A reception was held in their honor, prior to the meeting of the Board.

ACTION ITEMS:

There were no action items.

ROUTINE ITEM:

1)         Consider recommendation for principalship at Estherwood Elementary School.

Mr. Wilson provided a list of applicants that were interviewed for the principalship at Estherwood Elementary School.  For the position, he recommended Dr. James Farris, who received the highest score.  Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a roll call vote of 8 to 5, Mr. Wilson's recommendation was approved by the Board and Dr. Farris was appointed to the position of Principal at Estherwood Elementary School.  Dr. Farris was commended by the Board

YEA:          Bias, Shamsie, Boudreaux, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Bellon

NAY:         Johnson, Pinac, Marceaux, Quebodeaux, Trahan

ABSENT:  Valdetero, Senegal

2)         Hear report regarding the Superintendent search.

Mr. Carl LeJeune briefed the Board regarding the search for a Superintendent.  He went over advertising procedures and then reviewed the list of five applicants.  At this time, out of the five applicants, only one is fully certified in Louisiana. Timing for the next stage of the process (reviewing applications) was discussed and set for Monday, July 15, 2002, in a special session of the Board.  Mr. LeJeune will stay in touch with applicants and inform them of the July 15^th meeting.  He will also seek from the State Department of Education definitive clarification certifying that each candidate possesses the proper credentials to be Superintendent in Louisiana.  A motion that ancillary certification, with Superintendent endorsement from the Louisiana Department of Education, be required by noon on Monday, July 15, 2002, was offered by Mr. Quebodeaux and seconded by Mr. Trahan.

A substitute motion to change the date and time to Monday, August 5, 2002, at noon, the date of interviews, was offered by Mr. Boudreaux and seconded by Mr. Johnson.  Discussion continued.

Question to end discussion was called by Ms. Bias and failed by a roll call vote of 8 to 5, less than a two-thirds vote.

YEA:          Pinac, Bias, Shamsie, Boudreaux, Smith, Daigle, McManus, Bellon

NAY:         Johnson, Marceaux, Quebodeaux, Trahan, Vige'

ABSENT:  Valdetero, Senegal

Discussion continued.  Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, candidates for Superintendent of Acadia Parish Public Schools will be interviewed Monday, August 5, 2002, at 5:00 p.m.

Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a special meeting of the Board will be held on Monday, July 15, 2002, to compile questions and to receive resumes and applications for the position of Superintendent.

The substitute motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to change the date and time to Monday, August 5, 2002, at noon, the date of interviews, to receive ancillary certification with Superintendent endorsement from the Louisiana Department of Education

3)         Hear report on Alternative School.

Mrs. Evelyn Julian, principal, reported highlights of the Alternative School Program for the 2001-02 school year.  She indicated that the Alternative School Program will contract during the upcoming year, due to limitation in facilities and personnel.

4)         Consider secretarial need at Central Office.

Mr. Wilson restated the need for reclassification of a secretary to handle the clerical portion of the maintenance program due to the changes brought about by the reduction in staff (consolidation of supervisory positions).  The changes necessitated a realignment of secretarial duties.  The annual estimated cost to the general fund is $1,134.60.  If approved, this position will be funded by Title I (92%) and General Fund (8%).  Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a majority voice vote, the Board approved reclassification of Donna Guidry from Level 210 to Level 220, an annual increase of $1,134.60 paid by the general fund.

5)         Consider recommendation for replacement of a bus driver in the Richard area.

Mr. Wilson, Acting Superintendent, reported that Mr. Herbert Thibodeaux, a bus driver in the Richard area, retired.  He recommended Mrs. Melinda J. Henry, who is currently driving a route in Church Point that will be consolidated with other routes in Church Point, to replace Mr. Thibodeaux.  Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Vige' and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved the Superintendent's recommendation and appointed Mrs. Melinda J. Henry as bus driver in the Richard area.

6)         Hear report on status of litigation regarding APSB Education Center. (John Quebodeaux)

Mr. Gerard Caswell, attorney, reported on the status of litigation regarding the APSB Education Center.  He contacted Mr. Kenneth Sills who is currently handling this matter.  A trial date has not yet  been set and the matter is still pending.  Mr. Sills' lack of progress was questioned.  Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the services of Mr. Kenneth Sills, in this case, was terminated and the matter assigned to Mr. Caswell.

7)         Consider request for seismic permit near Crowley High School

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

8)         Consider exchange of property between APSB and the City of Crowley.

Mr. Wilson updated the Board regarding an exchange of property between the APSB and the City of Crowley.  An agreement was made several years ago, but never recorded.  Mr. Caswell asked the Board to adopt a resolution to this effect and authorize the Board president, Mr. John Suire, to sign the documents.  Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried by a unanimous voice vote the following resolution was adopted and Mr. Suire was authorized to sign documents regarding the property exchange between the APSB and the City of Crowley.

                                                                                            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 the CITY OF CROWLEY, whereby the ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD shall transfer to the CITY OF CROWLEY, the following described property:

That certain tract or parcel of ground situated in the City of Crowley, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements thereon, known and described as beginning at a point which lies South 64E 15N West, 310 feet from the intersection of the West line of Western Avenue and the North line of 7^th Street in the City of Crowley, and from said point of beginning running South 64E 15N West, along the North line of 7^th Street a distance of 310 feet to the East line of Jacobs Avenue; and running thence North 25E 45N  West, along the East line of Jacobs Avenue, a distance of 300 feet to the South line of 8^th Street, running thence North  64E 15N East, along the South line of 8^th Street, a distance of 310 feet to the centerline of Ross Avenue, extended Northerly to the intersection of the South line of 8^th Street, running thence South 25E 45N in said centerline of Ross Avenue, a distance of 300 feet to the point of beginning and being bounded on the South by 7^th Street, on the West by Jacobs Avenue, on the North by 8^th Street and on the East by property owned by the City of Crowley.

And whereby the CITY OF CROWLEY transfers to the ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD, the following described property:

That certain tract or parcel of ground, situated in the City of Crowley, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, together with all buildings and improvements thereon and including, without warranty, that portion of such buildings encroaching on 8^th Street of said City, and known and described as beginning at the point of intersection of the West line of Western Avenue and the North line of 7^th Street of said City and from said point of beginning, running South   64E 15N West, a distance of 310-0 feet, to the centerline of Ross Avenue of said City, extended northerly, thence running North 25E 45N West, in said centerline, a distance of 300 feet, to the South line of 8^th Street of said City, thence running North  64E 15N East, in said  South line of 8^th Street, a distance of 310.0 feet, to the West line of said Western Avenue, thence running South 25E 45N East, in said West line of said Western Avenue, to the point of beginning, all as per plat of survey prepared by Paul J. Letz, land Surveyor, dated August 15, 1975, a copy of which is attached to and made part of that certain Act of Cash Sale between the Acadia Parish School Board and the City of Crowley dated April 19, 1976, under Act No. 429078 in Conveyance Book E-34, page 70, records of the Clerk of Court and Recorder of Acadia Parish, Louisiana.

The said Act of Exchange to be upon such terms and conditions as the President in his sole discretion shall deem fit and proper.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that John Suire, President of ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD, is hereby authorized and empowered to execute any and all documents needful and necessary in connection with the above referenced Act of Exchange, and any and all other acts necessary in the premises.

s/s Sherman Wilson, Acting Secretary-Treasurer

Acadia Parish School Board.

9)         Consider awarding Child Nutrition Program bids for bread; milk, dairy products, and juice; and dish machine and pot and pan chemicals.

Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Child Nutrition Program bids for bread; milk, dairy products, and juice; and dish machine and pot and pan chemicals were awarded to low bidders as recommended by Mrs. Ruth Miller, Supervisor of Child Nutrition Program. Cotton Brothers (Holsum) for Bread; Foremost for Milk, Dairy Products and Juice; and EcoLab for Dish Machine and Pot and Pan Chemicals.

10)       Consider bids received for classrooms at Estherwood Elementary School

Mr. Bill Ackal, architect, presented bids received for a four-classroom building at Estherwood Elementary.  Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, low bid was awarded to Fruge' Lumber in the amount of $236,890 for a four-classroom building at Estherwood Elementary.  The General Fund will provide $55,000, and the balance will be provided by Fifth Ward Maintenance Fund.

BIDDER                 ALT. 1        ALT. 2                 TOTAL

E. L. Habetz           16,946           6,780                  237,000

Fruge' Lumber        10,000           5,500                  236,890

F. Phillips               12,000           7,000                   241,500

Phillip Mayo           15,470         10,640                  237,800

11)       Consider approval of locally initiated electives. (Margaret Jones)

Locally initiated elective recommendations were provided to each board member prior to this meeting.  Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Vige', and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Locally Initiated Electives as recommended by Mrs. Margaret Jones were approved.

12)       Consider resolution requesting the State to repair a bridge on Morrow Road. (Lyle Johnson)

Mr. Johnson stated that it would be helpful if the State would repair the old Zaunbrecher Bridge on Morrow Road, which connects North Highway 13 to Highway 1111.  He requested that the Board endorse a resolution to the State to repair the Zaunbrecher Bridge.  Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved such a resolution (to be prepared by Mr. Johnson) to the State to repair the Zaunbrecher Bridge on Morrow Road.

13)       Consider freezing all pay raises and new positions, until additional revenues are secured. (Lynn Shamsie).

Mr. Shamsie motioned and Mr. Vige' seconded to approved a policy to freeze all pay raises and new positions until additional revenues are secured.  Discussion continued with some noting that the Board presently has the authority to act as stated in the proposal.  Mr. Quebodeaux called for question to stop debate which passed by a majority voice vote.  The main motion to approve a policy to freeze all pay raises and new positions until additional revenues are secured carried by a roll call vote of 7 to 6.

YEA:          Johnson, Marceaux, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith

Nay:           Pinac, Bias, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Bellon

ABSENT:  Valdetero, Senegal

                                                            HIRING & SALARY INCREASE FREEZE POLICY

Place a freeze on hiring any additional employees.  This refers to newly created positions which result in a net increase in the number of school board employees.

It does not apply to routine needed replacement of existing positions vacated due to resignation, retirement, termination, etc.  This "hiring freeze" may be over-ridden by a two-thirds vote of the membership of the Board.

Place a freeze on employee pay, including local pay raises (except for supplemental pay previously approved by the Board).  No reclassifications will be considered.

This does not apply to State initiated pay increases or normal step increases.  This shall remain in effect, until sufficient recurring revenue can be generated to meet present and future needs for employees' salaries and benefits.

14)       Consider request from Midland High School to purchase an iron works machine for the Ag Department. (Lynn Shamsie)

Mr. Broussard, Midland High, indicated the need for and use of an iron works machine for the Ag. Department.   Upon motion by Mr Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved acceptance of the lowest proposal for an iron works machine for the Midland High School Ag Department, at an approximate cost of $13,500 to be funded with Fifth Ward maintenance funds.

15)       Consider an attendance hearing appeal requested by Ms. Tammy Thibodeaux.

Mr. Gerard Caswell explained the options to the parent, and she selected a closed session.

Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, at 7:05 p.m., the Board went into executive session to consider an attendance hearing appeal requested by Ms. Tammy Thibodeaux.

Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, at 7:30 p.m., the Board reconvened.

Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Pinac, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the principal's recommendation to retain a student at Church Point High School due to excessive absences was upheld.

16)       Consider an attendance hearing appeal request by Mr. Donald Thurston.

This item was removed from this agenda, earlier in the meeting, at the request of the attorney to postpone this attendance appeal hearing to a later date. It was noted that the policy timeline for such matters might be affected and the request for a later date may not be possible.

17)       Consider sustaining suspension of an employee.

At this point, 7:30 p.m., upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board recessed for a break.       

At 7:40 p.m., upon motion by Mr. Pinac, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board reconvened.

 Mr. Ike Funderburke, LAE attorney, filed an objection to these proceedings of disciplinary action against a tenured teacher, Mr. Philip Graff.  An executive session was requested.

Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board went into an executive session, at 7:44 p.m.

Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board reconvened, at 8:33 p.m.

Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a majority voice vote, the Board reversed the Superintendent's decision and removed all indications of this matter from Mr. Philip Graff's record.

18)       Correspondence

There was no correspondence.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1)         Consider policy revisions due to legislative action taken during the 2002 Special Session of the Louisiana Legislature and recent Louisiana Supreme Court decision.

Mr. Wilson, Acting Superintendent, indicated that the staff and Board will review the policy revisions due to legislative action taken during the 2002 Special Session of the Louisiana Legislature and recent Louisiana Supreme Court decision, and take appropriate action next month.

CONSENT ITEMS:

Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Bellon, 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 28.61%.

3)      Granted request to Tara Cramer, teacher, Church Point Elementary, for leave without pay from August 2002 to May 2003.

CLOSING:

There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.

__________________________________

John A. Suire, President

ATTEST:

_____________________________________

Mr. Sherman A. Wilson, Acting Superintendent

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