CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
DECEMBER 2, 2002
1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 2nd day of December 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, Kitty M. Valdetero, Ms. Wadie H. Bias, Mr. Woody M. Marceaux, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, Mr. John H. Quebodeaux, Mr. Nolton J. Senegal, 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 Mr. John E. Bourque.
2&3) Mr. Nolton Senegal 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 8, changing Consent Item 3 to read (CONSIDER REQUEST FROM AMY S. SMITH, TEACHER, MARTIN PETITJEAN ELEMENTARY, FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE FOR MEDICAL REASONS FOR THE 2002-03 SPRING SEMESTER.), and adding Consent Item 6a (CONSIDER REQUEST FROM JANE LEONARDS, GUIDANCE COUNSELOR, MARTIN PETITJEAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE FOR MEDICAL REASONS FOR THE 2002-03 SPRING SEMESTER.), upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
5) Read and approve minutes of the November 4, and November 20, 2002, meetings.
Reading of the minutes of the November 4, and November 20, 2002, meetings 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. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
1) Consider a school loan program.
Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the revolving school loan program was adopted as presented.
REVOLVING LOANS TO SCHOOLS
Maximum amount $100,000 total parish-wide
Schools shall submit project for approval, and must be for capital outlay, improvements, or renovation
Schools must have at least one-half (2) of estimated cost available
Payback with no interest over five (5) years maximum
Submit detailed plans for payback
Funds collected maybe lent out again - not to exceed $100,000 parish-wide
Schools are bound by terms, regardless of change in school-level administrators or contributing organizations
Maximum loan per school not to exceed $25,000
Subject to review by the Budget and Finance Committee and approval by the School Board
ROUTINE ITEM:
1) Consider moving board meeting to Monday, January 13, 2002.
Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the next board meeting will be held on Monday, January 13, 2003.
2) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee regarding placement of newly hired classified employees.
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, placement of newly hired classified employees was approved as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.
3) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee regarding portable classrooms at Branch Elementary.
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Ms. Bias, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved Branch Elementary’s request for a portable double classroom at an approximate cost of $50,000, which includes site preparation and hookups, as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.
4) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee regarding additional classrooms at Mire Elementary.
Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved additional classrooms at Mire Elementary at an estimated cost of $100,000, as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee. By a unanimous voice vote the Board approved amending the budget accordingly from $75,000 to $150,000 (for both item 3 and 4) to increase the deficit.
5) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee regarding a request from Church Point Middle School to purchase a copier.
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board granted permission to Church Point Middle School to purchase a copier with school rewards’ money in the amount of $6,672.03.
6) Receive the annual audit report
Mr. Greg Milton addressed the Board regarding the status of the audit report. He indicated that new state verification requirements regarding non-financial matters are pending, therefore, the final audit report is not available. Mr. Milton will make a detailed report next month. No action was taken.
7) Consider recommendation of the Technology/Instruction/federal Programs Committee regarding Acadia Parish’s Five-Year Plan for Technology.
Upon motion by Mr. Pinac, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved the Five-Year Plan for Technology as revised to mirror the State’s Five-Year plan.
8) Consider air conditioning the Crowley Middle School auditorium/gymnasium. (John Suire)
This item was deleted at the opening of this meeting.
9) Consider a special education aide at the Alternative School.
Mr. Bourque stated that due to increased enrollment there is a need for a special education aide at the Alternative School, at this time. Funds are presently budgeted for this position. No budget revision is necessary. Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved the additional position of a special education aide at the Alternative School.
10) Consider resolutions for outgoing board members.
Outgoing board members were presented resolutions and plaques in recognition of their years of service. Members recognized were Mr. Bill Pinac, District 2; Ms. Kitty Valdetero, District 3; Ms Wadie Helen Bias; District 4; Mr. Woody Marceaux, District 5; Mr. John Suire, District 6; Mr. Nolton Senegal, District 9; Mr. Rodney Trahan, District 11; Mr. Johnnie Smith, District 12; Mr. Charles Daigle, District 13; and Mr. Paul Bellon, District 16.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, MR. PAUL KENT BELLON has served as the representative of District 16 on the Acadia Parish School Board since January 1, 1999, and
WHEREAS, his current term expires December 31, 2002, and he has announced his retirement from service on the Board as the result of school district reapportionment that reduced the School Board’s districts from sixteen to eight, and
WHEREAS, during his term he served on the Budget/Finance Committee, Transportation/Facilities Committee, and Personnel/Insurance Committee, and
WHEREAS, he pursued his work with dedication and in a professional standard of excellence believing that education is paramount in promoting a plan for living, self-achievement, and leadership abilities, and
WHEREAS, he also believes that education never ceases and that the origin of learning is the home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Board does publicly commend and express gratitude to Mr. Bellon for his faithfulness and dedication to the Acadia Parish School Board and to the citizens and students of Acadia Parish and his district, now
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this commendation is spread across the minutes of the December 2, 2002, meeting of the Acadia Parish School Board, and that the original of said commendation is given to Mr. Bellon as record of the School Board’s gratitude for his fine service.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, MS. WADIE HELEN BIAS has served as the representative of District 4 on the Acadia Parish School Board since January 1, 1975, and
WHEREAS, her current term expires December 31, 2002, and she has announced her retirement from service on the Board as the result of school district reapportionment that reduced the School Board’s districts from sixteen to eight, and
WHEREAS, during her term she served on the Executive Committee, Budget/Finance Committee, and Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee, and
WHEREAS, she pursued her work with dedication and in a professional standard of excellence believing that education is paramount in promoting a plan for living, self-achievement, and leadership abilities, and
WHEREAS, she also believes that education never ceases and that the origin of learning is the home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Board does publicly commend and express gratitude to Ms. Bias for her faithfulness and dedication to the Acadia Parish School Board and to the citizens and students of Acadia Parish and her district, now
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this commendation is spread across the minutes of the December 2, 2002, meeting of the Acadia Parish School Board, and that the original of said commendation is given to Ms. Bias as record of the School Board’s gratitude for her fine service.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, MR. CHARLES F. DAIGLE has served as the representative of District 13 on the Acadia Parish School Board since January 1, 1987, and
WHEREAS, his current term expires December 31, 2002, and he has announced his retirement from service on the Board as the result of school district reapportionment that reduced the School Board’s districts from sixteen to eight, and
WHEREAS, during his term he served as Board President for the 1995 and 1996 years, Board Vice President for the 2001 and 2002 years, on the Executive Committee, Budget/Finance Committee, and Personnel/Insurance Committee, and
WHEREAS, he pursued his work with dedication and in a professional standard of excellence believing that education is paramount in promoting a plan for living, self-achievement, and leadership abilities, and
WHEREAS, he also believes that education never ceases and that the origin of learning is the home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Board does publicly commend and express gratitude to Mr. Daigle for his faithfulness and dedication to the Acadia Parish School Board and to the citizens and students of Acadia Parish and his district, now
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this commendation is spread across the minutes of the December 2, 2002, meeting of the Acadia Parish School Board, and that the original of said commendation is given to Mr. Daigle as record of the School Board’s gratitude for his fine service.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, MR. WOODY M. MARCEAUX has served as the representative of District 5 on the Acadia Parish School Board since January 1, 1995, and
WHEREAS, his current term expires December 31, 2002, and he has announced his retirement from service on the Board as the result of school district reapportionment that reduced the School Board’s districts from sixteen to eight, and
WHEREAS, during his term he served on the Budget/Finance Committee, and Personnel/Insurance Committee, and
WHEREAS, he pursued his work with dedication and in a professional standard of excellence believing that education is paramount in promoting a plan for living, self-achievement, and leadership abilities, and
WHEREAS, he also believes that education never ceases and that the origin of learning is the home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Board does publicly commend and express gratitude to Mr. Marceaux for his faithfulness and dedication to the Acadia Parish School Board and to the citizens and students of Acadia Parish and his district, now
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this commendation is spread across the minutes of the December 2, 2002, meeting of the Acadia Parish School Board, and that the original of said commendation is given to Mr. Marceaux as record of the School Board’s gratitude for his fine service.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, MR. WILLIAM B. PINAC has served as the representative of District 2 on the Acadia Parish School Board since September 9, 1999, and
WHEREAS, his current term expires December 31, 2002, and he has announced his retirement from service on the Board as the result of school district reapportionment that reduced the School Board’s districts from sixteen to eight, and
WHEREAS, during his term he served on the Transportation/Facilities Committee, and Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee, and
WHEREAS, he pursued his work with dedication and in a professional standard of excellence believing that education is paramount in promoting a plan for living, self-achievement, and leadership abilities, and
WHEREAS, he also believes that education never ceases and that the origin of learning is the home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Board does publicly commend and express gratitude to Mr. Pinac for his faithfulness and dedication to the Acadia Parish School Board and to the citizens and students of Acadia Parish and his district, now
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this commendation is spread across the minutes of the December 2, 2002, meeting of the Acadia Parish School Board, and that the original of said commendation is given to Mr. Pinac as record of the School Board’s gratitude for his fine service.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, MR. JOHNNIE LEE SMITH has served as the representative of District 12 on the Acadia Parish School Board since January 1, 1985, and
WHEREAS, his current term expires December 31, 2002, and he will be replaced on the Board as the result of school district reapportionment that reduced the School Board's districts from sixteen to eight, and
WHEREAS, during his term he served as Board President for the 1991 and 1992 years, and served on the Executive Committee, Budget/Finance Committee, Transportation/Facilities Committee, and Personnel/Insurance Committee, and
WHEREAS, he pursued his work with dedication and in a professional standard of excellence believing that education is paramount in promoting a plan for living, self-achievement, and leadership abilities, and
WHEREAS, he also believes that education never ceases and that the origin of learning is the home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Board does publicly commend and express gratitude to Mr. Smith for his faithfulness and dedication to the Acadia Parish School Board and to the citizens and students of Acadia Parish and his district, now
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this commendation is spread across the minutes of the December 2, 2002, meeting of the Acadia Parish School Board, and that the original of said commendation is given to Mr. Smith as record of the School Board’s gratitude for his fine service.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, MR. JOHN ALLEN SUIRE has served as the representative of District 6 on the Acadia Parish School Board since January 1, 1995, and
WHEREAS, his current term expires December 31, 2002, and he will be replaced on the Board as the result of school district reapportionment that reduced the School Board’s districts from sixteen to eight, and
WHEREAS, during his term he served as Board Vice President for the 1999 and 2000 years, Board President for the 2001 and 2002 years, on the Budget/Finance Committee, Personnel/Insurance Committee, Transportation/Facilities Committee, Personnel/Insurance Committee, and Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee,
WHEREAS, he pursued his work with dedication and in a professional standard of excellence believing that education is paramount in promoting a plan for living, self-achievement, and leadership abilities, and
WHEREAS, he also believes that education never ceases and that the origin of learning is the home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Board does publicly commend and express gratitude to Mr. Suire for his faithfulness and dedication to the Acadia Parish School Board and to the citizens and students of Acadia Parish and his district, now
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this commendation is spread across the minutes of the December 2, 2002, meeting of the Acadia Parish School Board, and that the original of said commendation is given to Mr. Suire as record of the School Board’s gratitude for his fine service.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, MR. RODNEY J. TRAHAN has served as the representative of District 11 on the Acadia Parish School Board since January 1, 1991, and
WHEREAS, his current term expires December 31, 2002, and he will be replaced on the Board as the result of school district reapportionment that reduced the School Board’s districts from sixteen to eight, and
WHEREAS, during his term he served on the Executive Committee, Budget/Finance Committee, Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee, and Personnel/Insurance Committee, and
WHEREAS, he pursued his work with dedication and in a professional standard of excellence believing that education is paramount in promoting a plan for living, self-achievement, and leadership abilities, and
WHEREAS, he also believes that education never ceases and that the origin of learning is the home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Board does publicly commend and express gratitude to Mr. Trahan for his faithfulness and dedication to the Acadia Parish School Board and to the citizens and students of Acadia Parish and his district, now
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this commendation is spread across the minutes of the December 2, 2002, meeting of the Acadia Parish School Board, and that the original of said commendation is given to Mr. Trahan as record of the School Board’s gratitude for his fine service.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, MS. KATHLEEN M. VALDETERO has served as the representative of District 4 on the Acadia Parish School Board since January 1, 1991, and
WHEREAS, her current term expires December 31, 2002, and she has announced her retirement from service on the Board as the result of school district reapportionment that reduced the School Board’s districts from sixteen to eight, and
WHEREAS, during her term she served on the Budget/Finance Committee, and Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee, and
WHEREAS, she pursued her work with dedication and in a professional standard of excellence believing that education is paramount in promoting a plan for living, self-achievement, and leadership abilities, and
WHEREAS, she also believes that education never ceases and that the origin of learning is the home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Board does publicly commend and express gratitude to Ms. Valdetero for her faithfulness and dedication to the Acadia Parish School Board and to the citizens and students of Acadia Parish and her district, now
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this commendation is spread across the minutes of the December 2, 2002, meeting of the Acadia Parish School Board, and that the original of said commendation is given to Ms. Valdetero as record of the School Board’s gratitude for her fine service.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, MR. NOLTON J. SENEGAL, SR., served as the representative of District 9 on the Acadia Parish School Board since April 12, 1990, and
WHEREAS, his current term expires December 31, 2002, and he will be replaced on the Board as the result of school district reapportionment that reduced the School Board’s districts from sixteen to eight, and
WHEREAS, during his term he served as Board President for the 1993 and 1994 years, on the Executive Committee, Budget/Finance Committee, and Personnel/Insurance Committee, and
WHEREAS, he pursued his work with dedication and in a professional standard of excellence believing that education is paramount in promoting a plan for living, self-achievement, and leadership abilities, and
WHEREAS, he also believes that education never ceases and that the origin of learning is the home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Board does publicly commend and express gratitude to Mr. Senegal for his faithfulness and dedication to the Acadia Parish School Board and to the citizens and students of Acadia Parish and his district, now
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this commendation is spread across the minutes of the December 2, 2002, meeting of the Acadia Parish School Board, and that the original of said commendation is given to Mr. Senegal as record of the School Board’s gratitude for his fine service.
11) Correspondence
Board members received copies of the official statement regarding refinancing of Church Point Bonds and a letter from LSBA regarding the State Convention scheduled for March 6-8, 2003, in Monroe.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Discuss adoption of Internet Acceptable Use Policy as recommended by the Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee.
The Internet Acceptable Use Policy was previously presented to the Transportation/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee. The Board discussed changes regarding possible disciplinary action for misuse of computers and the Internet. Mr. Gerard Caswell, attorney, gave his suggestions for possible wording.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Questions were asked by the Board about sabbatical leave rules. Mr. Carl LeJeune answered their queries.
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Marceaux, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Boudreaux opposed), 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 decrease of 23.73%.
It was noted that sales tax collections were unusually high for the month of November due to construction of a power plant near Mermentau.
3) Granted request to Amy S. Smith, teacher, Martin Petitjean Elementary, for sabbatical leave for medical reasons for the 2002-03 Spring semester.
4) Granted request to Kathleen Langlinais, teacher, Ross Elementary, for leave without pay from November 19, 2002, to January 6, 2003, for medical reasons.
5) Granted request to Jody C. Boone, teacher, Iota Middle School, for sabbatical leave for medical reasons for the 2003 Spring semester.
6) Granted request to Christine L. Dupont, teacher aide, Evangeline Elementary, for leave without pay from September 6, 2002, to March 2003.
6a) Granted request to Jane Leonards, guidance counselor, Martin Petitjean Elementary, for sabbatical leave for the 2002-03 Spring semester for medical reasons.
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS:
Superintendent Bourque commended the sixteen member Board for its dedication and putting the children of Acadia Parish first. He thanked outgoing members for their service to the citizens of Acadia Parish. He also expressed thanks for the opportunity of serving as Superintendent and looked forward to serving with the new Board to improve education in Acadia Parish.
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
______________________________
Acadia Parish School Board, President
ATTEST:_______________ Mr. John E. Bourque, Superintendent