CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
JANUARY 13, 2003
1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 13th day of January 2003, at 5:00 p.m., in a regular session, with Mr. Gerard Caswell, Board Attorney, presiding. Members present were Mrs. Ezora J. Proctor, Mr. Lyle C. Johnson, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, Mr. John Quebodeaux, Mr. Roland J. Boudreaux, Mr. Gene I. Daigle, Mr. Shirley Vige’, and Dr. Robert L. McManus. Also present was Superintendent John E. Bourque, Secretary-Treasurer.
2&3) Mrs. Ezora Proctor led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
4) Installation of new Board Members.
Mr. Robby Barousse, Clerk of Court, conducted swearing in and installation of Acadia Parish School Board’s members. After the swearing in, photos were taken of the new Board, and each member made comments to the public.
5) Election of Board President.
Mr. Gerard Caswell called for nominations for Board President. Upon motion by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Vige’, Mr. John Quebodeaux was nominated for president. Mr. Caswell called thrice for other nominations for the office of president. No other nominations were made. Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Vige’, the floor was closed for nominations for president. Mr. Quebodeaux was elected President of the Acadia Parish School Board by acclamation. Mr. Caswell handed the gavel to Mr. Quebodeaux who then presided over the meeting. Mr. Quebodeaux thanked his colleagues.
6) Election of Board Vice President.
President Quebodeaux called for nominations for Board Vice President. Upon motion by Dr. McManus and seconded by Mr. Shamsie, Mrs. Ezora Proctor was nominated for Vice President. Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux and seconded by Mr. Vige’, Mr. Lyle Johnson was nominated for Vice President. President Quebodeaux closed the floor for nominations for Vice President, after calling thrice for any other nominations
Both candidates were allowed to make comments. By a show of hands, Mrs. Proctor received three votes (McManus, Proctor, Shamsie). Mr. Johnson received four votes (Johnson, Boudreaux, Daigle, Vige’) and was elected Vice President of the Acadia Parish School Board.
7) Consider approval of a revised agenda, if there are any changes.
The agenda was revised by deleting Consent Item 3, adding Consent Item 7 (CONSIDER REQUEST FROM SANDRA D. BROUSSARD, TEACHER, ROSS ELEMENTARY, FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE FOR THE 2003-04 SPRING SEMESTER FOR MEDICAL REASONS), Consent Item 8 (CONSIDER REQUEST FROM MARIE BROUSSARD, EARLY INTERVENTION/STRATEGIST, CROWLEY KINDERGARTEN, FOR LEAVE WITHOUT PAY TO COMPETE MASTERS, FROM FEBRUARY 3, 2003, TO FEBRUARY 14, 2003 AND FROM MARCH 24, 2003, TO APRIL 3, 2003 -18 Days), Discussion Item 3 (DISCUSS RESOURCE OFFICER AT RAYNE HIGH SCHOOL. John Quebodeaux), and Discussion Item 4 (DISCUSS SUPPLEMENT FOR NATIONAL TEACHER CERTIFICATION. Lyle Johnson), upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
8) Read and approve minutes of the December 2, 2002, meeting.
Reading of the minutes of the December 2, 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. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
9) Recognize the Iota High School football team.
The Iota High School football team was State Runner-up in class AAA. Dr. McManus introduced Mr. Ronnie Doguet, principal, and Mr. Neal Lege, coach, of Iota High School. He commended them, the school and community for this accomplishment. Mr. Doguet and Mr. Lege briefly addressed the Board.
10) Recognize recipient of National Teacher Certification.
Mrs. Margaret Jones discussed the National Teacher Certification Program and introduced Acadia’s first recipient, Mrs. Jeannette LeJeune. Mrs. LeJeune is a third grade teacher at Richard Elementary. She described the certification process and was commended by the Board.
11) Hear a report on Acadia Parish Career Connection Expo. (Ezora Proctor)
Mrs. Ezora Proctor presented a report on the first annual upcoming Career Connection Expo. The Expo will be held on January 23, 2003, in Crowley. Eighth and tenth grade students throughout the parish will be bused to the Rice Festival Buildings to participate in this event. Board members were invited to attend.
1) Consider adoption of Internet Acceptable Use Policy as recommended by the Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee.
Mr. Carl LeJeune presented the Internet Acceptable Use Policy regarding the wording pertaining to proper use of computers and the Internet. Policy states stronger disciplinary action for misuse of the Internet. Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Internet Acceptable Use Policy was adopted.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Consider approval of substantial completion of roof at Church Point Middle School.
Mr. Steve Jones reported that the roof replacement at Church Point Middle School was completed and the roof is not leaking. He answered questions of the Board. Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, substantial completion of the roof at Church Point Middle School was approved.
2) Consider advertising for Principal at Armstrong Middle School.
Superintendent Bourque reported that Mr. Darrel Cart, Principal of Armstrong Middle School, will retire on January 31, 2003. Superintendent Bourque requested permission to advertise for the position. A recommendation for appointment will be brought to the Board for consideration at the February meeting. Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board authorized the Superintendent to advertise for the principalship of Armstrong Middle School, and make a recommendation at the February board meeting.
3) Receive annual audit report.
Mr. Greg Milton of Broussard, Poche’, Lewis, and Breaux, presented the annual audit report. A draft was given to members of the Board in December. No changes were made since then. Mr. Milton answered questions of the Board, especially regarding new compliance requirements. Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board received the annual audit report.
4) Consider renewal of workers’ compensation third party administrator.
The APSB’s current provider, Mr. Tom Edwards of F. A. Richard briefly addressed the Board seeking a two-year renewal. He answered questions regarding volume of claims and savings on medical costs. Mr. Lolly Leger of Trinity Insurance addressed the Board regarding third party administration of workers’compensation claims. He offered lower rates than the current provider’s rates and answered questions of the Board. Board members discussed the merits of each firm.
A motion offered by Dr. McManus to renew the contract for two years with F. A. Richard did not receive a second. Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, to be sure that the savings are realistic, Mr. Michael Leonards was authorized to compare the fee schedules presented. Mr. Tom Edwards of F. A. Richard agreed to extend his contract until a decision to renew or change TPA is rendered.
A substitute motion to advertise for bids for third party administrators for workers’ compensation insurance was offered by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
5) Hear reports on interim school performance scores. (Dianna Guidry)
Ms. Dianna Guidry presented information on interim school performance scores. The results were positive.
6) Hear Head Start report on refunding application process and Impasse Policy. (Sondra Myers).
Mrs. Sondra Myers addressed the Board regarding the refunding application for the Head Start budget. She presented time lines for applying, and reviewed the Impasse Policy. Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mrs. Proctor, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mrs. Myers was authorized to begin the refunding process.
7) Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for a board member to serve on the Head Start Policy Council.
Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. Shamsie was appointed to serve on the Head Start Policy Council as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.
8) Consider readdressing status of the maintenance foreman.
Superintendent Bourque, reviewed facts and figures regarding the status of the maintenance foreman, then recommended a pay adjustment of $2.00 per hour for an annual increase of $3,840. Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a roll call vote of 6 to 1, Mr. John Miller, maintenance foreman, was granted a $2.00 per hour pay increase for an annual increase of $3,840.
YEA: Proctor, Johnson, Boudreaux, Daigle, Vige’, McManus
NAY: Shamsie
9) Correspondence
There was discussion regarding the cost of belonging to Louisiana School Boards Association (LSBA) and National School Boards Association (NSBA). Board members were reminded about the upcoming 2003 LSBA Convention in Monroe, Louisiana, March 6-8.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Discuss a coordinator of transportation and maintenance position.
Superintendent Bourque presented the need for a coordinator of transportation and maintenance. The position would be for 10 2 months indexed at 1.50 (1.50 index X 10.5 months = 1.3125). This was discussed at length by the Board.
2) Discuss placement of a printer with expanded job duties.
Superintendent Bourque stated his desire to replace a retired printer with someone who could handle additional duties. The position would be classified as Technician I. Two-thirds of the salary would be funded by Title I and one-third from general funds. Questions were asked and discussion followed.
3) Discuss resource officer at Rayne High School. (John Quebodeaux)
Mr. Quebodeaux indicated the need to replace the resource officer at Rayne High School. Because the grant for a resource officer through the sheriff’s department expired, he suggested applying for a grant in conjunction with the law enforcement agency to fill this position. Others spoke in support of this effort. Mrs. Mary Robbins was authorized to look into applying for this grant.
4) Discuss supplement for National Teacher Certification. (Lyle Johnson)
Mr. Johnson suggested that the APSB begin funding supplement pay for National Teacher Certification until the State picks up the cost in the fall. The matter was discussed at length, with most agreeing it was a positive move.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, 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 20.83%.
3) (Mr. Randall Johnson’s request for a sabbatical leave for the 2002-03 Spring semester for medical reasons was deleted at the beginning of this meeting.)
4) Granted request to Jenita M. Duhon, teacher, North Crowley Elementary, for sabbatical leave for the 2002-03 Spring semester for medical reasons.
5) Granted request to Judy Burns Gray, teacher, Ross Elementary for sabbatical leave for the 2003-04 Fall semester for professional development.
6) Granted request to Monica L. Meyer, teachers’ aide, Crowley High School, for leave without pay from January 17, 2003, to May 30, 2003.
7) Consider request from Sandra D. Broussard, teacher, Ross Elementary, for sabbatical leave for the 2003-04 Spring semester for medical reasons.
8) Consider request from Marie Broussard, Early Intervention/Strategist, Crowley Kindergarten, for leave without pay to compete masters, from February 3, 2003, to February 14, 2003, and March 24, 2003, to April 3, 2003. (18 days).
SUPERINTENDENT'S COMMENTS:
Superintendent Bourque welcomed the two new members to the Board, Mrs. Proctor and Mr. Daigle, and also re-elected members. He thanked the Board for its cooperation and voiced his pleasure in the manner this meeting was held.
President Quebodeaux stated that he and the Vice-President would discuss the committee system and bring forth recommendations at the February meeting. He requested that the Superintendent set up a conference to establish APSB goals.
Mrs. Proctor recognized Mrs. Wadie Bias and Mr. Woody Marceaux, former board members, who were present in the audience.
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
John H. Quebodeaux, President
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Mr. John E. Bourque, Superintendent