CROWLEY, LOUISIANA

FEBRUARY 3, 2003

1)         The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 3^rd day of February 2003, at 5:00 p.m., in a regular session, with President John Quebodeaux presiding.  Members present were Mrs. Ezora J. Proctor, Mr. Lyle C. Johnson, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, 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 introduced Reverend James Proctor who led the prayer, and Emily Hennigan, a student at Crowley Middle School, who led the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

            The agenda was revised by moving Routine Item 1 to Discussion Item 1 (DISCUSS PRESIDENT’S RECOMMENDATION FOR APSB COMMITTEES), adding Action Item 4 (CONSIDER INTERIM PAY SUPPLEMENT FOR NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHER), and adding Consent Item 4 (CONSIDER REQUEST FROM JUDY BURNS GRAY, ADAPTIVE PE TEACHER, ROSS ELEMENTARY, TO CHANGE SABBATICAL LEAVE FROM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO MEDICAL REASONS), upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

5)         Read and approve minutes of the January 13, 2003, meeting.

            Reading of the minutes of the January 13, 2003, meeting was dispensed with (copies of minutes were sent to each member prior to this meeting) and adopted as submitted, upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

ACTION ITEMS:

1)         Consider a coordinator of transportation and maintenance position.

            Superintendent Bourque recommended adding a ten and one-half month, coordinator position to supervise Transportation and Maintenance.  Dr. McManus motioned and Mr. Vige’ seconded to approve adding the position for a Transportation/Maintenance Coordinator.  After some discussion, question was called by Mrs. Proctor and discussion ended by a majority voice vote (Mr. Boudreaux and Mr. Shamsie opposed).

            The main motion to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to add the position of Coordinator of Transportation and Maintenance carried by a majority voice vote of 5 to 2 (62.5%).  Mr. Boudreaux and Mr. Shamsie opposed.  President Quebodeaux did not vote.  Mr. Boudreaux pointed out that a two-thirds vote of the membership (66.7%) is required to override the board implemented hiring freeze on new positions.  A motion to reconsider was offered by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a roll call vote of 7 to 0

YEA:    Proctor, Johnson, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Daigle, Vige’, McManus

NAY:   None

            The main motion to add a supervisory position of Coordinator of Transportation and Maintenance carried by a roll call vote of 6 to 2, after Mr. Quebodeaux cast a ”r;yes” vote.

YEA:    Proctor, Johnson, Quebodeaux, Daigle, Vige’, McManus

NAY:   Shamsie, Boudreaux

2)         Consider placement of a printer with expanded job duties.

            Superintendent Bourque explained that two employees retired in the media department, a Tech I who retired a year ago and a printer who recently retired.  He recommended combining these duties and upgrading the position of printer to a media technician at the pay grade of 710.  Title I  Federal funds will pay two-thirds of this salary.  After brief discussion, upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent’s recommendation was approved.

3)         Consider resource officer at Rayne High School. (John Quebodeaux).

            Superintendent Bourque stated that the grant through the sheriff’s department for a resource office at Rayne High School expired and another grant has been applied for, but he recommended that the APSB not pick up the cost of maintaining this position.  Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mrs. Proctor, and carried by a unanimous voice vote the Superintendent’s recommendation not to fund the resource officer position for this year, but seek funding in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies carried by a unanimous voice vote.

4)         Consider interim pay supplement for National Board Certified Teacher.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved an interim pay supplement of $2,500 for Mrs. Jeannette LeJeune for National Board Certification, until state funding is forthcoming in the fall.

5)         Consider temporary approval of the President’s request for committee assignments until the policy can be adjusted. (This item was added during discussion item 1)

            Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, President Quebodeaux’s request for committee assignments was temporary approved as requested.

ROUTINE ITEMS:

1)         Consider President’s recommendation for APSB committees.

            This item was moved to Discussion Item 1

2)         Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for Principal at Armstrong Middle School.

            Superintendent Bourque reported that eight applicants were interviewed for the principalship at Armstrong Middle School.  He named Mrs. Johnette LeLeux, Ms. Linda Armstrong, and Mr. Marshall Thibodeaux as the top three candidates.  Following procedure and board policy, Mr. Bourque recommended Mrs. Johnette LeLeux for the position.  A motion by Dr. McManus to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation and appoint Mrs. Johnette LeLeux as Principal of Armstrong Middle School was seconded by Mr. Vige’ and failed by a roll call vote of 5 to 3.

YEA:    Shamsie, Vige’, McManus

NAY:   Proctor, Johnson, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Daigle

            Superintendent Bourque then recommended Ms. Linda Armstrong for the position.  A motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mrs. Proctor, to accept the Superintendent’s second recommendation and appoint Mrs. Linda Armstrong as Principal of Armstrong Middle School, failed by a roll call vote of 5 to 2.

YEA:    Proctor, McManus

NAY:   Johnson, Shamsie, Boudreaux, Daigle, Vige’

            Superintendent Bourque then recommended the third candidate, Mr. Marshall Thibodeaux, for the position.  Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mrs. Proctor, and carried by a unanimous roll call vote, the Board appointed Mr. Thibodeaux to the position of Principal at Armstrong Middle School.

YEA:    Proctor, Johnson, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Daigle, Vige’, McManus

NAY:   None

            Mr. Thibodeaux was commended by the Board.  He thanked the Superintendent and Board for their trust and support.

            At this time, upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Routine Item 2a (CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE SUPERINTENDENT TO ADVERTISE FOR AN ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT ARMSTRONG MIDDLE SCHOOL) was added to the agenda.

2a)       Consider authorizing the Superintendent to advertise for an Assistant Principal at Armstrong Middle School.

            Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Superintendent Bourque was authorized to advertise for an Assistant Principal of Armstrong Middle School.

3)         Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Margaret Jones, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mrs. Margaret Jones, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

4)         Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Lee Ethel Dupont, Supervisor of Middle Schools/Vocational/Tech Prep.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Ms. Lee Ethel Dupont, Supervisor of Middle Schools/Vocational/Tech Prep, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

5)         Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Ruth Miller, Supervisor of Child Nutrition.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mrs. Ruth Miller, Supervisor of Child Nutrition, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

6)         Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Helen Schmaltz, Principal of Crowley High School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mrs. Helen Schmaltz, Principal of Crowley High School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

7)         Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Antoinette Pete, Principal of Crowley Middle School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mrs. Antoinette Pete, Principal of Crowley Middle School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

8)         Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Ida Yeager, Principal of Crowley Kindergarten.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mrs. Ida Yeager, Principal of Crowley Kindergarten, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

9)         Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Ronald Doguet, Principal of Iota High School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mr. Ronald Doguet, Principal of Iota High School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

10)       Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Norma Nix, Principal of Iota Middle School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mrs. Norma Nix, Principal of Iota Middle School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

11)       Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for John K. LeJeune, Principal of Richard Elementary School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mr. John K. LeJeune, Principal of Richard Elementary School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

12)       Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Rex Mills, Principal of Martin Petitjean Elementary School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mr. Rex Mills, Principal of Martin Petitjean Elementary School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

13)       Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Ellan K. Baggett, Principal of South Rayne Elementary School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mrs. Ellan K. Baggett, Principal of South Rayne Elementary School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

14)       Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Melanie Venable, Principal of Mire Elementary School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Ms. Melanie Venable, Principal of Mire Elementary School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

15)       Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Lee Ward Bellard, Principal of Church Point High School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mr. Lee Ward Bellard, Principal of Church Point High School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

16)       Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Ms. Deborah Arnold, Assistant Principal of Crowley Middle School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Ms. Deborah Arnold, Assistant Principal of Crowley Middle School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

17)       Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Thomas J. Sonnier, Assistant Principal of Crowley Middle School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mr. Thomas J. Sonnier, Assistant Principal of Crowley Middle School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

18)       Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Debra Siebert, Assistant Principal of Iota High School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Ms. Debra Siebert, Assistant Principal of Iota High School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

19)       Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Alton Allen, Assistant Principal of Crowley High School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mr. Alton Allen, Assistant Principal of Crowley High School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

20)       Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for renewal of performance contract for Harvey Ward, Assistant Principal of Church Point High School.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson abstained), the Board renewed a performance contract for two years for Mr. Harvey Ward, Assistant Principal of Church Point High School, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.

21)       Receive and consider approval of annual Head Start Self Assessment Report. (Sondra Myers)

            Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved the annual Head Start Self Assessment Report.

22)       Consider approval of eligibility criteria for 2003-2004 enrollment. (Sondra Myers)

            Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved eligibility criteria for 2003-2004 Head Start enrollment.

23)       Consider approval of Internal Dispute Resolution Policy. (Sondra Myers)

            Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved the Internal Dispute Resolution Policy for Head Start.

24)       Consider approval of requests for supplemental funds for hurricane damage and for reimbursement for travel to Head Start Bureau Literacy training for two staff persons. (Sondra Myers)

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved supplemental funds for hurricane damage and reimbursement for travel to Head Start Bureau Literacy training for two Head Start staff persons.

25)       Consider midyear budget revisions.

            Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, midyear budget revisions were received and referred to the Budget/Finance Committee.

26)       Consider request for an expulsion appeal for a student at Crowley Middle School.

            Parent opted to hold this hearing in public.  He had concerns regarding the expulsion of his son for possession of prescription medication.  Facts were presented by school officials relating to this case.  Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent’s recommendation for expulsion was upheld.

27)       Correspondence

            Superintendent Bourque read a note of thanks from Ms. Wadie Helen Bias, presented information regarding annual dues and benefits of APSB’s participation in the National School Board Association (NSBA).  Mr. Shamsie asked when fees were due for APSB’s membership in Louisiana School Board Association (LSBA).

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1)         Discuss President’s recommendation for APSB committees.

            Mr. Quebodeaux requested that, during his tenure as president, the board suspend the Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee and the Transportation/Facilities Committee.  Send technology, instructional, and federal programs’ matters before the Personnel/Insurance Committee, and transportation and facilities’ matters before the Budget/Finance Committee.  The President and Vice President will serve as ex-officio at committee meetings.         To the Budget/Finance Committee he recommended appointment of Mr. Vige’ as chairperson, Mr. Boudreaux, and Mr. Daigle.  To the Personnel/Insurance Committee he recommended appointment of Mrs. Proctor as Chairperson, Dr. McManus, and Mr. Shamsie. Committees will meet on the third Wednesday of each month; Personnel/Insurance will meet at 5:00 p.m. and Budget/Finance at 5:30 p.m.  Since the present policy mandates nine members on each committee, which is impossible, and in order for business to go on as usual, he requested that the Board temporarily approve these assignments and address his recommendations at the goals meeting.

            Action Item 5 (CONSIDER TEMPORARY APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT’S REQUEST FOR COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS UNTIL THE POLICY CAN BE ADJUSTED) was added to the agenda, upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.  (Action on this matter is recorded under action items.)

            Mr. Quebodeaux announced that the committees will meet Wednesday, February 19, 2003, with the Personnel/Insurance/Technology/Instruction/Federal Programs Committee meeting at 5:00 p.m., and the Budget/Finance/Transportation/Facilities Committee meeting at 5:30 p.m.  Mr. Quebodeaux will host a meeting in the Media Center following the committee meetings on Wednesday, February 19, 2003,  to discuss Acadia Parish School Board goals.

CONSENT ITEMS:

              Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Proctor, 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 19.65%.

3)          Consider request from Danielle S. Jones, teacher, Crowley High, for maternity leave from March 17, 2003, through April 17, 2003, 24 days.

4)          Consider request from Judy Burns Gray, Adaptive PE teacher, Ross Elementary, to change sabbatical leave from professional development to medical reasons.

SUPERINTENDENT'S COMMENTS:

              Superintendent Bourque commented on February being Black History Month, ongoing teacher training, wireless internet, and upcoming testing.

CLOSING:

              There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 6:29  p.m.                   

 ______________________________

John H. Quebodeaux, President

ATTEST:

_____________________________________

Mr. John E. Bourque, Superintendent