CROWLEY, LOUISIANA

MARCH 3, 2003

1)         The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 3^rd day of March 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 Daigle, Mr. Shirley Vige, Dr. Robert L. McManus, and Superintendent John E. Bourque, Secretary-Treasurer.

2&3)    Mrs. Ezora Proctor introduced Reverend Melvin Finley who led the prayer and students from Rayne Head Start who led the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

            The agenda was revised by deleting Routine Item 3 and Routine Item 19 and moving Routine Item 20 to Opening Item 7, upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

5)         Read and approve minutes of the February 3 and February 19, 2003, meetings.

            Reading of the minutes of the February 3, and February 19, 2003, meetings was dispensed with (copies of minutes were sent to each member prior to this meeting) and adopted as submitted, upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

6)         Recognize 2002-2003 Students of the Year.

            Mr. Cal Simar introduced and presented certificates to Acadia Parish Students of the Year.  MaRae Courville a student at Richard Elementary was selected as elementary student, Anita Ready a student at Branch Elementary was selected as middle school student, and Nichole Guillory a student at Church Point High was selected as secondary school student.

7)         Consider proclamation naming March as Career Month. (Lee Ethel Dupont)

            This item was moved from Routine Item 20.

            Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mrs. Proctor, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board adopted the following proclamation naming March as Career Month as presented by Ms. Lee Ethel Dupont.

                                                               PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, trends in the workplace will cause Louisianans in and entering the workforce to change jobs and careers several times in a lifetime; and

WHEREAS, resources to lessen the impact of such change are available in the state through guidance, education, training, work exploration, and job opportunities, all aimed at preparing for job and career changes; and

WHEREAS, a merging of academic, state, and private sector resources can make services more accessible to people who need them; and

WHEREAS, a strong partnership of universities, community colleges, technical colleges, schools, state agencies, business, and industry has been formed to educate the citizens of the state about the changing workplace and the changing work skills; and

WHEREAS, the partnership will continue efforts to provide career-related opportunities for students through part-time jobs and full-time jobs for graduates to remain in Louisiana;

NOW, THEREFORE, we do hereby proclaim March 2003 as CAREER MONTH in the Parish of Acadia and encourage all citizens to assist sponsoring organizations in this endeavor for a more prosperous people.

ACTION ITEMS:

1)         Consider realignment and guidelines for Board committees.

            Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Vige, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following policy for APSB committees was adopted as recommended by President Quebodeaux.

                                                                              BOARD COMMITTEES             

The President, Vice President, and Superintendent will ex-officio committee meetings, to which they are not assigned.  Ex-officio members will not count for a quorum and will not vote on issues.  Committees will meet on the third Wednesday of each month.  The  Personnel/Insurance Committee will meet at 5:00 p.m. and the Budget/Finance Committee at 5:30 p.m.

            Budget/Finance Committee                   Personnel/Insurance Committee

            Mr. Shirley Vige, Chairperson              Mrs. Ezora Proctor, Chairperson

            Mr. Roland Boudreaux                         Dr. Robert McManus

            Mr. Gene Daigle                                   Mr. Lynn Shamsie

            Mr. John Quebodeaux                          Mr. Lyle Johnson

STANDING COMMITTEES

The Acadia Parish School Board shall have the following standing committees:

            Budget/Finance

            Personnel/Insurance

            Federal and State Mandated Committees

Composition of the Budget/Finance and Personnel/Insurance Committees shall consist of four members each with the President serving on the Budget/Finance Committee and the Vice President serving on the Personnel/Insurance Committee.  The size and composition of Federal and State Mandated Committees shall be determined by the mandate establishing such committees.

Transportation and facilities matters will go before the Budget/Finance Committee and technology, instruction, and federal program matters will go before the Personnel/Insurance Committee.

The Board President, Vice President, and Superintendent shall serve as ex-officio (non-voting) members of all non mandated committees  The Board President, with approval of the Board, shall make appointments of committee members except for mandated committees.

The Budget/Finance Committee shall serve as the lead committee for the development of all Acadia Parish School Board central office budgets and budget revisions.  Committees may develop specifications for required projects, equipment, facilities, and materials.  Bids may be solicited for these requirements after approval by the Board.

When deemed necessary to obtain expert advice, committees are empowered to invite those persons knowledgeable in areas being considered to attend meetings.  Should a fee or payment be required, prior Board approval shall be required.

TEMPORARY COMMITTEES

The President may appoint such temporary committees, as the Board deems necessary, and fix their duties.  After a temporary committee has performed the work assigned and reported its findings and recommendations to the Board, it shall be automatically discharged.  Standing and temporary committees shall have recommending powers only, unless the Board, by formal resolution, grants a committee the right to take action.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

A majority of the committee membership shall constitute a quorum for meeting purposes.  Ex-officio members of a committee shall not count toward the quorum and shall not vote on issues.  Regular meeting dates of standing committees will be determined by the committee and announced annually.  Meeting dates for temporary committees will be set by the committee.  Whenever joint committee meetings are held, such meetings shall require a quorum of each committee in order to conduct the meeting.  All items brought before the committees shall be presented to the School Board with a recommendation from the committee.

Committees shall meet as often as required but not less than quarterly.  All meetings shall be advertised according to state statutes and are to be public, unless closed for reasons permitted by the law and according to the procedures set by the law.  Minutes shall be taken of the proceedings for all meetings.  Voice recordings may be utilized for backup purposes.  Approved minutes shall be signed by the chairman and collected and maintained in a manner that will provide historical information if needed.

FUNCTIONS OF THE BUDGET/FINANCE COMMITTEE:

GENERAL:   To receive, review, and make recommendations to the Board, on all matters which require budgeting or expenditure of funds; matters pertaining to school construction and renovation; to maintenance of school properties; to the purchase, sale or use of school properties; and to the safe and efficient transportation of school children.

SPECIFIC:   The specific functions shall include but not be limited to the following:

1.     Receive, review, and make recommendations for General Fund Budget - to include any revisions.

2.     Receive, review, and make recommendations for School Food Service Budget - to include any revisions.

3.     Receive, review, and make recommendations for Federal Budgets.

4.     Determine a budget category for funding of projects, programs, etc. approved by the Committees.

5.     Receive and review all audits made by internal or external auditors on School Board and individual school accounts.

6.     Review financial structure and tax base - to include establishment of millage needed to operate school system.

7.     Establish, review, and revise, as needed, purchasing policies for the system - to include purchasing by individual schools.

8.     Oversee the investment of School Board funds.

9.     Oversee sales tax receipts and distribution of those funds.

10.   Assume responsibility for calling elections for new revenues, renewal of existing tax levies, or issuance of revenue bonds.

11.   Develop, review, and receive a policy for the disposal of surplus equipment.

12.   Review and make recommendations on requests for new positions.

13.   Review requests and make recommendations on all school construction, renovation, and maintenance projects.

14.   Review and make recommendations on all requests for sale, donation, or use of school property.

15.   Review and make recommendations on sites for new schools.

16.   Establish guidelines and standards for the construction and renovation of school buildings.

17.   Establish policies for the lease or rental of all school lands.

18.   Review and make recommendations on proposed new schools.

19.   Establish policies and guidelines for the safe and efficient transportation of school children consistent with State law and policies.

20.   Receive policy and procedure for policy revisions relating to employment and termination policies for bus drivers.

21.   Review and make recommendations on bus routes.

22.   Establish guidelines and policies for purchasing, inspection, and use of school buses.

23.   Accept for study and recommendation matters referred to the Committee by the Board.

FUNCTIONS OF THE PERSONNEL/INSURANCE COMMITTEE:

GENERAL:   Receive, review, and make recommendations to the Board on all matters pertaining to personnel and insurance.  Matters related to curriculum instruction, extra-curricula activities, technology, and on matters pertaining to all programs.

It is recognized that budgets and budgets revisions for federal programs and other grants are submitted by the appropriate director/supervisor to the superintendent for approval.  These budgets and/or revisions are then submitted to the State Department of Education or appropriate agency for their approval. 

SPECIFIC: The specific functions shall include but not be limited to the following:

1.     Establish salary schedules for all employees.

2.     Review and make recommendations on job classification changes.

3.     Make recommendations concerning the purchase of facility, vehicle, and liability insurance.

4.     Receive reports from the employees insurance panel.

5.     Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning policy regarding leaves of absence.

6.     Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning school and administrative calendars.

7.     Review job descriptions and make recommendations.

8.     Review employment termination and grievance policies.

9.     Review and make recommendations on bus routes.

10.   Receive, review, and make recommendations on all requests and proposals from community groups or organizations.

11.   Receive, review, and make recommendations on matters designed to foster strong community relations.

12.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning curriculum development and changes.

13.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning instruction.

14.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning accountability of instructional personnel.

15.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning pupil promotion and retention policies.

16.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning report cards.

17.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning graduation requirements.

18.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning establishment of competency levels.

19.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning testing.

20.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning special education.

21.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning athletics - intramural and varsity.

22.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning special programs sponsored by outside groups or agencies.

23.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning textbook adoptions.

24.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning in-service programs.

25.   Receive, review, and make recommendations concerning driver education programs.

26.   Review, evaluate, and make recommendations on existing federally funded programs.

27.   Receive, review, and make recommendations on proposals for continuation of existing programs.

28.   Receive, review, and make recommendations on proposals for new federally funded programs.

29.   Receive, review, and make recommendations on all program audits of federal programs.

30.   Recommend advisory committees which may be required by State and Federal guidelines.

31.   Receive, review, and make recommendations on inventory reports of federal program materials and equipment.

32.   Develop plans for the installation, requisition, and use of technology consistent with State and Federal laws or guidelines.

33.   Accept for study and recommendation matters which may be referred to the Committee by the Board.

ROUTINE ITEMS:

1)         Consider Superintendents recommendation for Coordinator of Transportation and Maintenance.

From a field of three candidates, Superintendent Bourque recommended Mr. Ronald Chaumont for the position of Coordinator of Transportation and Maintenance.  Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Vige, and carried by a roll call vote of 5 to 2, Mr. Ronald Chaumont was appointed Coordinator of Transportation and Maintenance as recommended by the Superintendent.  Mr. Chaumont was recognized by the Board and he thanked the Board for its support.

            YEA:     Proctor, Johnson, Daigle, Vige, McManus

            NAY:    Shamsie, Boudreaux

2)         Consider Superintendents recommendation for Assistant Principal at Armstrong Middle School.

            Superintendent Bourque reported that there were five applicants for Assistant Principal at Armstrong Middle School and he recommended Mrs. Linda Armstrong, the top scoring candidate, for the position.  Dr. McManus motioned and Mrs. Proctor seconded to accept the Superintendents recommendation and appoint Mrs. Armstrong as Assistant Principal at Armstrong Middle School.  The motion failed by a roll call vote of 4 to 4, with President Quebodeaux casting the tying vote.

            YEA:     Proctor, Daigle, Vige, McManus

            NAY:    Johnson, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux

            Superintendent Bourque then recommended Ms. Carola Jolivette, for the position.  Dr. McManus motioned and Mrs. Proctor seconded to accept the Superintendents recommendation and appoint Ms. Jolivette as Assistant Principal at Armstrong Middle School.  The motion failed by a roll call vote of 5 to 2.

            YEA:     Proctor, McManus

            NAY:    Johnson, Shamsie, Boudreaux, Daigle, Vige

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

            YEA:     Proctor, McManus

            NAY:    Johnson, Shamsie, Boudreaux, Daigle, Vige

            Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried the Superintendent was authorized to re-advertise for Assistant Principal at Armstrong Middle School.

3)         Consider Superintendents recommendation for renewal of a performance contract for Sondra Myers, Principal (Director of Head Start).

            Earlier in this meeting, this item was deleted to allow legal counsel to review the performance contract for modifications based on Head Start guidelines.

4)         Consider Personnel/Insurance and Budget/Finance Committees recommendation regarding Wireless Internet access.                     

            Upon motion by Mr. Vige, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, conversion to Wireless Internet Service to provide updated, high speed access at an additional cost of approximately $10,000 per year was approved as recommended by the Personnel/Insurance and Budget/Finance Committees.

5)         Consider Personnel/Insurance Committees recommendation regarding Third Party Administrators for workers compensation.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Boudreaux opposed), FARA, F. A. Richard & Associates, Inc., was approved as Third Party Administrators for workers compensation for two years as recommended by the Personnel/Insurance Committee.

6)         Consider Personnel/Insurance Committees recommendation regarding the PRIME program.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the PRIME program for pregnancy prevention education was approved to be implemented in the APSB Alternative School.

7)         Consider Personnel/Insurance Committees recommendation regarding local initiated electives.

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, local initiated electives were approved.

8)         Consider Personnel/Insurance and Budget/Finance Committees recommendation regarding a half-time janitor at Crowley High School.

            Mrs. Proctor motioned and Mr. Vige seconded to replace a half-time janitor at Crowley High School.  A substitute motion to table consideration of a half-time janitor at Crowley High School until a new principal is appointed was offered by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and failed by a majority voice vote.

            An amendment to approve the position, but defer a hiring decision until the new principal and maintenance coordinator review the situation was offered by Mr. Vige and seconded by Mrs. Proctor.  Discussion followed.  Question was called by Mrs. Proctor and upheld.  The amended motion passed by a majority voice vote (Mr. Boudreaux, and Mr. Johnson opposed).

9)         Consider Budget/Finance Committees recommendation regarding a lease of ten acres on Section 16, Township 7 South, Range 2 West, an air strip near Basile.

            Upon motion by Mr. Vige, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board accepted Lewis Flying Services bid of $1,000 per year for ten years to lease ten acres on Section 16, Township 7 South, Range 2 West, to be used for an air strip.

10)       Consider Budget/Finance Committees recommendation regarding Head Start refunding application.     

            Upon motion by Mr. Vige, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the 2003-2004 Head Start refunding application was approved as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.

11)       Consider Budget/Finance Committees recommendation regarding Board members travel and out-of-state travel.

The Budget/Finance Committee recommended limiting board members travel to $375 per member per year.  Mr. Boudreaux motioned and Mr. Vige seconded to limit travel to $750 per member per year, a total of $6,000 per year.  The merits of travel to school board meetings and seminars were discussed.  The motion carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Shamsie opposed).

12)       Consider Budget/Finance Committees recommendation regarding 13^th check for sabbatical leave.

            This matter was resolved by reference to Louisiana laws.  No action was necessary.

13)       Consider Budget/Finance Committees recommendation regarding midyear budget revisions.

            Upon motion by Mr. Vige, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote,  midyear budget revisions for all funds except IDEA were approved as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee

14)       Consider salary scale for sign language interpreters.

            Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following salary schedule for sign language interpreters was approved.

15)       Consider approval of IDEA budget.

            Superintendent Bourque reported that  proposed construction of special education offices  at the present site is subject to approval by the State.  Mr. John Doughty answered questions regarding this project.  Upon motion by Mr. Vige, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Shamsie opposed), the IDEA budget was approved.

16)       Consider an independent audit of Crowley High School.

            Mr. Vige discussed the need for an independent audit at Crowley High School.  Upon motion by Mr. Vige, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, an Audit Committee consisting of Mr. Quebodeaux, Mr. Vige, Mr. Johnson, and Superintendent Bourque was formed  to select an independent auditor, with oversight of the legislative auditor, to audit Crowley High School.  Upon motion by Mr. Vige seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the cost was set to not exceed $10,000.

17)       Consider Budget/Finance Committees recommendation regarding National School Board Association (NSBA) membership.

            Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Vige, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board agreed not to renew its membership ($3,900 per year) in the National School Board Association (NSBA) as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.

18)       Consider Budget/Finance Committees recommendation regarding fuel adjustment for bus drivers.

            Superintendent Bourque reviewed existing policy regarding fuel cost supplement for bus drivers and he recommended continuing with the policy.  A motion to continue paying bus drivers fuel subsidy quarterly, but compute averages on a monthly basis instead of quarterly was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

19)       Consider Budget/Finance Committees recommendation regarding air conditioning the Crowley Middle School gymnasium.

            This item was moved to Opening Item 7, earlier in this meeting.

20)       Consider proclamation naming March as Career Month. (Lee Ethel Dupont)

            This item was moved to Opening Item 7, earlier in this meeting.

21)       There was no correspondence to report.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

            There were no discussion items.

CONSENT ITEMS:

            Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Dr. McManus, 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 decrease of 16.87%.

3)         Granted request to Adele Robichaux, teacher, South Crowley Elementary, for maternity leave April 16, 2003, through April 17, 2003. (1.5 days)

SUPERINTENDENTS COMMENTS:

            President Quebodeaux presented Mrs. Ezora Proctor and Mr. Gene Daigle, new board members, certificates for completing the necessary induction process from the School Board Training Academy.  It was noted that the cost of this training was borne by the new board members.

            Superintendent Bourque indicated that todays absences were unusually high, but commended  teachers for their efforts in preparing students for upcoming testing.

            Mr. Boudreaux mentioned that the deletion of Routine Item 3 in no way reflects on the performance of Mrs. Sondra Myers.

CLOSING:

            There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.

______________________________

John H. Quebodeaux, President

ATTEST:_____________________________________

Mr. John E. Bourque, Superintendent