CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
APRIL 5, 2004
1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 5th day of April 2004, 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) Mr. Daniel Besse, Deacon from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne, led the prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Angel Goffney, a fifth grade student at South Crowley Elementary School
President Quebodeaux introduced Mr. David Thibodaux, a candidate for U.S. Congress. Mr.Thibodaux spoke briefly of his ambitions and goals.
4) Consider approval of a revised agenda, if there are any changes.
Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Routine Item 5a (CONSIDER APPROVAL OF SUPPLEMENT HEAD START REQUEST TO ATTEND THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE), Routine Item 5b (CONSIDER APPROVAL OF BID FOR PAPER AND CLEANING SUPPLIES FOR THE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM), and Routine Item 5c (CONSIDER APPROVAL OF DISH MACHINE AND POT AND PAN CHEMICAL BID FOR THE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM)were added to the agenda.
5) Read and approve minutes of the March 1 and 17, 2004, meetings.
Reading of the minutes of the March 1 and 17, 2004, meetings was dispensed with (copies of minutes were sent to each member prior to this meeting) and adopted as submitted, upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, and seconded by Mrs. Proctor, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
6) Hear comments from State Superintendent Cecil J. Picard.
President Quebodeaux introduced State Superintendent Cecil J. Picard. Superintendent Picard addressed the Board and spoke of significant increases in the progress of public education in Louisiana and in Acadia Parish. He offered support for Acadia's upcoming sales tax election in July. Acadia would receive additional State revenues of approximately $1,500,000 from the MFP Level 2, if the referendum is successful.
7) Recognize Margaret Trahan and Greg Arceneaux with United Way.
Mr. Greg Arceneaux representing United Way presented awards to Crowley High School, Armstrong Middle School, and Richard Elementary School. A total of $23,618 was contributed by Acadia Parish School employees for the 2003 United Way campaign. Armstrong Middle School received this award for the last three years. The Acadia Parish Head Start Program received an award for most employee dollars raised. Armstrong Middle School received an award for Highest Participation Level.
8) Recognize Midland High School basketball team.
Mr. Shamsie introduced Coach Todd Briley and the Midland High School basketball team. The team record was 40-8 this year and they made it to the state semifinals. The players and coach were commended for their success and good sportsmanship.
ACTION ITEMS:
1) Consider policy regarding student use of cell phones. (Ellan Baggett)
Mr. Cal Simar reviewed recent happenings regarding student use of cell phones (any electronic communication device). Mr. Gerard Caswell, attorney, reviewed an Attorney General opinion that doesn't prohibit school boards from adopting policy to prohibit students from possessing and using cell phones, but it is very clear that if school boards have a policy that prohibits the use of cell phones by students at school, then the policy must clearly set forth disciplinary action for violation of such policy. Mr. Caswell recommended that any change in policy should be properly disseminated before implementation. After some discussion, this item was referred back to the Personnel/Insurance Committee for a draft policy to present to the Board, upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Vige', and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Boudreaux opposed).
2) Consider changes to the bus field trip policy.
Superintendent Bourque reviewed recommended changes to the field trip fee schedule. The fee schedule sets maximum limits schools may pay for transportation services on traditional school buses. Fees for in town trips shall be set at a flat rate of $60.00 per bus. Fees for out-of-town trips shall be set at a flat rate of $60.00 per bus plus $1.75 per mile. These fees shall include the destination and one additional stop per trip. If other stops are scheduled, an additional $15.00 fee will be charged per stop. Leased buses shall be subject to the maximum allowed. Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, changes to the field trip fee policy were approved, effective April 6, 2004.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Consider authorizing the Budget/Finance Committee to award bids for special education administrative office renovations.
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Vige', and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee was authorized to award bids for special education administrative office renovations.
2) Consider adoption of budget preparation calendar for 2004-05.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige', seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the budget preparation calendar for 2004-05 was adopted.
3) Consider Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation regarding distribution of MFP increase.
The MFP increase of $873.00 will be distributed in April. This amount will become a permanent addition to the teacher pay scale in the Fall. Upon motion by Mr. Vige', seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation regarding distribution of the MFP increase was approved.
4) Consider existing garbage collection contract.
Mr. Mike Leonards explained that the current company, Roll Off Containers, will retain garbage collection service under its current contract. Ownership will not be transferred as previously discussed. No action is needed.
5) Consider approval of the 2004-05 School Calendar.
Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the 2004-05 School Calendar was approved. Fifth Ward's school calendar will be considered next month.
5a) Consider approval of supplement Head Start request to attend the National Institute for the Fatherhood Initiative.
Mrs. Sondra Myers explained the reasons for requesting funds of $2,000 for the Head Start National Institute for the Fatherhood Initiative. Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved the Head Start supplement to attend the National Institute for the Fatherhood Initiative.
5b) Consider approval of bids for paper and cleaning supplies for the Child Nutrition Program
Mrs. Ruth Miller, supervisor, explained bid tabulations and made recommendations to accept preferred or lowest bids that meet specifications. Upon motion by Mr. Vige', seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, bids received for paper and cleaning supplies for the Child Nutrition Program were approved as recommended.
5c) Consider approval of dish machine and pot and pan chemical bids for the Child Nutrition Program
Mrs. Ruth Miller, supervisor, explained bid tabulations and made recommendations to accept preferred or lowest bids that meet specifications. Upon motion by Mr. Vige', seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, bids received for dish machine and pot and pan chemicals for the Child Nutrition Program were approved as recommended.
6) Consider going into an executive session to hear an expulsion appeal of a student at Rayne High School.
Persons appealing an expulsion of a Rayne High School student were not present. Therefore, action was not needed on this item.
7) Correspondence
Superintendent Bourque invited Board members to come meet with Mr. Dwight Collier hereon Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. to finalize preparation of information regarding the renewal of property and casualty insurance coverage.
1) Discuss an existing policy regarding band equipment sales night
Ms. Robynne Authemont, band director, addressed the Board representing the band directors in Acadia Parish. She presented requested changes in the Band Night Policy and a list of recommended Brands of instruments.
A Band Night that involves the demonstration, sale, lease, or purchase of band instruments and which has any school or school personnel involvement must include at least two instrument vendors. All instrument vendors who formally request to participate must do so in writing. The formal request should be sent by the vendor to the school in which they are requesting to participate. Any interested vendors who formally requested to participate must be notified by the band director as to the date, time, and place of their band night. Such notification must be in writing. Any school "recommended brands of instruments" must include and "or equal to" statement. The final choice of instrument brand belongs to the family.
Mr. Greg Mouton, a local instrument vendor, also addressed the Board regarding these proposed changes and his concerns. Also, Mr. Larry Ernie of Prof Ernie's Music Company addressed the Board stating his concerns. Discussion continued between vendors and Board members. Ms. Leola Woods, band director, addressed the Board. Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent was authorized to appoint a committee to investigate vendors' allegations to determine the facts.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Mr. Vige', seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote,the following action was taken:
1) New assignments and changes of professional employees were approved as submitted.
2) The monthly sales tax report showing a year-to-date decrease of 20.65% was received.
3) Ms. Jacquelin B. Broussard, teacher, Armstrong Middle School, for sabbatical leave for the Fall 2004 semester for professional development.
SUPERINTENDENT''S COMMENTS:
Superintendent Bourque thanked State Superintendent Picard for his presence, comments and support.
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, at 6:53 p.m., upon motion by Ms. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned.
Mr. John H. Quebodeaux, President
ATTEST:
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Mr. John E. Bourque, Superintendent