CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
FEBRUARY 14, 2005
The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 14th day of February 2005, at 5:00 p.m., in a regular session, with President Lyle Johnson presiding. Members present were Mrs. Ezora J. Proctor, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, Mr. Roland J. Boudreaux, Mr. Gene Daigle, Mr. Shirley Vige’, Dr. Robert L. McManus, Mrs. Shirley Quebodeaux, and Superintendent John E. Bourque, Secretary-Treasurer.
2&3) Mr. Joe Freeland, member of the First United Methodist Church and a Crowley businessman, led the prayer. Ms. Carlinna Bertrand of the accounting firm of Broussard, Poche’, Lewis and Breaux led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4) Consider approval of a revised agenda, if there are any changes.
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mrs. Proctor, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the agenda was revised by adding Routine Item 16a (CONSIDER PERFORMANCE CONTRACT FOR MR. CAL SIMAR, SUPERVISOR, CHILD WELFARE AND ATTENDANCE).
5) Read and approve minutes of the January 10 and 26, 2005, meetings.
Reading of the minutes of the January 10 and 26, 2005, board meetings was dispensed with (copies of minutes were sent to each member prior to this meeting) and adopted as submitted, upon motion Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
6) Recognize Ms. Verna Richard, teacher at Church Point High. (Steve Jones)
Mr. Steve Jones recognized Ms. Verna Richard, science teacher at Church Point High School. Ms. Richard received several grants for the benefit of the students in her classes.
7) Proclaim March as Career Month.
Mr. Steve Jones presented a Career Month proclamation for the Board’s consideration. Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board adopted the proclamation as presented.
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 2005, CAREER MONTH in the Parish of Acadia and encourage all citizens to assist sponsoring organizations in this endeavor for a more prosperous people.
1) Consider policy regarding IDEA services.
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mrs. Proctor, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, policy regarding IDEA services was approved as presented.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
It is the responsibility of the Acadia Parish School Board to locate and identify any students suspected of having a disability or suspected to be gifted or talented, whether they attend a public or non-public school.
Once the student has been identified, it is the policy of the Acadia Parish School Board to provide service(s) to students with disabilities based on identified needs form a 1508 evaluation conducted by the Acadia Parish Special Populations Office. Services available include speech therapy, adapted physical education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, resource, self-contained, and assistive technology. According to Bulletin 1706, Subpart A, ”r;No private school student with a disability has an individual right to receive some or all of the special education and related services that the student would receive if he or she were enrolled in a public school.” It is the responsibility of the Acadia Parish School Board to consult with representatives of non-public school students with disabilities to determine: 1) which students will receive services, 2) what services will be provided, 3) how and where the services will be provided, and 4) how the services will be evaluated. Acadia Parish School Board is obligated to provide a proportional share of IDEA funds for services to non-public school students based on this meeting.
According to Bulletin 1706, Subpart B, ”r;No LEA is required to provide services for gifted/talented students enrolled in private schools or in home school programs.”
2) Consider a policy change on parental appeal for a suspension hearing.
Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, policy change on parental appeal for a suspension hearing was approved as presented. (Change is shown in red type and underlined)
Any parent, tutor, or legal guardian of a pupil suspended shall have the right to appeal to the Superintendent or his/her designee, who shall conduct a hearing on the merits. A parent appeal request for a hearing on a suspension must be submitted in writing to the Superintendent or his/her designee within five (5) school days of notification of the suspension, and the hearing shall be conducted within five (5) school days of notification to the parents of the date of the suspension appeal hearing. If the parent or legal guardian is not present for the hearing, after having been properly notified, the hearing may proceed and the results of the hearing shall be mailed to the parent or legal guardian within three (3) school days by certified mail, return receipt requested.
3) Consider a policy change relative to L.A.R.S. 14:34.3, battery on a school employee.
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mrs. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a policy change relative to L.A.R.S. 14:34.3, battery on a school employee was approved as presented. (Change is shown in red type and underlined)
Student Battery of School Employee
No pupil suspended for committing battery on any school employee shall be considered for readmission to the school to which the school employee allegedly battered by the pupil is assigned, until all hearings and appeals associated with the alleged violation have been exhausted. Except when the school system has no other school of suitable grade level for the pupil to attend, no pupil found guilty by a court or the school system of committing a battery on any employee shall attend the school to which the battered employee is assigned.
The school system shall not be required to provide transportation to any pupil reassigned to attend a school as a result of committing a battery of any employee if providing such transportation to the pupil will result in additional transportation costs to the school system.
4) Consider a policy change on transferring student records about suspensions and expulsions.
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Vige’, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, policy change on transferring student records about suspensions and expulsions was approved as presented. (Change shown in red type and underlined)
Records
A pupil who has been suspended or expelled from any school in or out of state shall not be admitted to a school in the school system except upon the review and approval of the School Board following the request for admission. To facilitate the review and approval for readmittance, the pupil shall provide to the Board information on the dates of any suspensions or expulsions and the reasons therefor. Additionally, the transfer of pupil records to any school or system shall include information on the dates of any suspensions or expulsions and the reasons therefor.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for Assistant Principal at Crowley Middle School.
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent’s recommendation to fill the Assistant Principal position at Crowley Middle School on an interim basis instead of making a permanent appointment at this time, as requested by the principal and Mr. James Proctor was appointed interim Assistant Principal at Crowley Middle School.
2) Consider performance contract for Mrs. Ida Yeager, principal, Crowley Kindergarten.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mrs. Ida Yeager, principal at Crowley Kindergarten was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
3) Consider performance contract for Mr. John K. LeJeune, principal, Richard Elementary School.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. John K. LeJeune, principal at Richard Elementary School was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
4) Consider performance contract for Mrs. Antoinette Pete, principal, Crowley Middle School.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mrs. Antoinette Pete, principal at Crowley Middle School was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
5) Consider performance contract for Mrs. Margaret Jones, executive director, Curriculum/Instruction.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mrs. Margaret Jones, executive director of Curriculum/Instruction was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
6) Consider performance contract for Mrs. Ruth Miller, supervisor, Child Nutrition.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mrs. Ruth Miller, supervisor of Child Nutrition, was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
7) Consider performance contract for Ms. Melanie Venable, principal, Mire Elementary School.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Ms. Venable, principal at Mire Elementary School was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
8) Consider performance contract for Mr. Alton Allen, assistant principal, Crowley High School.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. Alton Allen, assistant principal at Crowley High School was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
9) Consider performance contract for Mr. Lee W. Bellard, principal, Church Point High School.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. Lee W. Bellard, principal at Church Point High School was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
10) Consider performance contract for Mr. Harvey Ward, assistant principal, Church Point High School.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. Harvey Ward, assistant principal at Church Point High School, was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
11) Consider performance contract for Mrs. Deborah Arnold, assistant principal, Crowley Middle School.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mrs. Deborah Arnold, assistant principal at Crowley Middle School was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
12) Consider performance contract for Mr. Ronald Doguet, principal, Iota High School.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. Ronald Doguet, principal at Iota High School was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
13) Consider performance contract for Mr. Marshall Thibodeaux, principal, Armstrong Middle School.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. Marshall Thibodeaux, principal at Armstrong Middle School was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
14) Consider performance contract for Mr. Steve Duplechin, principal, Crowley High School.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. Steve Duplechin, principal at Crowley High School was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
15) Consider performance contract for Ms. Marlene Courvelle, assistant principal, Armstrong Middle School.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Ms. Marlene Courvelle, assistant principal at Armstrong Middle School was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
16) Consider performance contract for Mrs. Sondra Myers, principal, Head Start Program.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mrs. Sondra Myers, principal of the Head Start Program was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
16a) Consider performance contract for Mr. Cal Simar, supervisor, Child Welfare and Attendance.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. Cal Simar, supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance was granted a performance contract for two years beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2007.
17) Consider interim appointment of Mr. Clyde Briley as principal at Midland High School in accordance with APSB retiree return-to-work policy.
Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. Clyde Briley was appointed as interim principal at Midland High School in accordance with APSB retiree return-to-work policy, as recommended by Superintendent Bourque.
18) Receive the 2003-04 financial audit report.
Mr, Shirley Vige’ presented an overview of the 2003-04 financial audit report. Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the report was received.
19) Consider tenant farmer for Section 16, Township 8 South, Range 2 West.
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Vige’, Garber Farms was recommended as tenant farmer for fields 11 and 15, and Mr. Trent Fruge’ as tenant farmer for fields 12, 14, 16, and 17. An amendment to the main motion to lease some of the vacant property to Mr. Randy Johnson, was offered by Mr. Boudreaux, and seconded by Mr. Daigle. After some discussion, a motion to table this matter was made by Mr. Boudreaux and seconded by Mrs. Proctor. Then the motion to table was withdrawn. A substitute motion by Mr. Daigle to grant a lease of the entire acreage to Mr. Randy Johnson was seconded by Mr. Boudreaux and failed by a majority voice vote. The main motion passed by a majority voice vote.
20) Consider Budget/Finance Committee’s recommendation regarding midyear budget revisions.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, and seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, midyear budget revisions were approved as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.
21) Consider Budget/Finance Committee’s recommendation regarding disposal of vacant buildings on school property.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee’s recommendation regarding disposal of vacant buildings on school property was approved. Buildings shall be demolished and removed at no cost to the School Board.
22) Consider Personnel/Insurance Committee’s recommendation regarding employee Medicare coverage.
Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Personnel/Insurance Committee’s recommendation regarding employee Medicare coverage was approved, retroactive to July 1, 2003, as presented.
23) Consider Personnel/Insurance Committee’s recommendation regarding changes in pay rates for substitutes.
Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Vige’ and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Personnel/Insurance Committee’s recommendation regarding changes in pay rates for substitutes was approved as presented.
24) Consider bids received for a mineral lease on one acre in Section 16, Township 10 South, Range 1 West.
Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, bids were awarded to Riceland Petroleum Company for a mineral lease on one acre in Section 16, Township 10 South Range 1 West and the following resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Under the provisions of the Revised Statutes 30:151-158, and related laws, an application was made, in writing, to the ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD for an oil, gas and mineral lease of the hereinafter described property owned by the ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD; and
WHEREAS, In accordance with the state law there was published in THE ADVOCATE of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Official Journal of the State of Louisiana, in its issue of JANUARY 27, 2005, in the RAYNE ACADIAN TRIBUNE, the Official Journal of the ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD, in its issue of January 27, 2005, a certain notice of publication setting forth therein a description of the land to be leased, the time, when and place where bids were to be received; and
WHEREAS, In response to said publication, bids were received at the Office of the ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD, on or before the 14th day of February 2005, at 4:00 p.m., designated as the time for receipt of such bids; and
WHEREAS, It appears that the bids of Riceland Petroleum company is the best bid offered to the ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD, and the latter desires to accept such bid and grant an oil, gas and mineral lease to Riceland Petroleum Company in accordance with its bid.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD that the bid of Riceland Petroleum Company, the original is on file with this BOARD and to be made a part of the minutes of this meeting, be and the same is hereby accepted.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President of the ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD is hereby authorized, empowered, and directed to execute on behalf of this BOARD said mineral lease covering the following described property, to-wit:
That certain tract or parcel of land containing 1.00 acre, more or less, situated in the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (NW/4 of NW/4) of Section 16, Township 10 south, Range 1 West, Acadia Parish, Louisiana, and being bounded, now or formerly, by lands owned as follows: North by Berle Hoyt, et al, and/or southern Pacific Railroad; East by Dolores B. Hoffpauir; South by Dolores B. Hoffpauir,; and West by Randy Shamsie, et al. Said tract being further described in that certain Cash Sale Deed, dated December 15, 1981, and recorded under Entry No. 0482974 in the records of Acadia Parish, Louisiana.
Said tract being outlined in red on the plat.
All bearings, distances and coordinates used herein refer to the Louisiana Coordinate System of 1927 (South Zone).
Said Lease to be identical to the copy of the mineral lease attached to and submitted with the bid of Riceland Petroleum Company, and on file with this BOARD, and further to do and perform all acts necessary to consummate this transaction.
The above and foregoing resolution having been submitted to a vote, the same was unanimously adopted.
25) Consider authorizing the Budget/Finance Committee to award bids for relighting at Gardiner Memorial Stadium.
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mrs. Proctor, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee was authorized to award bids for relighting at Gardiner Memorial Stadium up to an estimated cost of $217,000.
26) Consider retaining FCC Attorney to negotiate for the lease of ITFS Channels.
Upon motion by Mr. Vige’, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved retaining an FCC Attorney to negotiate for the lease of ITFS Channels.
27) Consider status of a contract with Roll-Off Containers.
Upon motion by Mrs. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved a contract with Roll-Off Containers under the same terms and conditions as the present contract which expires in November 2005.
28) Correspondence
Superintendent Bourque reminded Board members of the LSBA Conference which will be held March 3-5, 2005, in Alexandria.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Discuss policy changes as a result of legislative action.
Mr. Mike Leonards briefly reviewed necessary policy changes as a result of legislative action.
2) Discuss Budget/Finance Committee’s recommendation regarding policy revision for disposal of assets.
Mr. Boudreaux voiced his concerns about disabling items before discarding them. A policy will be developed with appropriate wording and brought back the Budget/Finance Committee.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mrs. Proctor, 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) Received notification of retiring employees.
3) Received the monthly sales tax report showing a year-to-date increase of 25.16 percent.
4) Granted permission to Jeannine R. Venable, aide at Church Point High, for maternity leave from January 4, 2005, through January 21, 2005. (12 days)
5) Granted permission to Parrie Guidry, cafeteria Clerk, Ross Elementary, for leave without pay from February 14, 2005, to March 24, 2005, for medical reasons.
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS:
Superintendent Bourque announced that Mr. John A. Suire was the only candidate who qualified for Board Member in District 4. He thanked Mrs. Shirley Quebodeaux for serving as board member during the interim.
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, at 5:57 p.m., upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned.
_______________________
Lyle C. Johnson, President
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Mr. John E. Bourque, Superintendent