CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
JULY 10, 2006
The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 10th day of July 2006, at 5:00 p.m., in a regular session, with President Lyle C. Johnson presiding. Members present were Dr. Ezora J. Proctor, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, Mr. John A. Suire, Mr. Roland J. Boudreaux, Mr. Gene Daigle, Dr. Robert L. McManus, and Superintendent John E. Bourque, Secretary-Treasurer. Mr. Shirley Vige’ was absent.
2) Ms. Linda Vail, a retired cafeteria worker, led the prayer.
3) Ms. Pat Johnson, Crowley High School, a teacher from Crowley High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4) Consider approval of a revised agenda, if there are any changes.
Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote the agenda was revised by adding Opening Item # 7 (RECOGNIZE TWO RAYNE HIGH SCHOOL BAND STUDENTS.), amended Action Item # 3 (from CHURCH POINT AREA TO CROWLEY AREA), and moved Routine Item # 9 to Discussion Item # 1 (DISCUSS POLICY REVISIONS AS THE RESULT OF NEW LEGISLATION).
5) Read and approve minutes of the June 5, 2006, meeting.
Reading of the minutes of the June 5, 2006, board meeting 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. Suire, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
6) Recognize retirees.
Mrs. Ellan Baggett, supervisor, introduced retirees who were honored at a reception, prior to this meeting.
7) Recognize two Rayne High School band students.
Mr. Steve Jones introduced Ms. Robyn Authemont, Rayne High School band director, who presented two students who will represent Rayne High School in the Macy’s parade on Thanksgiving day in New York.
1) Consider the dress code policy for employees.
Upon motion by Dr. Proctor, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved policy changes for employees’ dress code as presented (changes underlined and highlighted in blue).
EMPLOYEE DRESS CODE
Each employee of the Acadia Parish School Board shall be expected to give proper attention to his/her personal appearance as required by work responsibilities. Acadia Parish Schools constitute one of the largest businesses in the parish and the image projected by its employees is an important influence on the degree of public support it receives. An appropriately dressed employee is seen as a more suitable role model. Personal appearance also has direct bearing on the teaching authority, confidence, and self-esteem of teachers, administrators, and staff. Appropriate dress influences the way staff interacts with students and positively affects the general environment. Each employee of the Acadia Parish School Board will contribute to the formation of a positive, professional public image by maintaining high standards of personal appearance through appropriate dress and grooming regardless of job category.
GUIDELINES
Principals, as instructional leaders, shall have the authority to determine what is considered professional attire and in the best interest of instruction.
1) Dresses, skirts, and split skirts must be of a modest and appropriate length (no more than 2 inches above the kneecap when standing). Unacceptable length will be dealt with by the school administration.
2) Walking/dress shorts (no denim) of appropriate length (appropriate length no more than 2 inches above the kneecap when standing) are acceptable. However, they should be worn with a jacket, blazer, or vest, and stockings or tights must be worn. Unacceptable length shall be dealt with by the school administration.
3) Any tight fitting or clinging attire shall be inappropriate for school wear.
4) Collared shirts shall be required for men and neckties are encouraged.
5) The only allowable piercing jewelry shall be earrings worn on the ear.
6) Recreational clothing, warm-up suits, and wind suits shall not be worn, unless the teacher is teaching Physical Education fifty percent or more during an instructional day.
7) Appropriate professional footwear shall be required. Stockings or socks with all footwear are encouraged. No rubber or plastic flip flops/ or Crocs. On special occasions and/or while on duty, athletic shoes/tennis shoes/sneakers may be worn.
8) Jeans of any color may not be worn as a part of dress for all employees (maintenance workers, janitors, and bus drivers are excluded.
9) Teachers of special education, physical education, industrial arts, vocational agriculture, and non-clerical support staff shall be required to dress appropriately according to their job description.
10) Tee-shirts shall be permitted on Spirit Day only. (Spirit Day should be cleared by the immediate supervisor).
It is the responsibility of the principal or supervisor to be aware of inappropriate dress and to discuss dress and grooming expectations with the employees who may require guidance. Examples of inappropriate clothing: see through clothing; clothing should cover the entire body with exceptions of arms, legs, and neck up: tight clothing; and low-cut blouses/dresses.
Note: The above shall be adhered to each regular scheduled school day, (workshops, regular scheduled/weekend and summer), and during summer school.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for principal at Church Point Elementary School.
There were six applicants for the principalship of Church Point Elementary School. Superintendent Bourque recommended Mr. Joe Jacobi for the position. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. Joe Jacobi was named principal at Church Point Elementary School.
At this time, upon motion by Dr. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, item 1a was added to the agenda (CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE SUPERINTENDENT TO ADVERTISE FOR AN ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT CROWLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL).
1a) Consider authorizing the Superintendent to advertise for an assistant principal at Crowley Middle School.
Upon motion by Dr. Proctor, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent was authorized to advertise for an assistant principal at Crowley Middle School.
2) Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for principal at Evangeline Elementary School.
There were four applicants for the principalship at Evangeline Elementary School. Superintendent Bourque recommended Mrs. Marie Janise for the position. Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mrs. Janise was named principal at Evangeline Elementary School.
3) Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for a bus route in the Crowley Area.
Upon motion by Mr. Suire, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mrs. Denise Gaspard was named bus driver for a route in the Crowley area.
4) Consider Child Nutrition bids received for dish machine and pot and pan chemicals.
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Dr. Proctor, and carried, bids for dish machine and pot and pan chemicals were awarded as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee and the staff.
5) Consider Child Nutrition bids received for paper and cleaning supplies.
Upon motion by Dr. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, bids for paper and cleaning supplies were awarded as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee and the staff.
6) Consider the Budget/Finance Committee’s recommendation regarding adoption of budgets for 2006-07, including changes to restore equity to the salary schedule.
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Dr. Proctor, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board adopted the 2006-07 budget, including changes to restore equity to the salary schedule.
Acadia Parish School Board Recommended Pay Adjustments - 2006-2007
Current Position/Grade Proposed Position/Grade
Secretary 1 /210 Secretary 1 /220
Receptionist / 210 Receptionist /220
Clerk Typist / 210 Clerk Typist / 220
Account Clerk 1 / 200-A Account Clerk 1 / 228
Routeman / 320 Route / Warehouse Supervisor 1 / 325
Routeman / 320 Warehouse Supervisor II / Clerk / 330
Warehouse Supervisor 1 / 325 Warehouse Supervisor II / 330
Accountant / 1.333 Account / Paid for additional hour above teachers pay scale
Helping Teacher / 1.333 Helping Teacher / will work one additional hour
Facilitator / 1.333 Facilitator / will work one additional hour
Pupil Appraisal / 1.333 Pupil Appraisal / will work one additional hour
Allotment to Elementary Schools Allotment to Elementary Schools for Athletic Programs /
for Athletic programs / $500 / school $1,300 / school
Tech I Computer Repairman / 700 Tech II Computer Repairman / 705
Board Attorney / $125 / hour Board Attorney / $150 / hour
7) Consider the Budget/Finance Committee’s recommendation regarding the authorization of coaches’ supplement at Midland High School.
Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved the coaches’ supplement ( at a cost of $4,988 to the school) at Midland High School, as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.
8) Adopt property tax millage rates for the 2006 tax year.
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, property tax millage rates for the 2006 tax year were adopted.
RESOLUTION
2006 Property Tax Millages
BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millages are hereby levied on the 2006 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD.
MILLAGE
2006 PROPERTY TAX MILLAGES
GENERAL FUND, DEBT SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
2005 Millage 2006 Millage
Constitutional 5.14 5.14
School Maintenance 5.01 5.01
Special School Tax 15.02 15.02
Fifth Ward Maintenance 13.45 13.45*
DEBT SERVICE FUNDS 2005 2006
Crowley 0 0
Rayne 0 0
Church Point 25.80 24.00
Fifth Ward 18.10 16.80
Iota 3.80 3.50*
*Final year of levy.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of Acadia, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as herein above set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2006, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall be come a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.
The foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:
YEAS: Dr. Proctor, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Shamsie, Mr. Suire, Mr. Boudreaux, Mr. Daigle, Dr. McManus
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Mr. Vige’
9) This Item was moved to Discussion Item 1.
10) Consider a request to lease Section 16, near Evangeline, for hunting.
Upon motion by Mr. Suire, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent was authorized to advertise to lease a wooded area of Section 16, by Evangeline.
11) Consider replacement of the gymnasium floor at Iota High School.
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved replacement of the gymnasium floor at Iota High School (the floor was damaged by broken water pipes) at an estimated cost of $63,112, to be paid from special maintenance funds.
12) Consider setting dates for the next committee and board meetings.
Upon motion by Dr. Proctor, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, committee meetings for will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2006, and the next Board meeting will be held on Monday, August 7, 2006.
13) Consider going into an executive session to discuss a worker’s compensation claim.
Upon motion by Mr. Suire, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote the Board went into executive session at 5:28 p.m. to discuss a worker’s compensation claim.
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Dr. Proctor, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board reconvened into regular session at 5:37 p.m.
Upon motion by Mr. Suire, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board agreed to follow the recommendation of legal counsel in resolving this worker’s compensation claim.
14) Correspondence
Superintendent Bourque called attention to correspondence from the drainage board and another from Governor Kathleen Blanco.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Discuss policy revisions as the result of new legislation.
Mrs. Ellan Baggett went over recommended policy revisions as previously presented at the committee meeting. She then answered questions of the Board. This item will be sent back to committee and brought back to the Board as an action item.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following action was taken by the Board.
1) Approved assignments and changes of professional employees were approved.
2) Received notification of retiring employees.
3) Received the monthly sales tax report showing a year-to-date increase of 38.15 percent.
4) Granted a request to Velma A. Guidry, teacher, Iota Middle School, for sabbatical leave for the Fall 2006.
5) Granted a request to Helen C. Sinclair, paraprofessional, South Crowley Elementary, for leave without pay from August 14, 2006, to June 1, 2007, for medical reasons.
6) Granted a request to Wendy Francis, cafeteria employee, Martin Petitjean Elementary, for a leave without pay from August 6, 2006, to May 7 ,2007, for medical reasons.
7)
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS:
Superintendent Bourque went over the upward trend in salaries during the past five years. He also indicated that academic achievement continues on an upward trend.
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Dr. Proctor, seconded by Mr. Suire, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 5:48 p.m.
______________________________
Mr. Lyle C. Johnson, President
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
Mr. John E. Bourque, Superintendent