CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
MAY 7, 2007
The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 7th day of May 2007, at 5:00 p.m., in a regular session at Crowley, Louisiana, with President. Roland J. Boudreaux presiding. Members present were Mr. Israel G. Syria, Mr. Douglas J. LaCombe, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, Mr. John A. Suire, Mr. Roland J. Boudreaux, Mr. Gene I. Daigle, Mr. James Higginbotham, Mr. Milton R. Simar, and Secretary-Treasurer, Superintendent John E. Bourque.
2) Dr. Ezora Proctor led the prayer.
3) Mr. Higginbotham led the pledge of allegiance.
4) Consider approval of a revised agenda, if there are any changes.
There were no changes to the agenda.
5) Read and approve minutes of the April 2, 2007, meeting.
Reading of the minutes of the April 2, 2007, meeting were dispensed with (copies of minutes were sent to each member prior to this meeting) and adopted as corrected Routine 10c to record a majority voce vote (Mr. Shamsie opposed - not a unanimous voice vote), upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Suire, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
6) Recognize Mrs. Isabella DeLaHoussaye, candidate for Louisiana State Representative.
Mrs. Isabella DeLaHoussaye addressed the Board and announced her candidacy for State Representative in District #42.
7) Recognize Schools achieving exemplary or recognized academic growth during the 2005-06 accountability cycle.
Mrs. Margaret Jones announced and recognized schools who met academic growth targets for 2006-07. Schools receiving a cash reward and presented with flags were Church Point High, Church Point Middle, Crowley Middle, Egan Elementary, Evangeline Elementary, Iota Elementary, Iota High, Iota Middle, Estherwood Elementary, Midland High, Armstrong Middle, Central Rayne Kindergarten, Mire Elementary, and Rayne High. Additionally, Superintendent Bourque was commended by the State Department of Education for his efforts in guiding these schools toward this accomplishment.
8) Recognize FFA members from Iota High.
Mr. Steve Jones introduced members of the Iota High School FFA organization. Mr. Jude Sittig, Ag teacher, presented several students who have been active in the school and community. They briefly addressed the Board.
9) Recognize Rayne High School for receiving an award of $3,000 for 2006-07 Mid-Year Learn and Serve America Service-Learning Program from the Office of Lieutenant Governor.
Mr. Bobby Hamlin, principal at Rayne High School, introduced several outstanding students from his school who have been recognized for their achievements. He then introduced teachers who have been rewarded Lear and Serve grants in the amount of $3,000 each. Four such grants were presented including a grant in the amount of $25,000 for a high school redesign grant.
ACTION ITEMS: There were no action items to address.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for Secondary Supervisor.
Superintendent Bourque announced that there was only one applicant for the position of Secondary Supervisor and he recommended Dr. Doug Chance for the position. Upon motion by Mr. Suire, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board appointed Dr. Doug Chance as Secondary Supervisor effective June 1, 2007.
2) Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for Principal at Iota High School.
There were three applicants for Principal at Iota High School. Superintendent Bourque recommended Dr. Gibson Miller for the position. Mr. Milton Simar made a few comments regarding this recommendation, in support of Dr. Miller. Upon motion by Mr. Simar, seconded by Mr. LaCombe, and carried by a roll call vote of 5 to 2, Dr. Gibson Miller was named Principal of Iota High School effective July 2, 2007. Dr. Miller thanked the Board and briefly addressed the Board and audience.
YEA: Mr. Syria, Mr. Lacombe, Mr. Shamsie, Mr. Higginbotham, Mr. Simar
NAY; Mr. Suire, Mr. Daigle
3) Recognize School Nurses in Louisiana on National School Nurse Day, May 9, 2007.
Upon motion by Mr. Higginbotham, seconded by Mr. Simar, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board recognized School Nurses in Louisiana on National School Nurse Day, May 9, 2007.
4) Consider resolution declaring May 7-11, 2007, as ”r;Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week.”
Upon motion by Mr. LaCombe, seconded by Mr. Syria, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board declared May 7-11, 2007, as ”r;Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week.”
CHILD NUTRITION EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION WEEK
OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, nutritious meals at school are an essential part of the school day; and
WHEREAS, the Acadia Parish School Nutrition staff and support personnel are committed to providing healthful, nutritious meals to our children; and
WHEREAS, the employees who prepare and serve school meals help nurture our children through their daily interaction and support; and
WHEREAS, the week of May 7-11, 2007, is Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week;
NOW THEREFORE BE it resolved that the Acadia Parish School Board expresses its deep appreciation to these valuable employees and commends their good work on behalf of the children.
Signed by Mike A. Leonards, Executive Director
Signed by Mr. John E. Bourque, Superintendent.
5) Consider bids received for air conditioning of gymnasiums at Crowley High School.
Two bids were received for air conditioning of gymnasiums at Crowley High School. Both exceeded budget, so it was recommended to reject both bids. Alternate plans will be considered at the next committee meeting.
BIDDER BASE BID ALT #1
Calcasieu Mech. $421,150.00 $3,967.00
Ags Mechanical $392,860.00 $3,550.00
6) Consider bids received for construction of permanent classrooms at Branch Elementary.
Three bids were received for construction of four classrooms at Branch Elementary. The low bid from E. L. Habetz in the amount of $324,040 was recommended. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Higginbotham, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, low bid was awarded to E. L. Habetz in the amount of $324,040.
BIDDER BASE BID
E. L. Habetz $324,040
F. Phillips $345,700
L. K. Breaux $418,250
7) Consider recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee regarding negotiations with Kinder Morgan Pipeline Company for a right-of-way.
The committee reviewed correspondence drafted by Mr. Gerard Caswell, attorney, responding to the most recent offer from Kinder Morgan. After some discussion, the committee agreed with the content of this letter and upon motion by Mr. Suire, seconded by Mr. Syria, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board recommended that it be submitted to the full board for approval.
April 17, 2007
Mr. Steven Butcher
KMLP Right of Way Project Manager
KINDER MORGAN
112 East Hutchinson
Crowley, LA 70526
RE: Proposed Pipeline Easement
Tract ACA-015.000
Acadia Parish School Board
Township 8 South, Range 2 West
Section 16, Acadia Parish, Louisiana
Dear Mr. Butcher:
Please be advised that I am the attorney for the Acadia Parish School Board and in that connection I have been asked to contact you concerning the proposed pipeline easement that you reference in your March 30, 2007, correspondence to the Acadia Parish School Board
First let me say that I know you have increased your offer from $275.00 per rod to $350.00 per rod. Please know that this offer is unacceptable to the Acadia Parish School Board.
As I am sure you are aware, public bodies are prohibited by the Louisiana a constitution from donating public property or funds. Should the Acadia Parish School Board fail to get from Kinder Morgan or any other pipeline company the true value of the pipeline, then they are in fact violating the Louisiana constitution. It is my opinion that $350.00 per rod is so low that it would constitute a prohibited donation of public property and I have so advised the school board.
You need to understand that this particular piece of property is not only seriously devalued by having your pipeline cut across the middle of it but it also severely limits the further use of the land by the Acadia Parish School Board for future school development given its proximity to Iota and its highway frontage.
Quite frankly, the Acadia Parish School Board would be better served by not having this pipeline cross their property. However, if it must cross this property and devalue it and limit its future use, then the Acadia Parish School Board must protect the public’s interest and receive adequate compensation.
Based upon all of the above, it is the position of the Acadia Parish School Board that the value of the proposed pipeline easement is and remains $600.00 per rod. Should this be acceptable to Kinder Morgan, then we can begin to discuss the various other issues that must be hammered out with regard to the agreement including the size of the permanent right of way, the sizes of the temporary work area, the construction techniques to be utilized, damage clauses, etc.
I look forward to hearing from you once you have the opportunity to review this further.
Sincerely yours.
A. GERARD CASWELL
8) Consider recommendation of the Personnel/Insurance Curriculum Committee regarding the renewal of property and casualty insurance for 2007-08.
Mr. Daigle went over the Personnel/Insurance/Curriculum Committee’s recommendation. The committee reviewed proposed coverages and costs for property insurance, to be provided in two layers. The first company would provide coverage for the first 45 million of losses. The next would cover up to $10 million more. Rates remained the same as last year. Coverage for liability and fleet insurance was also reviewed. Rates decreased by 22 % from the previous year. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Simar, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved renewal of property and casualty insurance for 2007-08, as recommended by the committee.
9) Consider adopting the Pupil Progression Plan for 2007-08.
Mr. Steve Jones went over changes to the Pupil Progression Plan for 2007-08. He presented the minor changes and answered questions of the Board. Upon motion Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Higginbotham, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Shamsie opposed), the Board adopted the Pupil Progression Plan for 2007-08.
10) Consider dates for next committee and board meetings.
Upon motion by Mr. Syria, seconded by Mr. LaCombe, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the next committee meetings will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2007, followed by a goals meeting. The next Board meeting will be held on Monday, June 4, 2007.
11) Consider replacement of roof at Egan Elementary gymnasium.
Mr. Ronnie Chaumont went over plans to change the metal roof at the Egan gymnasium. This project will be funded with roofing funds and is planned for early June. The estimated cost is $52,896. After the roof is completed the flooring will be changed. Mr. Chaumont answered questions of the Board. Upon motion by Mr. LaCombe, seconded by Mr. Simar, and carried by a unanimous voce vote, the Board approved replacement of the roof at Egan Elementary gymnasium.
12) Correspondence.
Superintendent Bourque commented on correspondence received from Whitco regarding new poles at Rayne High School.
DISCUSSION ITEMS: There were no discussion items to address.
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.
2) Received retirement notification of employees.
3) Received the monthly sales tax report showing a year-to-date increase of 9.71 percent
4) Granted a request to Cheryl Payne, teacher Estherwood Elementary, for a sabbatical leave for the 2007-08 school year for professional development.
5) Granted a request to Steven David Broussard, Ag teacher at Midland High School, for a sabbatical leave for the 2007-08 school year for professional development.
SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS:
Superintendent Bourque commended the schools on scholastic accomplishments and the passage of millages in the Fourth and Fifth Wards. He commended the media an board members for their efforts during the past few weeks.
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. LaCombe, seconded by Mr. Syria, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
______________________________
Roland J. Boudreaux, President
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
John E. Bourque, Superintendent