CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
SEPTEMBER 8, 2008
The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 8th day of September, 2008, at 5:00 p.m., in a regular session at Crowley, Louisiana, with President Mr. Roland J. Boudreaux presiding. Members present were Mr. Israel G. Syria, Mr. Douglas J. LaCombe, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, Mr. John A. Suire, Mr. Gene I. Daigle Mr. James Higginbotham, Mr. Milton R. Simar, and Secretary-Treasurer, Superintendent John E. Bourque.
2) Mr. Israel Syria led the prayer.
3) Mr. Shamsie led the pledge of allegiance.
4) Consider approval of a revised agenda, if there are any changes.
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Syria, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Routine Item #2a was added to the agenda.
5) Read and approve minutes of the August 4, 2008 meeting.
Reading of the minutes of the August 4, 2008 board meeting were dispensed (copies of minutes were sent to member prior to this meeting) and adopted as submitted, upon motion by Mr. LaCombe, seconded by Mr. Higginbotham, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
6) Acknowledge the accomplishments of Crowley, Iota, and Rayne FFA Chapters.
Dr. Chance introduced Crowley, Iota, and Rayne High FFA Chapters. Mr. Randy Miller reviewed the activities of these organizations during the past year, citing state and national recognitions earned. The students gave a brief slide presentation of the FFA Expo held in Iota last spring. These clubs were commended for their efforts and thanked the board, Superintendent, and Dr. Chance for their support.
7) Recognize Kathy Smith, guidance counselor, Crowley High.
Kathy Smith, guidance counselor, Crowley High, invited members of the board & staff to statewide APEL meeting at Chef Roy’s in Crowley, in November.
ACTION ITEMS:
1) Consider recommendation of the Budget and Finance committee regarding mileage reimbursement rate for employees.
In an effort to continue pay supplements for employees, and in consideration of the reduction of MFP funding, the Superintendent suggested that we consider using the state mileage reimbursement rate instead of the IRS rate for employees who use their vehicles for work-related travel. Until a few years ago, the state mileage rate was used in our parish. Currently, the IRS rate is 58 ½ cents per mile, the state rate is 52 cents per mile. Upon motion by Mr. Suire, seconded by Mr. Higginbotham, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board adopted state travel reimbursement rate to become effective October 1, 2008.
2) Consider policy changes as the result of new legislation.
Mrs. Baggett went over proposed policy changes. Upon motion by Mr. Simar, seconded by Mr. Higginbotham, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved the policy changes.
3) Consider fuel supplement for buses.
Mr. Leonards went over the options discussed with bus drivers and the recommended change for reimbursing bus drivers for the rising cost of fuel, three-tiered formula is recommended and would take effect on October 1, 2008. Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Simar, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the three-tiered formula was approved for cost reimbursements.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND COMPENSATION
Bus Drivers’ Fuel Supplement
In the event of escalating fuel costs, the Acadia Parish School Board shall provide contract bus driver fuel adjustments in accordance with the following:
· Fuel costs shall be monitored – using the Department of Energy – Gulf Coast diesel price index.
· A calendar monthly average price per gallon shall be computed. If the monthly average exceeds the established base of $1.40 per gallon, a fuel adjustment factor shall be calculated as follows:
o The amount above the base shall be converted to a per mile cost as follows:
One-Way Route Miles Miles per Gallon
Less than 30.0 Miles 6
Between 30.0 and 45.0 Miles 7
More than 45.0 Miles 8
o Double this factor and apply it to the number of one-way miles driven by each driver
o Apply this rate to the number of actual driving days per month.
o Payment shall be remitted to the drivers monthly on the 10th of the following month.
* If supplemental funding for fuel costs are subsequently received from the state or any other source, the Acadia Parish School Board shall first recover the amount previously paid to drivers, then distribute the balance.
· The cost of this fuel subsidy shall be separately identified and reported to the Budget and Finance committee.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Hear update on hurricane damage.
Steve Jones updated the board on damage to our facilities as the result of the hurricane Gustav. Some roof damage, awnings, tree limbs, etc. has been noted. Damage is relative minor compared to previous storms. Repairs are underway and all schools were open today. Many of our buses were used to evacuate patients and others who needed transportation.
2) Consider recommendation of the Personnel, Insurance, and Curriculum committee regarding recommended revisions to Head Start policies.
Mrs. Sondra Myers reviewed recommended policy changes for the Head Start Program. These changes included limiting the use of cell phones in the classroom, defining bus driver responsibilities in their job description, and requiring employees to use the Head Start van when available instead of personal vehicles. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Syria, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved the Head Start policy changes.
2a) Consider Superintendent’s recommendation for bus driver in Rayne area.
Mr. Bourque recommended Trevon Savoy for the Rayne area bus route. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Suire, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved Trevon Savoy for Rayne area bus route.
3) Consider dates for the next committee and board meetings.
Upon motion by LaCombe, seconded by Mr. Higginbotham, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, September 17, 2008 will be the next committee meetings; October 6, 2008 will be the next board meeting.
12) Correspondence
Upon motion by Mr. LaCombe, seconded by Mr. Simar, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, information of the parish wide food survey from Ruth Miller will be referred to the committee meeting on September 17, 2008 for discussion.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Consider recommendations of the Budget and Finance committee regarding mileage reimbursement rate for employees.
Upon motion by Mr. LaCombe, seconded by Mr. Suire, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this item was moved to Action Item #1.
2) Consider policy changes as the result of new legislation.
Upon motion by Mr. LaCombe, seconded by Mr. Suire, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this item was moved to Action Item #2.
3) Consider fuel supplement for buses.
Upon motion by Mr. Simar, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this item was moved to Action Item #3.
CONSENT ITEMS:
1) Consider assignments and changes of professional employees.
Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Higginbotham, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved assignments and changes of professional employees.
Upon motion by Mr. LaCombe, seconded by Mr. Simar, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following items were taken in globo.
2) Consider retirement notification of employees.
3) Consider request from Sara LeJeune, Secretary, Alternative School, for a maternity leave from July 8, 2008 to August 19, 2008.
4) Consider request from Loucinda Lyons, Technician, North Crowley Elementary, for leave without pay from August 4, 2008 to December 2, 2008.
5) Consider request from Kay C. Broussard, teacher, Midland High, for a sabbatical leave for the Spring 2008 semester.
6) Consider request from Randi Daigle Sattler, teacher, Iota Middle, for a sabbatical leave for the Fall 2008 semester.
7) Consider request from Cheryl Faulk, Secretary, Central Office, for a maternity leave from November 12, 2008 to December 19, 2008.
8) Receive Sales Tax Report showing a 0% increase/decrease YTD.
SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS:
Mr. Bourque commented on the cooperation and communication between employees during the recent storm. He mentioned the possibility of having make-up days due to schools closing for four days following Labor Day.
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 6:00 p.m.
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Roland J. Boudreaux, President
ATTEST:
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John E. Bourque, Superintendent