CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
OCTOBER 6, 2008
The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 6th day of October, 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 Items #2 & #6 were moved to Discussion Items #1 & #2 and Routine Item #10 was deleted.
5) Read and approve minutes of the September 8, 2008 meeting.
Reading of the minutes of the September 8, 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) Hear update from County Agent, Barrett Courville.
Mr. Barrett Courville addressed the board, giving them an overview of Agricultural and Family & Consumer Science programs offered in parish schools. It was noted that this is National 4-H week as mentioned by the two parish 4-H agents. They thanked the board for their continued support of programs throughout the parish.
7) Hear presentation on Acadia Relay for Life from Mr. Jimmy Broussard.
Mr. Broussard did not show for the meeting.
ACTION ITEMS: NONE
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Consider recommendation of the Budget and Finance committee regarding the renewal of agricultural leases.
The committee considered renewal of agricultural leases with Danny Richard and John Hoffpauir for another five year term. They have both expressed interest in continuing to farm school board land. Upon motion by Suire, seconded by Mr. Higginbotham, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved the renewal of the agricultural leases.
2) Consider recommendation of the Personnel, Insurance, & Curriculum committee regarding changes in policy as the result of new legislation.
Moved to Discussion Item #1.
3) Consider recommendation of the Personnel, Insurance, & Curriculum committee regarding the application for Flex funding.
The committee received information from the Superintendent regarding the availability of ”r;Flex” funding from the state. He went over proposed uses for this new source of funding, including hiring reading coaches, help with math curriculum, and tuition for advanced degrees. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Simar, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, application for ”r;Flex” funding was approved.
4) Consider approving Rayne, Midland, and Crowley High attendance of the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis, IND. from October 20, 2008 to October October 26, 2008.
Upon motion by Suire, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved the attendance of the National Convention in Indianapolis, IND. for Rayne, Midland, and Crowley High FFA from October 20, 2008 to October 26, 2008.
5) Consider request from Crowley High to purchase a mower for maintenance of athletic facilities.
Purchase of a mower for maintenance of athletic facilities at Crowley High would be funded through the Athletic boosters at a cost of $8,000.00. Upon motion by Mr. LaCombe, seconded by Mr. Suire, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved the purchase of a mower for Crowley High athletic facilities.
6) Consider policy revision regarding the adoption of policy changes necessary as the result of new legislation.
Moved to Discussion Item #2.
7) Recognize Head Start Policy Council members for 2008-2009.
Mrs. Myers recognized and introduced new members of the Head Start policy council for 2008-2009. They were commended for serving in this position. She also informed the board that October was Head Start awareness month.
8) Consider Pupil Progression Plan revision of grading policy.
Mrs. Jones presented a proposed revision in grading policy as the result of the new reading programs in grades 1-5. She answered questions of the board. This temporary change is the result of recommendations from the principals. This change will affect the first semester and be reconsidered at mid term. Upon motion by Mr. Suire, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved the revision of the Pupil Progression grading policy for one semester.
9) Consider adjustment to School Calendar.
Mr. Bryan Allemond updated the board on the School Calendar adjustments to make up days missed as the result of recent hurricanes. The cancellation of early dismissal before Christmas on December 19, 2008, cancellation of Parent Conference Day on January 20, 2009, and school attendance on Ash Wednesday, February 25, 2009. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Higginbotham, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved the recommended adjustments to the School Calendar.
10) Recognize October as Head Start awareness month.
This item was deleted.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Consider recommendation of the Personnel, Insurance, & Curriculum committee regarding changes in policy as the result of new legislation.
The committee was presented with a summary of policy changes resulting from recently enacted legislation. Mrs. Baggett discussed the changes and answered questions of the board.
2) Consider policy revision regarding the adoption of policy changes necessary as the result of new legislation.
Mrs. Baggett went over existing policy regarding adopting policy changes. It was recommended to consider changing board policy, whereby, policy changes solely as the result of mandated legislative changes may be adopted by the Board as a routine item instead of first being handled as a discussion item in the interest of time.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Mr. LaCombe, seconded by Mr. Higginbotham, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following action was taken by the Board.
1. Consider assignments and changes of professional employees.
2. Consider retirement notification of employees.
3. Consider request from Lorna R. Richard, teacher, North Crowley Elementary, for a sabbatical leave from January 2009 through May 2009.
4. Received Sales Tax report showing an increase of 0.53% YTD.
SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS: NONE
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. LaCombe, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.
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Roland J. Boudreaux, President
ATTEST:
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John E. Bourque, Superintendent