CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
September 8, 2014
The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 8th day of September at 5:00 p.m., in a regular session at Crowley, Louisiana, with President presiding Mr. Douglas J. LaCombe. Members present were, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, Mr. Gene Daigle, Mr. James Higginbotham, Mr. Israel Syria, Mr. Miton Simar, Mr. David Lalande, and Secretary-Treasurer, and Superintendent John E. Bourque. Mr. John Suire was absent.
2) Mr. Syria led the prayer.
3) Mr. Lalande led the pledge of allegiance.
4) Consider approved of the revised agenda, if there are any changes.
No Changes.
5) Read and approve minutes of the August 4, 2014 board meeting and August 25, 2014 special session.
Reading of the minutes of the August 4, 2014 board meeting and August 25, 2014 special session were dispensed (copies of minutes were sent to member prior to this meeting) and upon motion by Mr. Simar, seconded by Mr. Higginbotham, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, minutes of the August 4 2014 board meeting and August 25, 2014 were approved.
6) Presentation of the Top Accelerated Reader Awards for elementary, middle, and high school.
Mrs. Jones introduced Mrs. Kasey Francis with Renaissance Learning. Mrs. Francis presented awards to students that achieved top accelerated readers. They were Owen Lejeune, Egan Elementary, Damon Richard, Richard Elementary, and Samantha Delahoussaye, Iota Elementary. The board congratulated them on their achievement.
7) Receive comments from Keith Stutes.
Mr. Keith Stutes introduced himself, 15th Judicial District candidate for District Attorney and commended the board for their dedication to public education and answered questions of the board.
8) Receive comments from Burleigh Doga.
Mr. Burleigh Doga introduced himself, candidate for District Judge. He mentioned his law and court experience and answered questions of the board.
1) Consider recommendation of the Personnel, Insurance and Curriculum committee regarding policy changes as a result of legislation.
Mrs. Baggett went over changes to policies GAJ (Gifts to Personnel), GBA (Contracts and Compensation), GBI (Evaluation), GBJ (Promotion), GBK (Employee Discipline), GBL (Tenure), GBN (Dismissal of Employees), and GBRIB (Sick Leave). Upon motion by Daigle, seconded by Mr. Simar, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved the said policies.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Consider the recommendation of the Budget and Finance committee wherein the Performance-Based Energy Efficient Program was recommended to the full board for consideration, to wit:
1A Consider a resolution, to incur a $7,358,000 debt through the year 2031, which reads in part: Consideration of a resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not to exceed Seven Million Three Hundred Fifty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($7,358,000) of Taxable Limited Tax Revenue Bonds (Qualified Zone Academy Bond), Series 2014, of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Acadia, State of Louisiana; providing certain terms of said bonds; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said bonds; and providing for other matters in connection therewith. (roll call vote)
The following resolution was offered by Mr. David Lalande and seconded by Mr. James Higginbotham :
RESOLUTION
A resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not to exceed Seven Million Three Hundred Fifty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($7,358,000) of Taxable Limited Tax Revenue Bonds (Qualified Zone Academy Bond), Series 2014, of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Acadia, State of Louisiana; providing certain terms of said bonds; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said bonds; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, the Parish School Board of the Parish of Acadia, State of Louisiana (the AIssuer@) desires to incur debt and issue not to exceed $7,358,000 of its Taxable Limited Tax Revenue Bonds (Qualified Zone Academy Bond), Series 2014, for the purpose of paying costs of rehabilitating, repairing and equipping the public school facilities throughout the Acadia Parish School System and paying the costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, said Bonds to be secured by and payable from a pledge and dedication of an irrevocable pledge and dedication of the funds to be derived by the Issuer from the levy and collection of a special tax of 5.15 mills constitutional school tax (such rate being subject to adjustment from time to time due to reassessment) which the Issuer is authorized to impose and collect each year, to mature over a period not exceeding 17 years, to bear interest at a rate or rates not to exceed one per centum (1%) per annum and will be sold at the par value thereof; and
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to make formal application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the Bonds; and
WHEREAS, the Issuer is not now a party to any contract secured by a pledge or dedication of the Tax.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Acadia, State of Louisiana, that:
SECTION 1. Preliminary Approval of Limited Tax Revenue Bonds. Preliminary approval is given to the issuance of not exceeding $7,358,000 of Taxable Limited Tax Revenue Bonds (Qualified Zone Academy Bond), Series 2014 (the ABonds") of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Acadia, State of Louisiana (the AIssuer@), pursuant to Section 1430 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, for the purpose of paying costs of rehabilitating, repairing and equipping the public school facilities throughout the Acadia Parish School System and paying the costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, said Bonds to be payable from an irrevocable pledge and dedication of the funds to be derived by the Issuer from the levy and collection of a special tax of five and fifteen one-hundredths (5.15) mills constitutional school tax (such rate being subject to adjustment from time to time due to reassessment) which the Issuer is authorized to impose and collect each year. The Bonds will be issued at an interest rate not exceeding 1% per annum, and shall mature over a period not exceeding 17 years. The Bonds shall be issued in fully registered form, shall be sold to the purchasers thereof at the par value thereof, plus accrued interest, if any, and shall have such additional terms and provisions as may be determined by the Issuer.
SECTION 2. Parity Obligations. The Bonds are secured by a pledge or dedication of the Tax.
SECTION 3. State Bond Commission Approval. Application be and the same is hereby formally made to the State Bond Commission, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for its consent and authority to issue and sell the Bonds, and a certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the State Bond Commission on behalf of the Issuer, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this application. By virtue of applicant/issuer=s application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission=s approval(s) resolved and set forth herein, it resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval(s) are expressly conditioned upon, and it further resolves that it understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the AState Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.@, adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing(s) and other matter(s) subject to the approval(s), including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swap(s) or other product(s) or enhancement(s) covered thereby.
SECTION 4. Bond Counsel. The Issuer finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special bond counsel in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, and, accordingly, the law firm of Foley & Judell, L.L.P., Bond Counsel, is employed as Bond Counsel to the Issuer to handle all matters of a traditional legal nature in connection with the sale, issuance and delivery of the Bonds. The fee of Foley & Judell, L.L.P., in connection with the program of finance is established and fixed at a sum not to exceed that permitted under the Attorney General's approved schedule for comprehensive bond counsel service for revenue bonds based upon the principal amount of Bonds actually issued, sold and delivered, plus "out-of-pocket" expenses. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for approval of the employment herein provided.
SECTION 5. Declaration of Official Intent. Prior to the delivery of the Bonds, the Issuer anticipates that it may pay a portion of the costs of the project from available funds. The project includes specifically making capital improvements, including the acquisition of furnishings and equipment. Upon the issuance of the Bonds, the Issuer reasonably expects to reimburse any such expenditures of other available funds from a portion of the proceeds of the Bonds. Any such allocation of proceeds of the Bonds for reimbursement will be with respect to capital expenditures (as defined in Reg. 1.150‑1(b) and will be made upon the delivery of the Bonds and not later than one year after the later of (i) the date such expenditure was paid or (ii) the date on which the project was placed in service. This Section is intended to be a declaration of official intent within the meaning of Reg. 1.150‑2.
SECTION 6. The Issuer hereby retains McLiney and Company, Kansas City, Missouri, as placement agent with respect to the Bonds. The fee for such services shall, whenever possible, be payable from the proceeds of the Bonds and the amount thereof shall be subject to approval by the Issuer.
The following resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS: Israel G. Syria; Douglas J. LaCombe; Lynn Shamsie; David Lalande; Gene I. Daigle; James Higginbotham; and, Milton Simar;
NAYS: NONE
ABSENT: John A. Suire
And the resolution was adopted on this, the 8th day of September, 2014.
John E. Bourque, Secretary-Treasurer Douglas J. LaCombe, President
Acadia Parish School Board Acadia Parish School Board
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF ACADIA
I, the undersigned Secretary-Treasurer of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Acadia, State of Louisiana, do hereby certify that the foregoing four (4) pages constitute a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Acadia on September 8, 2014, making application to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority to issue, sell and deliver not exceeding $7,358,000 of Taxable Limited Tax Revenue Bonds (Qualified Zone Academy Bond), Series 2014, of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Acadia, State of Louisiana, all in the manner provided by Section 1430 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, providing for the employment of bond counsel, providing for the employment of a placement agent and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature and the impress of the official seal of said School Board, on this, the 8th day of September, 2014.
__________________________________________
John E. Bourque, Secretary-Treasurer
Acadia Parish School Board
Seal of Acadia Parish School Board
1B) Consider a resolution which reads in part: A Resolution to Authorize the Finance and Accounting Staff of the Acadia Parish School Board (hereafter noted as Board) to Prepare to Meet the Requirements of Receiving, Disbursing, and Managing Seven Million Three Hundred Fifty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($7,358,000) of Taxable Limited Tax Revenue Bonds (Qualified Zone Academy Bond), Series 2014 as well as Accruing Funds from the 5.15 Mills of Constitutional Tax Dedicated to Retiring Said Bonds: (roll call vote)
Routine Item #1-B APSB September 8, 2014: Financial Management Resolution
Relative to Seven Million Three Hundred Fifty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($7,358,000) of Taxable Limited Tax Revenue Bonds (Qualified Zone Academy Bond), Series 2014
A Resolution to Authorize the Finance and Accounting Staff of the Acadia Parish School Board
(hereafter noted as Board) to Prepare to Meet the Requirements of Receiving, Disbursing, and Managing Seven Million Three Hundred Fifty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($7,358,000) of Taxable Limited Tax Revenue Bonds (Qualified Zone Academy Bond), Series 2014 as well as Accruing Funds from the 5.15 Mills of Constitutional Tax Dedicated to Retiring Said Bonds, to wit:
Whereas, the Board has approved a resolution seeking the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s permission to issue and offer for sale Seven Million Three Hundred Fifty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($7,358,000) of Taxable Limited Tax Revenue Bonds (Qualified Zone Academy Bond);
Whereas, McLiney and Company of Kansas City, Missouri has been used to secure funding for the Performance-Based Energy Efficiency Contract Proposal including meeting the requirements of said funding, and said Company has secured the services of Foley & Judell therein; and,
Whereas, there are expenses in obtaining the Taxable Limited Tax Revenue Bonds (Qualified Zone Academy Bond), Series 2014 as well as expenses of issuance, legal counsel, and interest;
Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board does hereby authorize its finance and accounting staff to prepare to receive, disburse, and manage the Seven Million Three Hundred Fifty-Eight Thousand Dollars ($7,358,000) of Taxable Limited Tax Revenue Bonds (Qualified Zone Academy Bond), Series 2014 as well as annually accruing, transferring, and manage funds from the revenue provided by the 5.15 Mills of Constitutional Tax which has been irrevocably dedicated to retiring the Taxable Limited Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2014 and related expenses.
On a motion by Mr. Daigle , second by Mr. Higginbotham , the adoption of this resolution having been submitted to a roll call vote with the vote thereon being as follows:
YEAS: Israel G. Syria; Douglas J. LaCombe; Lynn Shamsie; David Lalande; Gene I. Daigle; James Higginbotham; Milton J. Simar;
NAYS: None
ABSENT: John A. Suire
And the resolution was adopted on this, the 8th day of September, 2014.
John E. Bourque Secretary-Treasurer Douglas J. LaCombe, President
Acadia Parish School Board Acadia Parish School Board
1C) Consider a resolution pursuant to a Performance-Based Energy Efficiency Contract between the Acadia Parish School Board and Johnson Controls, Inc. which reads in part: Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board does hereby agree to enter into a Performance-Based Energy Efficiency Contract with Johnson Controls, Incorporated wherein Douglas J. LaCombe, President, and John E. Bourque, Superintendent, are authorized to sign said contract; Further, Be It Resolved and Herein Noted, that said authorization to sign a contract explicitly prohibits any action by Johnson Controls, Inc. and/or its agents or assigned to “Proceed”; that is, the NOTICE TO PROCEED is withheld until such time as the issuance and sale of bonds and funds there from are deposited in a Board account and are available for use by said Board.
Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Syria, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved to table until September 17,2014 special session.
1D) Consider a resolution to authorize Superintendent Bourque to approve the invoices submitted by Johnson Controls, Incorporated pursuant to the Performance-Based Energy Efficiency Contract which reads in part: Whereas, Superintendent Bourque is knowledgeable of the contents of the contract with Johnson Controls, Incorporated and has negotiated each project therein, the scope and parameters of each activity, the cost encompassed thereof, and the applicable endeavors with representatives of Johnson Controls, Incorporated; Therefore, Be It Resolved, that Superintendent Bourque approves, authorizes, and submits for payment the invoices provided to him by Johnson Controls, Incorporated within the parameters of the Performance-Based Energy Efficiency Contract.
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Higginbotham, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved to table item until September 17, 2014 special session.
2) Consider recommendation of Personnel, Insurance & Curriculum regarding the change of the Staff Development Day from October 20, 2014 to November 4, 2014.
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Simar, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved changing the staff development date from October 20, 2014 to November 4, 2014 in order to accommodate election day activities.
3) Consider recommendation of the Personnel, Insurance & Curriculum committee regarding changes to the 2014-2015 Pupil Progression Plan.
Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Simar, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved changes to the 2014-2015 Pupil Progression Plan.
4) Consider recommendation of the Budget & Finance committee regarding re-roofing the Acadia Parish School Board facility at 800 North Western Avenue, Crowley currently being used by Head Start at a three quote low price of $99,300 submitted by E.L. Habetz.
Mr. Jones presented information regarding the need to re-roof the school currently being used by the Head Start program in Crowley at a low bid of $99,300 submitted by E.L. Habetz.. Upon motion by Mr. Lalande, seconded by Mr. Shamise, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved re-roofing the Acadia Parish School Board facility at 800 North Western Avenue, Crowley currently being used by Head Start at a low bid of $99,300 submitted by E.L. Habetz.
At this time a substitute motion was made by Mr. Shamise, seconded by Mr. Simar, and carried by a unanimous voice vote to table this item to September 17, 2014 special session.
5) Consider recommendation of the Budget & Finance committee regarding cameras for six cafeterias.
After receiving reports from Mr. Bourque, Mrs. Vidrine, and Mr. Jones, installation of cameras in six cafeterias including Armstrong Middle, Branch Elementary, Church Point Elementary, Crowley Middle, Ross Elementary, and Egan Elementary was recommended. Upon motion by Mr. Shamise, seconded by Mr. Lalande, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved the purchase of cameras for six cafeterias including a monitor for the school food service office.
6) Consider recommendation of the Budget & Finance committee regarding the renewal of John Hoffpauir’s five-year farming lease.
Upon motion by Mr. Lalande, seconded by Mr. HIgginbotham, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved the renewal of John Hoffpauir’s five-year farming lease.
7) Consider recommendation of the Budget & Finance committee regarding advertising and receiving bids for the five-year term, with annual renewal, hunting leases on the 142 acres near Eunice and the 310 acres near Evangeline.
Upon motion by Mr. Lalande, seconded by Mr. Simar, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved advertising and receiving bids for the five-year term, with annual renewal, hunting leases on 142 acres near Eunice and the 310 acres near Evangeline.
8) Consider recommendation of the Budget & Finance committee regarding Beta Land Services request to nominate a partial of land at the Mire School site and Section 16 T9S-R3E, a section wherein both Acadia Parish Schools and Lafayette Parish Schools have interests.
Upon motion by Mr. Lalande, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved request from Beta Land Services to nominate a partial of land at Mire and a section owned jointly by the Acadia Parish School Board and Lafayette Parish School Board be submitted to Board Attorney Gerard Caswell for his review, and subsequently returned to the board for construction.
9) Consider recommendation of the Budget & Finance committee regarding appointing Steve Duplechin as the Board’s USDA Representative.
Upon motion by Mr. Lalande, seconded by Mr. Simar, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved appointing Steve Duplechin as the Board’s USDA Representative.
10) Consider recommendation of the Budget & Finance committee regarding the payment of monthly bills.
Upon motion by Mr. Higginbotham, seconded by Mr. Lalande, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved payment of monthly bills.
At this time a motion was made by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Simar, and carried by a unanimous voice vote to add Item 10A to authorize the Superintendent and staff to pay monthly bills.
10A) Authorize the Superintendent and staff to pay monthly bills.
Upon motion by Mr. Higginbotham, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved authorizing the Superintendent and staff to pay monthly bills.
11) Consider request from Iota High Golden Girls Dance Team to travel to Orlando, Florida on January 19-24, 2015 to perform at Walt Disney World.
Upon motion by Mr. SImar, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved request from Iota High Golden Girls Dance Team to travel to Orlando, Florida on January 19-24, 2015 to perform at Walt Disney World.
12) Consider dates for next committee and board meetings.
Upon motion by Mr. Simar, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, committee meetings and special session will be September 17, 2014, 2014 and the board meeting will be October 6, 2014.
13) Correspondence.
NONE
DISCUSSION ITEMS: NONE
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Mr. SImar, seconded by Mr. Lalande, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Items Consent Items 1-3 were taken in globo.
1) Receive assignments and changes of professional employees.
Upon motion by Mr. Simar, seconded by Mr. Lalande, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved assignments and changes of professional employees.
2) Receive retirement notification of employees.
Upon motion by Mr. Simar, seconded by Mr. Lalande, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, retirement notification of employees was approved.
3) Receive Sales Tax Report.
Upon motion by Mr. Simar, seconded by Mr. Lalande, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board received the sales tax report which showed a year to date increase of 1.15%.
SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS:
Mr. Bourque informed the board that Mr. Kirk Soileau would be at the principals meeting regarding farmland. He mentioned the meals are improving at the schools regarding student participation. He mentioned that there is a free Homework website through local library with live tutoring from Sunday-Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Simar, seconded by Mr. Syria, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m.
____________________________
Douglas J. LaCombe, President
ATTEST:
____________________________
John E. Bourque, Superintendent