CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
FEBRUARY 2, 1998
1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 2nd day of February 1998, at 5:00 p.m., in regular session, with President Myron Clark Hoffpauir presiding. Members present were Lyle C. Johnson, Kitty M. Valdetero, Wadie H. Bias, Woody M. Marceaux, John A. Suire, Lynn Shamsie, John H. Quebodeaux, Sr.,Roland J. Boudreaux, Rodney J. Trahan, Johnnie L. Smith, Charles F. Daigle, Shirley F. Vige', Dr. Robert McManus, Lynn Miller, and Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Marietta W. James.Mr. Nolton J. Senegal, Sr., was attending the NSBA Conference.
2&3) Mr. Quebodeaux led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
4) The agenda was revised by adding Consent Item 8a (CONSIDER REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF CONTRACT FROM KIMITA REA-GUIDRY, TEACHER, MARTIN PETITJEAN ELEMENTARY, EFFECTIVE 1-30-98.), upon motion by Mr. Daigle and seconded by Mr. Trahan. Consent Item 8b (CONSIDER REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE FROM CALVIN FLOWERS, TEACHER, CROWLEY HIGH, FOR R&R, FOR THE 1998 SPRING SEMESTER.), was added upon motion by Mr. Trahan and seconded by Mr. Boudreaux. Routine Item l la (CONSIDER REQUEST TO APPEAL EXPULSION OF AN IOTA JUNIOR HIGH STUDENT.), was added upon motion by Mr. Trahan and seconded by Mr. Daigle. Routine Item 8 (HEAR REPORT ON SOUTH GYMNASIUM AT RAYNE HIGH SCHOOL.), was moved to Routine Item 3a, upon motion by Mr. Marceaux and seconded by Mr. Boudreaux.
5) Reading of the minutes of the January 5, 1998, meeting was dispensed with (copies of minutes were sent to each member prior to this meeting) and approved as submitted, upon motion by Mr. Trahan and seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux.
6) Mr. Brad Leger introduced guests from Russia who are participating in a school linkage program with Midland high. A delegation from Acadia will be visiting Russia this summer. Their spokesman briefly described the operation of their agricultural programs.
7) Dr. Gibson Miller introduced four teachers from his school who have successfully obtained educational grants at Morse Elementary. Those recognized were Nathalie Lizin who received a $500 Bell South grant, Shawn LeJeune who received a $450 Acadiana Educational Endowment grant, Helen Knuckles who received a $500 Acadiana Educational Endowment grant, and Jacqueline Broussard who received a $500 Acadiana Educational Endowment grant.
8) Ms. Adele Carr recognized and presented 1997 Louisiana School Recognition awards
for scholastic achievement and growth, to 11 elementary schools in Acadia Parish. Schools receiving awards were Evangeline Elementary, Iota Elementary, Martin Petitjean, North Crowley Elementary, Mermentau Elementary, South Rayne Elementary, Branch Elementary, Egan Elementary, Estherwood Elementary, Mire Elementary, and Richard Elementary. Mr. Rodney LaFosse recognized and presented 1997 Louisiana School Recognition Awards for scholastic achievement and growth to Armstrong Middle School, Church Point Middle School, and Crowley Middle School.
9) Church Point Elementary received recognition from the American Schools and Universities Design Award for being an outstanding facility. A proclamation from Lt. Governor Blanco was read by Dr. James. Mr. Smith and Mr. Daigle commended Mrs. Sandra Doguet, principal, Church Point Elementary staff members, and the entire community for making this facility a reality. Mr. Jim Poche', Mr. Phillipe Prouet, and Ms. Judy Broussard presented awards to Superintendent James, Mrs. Doguet, and the area board members. Mrs. Doguet thanked the citizens of the Church Point area for supporting this effort,* and thanked board members and architects who managed the project. Mr. Daigle mentioned that their new cafeteria is now in use for both Church Point Elementary and Church Point High Schools.
DISCUSSION:
1) Ms. Valdetero asked that more information regarding staff travel be provided to the board on a regular basis. She requested information of who attends meetings, cost, how many days, etc. Mr. Boudreaux commented about days principals are away from their school handling other matters. More discussion followed concerning absences of teachers and principals. Carl LeJeune explained the need for teachers and principals and assistants to attend new teacher assessment. He indicated that if this training would be held on Saturday, additional pay would be required. Mr. Johnson motioned and Mr. Boudreaux seconded to move this item to an action item for tonight's meeting. The motion failed by a majority voice vote. The item will be on the March agenda as an action item.
ACTION: No action items.
ROUTINE:
1) Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, an agreement with Vermilion parish to use Church Point Elementary School as a special needs shelter during emergency evacuation of nursing home residents was
approved.
2) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the recommendation to repair/replace five roofs (APSB central office building, Crowley High main building, Estherwood main building, South Crowley cafeteria,
Title I building east half) at this time was approved. Bids will be brought to the board and funds will be budgeted.
3) Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Daigle, a change order for track resurfacing and necessary foundation repairs at a cost of $3,500 was approved by a unanimous voice vote.
3a) Howard Melancon and Connie Maillet presented Special Education Guidelines including evaluation statistics and the evaluation process. They explained reasons why so much time is needed to complete all of the steps. The law allows up to 60 working days to completely evaluate a student.
4) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the superintendent was authorized to advertise for janitorial supplies, and teaching and duplicating supplies.
5) Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following proclamation designating February 8-15, 1998, as Vocational Education Week was adopted.
PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Acadia Parish has designated the week of February 14, 1998, as Vocational Education Week; and
WHEREAS, the theme for Vocational Education Week is "Get Your Career in Gear"; and WHEREAS, vocational education provides our country with a dynamic, well-trained, and educated work force, which increases productivity in business and industry and strengthens America's leadership in the international marketplace; and
WHEREAS, vocational education creates the environment to ensure that Acadia Parish businesses and industries and those of the nation prosper by supplying workers with the needed skills to allow our workforce to grow; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Acadia Parish School Board does proclaim the week for February 8-14, 1998, as VOCATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK in the parish of Acadia and urge all citizens to become more familiar with the services and opportunities offered by our vocational education programs and work to support these programs.
6) Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Suire, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following proclamation designating the month of March 1998, as Career Month was adopted by the board.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, trends in the workplace will cause Acadia Parish citizens in and entering the workforce to change jobs and careers several times in a lifetime; and
WHEREAS, resources to lessen the impact of such change are available in Acadia Parish through guidance, education, training, work exploration, and job opportunities, all aimed at preparing for job and career changes; and
WHEREAS, a strong partnership of universities, community colleges, technical colleges, schools, state agencies, business, and industry has been formed to educate the citizens of Acadia Parish about the changing workplace and the changing work skills; and
WHEREAS, the partnership will continue efforts to provide career-related opportunities for students through part-time and full-time jobs for graduates to remain in Acadia Parish. NOW, THEREFORE, the Acadia Parish School Board does hereby proclaim the month of March 1998, as CAREER MONTH in the Parish of Acadia and encourage all citizens to assist sponsoring organizations in this vital endeavor for a more prosperous people.
7) Mike LeBlanc asked for nominations for membership on the Special Education Advisory Council. He will be accepting these nominations until next month's board meeting.
8) Original item was moved to Routine Item 3a.
9) Ron Lawson presented an update and cost estimates to repair the south gymnasium at Rayne High School. The scope of the project includes roofing, foundation repairs, and interior refinishing and is estimated to cost $349,600 (foundation repairs $51,600; exterior sealing $15,000; interior work $222,000; profit and overhead $43,000; fees $18,000). He suggested that the board authorize the superintendent to take bids and proceed with this project. Mr. Quebodeaux motioned and Mr. Trahan seconded to proceed with the work at the south gymnasium at Rayne High School. Discussion continued concerning the costs incurred to date ($7,700 has been spent) to re-roof, study this matter, to research and develop a solution. Question was called.
Mr. Lawson indicated that some of the vinyl tile (1,500 square feet) is attached to the floor with asbestos-containing glue. Estimated cost of $4,500 may be handled under a separate contract. He suggested that two trees located to the west of the building be removed to prevent future foundation damage. An amendment to the main motion to include the two items concerning asbestos flooring and removal of two trees was offered by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Daigle. The main motion as amended carried by a unanimous voice vote. Mr. Boudreaux suggested that the Transportation/Facilities Committee develop guidelines for locating trees in proximity to school facilities.
10) Dr. James gave some background on Act 478 which requires school boards to identify the 20 % lowest achieving schools. She suggest four categories to use in identifying these schools in Acadia Parish; 1) Test scores, 2) Student absences, 3) Student suspensions, 4) Student retentions. Using this criteria, the schools were identified as Church Point Elementary, Church Point High, Crowley High, Crowley Middle, and Rayne High. These schools will be provided assistance to improve instruction. Some principals see this as a challenge to do better. Upon motion by Mr. Marceaux, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the criteria presented by the superintendent was accepted.
11) Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a change in the order of expulsion appeals was approved and the board considered the expulsion of an Iota Junior High student in open session at the request of his parent, Mrs. Jordan. Mrs. Diane Brown profiled the infractions of this student who has received four suspensions as of this date. She recommended that the student be expelled from school. The student's uncle spoke on his behalf, asking that help be provided for his nephew. Upon motion
by Mr. Marceaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and passed by a majority voice vote, Ms. Bias opposed, the board upheld the superintendent's recommendation for expulsion.
Upon' motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr.'Marceaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, at 7:56 p.m., the board went into executive session to discuss a South Rayne Elementary student expulsion.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, at 8:02 p.m., the board reconvened.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by, Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board upheld the length of expulsion for the remainder of the school year as recommended by the principal.
12) There was no correspondence.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board approved the following items:
1 Authorized the Board President and Superintendent to pay monthly bills.
2 Personnel assignments and changes, since the last board meeting.
3 Sales Tax Report showing a year-to-date increase of 17.27%.
4 Request for sabbatical leave from Deborah Nunley, teacher, Iota High, for R&R, effective the 1997-98 Fall semester.
5 Request for leave without pay from Glenn M. Faul, band director, effective January 1998-June 1998.
6 Request for release of contract from James Hebert, teacher, Rayne High, effective 1-15-98.
7 Request for maternity leave from Tommie Johnson, teacher aide, Martin Petitjean, effective 2-26-98 through 3-16-98.
8 Request for leave without pay from Sandra Cole, cafeteria worker, South Rayne, effective 1-5-98 through 1-23-98 8a Request for release of contract from Kimita Rea-Guidry, teacher, Martin Petitjean Elementary, effective 1-30-98. 8b Request for sabbatical leave from Calvin Flowers, teacher, Crowley High, for R&R, for the 1998 Spring semester.
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, at 8:04 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Myron Clark Hoffpauir, President
ATTEST:
Dr. Marietta W. James, Superintendent