CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
MARCH 2, 1998
1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 2nd day of March 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., Nolton J. Senegal, Sr.,Roland J. Boudreaux, Rodney J. Trahan, Johnnie L. Smith, Charles F. Daigle, Shirley F.-Vige', Lynn Miller, and Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Marietta W. James. Dr. Robert McManus was absent.
2&3) Mr. Senegal led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
4) The agenda was revised by moving Routine Items 1 & 2 to be addressed before Discussion Items, upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Vige', and approved unanimously, Routine Item 10a (CONSIDER CONTRACT RENEWAL FOR DR. PAUL GIBSON MILLER, PRINCIPAL, MORSE ELEMENTARY) was added. Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and approved unanimously, Routine Item 10b (CONSIDER SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION OF CAFETERIA AT CHURCH POINT ELEMENTARY) was added. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Vige', and approved unanimously, Routine Item 10C (CONSIDER INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT POSITION AT CHURCH POINT HIGH) was added. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and approved unanimously, Consent Item 6 (CONSIDER REQUESTS FROM PRINCIPALS AT CROWLEY HIGH AND RAYNE HIGH FOR STUDENTS TO ATTEND "PHYSICS DAY" AT ASTROWORLD IN HOUSTON, APRIL 24, 1998) and Consent Item 7 (CONSIDER REQUEST FROM PRINCIPAL AT EGAN ELEMENTARY FOR A FIELD TRIP FOR STUDENTS TO TRAVEL TO THE GRAND CANYON, MAY 23-27,1998) were added.
5) Reading of the minutes of the February 2, 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. Senegal and seconded by Mr. Shamsie.
6) Mr. Wilfred Broussard recognized Acadia Students of the Year from grades 5, 8, and 12, and committee members were also recognized. Parish-wide winners are Audrey Hebert, fifth grade; Gretchen Lacombe, eighth grade; and Terry Jeans, twelfth grade. These students will compete at the regional level next month. Mr. Broussard commended his committee for their diligent efforts in selecting students.
7) Mrs. Margaret Jones introduced Learlin LeJeune, Job Shadowing Participant at the Louisiana Department of Labor. She commended him for his accomplishments.
ROUTINE ITEMS 1 & 2:
1) Dr. James briefed the board on the ongoing negotiations to purchase the Wal-Mart property. She indicated that the APSB attorney, Mr. Kenneth Privat, has an apparent conflict of interest regarding this matter, therefore could not continue representing the APSB. Mr. Kim Hayes has been retained to represent the APSB in this matter. Dr. James then introduced State Superintendent of Education, Cecil Picard who addressed the board. He discussed his plans for improving education in Louisiana, stressing areas of K-3, technology, alternative programs, teacher pay, and teacher training. He showed a brief videotape highlighting successful alternative schools throughout Louisiana. He commended the board on their efforts thus far to establish an alternative school and encouraged them to continue. He hopes that state funding will be forthcoming for alternative schools. He then fielded questions from board members. Mr. Kim Hayes addressed the board regarding an ongoing legal barrier affecting the acquisition of the former Wal-Mart property. He discussed recent efforts to complete this transaction. Mr. Privat discussed the reasons for his potential conflict of interest. Mr. Senegal inquired about the possibility of the District Attorney's office handling all legal matters of the school board. Other members asked about the timing of the purchase of this property. A special meeting planned for later this month to discuss Alternative School plans was mentioned. There was some concern about the authority of the superintendent to retain another attorney.
Mr. Senegal motioned and Mr. Shamsie seconded that the board rectify the action of the superintendent and board president to retain Mr. Kim Hayes to represent the APSB in negotiations to acquire the old Wal-Mart Property. Question was called for and failed by a roll call vote of 6 to 8, less than a 2/3 vote.
YES: Bias, Suire, Shamsie, Senegal, Smith, Daigle, Vige', Miller
NAY: Johnson, Valdetero, Marceaux, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan ABSENT: McManus
Discussion continued, especially with regards to the eminent domain issue. The motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, to ratify the action of the superintendent and board president to retain Mr. Kim Hayes to represent the APSB in negotiations to acquire the old Wal-Mart property, carried by a majority voice vote.
2) Mr. Wilfred Broussard introduced Mr.' Kenneth Boudreaux from the District Attorney's office. He is currently working with the APSB CWA staff to curtail student truancy problems by handling the legal procedure involved with truancy. He thanked Mr. Broussard and APSB principals for their cooperation.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Concerning goals and accomplishments planned for 1998, Mrs. Margaret Jones provided information to the board regarding renewal efforts to develop and adopt a Five Year Plan. She outlined the components and personnel involved in this process, with a timeline for adoption. She answered questions from board members. Mr. Boudreaux suggested that this document could provide some guidance in the budgeting process.
2) Mr. Kenneth Privat requested that the board discuss the resolution of the Crowley High weight room in executive session. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, board members, Mr. John Menard, Mr. Eric Stutes, and CHS athletic booster representatives went into executive session at 7:12 p. m.
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board reconvened into regular session at 8:25 p.m.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board attorney was authorized to work out a settlement as authorized.
3) Mr. Boudreaux asked that legal matters be addressed early in the meeting, so that the board attorney could be excused after those items are concluded. This method will be attempted at next month's meeting.
ACTION ITEMS:
1) Staff travel information was presented for the months of January and February. Ms. Valdetero asked that cost figures be included in these reports. More discussion followed and a suggestion was made that board members receive these reports monthly. The cost will be monitored by tracking the travel cost by line item on the budget.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1&2) Addressed earlier in this meeting.
3) Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent was authorized to advertise for large cafeteria equipment.
4) Mr. Privat discussed the APSB policy concerning release of contract for teachers during the school year. Upon motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this item was tabled.
5) Dr. James explained that currently, in order for a person to be hired as a substitute bus driver, applicants must score at least 8.0 in reading, math, and language on a standardized test. The Personnel/Insurance Committee is recommending that to be hired as a substitute bus driver, the applicant must score at least 8.0 in reading only on a standardized test. If the applicant does not meet the required score the first time the test is taken, and if the applicant enrolls in the adult education program, the adult education teacher may grant permission to retake the test prior to the mandatory six-month waiting period.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Personnel/Insurance Committee's recommendation presented by Dr. James to modify the standards regarding minimum employment requirements for substitute bus drivers was approved.
6) Mr. Senegal motioned and Mr. Smith seconded to approve the Technology/Instructional/Federal Programs Committee's recommendation to approve the Internet Acceptable Use Policy (previously submitted to each board member).
Mr. Quebodeaux offered an amendment to the main motion to adopt this policy on a trial basis until the end of this year. The amendment was seconded by Mr. Trahan and approved by a unanimous voice vote.
INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
Each teacher who plans to use the Internet will have six hours of inservice on the APSB intranet and the Internet use policy. That teacher will then sign an Internet use agreement (below). He or she will inservice each class on the acceptable use of the Internet in Acadia Parish schools. Each student and his or her parent/guardian will sign an acceptable use agreement. It will be the responsibility of the teacher/librarian to insure that only students with signed agreements use the Internet. Students whose parents refuse to sign an agreement will not be penalized in their classwork. Alternative assignments will be given from more traditional references.
Students will have assignments when accessing the Internet. Surfing, whether in the library or classroom, wastes valuable time and keeps other students from using the computer to finish assignments. Students without assignments may be asked to allow other students to use the computer.
Each trained teacher will have two E-mail addresses, one personal and one for class use. (Jane Smith will receive mailbox jsmith@xxxxxx for personal use and jsmiths@xxxxxx for class use. Sam LeJeune will receive slejeune@xxxxxx for personal use and slejeunes@xxxxxx for class use.) At no time will mailboxes be considered private. They will be accessible by the Network Administrator at any time.
The following information will be sent home to each student in a class which will use the Internet.
INTRODUCTION
The Internet is a tool for lifelong learning.
The Acadia Parish School Board is pleased to offer its students access to the Internet. The Internet is an electronic highway connecting hundreds of thousands of computers and millions of individual users all over the world. This computer technology will help propel our schools through the communication age by allowing students and staff to access and use resources from distant computers, communicate and collaborate with other individuals and groups around the world, and significantly expand their available information base. Acceptable use of these resources shall be consistent with the philosophy, goals, and objectives of the Acadia Parish School Board. Families should be aware that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people. In addition, it is possible to purchase certain goods and services via the Internet which could result in unwanted financial obligations for which a student's parent or guardian would be liable. While the District's intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. Even should the District institute technical methods or systems to regulate students' Internet access, those methods could not guarantee compliance with the District's Internet use policy. That notwithstanding, the District believes that the benefits of access to the Internet exceed any disadvantages. Ultimately, however, parents and guardians of students are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources,
NETIQUETTE
Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
Be polite. Do not write or send abusive messages to others. Use appropriate language.
Do not reveal personal addresses or phone numbers.
Note that electronic mail (E-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail. Messages .relating to or in support of illegal activities must be reported to the authorities.
Anything pertaining to illegal or inappropriate activities is strictly forbidden and will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Do not use the network in such a way that would limit or disrupt the use of the network by others.
SECURITY
Any user who knowingly allows another to use the ID assigned to him or her will immediately lose access privileges, and maybe subject to further disciplinary action. Attempts to fraudulently log on any network as a system administrator or another user will result in immediate cancellation of user privileges and the offender may be subject to further disciplinary action. Any user identified as a security risk, or having a history of problems with other computer systems, may be denied access to the service.
VANDALISM
Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges or other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any attempted or actual harm or destruction of the data of 'another user or other networks connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses, attempts to tamper with any programs, applications, files, etc.
<date>
Dear Parents:
Your child has the opportunity to receive an electronic network account or access, but needs your permission to do so. Among other advantages, your child will be able to communicate with other schools, colleges, organizations and individuals around the world through the Internet. Internet is a system that links small computer networks, creating a large and diverse network, which allows your child to research subjects, learn concepts, and share information. These are significant learning opportunities to prepare your child for the future.
With this educational opportunity also comes responsibility. It is important that you and your child read the enclosed consent form and guidelines for Internet use, which reflect Acadia Parish School Board policy, and discuss it together. When your child is given an account and password to use on the computer, it is extremely important that rules are followed. Inappropriate use will result in the loss of the privilege to use this educational tool and possible other appropriate disciplinary action. Parents, remember that you are legally responsible for your child's actions.
Please stress to your child the importance of using only his or her account password and of keeping it a secret from other students. Your child should never let anyone else use his or her password to reach the network. Your child is responsible for any activity that happens in his or her account. We have established procedures and rules regulating the materials that students may search for on the network, but please be aware that there are unacceptable and controversial materials and communications on the Internet that your child could access. It is not possible for us to provide direct supervision of all students at all times. We cannot completely filter material posted on network-connected computers all over the world. We encourage you to consider the possibility of your child being exposed to inappropriate material in your decision to sign the enclosed consent form.
If you have any questions, please contact me. If you want your child to have the opportunity to receive Internet access, please sign the enclosed consent form and return it as soon as possible. Sincerely,
<Principal's Signature> <Principal's Name>, Principal <School Name>
ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD INTERNET USE AGREEMENT
I understand and will abide by the above. I fully understand that any violation of the regulations above is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken, as well as appropriate legal action.
User's Full Name (please print): Signature:
Date:
PARENT OR GUARDIAN
As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Internet Agreement. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. The Acadia Parish School Board has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the School District to restrict access to all controversial materials, and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. I hereby give permission to open an account for my child and certify that the information contained on the form is correct.
Parent or Guardian's Name (please print): Parent or Guardian's Signature:
Date:
SPONSORING TEACHER
(Must be signed if the applicant is a student)
I have read and agree to promote this agreement with the student. Because the student may use the network for individual work or in the context of another class, I cannot be held responsible for the student use of the network. As the sponsoring teacher, I do agree to instruct the student on acceptable use of the network and proper network etiquette.
Teacher's Name (please print): Teacher's Signature:
Date:
7) Dr. James explained the process of direct certification of students whose parents receive either SSI benefits, food stamps, or welfare assistance. These students can be directly certified as qualifying for free or reduced lunches without having to complete any forms. This direct certification is provided by the Louisiana Department of Social Services and will allow the approval of students who may not currently be applying for free or reduced priced lunches.
Upon motion by Ms. Bias, seconded by (Corrected by Board April 14)Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, board approved direct certification of students eligible for free and reduced lunches.
8) Mr. Quebodeaux suggested that the 1998-99 food service reimbursement program for Head Start was not necessary, as the present system is satisfactory. Ms. Sondra Myers addressed the board explaining procedures presently used to feed Head Start students. The matter was further discussed by the board. Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a majority voice vote, the 1998-99 food service reimbursement program for Head Start was approved.
9) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, current year budget revisions (1997-98) were approved as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.
10) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board gave to the Acadia Parish Police Jury a drainage servitude at a bridge on Perchville road.
10a) Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a performance contract for Dr. Paul Gibson Miller, principal, Morse Elementary, was renewed for a period of four years beginning February 6, 1998, and ending February 5, 2002.
10b) Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the substantial completion of the cafeteria at Church Point Elementary was approved.
10c) Upon ;motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Vige', and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Instructional Assistant position for Church Point High School was approved.
11) Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Miller, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following members were appointed to the Special Education Advisory Council.
Special Education Advisory Council Terms of Office
1999:
Member Name Representing
Ellan Baggett Regular Education Teachers
Karen Beard Regular Education Teachers
Lyle Johnson State/Local Educational Officials
Jody Sarver Special Education Parents
Esther Trahan Regular Education Parents
2000:
Richard Bier Rep. of Consumers, College/Univ., Vo-Tech Schools
Carol Geesey Regular Education Parents
Judy Roosa Special Education Parents
Alice Pousson Regular Education Teachers
Ronnie Taylor Special Education Parents
Jerry Winston Rep. of Consumers, College/Univ., Vo-Tech Schools
2001:
Verelda Girouard Regular Education Teachers
Glenda LeGros Special Education Teachers
Howard Melancon Regular Education Parents
Alice Whiting Rep. of Consumers, College/Univ., Vo-Tech Schools
Michael LeBlanc Director of Special Education (Permanent Appointee)
12) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a Special Board meeting will be held on Monday, March 23, 1998, to discuss the Alternative School.
13) Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mrs. Neva Linscombe was named as Community Representative for Head Start Policy Council.
14) Mr. Rex Mills answered questions regarding the Student Uniform policy. This will be discussed in more detail at next month's meeting.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, 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.
3 Sales Tax Report showing a year-to-date increase of 15.29%.
4 Request for leave without pay from Cherie Willingham, teacher, Armstrong Middle, effective August 1998/August 1999.
5 Request for maternity leave from Jackie LeBlanc, teacher, Crowley Middle, effective 5-20-98/6-2-98.
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, at 9:02 p.m. the meeting adjourned.
Myron Clark Hoffpauir, President
ATTEST:
Dr. Marie to W. James, Superintendent