CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
APRIL 14, 1998
1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 14th day of April 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, Dr. Robert McManus and Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Marietta W. James. Shirley F. Vige' and Lynn Miller were absent.
2&3) Mr. Senegal led the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
4) The agenda was revised by adding Routine Item la (CONSIDER SETTING TERMINATION HEARING FOR LINDA DOUCET, BUS DRIVER), upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, and seconded by Mr. Trahan. Routine Item 27 was moved to Routine Item 3a, upon motion by Mr. Daigle, and seconded by Mr. Marceaux.
5) Reading of the minutes of the regular meeting of March 2, and special meetings of January 26, and March 23, 1998, was dispensed with (copies of minutes were sent to each member prior to this meeting) and approved as corrected for the March 2 meeting on page 309 by changing Mr. Valdetero to Ms. Valdetero, upon motion by Mr. Senegal and seconded by Mr. Boudreaux.
6) President Hoffpauir recognized Mr. Nolton Senegal as the president of LSBA for the upcoming year. Mr. Senegal thanked fellow board members and administrators for encouraging him throughout the years in his role as board member.
7) Willis Morris, a student at Crowley High, and Mrs. Kay Cramer, his teacher, were recognized for being chosen as members of the 1998 Louisiana Mudbugs. Willis recently returned from competition in Ontario.
8) Mrs. Sandra Doguet recognized Lawrence Mouille, a kindergarten student at Church Point Elementary, and Monica Broussard, a student at Richard Elementary. They placed first in the State Poetry Contest and were presented ribbons in recognition of this achievement.
9) Bryan Moody, a student at Rayne High, winner of the State Wrestling Championship, and Mr. Keith Bergeron, coach, were recognized. Mr. Roland Boudreaux commended them on this accomplishment.
10) Mrs. Elaine Simon, representative of DAR, presented winners from Acadia Parish who placed in state and regional completion of the DAR Junior American Citizen Award.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) Mr. Charles Daigle suggested that the Board President and Vice-President be allowed to serve for at least two consecutive two-year terms, instead of only one two-year term. Discussion followed by board members, citing merits of the existing policy and the proposed revision. A question was raised about the form of vote necessary to change this policy.
2) Superintendent James mentioned the possibility of the board acting on committee recommendations as consent items, unless individual items needed to be discussed (at the discretion of board members). She also had other ideas to streamline board meetings. Ms. Valdetero asked that a method of simultaneous voting be considered. Superintendent James was asked to submit these recommendations in writing next month, including an electronic voting machine. Mr. Quebodeaux asked that agenda items include the source identifying who requested each item.
3) Mr. Bradley Leger addressed the board with concerns about the quality of services available to vocational education due to re-organization within the State Department of Education. He asked the board to voice their concern. Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this item was moved to Action Item 2.
ACTION ITEMS:
1) Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson opposed), the board attorney will be required to stay for the entire time of board meetings.
2) Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent was authorized to address to State Superintendent Cecil Picard and others listed in his hand-out about the concerns of the APSB for vocational education at the Louisiana State Department of Education.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board went into executive session at 5:42 p.m. to consider an expulsion appeal of a student at Armstrong Middle School.
Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board reconvened into regular session at 6:00 p.m.
Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a majority voice vote (Boudreaux and Quebodeaux opposed), the Superintendent's recommendation for expulsion was upheld.
la) The following resolution calling for special counsel to act as Hearing Officer for the purpose of conducting a due process hearing for Ms. Linda Doucet, bus driver for the Acadia Parish School Board, was presented for adoption:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Louisiana Revised Statute 42:263 authorizes the retention of special counsel by any School Board upon a statement of reasons why such counsel is necessary and upon approval by the Attorney General; and
WHEREAS, this Board is in need of special counsel experienced in the issues of Tenure Hearings According to Louisiana Revised Statute, Title 9; and
WHEREAS, Gerard Caswell, Esquire has had the experience as a hearing officer for said Tenure Hearings; and WHEREAS, local counsel has advised that the School Board is in need of an experienced hearing officer in this matter; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Gerard Caswell, Esquire be retained as special counsel to serve as hearing officer for a tenure hearing scheduled for May 6, 1998, at an hourly rate of $95.00. Mr. Caswell shall have all of the procedural authority accorded to the Acadia Parish School Board by the Louisiana Revised Statute Title 17:443.
Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the foregoing resolution was adopted.
Mr. Kenneth Privat suggested retaining a hearing officer. Upon motion by Mr.Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Superintendent James was authorized to hire a hearing officer. The hearing will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 1998.
2) Dr. James, Superintendent, indicated that Mrs. Genevia Johnnie, coordinator of Alternative Education, indicated that she will soon be qualified as a school administrator, but this was not confirmed by state certification records. Therefore, Dr. James recommended that the board not renew Mrs. Johnnie's contract.
Mr. Quebodeaux motioned and Mr. Trahan seconded to uphold the Superintendent's recommendation to not renew Mrs. Johnnie's contract which expires on June 30, 1998. Discussion followed. Question was called for and passed by a majority voice vote. The main motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, to uphold the Superintendent's recommendation passed by a roll call vote of 11 to 2 and Mrs. Johnnie's contract was not renewed.
YEA: Johnson, Valdetero, Marceaux, Suire, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, McManus
NAY: Bias, Senegal
ABSENT: Vige', Miller
Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by unanimous voice vote, Routine Item 2a (CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE SUPERINTENDENT TO ADVERTISE FOR A PRINCIPAL FOR ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL) was added to the agenda.
2a) Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Superintendent James was authorized to advertise for a Principal for Alternative School.
3) Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent's recommendation to renew the performance contract for Melanie Venable, principal at Mire Elementary, from March 19, 1998, through June 30, 2001, was approved.
3a) APSB policy for implementation of mandatory school uniforms was previously submitted to the board. The policy attempts to address disciplinary repercussions of violating the uniform policy. Questions were raised concerning the cost of uniforms. Mr. Daigle motioned and Dr. McManus seconded to adopt the uniform enforcement policy as proposed. More discussion followed. Question was called and passed. The main motion to adopt the uniform enforcement policy passed by majority voice vote (Shamsie opposed), and the following policy was adopted.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
UNIFORM. In order to be in compliance with the Acadia Parish School Uniform Policy, students will wear khaki or plaid pants, shorts, box pleated skirts, A-line skirts, bib skirts, orjumpers. Khaki denim shorts and pants are also acceptable. Shirts/blouses are to be navy polo (golf) shirts, either short or long sleeves, with two or three buttons and a collar.
STYLE: Uniforms will be classic, traditional style - no baggy or oversized clothes, no pockets on lower legs, etc. Pants can have pleated or straight front. All pants and shorts must have a front waistband and belt loops. Shirts must be worn tucked into pants, shorts or skirts. Students must wear either black, blue, or brown belt. Pre-K and kindergarten students may wearpull-on pants, but they must have front waistband. Elastic will be allowed only on the back and/or sides of the pants. Hems are to be no more than 2 inches above the knees when the student is kneeling. Girls may wear shorts under their skirt as long as the shorts are not visible. Tights that match the uniform may be worn with or without socks. Navy sweatshirt may be worn over polo shirt during cold weather. Navy turtlenecks may be worn under polo, but polo cannot be taken off during the school day.
ENFORCEMENT.
I. All students in grades Pre-K through 8th grade (exception: Midland 8th grade) shall wear the mandated uniforms beginning with the 1998-1999 school year. Beginning with the 1999-2000 school year, all Acadia Parish Pubic School students shall wear the mandated uniform.
2. Students who violate the uniform policy will be subjected to the following consequences. First two days - in-school suspension - work completed will be graded
Third & fourth day - in-school suspension - work completed will not be graded Fifth day - out-of-school suspension - three days
3. Students who transfer into Acadia Parish will be allowed two weeks to purchase uniforms and comply with the policy.
4. Spirit Day shirts may be worn with approved pants/shorts/skirts on designated days set by the principal.
S. Special "dress up days" may be approved by the principal. Students will have the option of "dressing up" or wearing their uniform.
Dr. James was presented dolls wearing the new school uniforms.
4) Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Personnel/Insurance Committee's recommendation to hire an additional part-time custodian at Morse Elementary School was approved.
5) Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the anticipated enrollment figures for the 1998-99 school year, as requested by the Personnel/Insurance committee was presented to board members.
6) Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Personnel/Insurance Committee's recommendation that no change be made in the current policy was accepted by the board. The current policy regarding release of teachers from contracts states that - any resignation or termination of the contract for reasons other than extreme emergencies, as defined by the Board, shall constitute a breach of contract against which legal action may be taken by the Board and the employee dealt with accordingly.
7) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board accepted the recommendation of the Transportation/Facilities Committee to authorize the Superintendent to advertise for proposals for three-year asbestos inspection.
8) Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Marceaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board accepted the recommendation of the Transportation/Facilities Committee regarding picking up and dropping off students at places other, than their home, and the following policy was adopted.
Transportation to and from day care facilities, baby sitters, etc., located on existing bus routes is available for students who live in the school attendance district given the following priorities: 1) First priority is given to those students who live on the existing bus route. 2) Second priority goes to those students who live in the school district but who ride other buses in the morning based on their residence address. Students will be accepted on a space-available basis as determined by the bus driver and approved by the principal.
9) Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board accepted the recommendation of the Transportation/Facilities Committee to clarify extended sick leave policy for bus drivers, and the following revision was adopted.
In the event that the school board approves extended sick leave for a bus driver, the driver may be granted leave with full pay but in no case shall the driver be docked more than 65% of a first year bus driver's salary.
10) Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Transportation/Facilities Committee's recommendation regarding asbestos abatement needs at Rayne High School ($18,000), South Crowley Elementary School ($1,500), and Crowley Middle School ($15,000), with Poche' and Associates providing the professional services for these jobs was approved by the board.
11) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Transportation/Facilities Committee's recommendation regarding policy for locating trees in proximity to school facilities was accepted and the following policy was adopted.
It is the policy of the Acadia Parish School Board that before trees are planted near a school building, the county agent's office is to be consulted regarding the specific distance from the building the trees are to be planted.
12) Mr. Boudreaux asked why the three Head Start buses included in the proposal were air conditioned. Mrs. Sondra Myers indicated that the supplemental grant request for buses is identical to the one submitted last year. Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the 1998-99 Head Start refunding application, COLA, quality fund application, and one-time supplement application (previously provided to board members) were approved as submitted by a roll call vote of 7 to 6.
YEA: Valdetero, Bias, Marceaux, Suire, Smith, Daigle, McManus
NAY: Johnson, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Senegal, Boudreaux, Trahan ABSENT: Vige', Miller
13) Mr. Boudreaux expressed concerns about making personnel appointments for the 1998-99 fiscal year, as recommended by the Personnel/Insurance and Budget/Finance Committee, without knowing actual enrollment. It was mentioned that, if these selections are made at this time, it would prevent unnecessary shuffling of personnel when school begins in the fall. Mr. Johnson suggested more emphasis be placed on the gifted program. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, the board approved personnel recommendations for the 1998-99 fiscal year, as submitted, by a majority voice vote (Mr. Boudreaux opposed).
14) Currently, the APSB is operating with three salary schedules for certificated employees; a teachers' salary schedule, a more than nine-month employee salary schedule, and an administrators' salary schedule. The Budget/Finance committee recommended the return to one pay scale, based on a nine-month teacher salary, for all certificated employees.
Mr. Senegal motioned and Mr. Shamsie seconded to return to one pay scale for all certificated employees. Mr. Marceaux spoke out in opposition to this motion. Other members suggested that the APSB return to one payscale, then attempt to address other inequities. Question was called and passed by a unanimous approval. The main motion to return to one pay scale for all certificated employees passed by a majority voice vote (Mr. Marceaux opposed).(and Mr. Boudreaux opposed)( CORRECTED by Board action at the May meeting.)
15) The Budget/Finance Committee recommended hiring a special education teacher and a teacher aide at North Crowley Elementary School. It was noted that they would be transferred to Estherwood in the fall, to serve children there. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a majority voice vote, the board approved hiring a teacher and a teacher aide at North Crowley Elementary.
16) Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee to open a capital projects fund for major roofing repairs was approved.
17) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Shamsie opposed), the recommendation of the Budget/Finance Committee for bids received for repairs and renovations at Rayne High School's south gymnasium was accepted and the Board awarded low bid of $309,900 to Fruge' Lumber Company.
BIDDER BASE BID
E. L. Habetz $389,000
Fruge' Lumber Co. $309,900
Clause Construction $348,760
Coyote Constructors $397,000
18) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation to take under advisement and tabulate bids received for teaching and duplicating supplies was approved.
19) Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation to take under advisement and tabulate bids received for janitorial supplies was approved.
20) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Acadia Parish School Calendar for the 1998-99 school year was approved as presented.
21) Dr. James explained that Mr. Rodney LaFosse is currently the central office administrator assigned the duty of being responsible for maintenance, and Mr. Steve Jones is the Energy Manager. Mr. Jones offered to take on maintenance responsibilities of Mr. LaPosse, seeing that they go hand-in-hand with energy management, overlapping in many areas. This would not affect our contract with Energy Education. This change in administrative duties would allow more time for Mr. LaFosse to devote to curriculum, and would not require additional salary for Mr. Jones. She recommended transferring the maintenance central office administrative duties from Mr. Rodney LaFosse to Mr. Jones.
Mr. Trahan suggested that John Miller, maintenance foreman, be the designated maintenance supervisor for the parish. Others made comments concerning Mr. Miller's appointment as maintenance supervisor. Upon motion by Mr. Marceaux, seconded by Ms. Bias, and carried by a unanimous voice vote this matter will be referred to the Personnel/Insurance Committee for their consideration, and a recommendation brought to the board next month.
22) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the recommendation to replace Mr. Rodney LaFosse on the Transportation/Facilities Committee was tabled.
23) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent was authorized to issue "Reasonable Assurance for Continued Employment" notices to employees other than teachers.
24) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent was authorized to advertise for small cafeteria equipment and paper and cleaning supplies.
25) Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following change in policy regarding necessity of permanent employees to sign annual contracts was approved.
"only probationary teachers employed by the Acadia Parish School Board shall be required to sign annual contracts. "
26) Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the School Improvement Plan was approved.
27) This item was moved to 3a and addressed earlier in this meeting.
28) There was no correspondence.
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) Approved personnel assignments and changes.
3) Accepted the Sales Tax Report.
4) Granted request for release of contract to Vicki M. Reaux, instructional assistant, Armstrong/Church Point Middle, effective March 6, 1998.
5) Granted request for sabbatical leave to Danna S. Phillips, teacher, Iota High, for the 1998-99 school year for professional or cultural development.
6) Granted request for sabbatical leave to Linda Harvey, teacher, Mermentau, for the 1998-99 school year for professional development.
7) Granted request for maternity leave to Elizabeth Harson, teacher, North Crowley Elementary, February 26, 1998 through June 2, 1998.
8) Granted request for maternity leave to Cara Martien, secretary, Child Nutrition, April 2, 1998 through May 29, 1998.
9) Granted request for maternity leave to Tonya M. Leonards, teacher, Iota Elementary, May 5, 1998 through June 2, 1998.
10) Granted request for maternity leave to Jackie LeBlanc, teacher, Crowley Middle, May 7, 1998 through May 8,1998. 11) Granted request for change of maternity leave to Tommie R. Johnson, teacher aide, Martin Petitjean, February 11, 1998 through May 9, 1998.
12) Granted request for leave without pay to Helen Sinclair, HVP, South Crowley, February 26, 1998 to February 26, 1999, illness in family.
13) Granted request for leave without pay to Linda May, custodian, Egan Elementary, March 11, 1998 to March 20, 1998, illness in family.
14) Granted requests to Cal Simar, principal, Iota High School, for physics students to travel out-of-state to Astroworld in Houston, Texas, on Friday, April 17, 1998, and for 4-H Club members to travel out-of-state to Orlando, Florida, June 6-11, 1998.
15) Granted request to Ronald Doguet, principal, Church Point High School, for Science Club members to travel out-of-state to Astroworld in Houston, Texas, on Friday, April 24, 1998.
16) Granted request to Melanie Venable, principal, Mire Elementary, for eighth grade students to travel out-of-state to "Splendors of Versailles" in Jackson, Mississippi, on May 22, 1998.
17) Granted request to Clyde Briley, principal, Midland High School, for the girls' basketball team to travel out-of-state to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, to participate in a summer camp, June 28-July 1, 1998.
18) Granted request to Darrell Cart, principal, Armstrong Middle, for 4-H Club members to travel out-of-state to Astroworld in Houston, Texas, May 9, 1998.
19) Granted request to Eric Stutes, principal, Crowley High, for French Interact Club Cultural Exchange Program members to travel out-of-state to Los Angeles, June 1-7, 1998, and band members to travel out-of-state to Astroworld in Houston, Texas, on May 16, 1998.
20) Granted request to Glenn M. Faul, band director, for waiver of sabbatical leave requirement due to medical disability.
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 7:15 p.m. the meeting
adjourned.
Myron Clark Hoffpauir, President
ATTEST:
Dr. Marietta W. James, Superintendent