CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
MAY 6, 1998
1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 6th day of May 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', Dr. Robert McManus, Lynn Miller, and Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Marietta W. James.
2&3) Brook Henry, Armstrong Middle School student council president, delivered the prayer and led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4) Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the agenda was revised by deleting Opening Item 6 (Recognize Stacey Hendrick, Mire Elementary student recipient of Louisiana Public Broadcasting's 1998 Louisiana Young Heros Award) and Routine Item 17 (Consider authorizing the Superintendent to advertise for milk, bread, chemicals for dishmachine, pots, and pans, and meat canned food items); adding Routine Item 6 (Recognize Crowley Middle School Band and Chorus members and directors); Routine Item 13a (Consider performance contract for Cal Simar, principal at Iota High School); Routine Item 13b (Consider performance contract for Lee Ethel DuPont, principal at Crowley Middle School); Routine Item 13c (Consider performance contract for Antoinette Pete, assistant principal at Crowley Middle School); Routine Item 20a (Consider awarding bids received on April 14, for teaching and duplicating supplies and janitorial supplies); Routine Item 20b (Consider resignation of an employee); Routine Item 1 (Hear utilities report from Energy Manager), 2 (Consider Personnel/Insurance & Budget/Finance Committees' recommendation regarding a study of classified employees as proposed by University of North Texas Professional Development Institute), and 3 (Consider Personnel/Insurance Committee's recommendation regarding reassignment of administrative maintenance responsibilities) were moved to follow opening items.
5) Reading of the minutes of the April 14, 1998, meeting was dispensed with (copies of minutes were sent to each member prior to this meeting) and approved as corrected to show Mr. Boudreaux opposing regarding Routine Item 14, upon motion by Mr. Senegal and seconded by Mr. Shamsie.
6) Crowley Middle School band and chorus members were recognized for receiving awards at recent competition in Florida.
7) Acadiana Spelling Bee winners, Keena Bodin, Church Point Middle student, and Adam Foreman, Crowley High student, were recognized.
8) Alison Andrews recognized six students who placed in statewide competition for the State Poster and Poetry Contest.
9) Margaret Jones introduced Agriscience/Agribusiness teachers from area high schools, who then introduced officers from their respective areas. They gave brief overviews of their programs and accomplishments during the past year.
10) Adele Carr introduced Donald Amy, Elementary Principal of the Year. Rodney LaFosse introduced Cal Simar, Secondary Principal of the Year. Both were commended by the Board and presented with a token of appreciation.
ACTION ITEMS:
1) The length of term of Board President and Vice-President was discussed by Board members. A motion to table this item until the board attorney presents clarification at the June meeting was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a majority voice vote. Mr. Johnson asked if this is considered a change in by-laws which requires a two-thirds vote. This matter was referred to the board attorney for his interpretation.
2) The revision of format for Board meetings was discussed. Suggestion 1 - Regarding committee recommendations, a motion will be made by the chairperson of each standing committee to accept the committee's recommendations as presented en masse. Board members will retain the option to pull any or all of the recommendations for further discussion before voting. Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Suggestion 1 was approved.
Suggestion 2 - Forms will be placed at both doors of the board room to be filled out by anyone wishing to make comments regarding a specific item. These forms will be given to the Board president prior to the meeting. Ms. Valdetero motioned and Mr. Senegal seconded to approve Suggestion 2. Discussion followed. Ms. Valdetero and Mr. Senegal withdrew their motion and second.
Suggestion 3 - The order in which items are placed on the agenda will change to OPENING, ACTION, ROUTINE, DISCUSSION, AND CONSENT. Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Suggestion 3 was approved.
Suggestion 4 - Names of board members or staff who request to have an item on the agenda will be placed after each item. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Suggestion 4 was approved.
Suggestion 5 - Loose-leaf binders instead of folders will be used to contain information pertinent to the board meeting. Colored paper will be used for new items. Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Vige' and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Suggestion 5 was approved.
Suggestion 6 - An electronic voting device will be installed in the board room by APSB maintenance personnel. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a roll call vote of 8 to 7, Suggestion 6 was approved.
YEA: Johnson, Valdetero, Marceaux, Senegal, Boudreaux, Smith, Daigle, Miller
NAY: Bias, Suire, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Trahan, Vige', McManus
Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the board meeting format was changed at this time.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Steve Jones presented the results of APSB energy management over the past five months.
Consumption has been decreased by approximately 21 %, saving over $73,000 so far.
2) Both the Personnel/Insurance and Budget/Finance Committees have recommended that a study of classified employees as proposed by University of North Texas Professional Development Institute at a cost of $26,000 be performed. Dr. Wayne Bingham answered questions of the Board. He indicated that the work could proceed immediately and be completed within six weeks. Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved the study as proposed by the University of North Texas professional Development Institute.
3) Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a majority voice vote, the Board approved the Personnel/Insurance Committee's recommendation that Mr. Steve Jones temporarily assume, until results of the personnel study by consultants from University of North Texas are received, the administrative maintenance responsibilities currently handled by Mr. Rodney LaFosse.
4) Upon motion by Mr. Marceaux, seconded by Mr. Suire, and carried by a roll call vote of 10 to 5, the Personnel/Insurance Committee's recommendation regarding job description for Alternative School Principal was approved.
YEA: Bias, Marceaux, Suire, Shamsie, Senegal, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Miller
NAY: Johnson, Valdetero, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan
TITLE: Alternative School Principal; QUALIFICATIONS: Principal certification as required in revised Louisiana State Department of Education Bulletin 746; REPORTS TO: Director of Secondary Education; PERSONNEL EVALUATION RESPONSIBILITY: Teaching Staff, Child Nutrition Program; SUPERVISES: All Non-Professional School Staff, Other Resource and Service Personnel while functioning in the assigned school; JOB GOAL: To use leadership, supervisory, and administrative skills to promote the educational development of each alternative school student;
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
I. LEADERSHIP
A. Communicates effectively
1. Gives directions that are clear and concise
2. Praises and rewards staff
3. Elicits and responds to staff questions
4. Uses proper grammar
5. Presents accurate information
B. Demonstrates ability to motivate employees and students
1. Provides atmosphere to be creative
2. Provides atmosphere that promotes initiative
3. Uses praise to stimulate performance at a higher level
II. JOB PERFORMANCE
A. Exhibits follow-through skills
1. Sees tasks through to implementation stage; perseverance, and persistence
2. Recruits, selects, and assigns appropriate personnel for the effective delivery of the school program B. Exhibits self-confidence and personal organization
1. Exhibits high level of integrity
2. Creates effective working environment
3. Uses time efficiently
4. Completes and returns major reports as approved by appropriate immediate supervisor
5. Uses administrative procedures that are flexible within an overall plan
6. Evidences adequate planning and preparation by identifying and analyzing relevant information
7. Presents materials in a well-organized fashion
III. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND ETHICS
A. Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development; for keeping current with the literature, new research findings, and improved techniques; and for participating in conferences, workshops, and seminars
B. Maintains a positive attitude toward constructive criticism from supervisory personnel
C. Exhibits a positive attitude by being supportive of and concerned with the total child and by interacting in a reasonable, fair, and impartial manner in dealing with students
D. Exhibits the physical, emotional, and mental attributes necessary to provide a learning environment in which professional responsibilities can be met
E. Maintains a positive, professional appearance which adheres to the dress code stated in the Acadia Parish School Board Policies and Procedures Manual
F. Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned
IV. INITIATIVE, LOYALTY, AND ADAPTABILITY
A. Anticipates the need to take action
1. Plans in anticipation of events occurring
2. Responds to unexpected events in an appropriate manner
B. Demonstrates commitment with evidence provided through action, words, and deeds
1. Works cooperatively
2. Demonstrates professional respect/faithfulness by acceptance and support of decisions and actions after they have been questioned and discussed
3. Carries out district policies
C. Exhibits versatile behavior
1. Demonstrates willingness to work at assignments in secondary areas of responsibility
2. Adjusts to changes with minimum loss of productivity
3. Tailors behavior to changing situations
V. INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
A. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships
1. Displays non-sexist/multicultural attitudes in administrative style
2. Uses discretion in handling confidential information and difficult situations
3. Provides a climate which opens up communication between community and school
VI. MANAGEMENT
A. Implements state curriculum guides
1. Uses state curriculum guides to initiate, design, and implement programs to meet specific needs of all alternative school students
2. Regularly observes, discusses, and monitors implementation of state curriculum guides
3. Provides instruction related inservice activities
4. Checks consistently the teachers' instructional plans
B. Provides safe and orderly school environment
1. Insures positive school behavior on the part of students
2. Documents students' behavior on the part of students
3. A positive feeling permeates the school
C. Instructional leadership
1. The role of the instructional leader is evident
2. The main emphasis of the school is instruction
3. A high level of visibility is maintained around the school
4. Encourages teachers' accountability for student achievement
5. Executes responsibility appropriately
D. Clear school mission
The Instructional leader sees to it that:
1. School discussions are based on its school mission
2. School-wide objectives are the focal. point of instruction
3. Parent-school group actively supports the school's instructional program
4. There is an identified set of skills that all students should master
E. High expectations
The instructional leader sees to it that:
1. Teachers are responsible for students' mastery of basic skills
2. Students are expected to master basic skills as a result of the instructional program
3. An effective discipline plan is implemented
4. An effective attendance policy is implemented
5. Re-teaching is provided when necessary
6. High expectations' are communicated to the school Staff
7. Support staff are constructively evaluated
F. Frequent monitoring of student learning The instructional leader sees to it that:
1. Teachers and principal review and analyze test results
2. Frequent monitoring of student progress on curriculum guide skills
3. Systematic feedback is provided to students
4. Evaluation of test data leads toward prescriptive teaching for all students
G. Evaluation of School Improvement Plan
1. Writes clear, measurable performance level objectives with descriptive evaluations
H. School Program Management
1. Plans and prepares an appropriate budget and manages funds effectively
2. Actively seeks, identifies, acquires, and monitors external funding sources
3. Coordinates the proposal, development, and approval processes with appropriate central office and school personnel
4. Coordinates preparation and submission of required program and fiscal reports required by grantors; checks reports for completeness and accuracy; prepares reports as required
VII. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH PLAN ,
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: *Twelve-month year, Salary based on the Administrators Salary Schedule at the 1.50 index; EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of professional personnel.
*(See action taken later in this meeting regarding compensation (Item 20b). Salary was changed to an eleven-month year with an index of 1.40 based on the Administrators Salary Schedule.)
5) The Transportation/Facilities Committee recommended revision of Use of Facilities policy. Mr. Boudreaux recommended that insurance be required for all events. Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Ms. Valdetero this item was tabled and referred to legal counsel.
6) Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board accepted the Transportation/Facilities and Budget/Finance Committees' recommendation and granted permission to Louisiana Oil & Gas, Inc. for a seismic permit on Section 16, T9S, R3E, in Lafayette Parish.
7) Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board accepted the recommendation from the Transportation/Facilities and Budget/Finance Committees' recommendation and granted permission to Eagle Geophysical to conduct a 3-D seismic survey of property in Midland.
8) As an incentive to upgrade the APSB bus fleet, the Transportation/Facilities and Budget/Finance Committees' recommended that bus drivers who purchase buses that are less than five years old qualify to receive a cash payment of $1,500 a year for five years. A limit of $15,000 per year from the school board general fund will be available for the plan Mr. Johnson asked about the annual limitation suggested by the committee. Mr. Doughty responded to this and explained the program further. Other questions were raised about the legality of this procedure (using public funds to purchase buses owned by individuals).
Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this item was tabled, until an attorney general's opinion can be obtained by board attorney, Kenneth Privat.
9) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation (regarding technology needs for 1998-99) to approve textbook, enhanced technology, library, and computer repair requests was approved, but requests for computer technician, computer network project, and a technology assistant were tabled.
Mr. Marceaux moved and Mr. Boudreaux seconded that committee recommendations will not be grouped as consent items. The motion carried by a unanimous voice vote.
10) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation (regarding Adult Education budget revision) to move funds from the 100 category to categories 600 and 700. The money that had been budgeted for salaries in the state adult education budget will be paid for
through other related funds.
11) The Budget/Finance Committee recommended re-budgeting Alternative School funds of $136,405, to be used to purchase fifty units of Plato computer hardware and software. Twenty-five units to be used at the Alternative School, and twenty-five to distribute to computer labs in high schools. A motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to send used equipment to the Alternative School and use new hardware in other schools, failed by a roll call vote of 10 to 4.
YEA: Johnson, Valdetero, Quebodeaux, Trahan, Boudreaux (Corrected by Board action at the June meeting.)
NAY: Bias, Marceaux, Suire, Shamsie, Senegal, Boudreaux, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus
ABSENT: Miller left prior to this vote
Mr. Johnson suggested that selection of software be reconsidered and to look at NovaNet software. Discussion followed. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a majority voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation to revise Alternative School Budget funds of $136,405, to purchase fifty units of Plato computer hardware and software and distribute as recommended above between the Alternative School and high schools.
12) The Budget/Finance Committee recommended approving a request from Midland High School for additional funding from the APSB general fund to complete technology needs at Midland High. The request is for the APSB to fund half of $103,000 needed to complete this project. Mr. Shamsie agreed that the Fifth Ward would cover the cost of all additional upgrades. Mr. Daigle and Mr. Trahan expressed concern about Midland selecting another brand of software, contrary to what all other high schools are doing. They recommended standardization within the parish. Mary Robbins answered questions of the Board regarding Plato software. Question was called by Mr. Shamsie. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a 9 to 5 roll call vote, Midland High School's request for additional funding from the school board's general fund to complete technology needs was approved.
YEA: Valdetero, Bias, Suire, Shamsie; Quebodeaux, Senegal, Boudreaux, Smith, McManus
NAY: Johnson, Marceaux, Trahan, Daigle, Vige'
ABSENT: Miller left prior to this vote.
13) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent's recommendation to renew the performance contract for Robert Gates, Principal at South Crowley Elementary, for four years (July 1, 1998, to June 30, 2002) was approved.
13a) Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent's recommendation to renew the performance contract for Cal Simar, Principal at Iota High, for four years (July 1, 1988 to June 30, 2002) was approved.
13b) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent's recommendation to renew the performance contract for Lee Ethel DuPont, Principal at Crowley Middle School, for four years (July 1, 1998, to June 30, 2002) was approved.
13c) Mr. Senegal motioned and Ms. Bias seconded to accept the Superintendent's recommendation to renew for four years the performance contract for Antoinette Pete, Assistant Principal at Crowley Middle School. A motion to amend to two years instead of four years made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, carried by a majority voice vote, and the Board approved a two year (July 1, 1998, to June 30, 2000) performance contract for Antoinette Pete,
Assistant Principal at Crowley Middle School.
14) Mr. Johnson motioned and Mr. Quebodeaux seconded to amend the Superintendent's recommendation for a four year performance contract for Marshall Thibodeaux, to two years. A substitute motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, to table this item, failed by a roll call vote of 10 to 4.
YEA: Johnson, Valdetero, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux
NAY: Bias, Marceaux, Suire, Shamsie, Senegal, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus ABSENT: Miller left prior to this vote.
The main motion to renew the performance contract for Marshall Thibodeaux, Assistant Principal at Armstrong, for two years (July 1, 1998 to June 30, 2000), carried by a majority voice vote.
15) Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Smith, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, substantial completion of the track at Church Point High School was approved.
16) Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a request from Kathleen Richard for zoning variance near Rayne High School for a skin care salon was approved (all other signatures have been acquired).
17) This item was deleted earlier in the meeting.
18) Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, President Hoffpauir's recommendation that Steve Jones replace Rodney LaFosse on the Transportation/Facilities Committee was approved.
19) The Gorton Amendment would treat special education students the same as regular students for disciplinary infractions. Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION (Gorton Amendment - concerning HR 2646)
WHEREAS, ensuring a safe and appropriate educational atmosphere in our schools is a critical issue, and; WHEREAS, the Individuals with Disabilities Act Amendments of 1997 Public Law 105-17 protects the disabled child who commits extreme disruptive, unsafe, and violent acts from subjection to the same rules of discipline that other students are subjected to, and;
WHEREAS, this restricts our ability to effectively discipline or remove dangerous or potentially violent students from the school setting creating an unsafe environment for students and teachers, now therefore;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Acadia Parish School Board supports the Gorton Amendment designed to amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to permit State and Local educational agencies to establish uniform disciplinary policies, and;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Acadia Parish School Board requests that the Legislators, Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Governor of the State of Louisiana, and Louisiana School Boards Association use their positions of influence to encourage the passage of this amendment and return to the State and Local school systems the authority to address these discipline issues on an individual basis.
20) Upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous
voice vote, the following 1998-99 calendar for twelve-month employees was approved.
1998-99 CALENDAR FOR TWELVE-MONTH EMPLOYEES OFFICE HOURS: From June 8, 1998 through July 31, 1998, office hours will be: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., MONDAY through THURSDAY 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., FRIDAY
During other months, regular office hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
INDEPENDENCE: Friday, July 3, 1998
LABOR DAY: Monday, September 7, 1998
RICE FESTIVAL: Friday, October 16, 1998
THANKSGIVING: Monday, November 23, through Friday, November 27, 1998
CHRISTMAS: Monday, December 21, 1998, through Thursday, December 31, 1998
NEW YEAR: Friday, January 1, 1999
MLK: Monday, January 18, 1999
MARDI GRAS: Monday, February 15, through Wednesday, February 17, 1999
EASTER: Friday, April 2, 1999, through Friday, April 9, 1999
Administrators may require support staff to be at work, if needed,,during the designated Christmas holidays. Principals are allowed discretionary authority to determine which hours custodians will work.
20a) Bids received for teaching and duplication supplies and janitorial supplies were approved, upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Daigle, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board took a five minute break at 7:40 p.m.
Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr; Smith, the Board reconvened at 7:45 p.m.
20b) Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the resignation of Linda Doucet, bus driver, was accepted.
A motion by Mr. Marceaux, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, to reconsider the motion previously acted upon regarding the Alternative School principal's term of employment and salary index, carried by a majority voice vote. Discussion followed, along with comments from principals suggesting a lower index. Mr. Boudreaux, motioned and Mr. Smith seconded, to change the index to 1.40 and make it a 10 month position.
A motion to amend to an index of 1.40 and make it an 11 month position was offered by Mr. Suire and seconded by Mr. Smith. Discussion followed. Question was called. The motion as amended passed by a roll call vote of 10 to 3.
YEA: Johnson, Valdetero, Bias, Marceaux, Suire, Shamsie, Senegal, Smith, Vige', McManus
NAY: Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan ABSTAIN: Daigle
ABSENT: Miller left prior to this vote.
21) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board went into executive session at 8:02 p.m. to consider an appeal of expulsion of a Crowley High School student.
Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board reconvened at 8:40 p.m.
Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a majority voice vote (Ms. Bias opposed) the Superintendent's decision for expulsion of a Crowley High student was upheld.
22) Dr. James congratulated teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week. She announced a forum in Lafayette regarding the New State Accountability. A letter from Ms. Rebecca Ardoin, Uniform Committee member, was received. Ms Ardoin thanked the Board and committee members for their support.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) The 1996-97 Progress Profile was discussed. Mr. Johnson questioned the reliability of the report. He expressed concern about the college readiness of students from Acadia Parish. He speculated on the success of students who take remedial courses in college. Lengthy discussion continued, with principals adding comments.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Senegal, 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 Sales Tax Report showing a year-to-date increase of 13.33 %.
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
Myron Clark Hoffpauir, President
ATTEST: