CROWLEY, LOUISIANA
MARCH 1, 1999
1) The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 1st day of March 1999, 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, Nolton J. Senegal, Sr., Roland J. Boudreaux, Rodney J. Trahan, Johnnie L. Smith, Charles F. Daigle, Shirley F. Vige', Dr. Robert McManus, Paul K. Bellon, and Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Marietta W. James.
2&3) Cade LeJeune a sixth grade honor student at Mermentau Elementary delivered the prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4) The agenda was revised by deleting Routine Item 7 (CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION/FACILITIES COMMITTEE REGARDING REQUEST FOR 3D SEISMIC PERMIT ON SECTION 16 NW OF IOTA), adding Consent Item 10 (CONSIDER REQUEST FROM CAL SIMAR, PRINCIPAL, IOTA HIGH SCHOOL, FOR 19 (SENIORS) PHYSICS STUDENTS TO ATTEND PHYSICS DAY AT ASTROWORLD IN HOUSTON, TEXAS, FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 1999)), and adding Consent Item 11 (CONSIDER REQUEST FROM REBECCA C. VINES, TEACHER, CROWLEY HIGH SCHOOL, FOR RELEASE OF CONTRACT, EFFECTIVE MARCH 3, 1999), upon motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Senegal and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
5) Dr. James clarified an item mentioned at last month's meeting, which referred to the Title I building as being owned by the APSB. It is actually a federal building, provided for the benefit of the APSB. Reading of the minutes of the February 8, 1999, 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, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
6) Mr. Eric Stutes introduced Acadia Parish winners in the Student of the Year contest. Meagan Nicole Young, grade 5 at South Rayne Elementary; Meggan Lynn Peltier, grade 8 at Armstrong Middle School; and Jeri Kaye Brown, grade 12 at Iota High School were recognized. Then he introduced winners from each school in the parish. All were recognized and congratulated by the Board.
ACTION ITEMS:
1) A motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, to follow Acadia Parish Police Jury lines and reduce the size of the School Board to 8, failed by a roll call vote of 8 to 7.
YEA: Johnson, Valdetero, Marceaux, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Vige'
NAY: Bias, Suire, Shamsie, Senegal, Smith, Daigle, McManus, Bellon
2) There was no motion and no discussion regarding adopting a resolution requesting the Acadia Parish Legislative delegation to propose special local legislation to allow a reduction in the number of APSB members prior to the next election in 2002.
3) Mr. Johnson motioned and Ms. Valdetero seconded to adopt a resolution requesting the Acadia Parish Legislative delegation to propose special local legislation to allow a referendum to be voted on by the people to reduce the number of APSB members to eight (8). A substitute motion offered by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Suire, to authorize the Board President to appoint a committee to consider this matter and make a recommendation, regarding Board size, to the full Board at a later date. Mr. Kenneth Privat, attorney, re-stated the logic of Board reduction and re-districting after the year 2000 census. Discussion followed among the Board regarding the merits of a smaller Board. Question was called by Mr. Daigle. An amendment to the substitute motion, made by Mr. Marceaux and seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, to require the committee to bring a recommendation to the full Board within six months, passed by a majority voice vote. The substitute motion as amended passed by a roll call vote of 8 to 7.
YEA: Valdetero, Marceaux, Suire, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Daigle, Vige'
NAY: Johnson, Bias, Shamsie, Senegal, Smith, McManus, Bellon
4) Mr. Johnson motioned and Ms. Valdetero seconded to authorize Ron Lawson, architect, to prepare necessary specifications and obtain cost estimates to correct a major design flaw at Crowley High School, by installing fixed walls to provide a proper learning environment. Several Board members expressed concern about the timing and cost of the project. Several teachers from Crowley High School addressed the Board, asking for Board approval to build walls between classrooms at CHS. A substitute motion offered by Mr. Suire, seconded by Mr. Smith, to authorize Don Breaux to prepare cost estimates for building permanent walls at CHS passed by a unanimous voice vote.
5) Upon motion by Mr. Marceaux, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the item regarding taking five million dollars from the general fund and dividing it proportionately between the five school districts in Acadia Parish according to October 1, membership figures for the purpose of doing maintenance and repairs on the schools in each district, and that the School Board Members for each district decide which repairs would be most beneficial for the purpose of education and recommend such repairs to the full Board was tabled pending preparation of next year's budget.
ROUTINE ITEMS:
1) Dr. James recommended Mr. Eric Stutes for Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent's recommendation was approved and Mr. Eric Stutes was appointed Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance beginning Tuesday, March 2, 1999, through June 30, 2001.
Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous
voice vote, Routine Item la (CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE SUPERINTENDENT TO ADVERTISE FOR PRINCIPAL AT CROWLEY HIGH SCHOOL), was added to the agenda.
la) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Marceaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent was authorized to advertise for the position of principal at Crowley High School.
2) Transfer policy changes were discussed by the Board, with explanations provided by Mr. Carl LeJeune. Mr. Johnson suggested that consideration be given to length of employment and domicile before teacher transfers are made. Mrs. Liz Harson and Ms. Janie Chappelle, teachers, addressed the Board, suggesting that some of the previous wording be reinstated to these policies. Mr. Kenneth Privat reviewed the work of the committee and made some of the recommendations included in the proposed changes. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this item was tabled until after the original Transfer Policy committee meets.
3) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following proclamation designating the month of March as "Career Month" was adopted.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, trends in the workplace will cause Louisianians entering the workplace to change jobs and careers several times in a lifetime; and
WHEREAS, resources to lessen the impact of such change are available in the state through guidance, education, training, work exploration, and job opportunities, all aimed at preparing for job and career changes; and
WHEREAS, a merging of academic, state, and private sector resources can make services more accessible to people who need them; 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 the state 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 jobs and full-time jobs for graduates to remain in Louisiana;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Acadia Parish School Board does hereby proclaim March 1999, as CAREER MONTH in the state of Louisiana, and encourages all citizens to assist the sponsoring organizations in this vital endeavor for a more prosperous people.
4) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a proclamation from Governor M. J. "Mike" Foster, Jr. naming March 18, 1999, as Retired Teacher's Day was recognized.
5) Upon motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following resolution supporting local administration and collection of sales and use taxes was adopted.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Constitution of the State of Louisiana grants local governments the right to levy and collect local sales and use taxes; and
WHEREAS, sales and use tax revenues for the Acadia Parish School Board represent a very substantial part of our tax revenues; and
WHEREAS, local administration and collection of sales and use taxes are the best means to protect this most important revenue source; and
WHEREAS, local governments do not wish to be dependent on outside agencies to manage this critical function; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is proposing to have the State of Louisiana collect local sales and use taxes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Acadia Parish School Board urge and request every member of the Legislature to vigorously support local administration and collection of sales and use taxes. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be sent to each of our local legislators so that they will be made aware of the Acadia Parish School Board's position on this matter.
6) Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a request for seismic permits at Church Point High and Mire Elementary Schools was approved.
7) This item was removed from the agenda, earlier in the meeting.
8) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, a mineral lease at North Crowley Elementary School was granted to DDD Energy Inc., and Mr. Hoffpauir, Board president, was authorized to sign necessary documents relating to this mineral lease.
9) Mr. Carl LeJeune discussed Objective Criteria Policy proposed changes as recommended by the Personnel/Insurance Committee. Mr. Senegal motioned and Dr. McManus seconded to approve proposed changes in the Objective Criteria Policy. Mr. Johnson asked that this item be added to next month's agenda to discuss viewing of personnel records prior to performance contract renewals and appointment to administrative positions. Discussion followed concerning the merits of Board members sitting in on administrative interviews. Others suggested that the interview be videotaped and made available to Board members who wish to view it. Mr. LeJeune discussed other changes contemplated in the proposed revisions. Mr. Privat cautioned the Board about becoming involved in confidential interviews. Mr. Daigle suggested that perhaps the entire Board should conduct interviews of prospective administrators. A substitute motion by Mr. Daigle, seconded by Mr. Trahan, to conduct all interviews in public sessions at regular Board meetings and use existing criteria failed by a roll call vote of 9 to 6.
YEA: Johnson, Marceaux, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Daigle
NAY: Valdetero, Bias, Suire, Shamsie, Senegal, Smith, Vige', McManus, Bellon
The main motion to approve proposed Objective Criteria Policy changes failed by a roll call vote of 9 to 6. A new committee will be named and this item will be referred to them.
YEA: Bias, Senegal, Smith, Daigle, McManus, Bellon
NAY: Johnson, Valdetero, Marceaux, Suire, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Vige'
10) Upon motion by Mr. Marceaux, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Johnson opposed), recommended changes in the compensation committee were approved.
11) Mr. Senegal motioned and Mr. Shamsie seconded to approve recommended salary adjustments for Pupil Appraisal and Teacher Training Facilitators. Ms. Valdetero, Mr. Quebodeaux, and Mr. Boudreaux voiced concerns about the amount of raises recommended for Pupil Appraisal and Teacher Training Facilitators. They felt these employees had long ago accepted their current rate of pay and work schedule. Mr. Michael LeBlanc spoke in support of these changes in compensation. A substitute motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, to table this item and reconsider this matter in next year's budget passed by a roll call vote of 10 to 5.
YEA: Johnson, Valdetero, Marceaux, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith, Vige', McManus, Bellon
NAY: Bias, Suire, Shamsie, Senegal, Daigle
12) Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, approval was granted to build a track at Midland High School with bond funds. Information from the bonding attorney indicated this was permissible.
13) Upon motion by M Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Marceaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Transportation/Facilities and Budget/Finance Committees' recommendation to increase funds for textbooks was approved. The estimated additional cost is $242,000; the total budget amount for textbooks for 1999-2000 is $730,000. Reverend Knuckles cited several examples that he was aware of where students did not have geometry books for their use. Belinda Morse addressed the Board with more details regarding textbook shortage. Eric Stutes commented on textbook procurement procedures from the school level.
14) Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Ms. Valdetero, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. Hoffpauir's appointment of Mr. Paul Bellon to the committee to resolve Egan Hub issues was approved.
15) Mr. Michael Leonards informed the Board on his progress regarding updating fixed assets. A meeting with software programmers will be scheduled to help solve existing problems.
16) Mr. Kenneth Privat reported that the Attorney General received both requests for opinions but responses have not yet been received.
17) Mr. Kenneth Privat indicated that the Ethics Commission is in receipt of request and will act on it at a future meeting.
18) Mr. Trahan motioned and Ms. Valdetero seconded to change the April 5' Board meeting date to Monday, April 12, 1999, due to Easter holidays. The motion failed by a roll call vote of 10 to 4.
YEA: Valdetero, Bias, Marceaux, Trahan
NAY: Suire, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Senegal, Boudreaux, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Bellon ABSTAIN: Johnson
19) Dr. James reported that E-Rate applications have been submitted and the first re-imbursement of $40,000 has been received. She reminded Board members of the LSBA Conference to be held in Alexandria, March 4-6. She announced that Willis Morris will be returning to Canada to participate in Special Education wheelchair competition. She also informed the Board that Dr. Wayne Bingham will conduct a session regarding team building from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17th.
DISCUSSION:
1) Dr. James presented information showing shifts in the ethnic composition of students at North Crowley Elementary, Ross Elementary, and South Crowley Elementary Schools. The Board discussed these trends briefly, but no changes were recommended.
2) Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, this item was moved to an Action Item for this meeting. Discussion continued regarding the hazards posed by laser pointers at schools and related activities. Upon motion by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, an amendment to APSB policy to ban students' possession of laser pointers at school and school activities was approved. Any infraction of this policy would carry the same penalty as possession of a firearm or knife.
3) Mr. Quebodeaux suggested that all school related activities be eliminated on Sunday. Others suggested that such activities be allowed on Sunday afternoon. Mr. Vige' indicated that he put this item on the agenda with the intent of banning sporting events on Sunday morning. Reverend Knuckles supported this effort.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following action was taken by the Board:
I Approved personnel assignments and changes since the last meeting.
2 Received Sales Tax Report showing a year-to-date decrease of 5.82%.
3 Granted request to Bob Gates, principal, South Crowley Elementary School, for six L.E.A.P. students to participate in an educational trip to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, April 30, 1999, to May 1, 1999.
4 Granted request to Antoinette Pete, principal, Crowley Middle School, for several students to participate in an educational field trip to Moody Gardens, Galveston, Texas, May 28, 1999.
5 Granted request to Ronald Doguet, principal, Church Point High School, for Science Club students to participate in Physics Day at Astroworld in Houston, Texas, April 16, 1999.
6 Granted request to Clyde Briley, principal, Midland High School, for Bradley Leger, teacher, and four FFA members to attend the 1999 International Land Judging Contest in Oklahoma City, OK, May 3-7, 1999.
7 Granted request to Helen Schmaltz, assistant principal, Crowley High School, for publications staff to
travel to Montgomery, Alabama, to visit a yearbook processing plant, April 6-8, 1999.
8 Granted request to Evelyn Byers, cafeteria manager, Ross Elementary School, for maternity leave, effective May 24, 1999, through June 4, 1999 (10 days).
9 Granted request to Tremayne Welter, child specific aide, Mire Elementary School, for maternity leave, effective January 12, 1999, through June 4, 1999 (93 days).
CLOSING:
There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Myron Clark Hoffpauir, President
ATTEST:
Dr. Marietta W. James,