CROWLEY, LOUISIANA

APRIL 5, 1999

1)         The Acadia Parish School Board met on this the 5th day of April 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)    Nakesla Blount, an eighth grade student at Crowley Middle School, delivered the prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Nakesla is a member of National Junior Honor Society, Crowley Middle School Chorus, Yearbook Staff, Student Council and LEAP-UP. She also had the distinct honor of studying at Cambridge University in England.

4)            The agenda was revised by adding Consent Item 11 (CONSIDER REQUEST FROM MR. RICHARD LAVERGNE, PRINCIPAL, RAYNE HIGH SCHOOL, FOR CHOIR MEMBERS TO TRAVEL TO ASTROWORLD IN HOUSTON, TEXAS, APRIL 24, 1999), upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

At this time, Mr. Johnson requested that a discussion item be placed on the agenda for the May meeting to consider Board review of personnel records prior to selection of administrators.

5)            Reading of the minutes of the March 1, 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. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote.

6)            Mr. Senegal thanked the Board for their support as he begins his second year as president of Louisiana School Boards Association. He will be representing Louisiana this month in San Francisco at the national conference. He will be traveling to South Africa in October and will represent Louisiana at the international forum.

7)             Mr. Johnnie L. Smith announced that he has been elected to serve a two-year term on the board of directors of Louisiana School Boards Association.

8)             Mr. Rodney LaFosse recognized Mr. Donald Amy, Elementary Principal of the Year, and Mr. Cal Simar, Secondary Principal of the Year. These principals were congratulated and presented plaques for this achievement.

Mr. Lynn Miller, former school board member, was recognized and commended for his past service as school board member of District 16. He was presented a plaque. He briefly addressed the Board.

ACTION ITEMS:

1)             Mr. Vige' motioned and Mr. Johnson seconded that school related activities not be permitted until 1:00 p.m. on Sundays. Several Board members felt that such a policy was not necessary and felt that weekend practices and competition have not been abused. Scott Speyer addressed this topic from the perspective of coaching. He also suggested that this is not presently a problem and no policy change is needed. Question was called by Ms. Valdetero. The motion failed by a majority voice vote.

2)             Mr. Don Breaux, architect, presented cost estimates for the construction of permanent classroom walls at Crowley High School. He presented two options ranging from $676,000 to $846,000. Mr. Boudreaux asked about adding fire walls from floor to ceiling. Mr. Johnson motioned and Ms. Valdetero seconded that the second scenario for building permanent walls at CHS be approved at the estimated cost of $676,000. Mr. Vige' suggested that this matter be referred to the Budget/Finance committee for their consideration. Other board members expressed support for addressing this matter, at this time. Then some students from Crowley High School addressed the board supporting permanent walls between classrooms. Question was called. The motion passed by a majority voice vote (Mr. Daigle opposed).

ROUTINE ITEMS^:

1)             Dr. James recommended Mrs. Helen Schmaltz, the only applicant, for the position of Principal of Crowley High School. Several board members wondered why only one applicant wanted this position. Mr. Senegal called for point of order. Ms. Valdetero motioned and Mr. Daigle seconded to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and appoint Mrs. Schmaltz Principal at Crowley High School. Mr. Shamsie felt that more applications had not been received because of the salary. Dr. James stated that she felt that the level of responsibility of the position was a factor. Mr. Senegal reported that he had received an anonymous letter from a teacher at CHS who felt that she/he and others at CHS had been pressured into signing a petition in support of Mrs. Schmaltz for principal. Other board members also received a copy of this letter and spoke to some teachers who stated the same. Ms. Janie Chappelle informed the board that she secured signatures in support of Mrs. Schmaltz for this appointment and certainly did not pressure any employees at Crowley High School to sign the letter. Question was called for and passed by a unanimous voice vote. The main motion failed by a roll call vote of 8 to 7.

YEA:    Valdetero, Bias, Shamsie, Senegal, Daigle, McManus, Bellon

NAY:   Johnson, Marceaux, Suire, Quebodeaux, Boudreaux, Trahan, Smith, Vige'

Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and passed by a majority voice vote (Mr. Daigle opposed), the Superintendent was authorized to re-advertise for the principalship of Crowley High School.

2)         Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Superintendent was authorized to advertise for Supervisor of Secondary Education.

3)         Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Bellon, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, grades 6, 7 and 8 will be separated from Iota High and be established as Iota Middle School. Iota High School's anticipated enrollment is 453; Iota Middle School's anticipated enrollment is 226.

4)         Mr. Senegal motioned and Mr. Bellon seconded to authorize the Superintendent to advertise for principal at Iota Middle School. A substitute motion to name the current assistant principal of middle school grades at Iota Junior High as principal of Iota Middle School was offered by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux. Discussion followed concerning advertising for some administrative positions and not for others. Based on the board attorney's opinion, this position must be advertised. Therefore, President Hoffpauir ruled the substitute motion out of order. The matter of advertising for administrative positions will be considered as a discussion item at next month's meeting. Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a majority voice vote, this item was tabled.

5)         For the safety of children, Dr. McManus suggested that the Acadia Parish School Board oppose the regionalization of the parish landfill and adopt a resolution regarding the solid waste proposition. Several board members felt that this was not an educational matter and did not deserve action by this body. A motion by Mr. Boudreaux, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to table this matter failed by a majority voice vote. The original motion to adopt the resolution as submitted passed by a roll call vote of 11 to 1.

YEA:    Valdetero, Bias, Marceaux, Shamsie, Senegal, Trahan, Smith, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Bellon

NAY:   Boudreaux

ABSTAIN: Johnson, Suire, Quebodeaux

RESOLUTION

WE. THE BOARD, OF EDUCATION OF THE ACADIA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA, DO HEREBY ADOPT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE EXPANSION OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL SERVICE AREA TO INCLUDE THE IMPORTATION OF SOLID WASTE FROM OUTSIDE THE PARISH OF ACADIA AND OPPOSING AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE ACADIA PARISH LANDFILL COMMISSION.

WHEREAS, with the expansion of the landfill traffic in the parish will increase, therefore, exposing our children to unsafe traffic conditions, and

WHEREAS, school children deserve safety in route to and from school, and

WHEREAS, buses, parents, and teachers entering and exiting Acadia parish school campuses deserve safety, now

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Acadia Parish School Board requests that the Acadia Parish Policy Jury proceed with safety measures as expeditiously as possible to provide the necessary services for the safety of the children of Acadia Parish, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be made a part of the official minutes of the Acadia Parish School Board and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to members of the Acacia Parish Police Jury.

6)         Mr. Trahan motioned and Dr. McManus seconded to adopt the 1999-2000 school calendar as submitted. Mr. Quebodeaux suggested adding holidays for Veterans' Day and the Frog Festival and removing two days from the Mardi Gras break. The Easter break was discussed. A substitute motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, to add Veterans' Day and Frog Festival and take one day off of the Mardi Gras break, failed by a roll call vote of 9 to 6.

YEA:    Johnson, Shamsie, Quebodeaux, Senegal, Boudreaux, Smith

NAY:   Valdetero, Bias, Marceaux, Suire, Trahan, Daigle, Vige', McManus, Bellon

The main motion to adopt the calendar as submitted passed by a majority voice vote. Consideration will be given to the Frog Festival next year. Board members will be notified of the Calendar Committee meeting.

7)         Jill Doga discussed how she has been integrating technology into the daily curriculum throughout the parish. She gave an overview of past and future training sessions for teachers and other employees.

8)         President Hoffpauir recommended the following to serve on the committee to study reduction in number of board members for the Acadia Parish School Board. He asked that each select a citizen from their community area to serve on this committee. The total membership will be sixteen. Mr. Paul "Joe" Bellon, Ms. Wadie Bias, Mr. Roland Boudreaux, Mr. Charles Daigle, Mr. Nolton Senegal, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, Mr. John Suire, Mr. Shirley Vige. Mr. Shamsie will serve as chairman.

9)         Appointments were made to the Objective Criteria Committee. Mr. Carl LeJeune as chairman, Mr. Paul "Joe" Bellon, Mr. Charles Daigle, Mr. Woody Marceaux, Mr. Rex Mills, Mrs. Alison Andrews, Ms. Micky Price, Ms. Debra Guagliardo.

10            President Hoffpauir recommended the following to serve on APSB standing committees.

Technology/Instructional/Federal Programs - Mr. John Suire as chairman, Ms Wadie Bias, Ms. Adele Carr, Ms. Lee Ethel DuPont, Ms. Sarah Habetz, Mrs. Margaret Jones, Mrs. Mary Robbins, Dr. Diane Wakefield, Mr. Sherman Wilson.

Personnel/Insurance - Mr. Charles Daigle as chairman, Mr. Johnnie Smith, Dr. Robert McManus, Mr. Carl LeJeune, Mr. Michael Leonards, Mr. Milton Simar, Ms. Linda King, Ms. Becky Istre, Mrs. Betty Pousson.

Transportation/Facilities - Mr. Lynn Shamsie as chairman, Mr. John Suire, Mr. Michael Leonards, Mr. John Doughty, Mrs. Ruth Miller, Mr. Steve Jones, Mr. Rex Mills, Mr. Bradley Leger, Mr. Roland LeLeux.

Budget/Finance - Mr. Nolton Senegal as chairman, Mr. Paul "Joe" Bellon, Mr. Roland Boudreaux, Dr. Robert McManus, Mr. John Quebodeaux, Mr. Lynn Shamsie, Mr. Rodney Trahan, Ms. Kitty Valdetero, Mr. Shirley Vige'.

Upon motion by Mr. Marceaux, seconded by Mr. Trahan, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, President Hoffpauir's recommendations for committee appointments were approved by the board.

11) Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendations regarding method of compensation of elementary/middle school counselors and hiring additional instructional assistants for FY 1999-2000 were approved as follows: (1) General Fund to pay ¹/2 of the salary of counselors currently being funded by Title I and to provide the same arrangement for schools that currently do not have a counselor. This would require hiring four additional counselors. The cost to pay ¹/2 the counselors' salaries is $313,500; (2) General Fund to pay for five additional instructional assistants.  Schools that currently do not have instructional assistants will be provided the services on a half- time basis. With the implementation of the State Accountability system, principals feel that the addition of personnel to deal specifically with instruction will be an asset in improving student achievement. The cost is estimated to be $205,000 for salaries and benefits.

12) Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Trahan opposed), the Head Start budget revisions were approved as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.

13) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Trahan opposed), the Head Start refunding application was approved as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.

14) Upon motion by Ms. Valdetero, seconded by Mr. Shamsie, and carried by a majority voice vote (Mr. Marceaux opposed), the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation to hire an additional hospital/homebound teacher for the remainder of the school year was approved.

15) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Budget/Finance Committee's recommendation to hire a teacher aide to assist LEP students and to take measures to provide for ESL (English as a Second Language) certification for interested teachers was approved.

16) Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved the Budget/Finance Committee recommendation to purchase a lot across the street from Estherwood Elementary School at a cost of $3,500 to be paid with Fifth Ward bond funds.

17) Upon motion by Mr. Shamsie, seconded by Mr. Marceaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, electrical projects at Ross Elementary and Mermentau Elementary were approved as recommended by the Budget/Finance Committee.

18) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved a request from Fred and Barbara Atkins for a zoning variance to construct a garage on property adjacent to South Rayne Elementary School.

19) Ms. Valdetero motioned and Mr. Johnson seconded to waive the fee ($150 per game) for Notre Dame High School's use of Gardiner Stadium. Dr. McManus expressed opposition to this motion. Mr. Charles Abshire, president of the CHS athletic backers addressed the board in support of waiving this fee. He indicated it would encourage more participation by NDHS boosters to maintain and improve the stadium and field. An amendment to the motion was offered by Mr. Marceaux, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved, on a year-by-year basis only, waiving the fee for Notre Dame High School's use of Gardiner Stadium.

20) Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved purchase of the old post office building in Egan to house a special education class at Iota High School at a cost of $2,000 if it is moved within the month. General fund will incur the cost of the building and special education funds will pay to move and renovate the building.

21) Upon motion by Mr. Quebodeaux, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the transfer committee's recommendation regarding changes in the transfer policy was approved.

VOLUNTARY TRANSFER OF TEACHERS

The Personnel Office will identify and post all known vacancies during the last work week in April through the first work week in May, including positions currently held by non-certified teachers, positions that have been temporarily filled during the school year, and newly created positions. During this time period, only Acadia Parish tenured, certified teachers may apply. The principal shall post the list of vacancies at the sign-in area in each school. No teacher on intensive assistance is eligible to apply. Transfer forms must be submitted and eligibility approved by the Personnel Office prior to an interview. (The time period identified above will be reviewed annually by the Personnel/Insurance Committee.)

Vacant positions within a school may be filled by certified personnel on staff at that school at the discretion of the principal without regard to this policy. If these positions are not filled in this manner, the principal must interview all other interested, eligible applicants for an available position during the two week interview period. The principal, with the approval of the Superintendent, will make the selection to fill the vacancy.

During the month of June, available positions will be posted on the Central Office bulletin board. These positions are available to any certified applicant. Voluntary transfers will not be permitted after June 30 except for positions vacated for extenuating circumstances or displacement of current employees due to program changes. Transfers in these cases will be granted at the discretion of the Superintendent.

The Superintendent will make all recommendations for voluntary transfers to the Board for approval.

INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER OF TEACHERS

It is the policy of the Acadia Parish School Board not to transfer teachers from one school to another during the session. However, under unusual circumstances, at the discretion of the Superintendent, a teacher may be transferred during the session for one of the following reasons:

1.To move a teacher into the proper field of certification

2. To meet enrollment changes

3. To overcome friction with the principal, other school employees, or the community

4.To compensate for a marked decline in school revenues, the loss of federal or state funds, or the discontinuance of special programs or projects

When a transfer is to be made during the session, a conference of the employees concerned shall be held either with the Superintendent or his/her designee. The person being considered for the transfer may choose a third party to participate in the meeting. A teacher who is opposed to a transfer from one school to another shall have the right to appeal to the Board whose decision shall be final. The Board reserves the right to transfer teachers within a school or to other schools within the system provided certification requirements are the same.' Involuntary transfers will be made after the Superintendent and Executive Directors have met to determine staffing needs in specific teaching areas.

When involuntary transfers are warranted, the teacher(s) transferred from one school/grade/position to another will be accomplished using the information listed below in the order in which it appears:

1. Teachers who are board waivered, have a degree, and have not completed a teacher education program

2. Teachers who are board waivered, have a degree, and have completed a teacher education program outside of their area of assignment

3. Teachers who are board waivered, have a degree, and have completed a teacher education program in their area of assignment

4. Teachers who hold temporary certificates and have not completed a teacher education program

5. Teachers who hold temporary emergency permits

6.Teachers who hold temporary teaching certificates for the positions they hold and also hold a regular teaching certificate in another area

7.Non-tenured personnel who are properly certified

8.Tenured personnel who are properly certified

When transfers are to be considered from within one specific category and there is a choice to be made between two or more teachers, the determination of who is transferred is to be made on the basis of length of service in the Acadia Parish School System. Board approved leave with pay will count toward seniority. Board approved leave without pay will not count toward seniority.

High school coaches whose pay is supplemented by the Acadia Parish School Board will be exempted from involuntary transfer as their positions are defined by needs established through teaching areas and coaching abilities.

22) Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Compensation Committee's recommendation regarding salary schedule for assistant cafeteria managers was approved. This job classification was not included in the study conducted by University of North Texas, Office of Field Services, since no one was employed as an assistant cafeteria manager at the time.

23) Upon motion by Dr. McManus, seconded by Mr. Bellon and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the assistant cafeteria manager at Church Point Elementary will be hired at pay grade 425, level 6 based on her qualifications and experience as recommended by the Compensation Committee.

24) Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Vige', and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board approved placing health nurse positions at pay grade 230. Other positions in this pay grade are reading paraprofessionals, printers, and secretary II's.

25) Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Senegal, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, school audits were received and will be discussed in more detail at next month's meeting.

26) A motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Mr. Smith, to take a five-minute break at 7:05 p.m., before going into executive session to receive information regarding litigation of insurance claims, carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Upon motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Quebodeaux, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the Board returned to regular session at 7:22 p.m.

Upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, Mr. Kenneth Privat, attorney, was authorized to negotiate settlement of these cases.

27) Superintendent James conveyed an invitation to Board members to attend a retirement social for John Allen LeLeux, fire chief. She reported that the VFW is having their centennial birth date celebration on April 17, on the court house grounds and Board members are invited to attend. Superintendent James asked if the Board was interested in renewing subscription for Board Member pamphlets. Several members indicated that they did not find it beneficial. This subscription will be renewed individually by board members at a cost to them of $11 annually.

Superintendent James read correspondence from Folmar and Associates' attorney regarding ongoing renovation of the old Wal-Mart building for an alternative school. Mr. Kim Hayes, attorney, read his response to Folmar and Associates regarding the APSB proposed use of the property. He answered questions of the Board. Mr. Marceaux asked for a copy of the ECR correspondence and this most recent correspondence.

The following items will be placed on the agenda for next month's meeting: Discuss Attorney General's opinion regarding open meetings. Discuss Ethics opinion regarding additional compensation. Discuss travel.

DISCUSSION ITEMS: There were no discussion items.

CONSENT ITEMS:

Upon motion by Mr. Senegal, seconded by Dr. McManus, and carried by a unanimous voice vote, the following action was taken by the Board:

1          Approved personnel assignments and changes since the last meeting.

2          Received Sales Tax Report showing a year-to-date decrease of 4.95 %.

3          Granted request to Lori J. Duplechin, teacher, Martin Petitjean Elementary, for sabbatical leave for professional development for the 1999-2000 school year.

4          Granted request to Elizabeth M. Trahan, teacher, Martin Petitjean Elementary, for maternity leave from March 5, through April 1, 1999.

5          Granted request to Christine L. Milstead, teacher aide, Ross head Start, for leave without pay from January 1999, to March 1, 1999.

6          Granted request to Geraldine Arabie, cafeteria worker, Church Point Elementary, for leave without pay from February 4 to March 23, 1999.

7          Granted request to Mrs. Alison Andrews, principal, Estherwood Elementary, for sixth and seventh grade students to attend an educational field trip to Moody gardens in Galveston, Texas, Friday, May 21, 1999.

8          Granted request to Ms. Melanie Venable, principal, Mire Elementary, for 4-H Club members to travel to Houston, Texas, to attend a Houston Astros' baseball game as part of their PE/Health and D.A.R.E. program activities.

9          Granted request to Mrs. Helen Schmaltz, assistant principal, Crowley High School, for band students to travel to Astroworld in Houston, Texas, May 1, 1999.

10        Granted request to Mrs. Helen Schmaltz, assistant principal, Crowley High School, for Physics class to participate in Astroworld's Physics Day in Houston, Texas, April 16, 1999.

11        Granted request to Mr. Richard Lavergne, Principal, Rayne High School, for choir members to travel to Astroworld in Houston, Texas, April 24, 1999.

At this time, Dr. Marietta James asked the Board to reconsider her recommendation for appointment of principal at Crowley High School on an acting principal basis.

Mr. Smith motioned and Dr. McManus seconded to add an item to the agenda to reconsider this appointment. The motion to add this item to the agenda passed by a roll call vote of 7 to 6.

YEA:    Valdetero, Shamsie, Senegal, Smith, Daigle, McManus, Bellon

NAY:   Johnson, Marceaux, Suire, Quebodeaux, Trahan, Vige' ABSTAIN: Boudreaux

Mr. Daigle moved to appoint Helen Schmaltz as permanent principal at Crowley High School. The motion died for lack of a second.

Dr. McManus motioned and Mr. Senegal seconded to appoint Helen Schmaltz acting principal at Crowley High School, but only until the end of this school year. The motion passed by a majority voice vote.

CLOSING:

There being no other business to come before the Board, upon motion by Mr. Trahan, seconded by Mr. Boudreaux, and carried, the meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

ATTEST:

Dr. Marietta W. James, Superintendent