04-01-2003

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DATE, TIME, PLACE OF MEETING

 

The Calcasieu Parish School Board met in the Conference Room of the Calcasieu Parish School Board located at 1732 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at 5:00 p.m.  The meeting was called to order by Gregory Robert, President.  R.L. Webb led the prayer; Bryan LaRocque led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

ROLL CALL

 

The roll was called and the following members were present: 

Joe A. Andrepont, Billy Breaux, Dale B. Bernard, Clara F. Duhon, Jay L. Duhon, John M. Falgout, Rev. J.L. Franklin, James W. Karr, Sr., Bryan LaRocque, Sheral A. LaVergne, Gregory P. Robert, Dr. Edward Stephens, Philip Tarver and R.L. Webb.

 

James W. Pitre was absent.

 

MINUTES APPROVED

 

On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Duhon and unanimously carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of March 11, 2003, were approved as presented. 

 

Supplemental Agenda

 

On motion by Mr. Breaux, seconded by Mr. Karr and carried, the Supplemental Agenda was included as part of the regular agenda.

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

2002-2003 National Handwriting Winners

 

Dolores Hicks, Administrative Director of Elementary Schools, introduced Greg Thomas, Zaner-Bloser Educational Sales Consultant.  Mr. Thomas stated it was a pleasure to make the presentation to the Zaner-Bloser Handwriting Contest Elementary State winners.  He stated that it was obvious that the students in Calcasieu Parish are receiving quality instruction.  Mr. Thomas reported that the Calcasieu Parish student winners placed first in all five categories – first grade through fifth grade.  The national winners will be announced on April 15.  The following winners were introduced and presented with a plaque and pen.

 

Grade 1            Norma Holloway

                        Pearl Watson Elementary

                        Principal:                                  Berna Dean Johnson

                        Assistant Principal:                    Marva Davis

                        Teacher:                                   Lisa Delphin

                        Parent:                                      Ms. Stephanie Guillory 

 

Grade 2            Courtney Bellard

                        T.H. Watkins Elementary

                        Principal:                                  Kay Victorian

                        Assistant Principal:                    Kathy Heckard

                        Teacher:                                   Karen Jeffers

                        Parents:                                    Ms. Tammy Bellard

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grade 3            Hailee Brooke Thompson

                        Moss Bluff Elementary 

                        Principal:                                  James Strahan

                        Assistant Principals:                  Charles Caldarera

                                                                        Karen Williams            

                        Teacher:                                   Kelli Smith

                        Parents:                                    Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Thompson

 

Grade 4            Justin Contreras

                        Vincent Settlement Elementary 

                        Principal:                                  Jean Hernandez

                        Teacher:                                   Tony McCardle

                        Parents:                                    Mr. and Mrs. Ramiro Contreras

 

Grade 5            Shayla Alexis Augusta

                        Pearl Watson Elementary

                        Principal:                                  Berna Dean Johnson

                        Assistant Principal:                    Marva Davis

                        Teacher:                                   Daphne Brown

                        Parents:                                    Ms. Frances Augusta

 

Mr. Robert thanked Mr. Thomas and Zaner-Bloser for their support.  On behalf of the Board, he wished the students good luck with the national competition.

 

2002-2003 Calcasieu All-Parish Academic Team

 

Norman Guillory, High School Science Consultant and Quiz Bowl Director, introduced Carmen Hamilton, Academic Team Coordinator.  Mrs. Hamilton introduced the following 2002-2003 Calcasieu All-Parish Academic Team:

 

Lyle Stephenson                       Sulphur High School          

Lora Perkins, Coach

 

Dustin Royer                            DeQuincy High School   

Marc Davenport, Coach

 

Jonathon Van Norman  Hamilton Christian Academy

Joanna Stewart, Coach

 

Ben Purdue                              Barbe High School

Cecil Tate, Coach

 

Josh Stewart                             Barbe High School

Cecil Tate, Coach

 

The Board congratulated the team members and coaches for this outstanding achievement.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Curriculum and Instruction

 

Mr. Andrepont, Chair, reported that the Curriculum and Instruction Committee met on March 27, 2003; a quorum was present.

 

Mr. Andrepont reported that the 2003 summer school regulations were reviewed.

 

Mr. Theriot presented the following rationale for the discontinuation of the

regular elementary summer school program: 

 

·        Although the program was originally designed to provide strengthening, enrichment and an avenue for promotion to the next grade for students in grades 1-5, over the last nine years no students have enrolled for enrichment purposes and only five percent for strengthening.  Ninety five percent of the students enrolled were attending for promotional purposes.

 

·        Forty-five percent of those attending were from private or public schools in other parishes within the Region V area.  Jeff Davis Parish and Calcasieu Parish were the only schools that offered the program in Region V.

 

·        Because the program is self-supporting and enrollment is declining each year, teachers cannot be found to work for the amount of money collected.

 

·        There are no principals assigned to the summer sites and teachers are left with the students without access to a phone and no security for a two-week period after LEAP summer school has ended.

 

·        For the last six years there have only been two teachers east of the river and one teacher west of the river.

 

·        The most paramount issue to consider in closing this program is the No Child Left Behind Act, which mandates total accountability for every step and every action we employ in the education of our children.

 

                                                            Staff recommendations are:

 

Ø      Discontinue the elementary summer school program for regular education students and if the district wants to provide a program, let the department spend at least a year developing a 21st century program and look into ways to pay qualified teachers to work with the students at each grade level rather than the combination of grades 1-5 in one class (grade 5 regular summer school would be conducted on the middle school campus and the LEAP remedial program for grade 4 at D.S. Perkins and Fairview Elementary would continue)

 

Ø      Let Title I schools allocate some of their funds to develop a summer program for students to remove deficiencies and/or receive strengthening in English Language Arts and Mathematics and submit it to the state department for approval

 

Mr. Andrepont moved on behalf of the committee to approve staff’s recommendation as presented.  The motion carried.

 

Mr. Andrepont reported that a list of textbooks were presented for review; Health

(6-8), Health (9-12), Science (K-5), Science (6-8), and Science (9-12)

 

                                                      Mr. Theriot advised the Board that staff was not recommending the purchase of

                                                      individual science textbooks for every first grade student as recommended by the

                                                      Elementary Science Textbook Adoption Committee.

 

                                                      Steve Wieschhaus, Administrative Director of Textbooks, presented the

                                                       recommendations of the adoption committees as follows:

 

                                                            Elementary Science Textbook Adoption Committee Recommendation:

 

                                                                  Harcourt School Publishers

                                                            Middle School Science Textbook Adoption Committee Recommendation:

 

                                                            Holt Science &Technology        Physical Science                 6th grade

                                                                                Glencoe                                          Life Science                          7th grade

                                                                                Glencoe                                          Earth Science                       8th grade

                                                            Middle School Health Textbook Adoption Committee Recommendation:

 

                                                            Glencoe                                          Course 3 Health

                                                            High School Science Textbook Adoption Committee Recommendation:

 

                                                            Glencoe/McGraw Hill                  Physical Science                                   Physical Science

        Glencoe/McGraw Hill                  Biology: The Dynamics of Life            Biology I

                                                                                Thompson Learning                    Biology: Concepts and Applications  Biology II

                                                                                Kendall Hunt                                Global Science: Energy Resources   Environ. Science

                                                                                Prentice Hall                                  Chemistry                                                Chemistry I

                                                                                Thompson Learning                    Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity                  Chemistry II

                                                                                Glencoe                                          Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology

                                                                                                                                        Human Anatomy & Phys. 

        Holt, Rinehart                               Holt Physics                                           Physics

 

                                                            High School Health Textbook Adoption Committee Recommendation:

                                                            Glencoe                                          Health and Wellness

                                                           

Mr.                                             Mr. Andrepont moved on behalf of the committee to accept the recommendation of

                                                   the Middle School Science Textbook Adoption Committee as listed above.  The

                                                   motion carried.

 

Mr. Andr                                    Mr. Andreepont moved on behalf of the committee to accept the recommendation

                                                   of the High School Health Textbook Adoption Committee as listed above.  The

                                                   motion carried.

 

                                                   Next, the grant requirements for classroom teachers were reviewed.

 

                                                   Several board members expressed concern that it had become necessary for teachers

                                                   to work on grant writing/requirements during their planning period.

 

                                                   Mr. Theriot explained that there is an increased workload because the new

                                                   accountability program has generated additional work for everyone.  He reported

                                                   that the accountability program is state required, but grant funds are given to the

                                                   school systems to financially assist with payment for the additional required work. 

 

                                                     Patrice Saucier, Grant Coordinator, stated that many grants involve professional

                                                     development because the state is pushing for more job embedded professional

                                                     development. 

 

Mr. Andrepont reported that the board asked that a better job be done of

informing principals and teachers about who required the grant and why the grant

is necessary when a grant is awarded. 

 

It was noted by Mr. Andrepont that this item was for informational purposes only.

 

Next, Mr. Andrepont reported that the Governor’s Program on Abstinence was reviewed.  Dwayne Chestnut, Southwest Louisiana Curriculum Coordinator for the Governor’s Program on Abstinence, stated that the purpose of the presentation was to ask Calcasieu Parish School Board to implement the abstinence curriculum in the fall of 2003 to 7th graders. 

 

The Governor’s Program on Abstinence is funded by a federal grant with no cost to the school system.  A trained volunteer who goes into the school as a guest speaker usually teaches the program one hour a week for 12 weeks in a P.E. or health class.

 

Laura Ferguson of Sulphur High and Katy Kress and Braylon Harris of DeQuincy High spoke of the benefits of the program.

 

Mr. Andrepont moved on behalf of the committee to implement the Governor’s Program on Abstinence curriculum for 7th graders in the fall of 2003.  The motion carried.

 

Mr. Andrepont stated there being no further business for discussion the meeting was was adjourned.

 

Budget/Fiscal Management

 

Sheral LaVergne, acting Chairman, reported that the Budget /Fiscal Management Committee met Tuesday, March 18, 2003; a quorum was present.

 

Ms. LaVergne reported that Mr. Bruchhaus reviewed the 2002-2003 Minimum Foundation funding letter that was issued by the Louisiana Department of Education.  The General Fund amount is an increase of $3,742,931 over the original budget.   The guidelines stipulated that if a school system receives increases in M.F.P. revenues, 50% of the new Level 1 and Level 2, funding is to be used to supplement and enhance full-time certificated staff salaries and retirement benefits.  The net amount that must be distributed by the School Board is $1,628,038, which amounts to $610 per certificated employee.  With benefits, the cost of payout would be $1,852,928.  Staff is recommending that a $610 supplement be given to employees whose pay is based on the Teachers’ Salary Schedule and $610 rolled into the salary schedule for 2003-2004. In addition, staff recommended a one-time $300 supplement be given to support personnel who are not based on the Teachers’ Salary Schedule.  If approved, the supplements would be paid by separate check on Thursday, April 17, 2003, to all active employees who were employed by the end of the day, April 7, 2003.  Employees that work 4 hours or less would receive ½ of the supplement.

 

A motion was made and seconded to recommend a $610 supplement be given to employees with pay based on the Teachers’ Salary Schedule and a one-time $300 supplement be given to those employees whose pay was not based on the schedule as presented.  In addition, the $610 would be rolled into the Teachers’ Salary Schedule for 2003-2004.

 

An amendment was approved to include the $300 for support personnel as part of a permanent pay raise for the 2003-2004 fiscal year. 

 

On behalf of the committee, Ms. LaVergne moved to approve the recommendation as presented. The motion carried.

 

The next item discussed was Budget Revision #2 to the 2002-2003 General Fund Budget.

 

Budget Revision #2 is the major General Fund Budget Revision for 2002-2003 and includes mid-year adjustments to salary and benefit line items.    Expenditures and other uses of funds projected for the General Fund in Budget Revision #2 are $186,374,985 while revenues and other sources are projected at $179,467,464.  The resulting projected deficit of ($6,907,521) was due to previously approved one-time expenditures by the Board along with a number of other mid-year budget revisions.   Projected General Fund reserves at June 30, 2003 are $18,585,680 with the undesignated/unreserved portion at $15,275,787 or 8.51% of projected revenues.

 

On behalf of the committee, Ms. LaVergne moved to approve Budget Revision #2 to the 2002-2003 General Fund Budget as presented.  The motion carried.

 

Next, Ms. LaVernge reported that the LaGrange’s Navy Junior ROTC Program for 2002-2003 was presented for approval.  The 2003-2004 program was previously approved by the Board and the early implementation of the program in April 2003 was referred to the Budget/Fiscal Management Committee for funding.  Total cost for the early implementation would be $18,823.95 and would be contingent on federal government approval and funding.  However, staff advised that the funding could be hindered by the federal government’s current military obligations.

 

On behalf of the committee, Ms. LaVergne moved that funding for the early implementation of LaGrange’s Navy Junior ROTC Program be approved as presented.  The motion carried with one nay by Rev. Franklin.

 

Next, an amendment to the Master Sales/Use Tax Ordinance of 2001 was presented for consideration.  The amendment is due to legislative action taken during the 2002 regular and special sessions. 

 

Ms. LaVergne moved for approval on behalf of the committee.  The motion carried.

 

The next item was a request to enter into a purchase agreement with Louisiana Radio Communications, Inc., for mobile and portable radios for the system’s buses and schools.  The cost for the communications system is $466,193.00 with potential funding from Delta Downs proceeds.  Mr. Steele Vicellio, Chief Fiscal Officer of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, advised the committee that the sheriff’s office would provide airtime on their tower at no charge to the system.   Mr. Perry Vincent, representative of Louisiana Radio Communications, made a brief presentation on the new system and its capabilities.  He advised the committee that the company would be responsible for all necessary training.

 

Ms. LaVergne moved on behalf of the committee that the request to enter into a purchase agreement for Motorola equipment be approved as presented once the Delta Downs funding source has been realized.  The motion carried.

 

Next, the transportation department requested the replacement of the current routing software by Trapeze with new software from Edulog. The current software has severe limitations that prevent its ability to upload both student and logistical data to develop automated routes.  The Edulog software can accomplish the task and will interact with the new Pentamation software the school board recently purchased for the student records system.  Total costs to implement the software would be $76,000 with an annual maintenance cost of $4,370.  By replacing the current routing software, the school board would realize an annual savings of $9,130 for maintenance cost. Edulog has offered a no-interest payment plan allowing two payments of $19,000 each this fiscal year and the remaining two $19,000 installments in 2003-2004.

 

Ms. LaVergne moved on behalf of the committee that the purchase of transportation routing software from Edulog be approved as presented.  The motion carried.

 

Next, the 2003-2004 Budget Calendar was presented.  The budget process would begin with a budget overview in April followed with data collection and workshops in May and June, the budget advertisement in late June, and final adoption of the budget to be set for July.  This item was for informational purposes and no action was necessary.

 

Ms. LaVergne stated that there being no further business for discussion the meeting was adjourned.

 

Mr. Robert recognized Mary Margaret David, Vice-President of the Calcasieu Association of Educators.  On behalf of the members of CAE, Mrs. David thanked the Board for the supplemental payment and raise for teachers and support personnel.

 

Goals and Objectives

 

Bryan LaRocque, Chairman, reported that the Goals and Objectives Committee met Thursday, March 20, 2003; a quorum was present.

 

Mr. LaRocque reported the following:

 

  • Tom Hatfield, PPG Industries Quality Coordinator, was introduced as the meeting facilitator.
  • Mr. Hatfield explained the multi-voting process to the board members present and to staff.
  • Mr. Robert noted that even if some of the proposed goals were eliminated, it did not indicate that those goals would not be addressed and action taken by the superintendent and his staff.
  • Mr. Hatfield noted that selections should be based on the system’s mission of Provide Quality Education to All Students.
  • Mr. Hatfield outlined the criteria for selection:
    • Important to the people you represent
    • Important to the overall school system, not just one school
    • Within the control of the school board
    • Is feasible to accomplish with the next 3-5 years
    • Will have an impact on learning
  • The Key Indicators include Educational Services, Employee Satisfaction, Fiscal Soundness, Community Satisfaction, Quality Management System, and Facilities.
  • The goals presented were a compilation from recommendations by schools, departments, board members, and staff. The list of goals had already been through a multi-voting/elimination process by board members and staff.
  • As recommended, goals were reviewed, board members and staff were given the opportunity to add to the list.
  • Multi-voting was then conducted on the goals in each of the Key Indicators presented by the Goals Subcommittee.
  • The Educational Services goals went through a second multi-voting process to further identify those goals that were of highest importance.
  • The final results (see below) were tallied and announced and will go back to the Goals Subcommittee. The goals will be developed by the April 15, 2003, board meeting into S.M.A.R.T. goals that are specific, measurable, agreed upon, realistic, and time-bound.

 

2003 CPSS GOALS RECOMMENDATIONS

SMART Goals = Specific – Measurable – Agreed Upon – Realistic – Time-bound

 

Educational Services

  1. By Fall 2003, thirty-five percent of the district’s elementary, middle, and

high schools will receive Louisiana Accountability Growth Labels of Exemplary or Recognized at the end of the 2001-2003 two-year Growth Cycle (Cycle 1 for high schools and combination schools; Cycle 2 for elementary and middle schools).

  1. The instructional program will provide for continuous improvement in

student performance as measured annually by the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP 21 and GEE 21) and nationally normed tests (ACT, SAT, EXPLORE, PLAN, and IOWA).

  1. Increase the student enrollment and number of course offerings in the

Option Three and Vocational-Technical programs 5% by the 2002-2003.

  1. Reduce # of non-certified teachers

5.      Develop program to improve teacher attendance.

6.   Develop and implement a comprehensive magnet school of academic and performing arts for elementary, middle, and high school students                throughout the parish.

  1. By Spring 2003 develop a cooperative plan with the Louisiana Department .

 

Ongoing Goal

1.      Continue to refine and communicate to the public a school and district plan for implementing the Louisiana School and District Accountability System and No Child Left Behind.

 

Employee Satisfaction

1.        Health Insurance

2.        Develop a survey for all employees to determine levels of satisfaction (not just when they leave).

3.        Provide a substantial monetary incentive to certified teachers who agree to work in at-risk, low-performing schools.  Teachers should apply and interview and be required to commit to the position for a minimum of three years.

4.        Be more selective in adding programs that rob experienced, effective teachers from classrooms.

 
Community Satisfaction

1.      Provide parents with system wide code of conduct for students and review/modify attendance zones compliance.

2.      Communication with public.

3.      Enforce the uniform policy for all grade levels.

 

Ongoing Goal

1.      Each school will have a plan in place for increasing parental involvement that is revised annually and reviewed for effectiveness.

 

Fiscal Soundness

1.      All future bond issues will set aside a portion for maintenance of facilities in their bonding district.

2.      Develop policy related to school consolidation.

3.      Provide one-on-one assistance to new administrators regarding school finances.

4.      Continue to adequately fund education as far as physical plants are concerned.  Do more maintenance in the schools.

 

 

Ongoing Goal

1.      Thoroughly analyze expenditures, efficiency, and effectiveness associated with individual programs and departments through staff and Board budget workshops in preparation of the budget for each fiscal year.

 

Quality Management System

1.      Develop and implement an action plan to integrate Quality Management System in all schools by May 2007.

2.      Use quality tools throughout parish and regardless of grade level and in all departments.

3.      Develop a three year plan for Quality in Education.

4.      Develop continuity between elementary, middle and secondary departments.

 

Facilities

1.      A comprehensive system-wide energy plan will continue to be analyzed, developed, and implemented throughout the year.

2.      School cleanliness.

3.      Develop/expand summer preventive maintenance plan.

4.      Develop a plan to enhance and evaluate the efficiency of the maintenance department.

 

 

Ongoing Goal

1.      Utilize the action plan to assure safe, efficient and appropriate facilities during each fiscal year.

2.      Continue developing and implementing a long-range plan to modernize facilities.

 

Mr. LaRocque reported that there being no further business for discussion the meeting was adjourned.

 

 

 

 

 

Employee Benefits – Meeting of March 10 and March 25, 2003

 

March 10, 2003 Meeting

 

Philip Tarver, Chairman, stated that the Employee Benefits Committee met Tuesday, March 10, 2003, and March 25, 2003; a quorum was present.

 

Mr. Tarver reported that Mr. Ron Hayes introduced to the committee, Mr. David Dross, CPSB consultant with Mercer Human Resource Consulting in Houston.   Mr. Dross advised the committee that the trend in the medical market nationwide for 2002 was a cost increase of 14.7%.  Larger employers (500 or more) could see costs rise by 20% or more in 2003.  The reasons for the cost increase are: 

 

(1) Demographics - “baby boomers” raising the average age of the labor force

(2) Technology - medical cost rising as new diagnostic equipment, drug

      therapies and other treatments are introduced;

(3) Providers – new found negotiating strength;

(4) Vendors – reduced competition and shareholder mentality;

(5) Advertising – increased direct to consumer advertising, primarily in the

      pharmacy field.

 

Mr. Dross advised the committee that after reviewing data the CPSB has two options:

 

(1) Current program with Trustmark with little or no change to the following:

     - Plan design

     - Carrier network

     - Plan structure

 

(2) “Consumer-directed” health plan (CDHP) with MedPayeXpress.  CDHP

   means substantial change to the following:

- Plan design and structure

- Employee role and responsibility

- Method of employee share of cost

 

Discussion regarding renewing with Trustmark included:

 

      Pros

 

  • Little to no employee disruption
  • Enhanced employee communication not required
  • No change to provider network

 

      Cons

 

  • No change to cost control mechanisms
  • Employees are still somewhat insulated from true cost of care

 

 

Discussion regarding transferring the CPSB group health insurance program to MedPayeXpress included:

 

Pros

 

  • Begins to introduce employees to true cost of care
  • Moves CPSB away from health care administration
  • Makes a clear strategic break from past practice

 

Cons

 

  • Huge ongoing communications effort required
  • Relationship with providers may change
  • Some employees may perceive as a takeaway
  • Smooth implementation by May 1 may be difficult
  • Substantial benefit differential from current plan

 

 

Mr. Tarver reported that the committee recommended that the Risk Manager and CPSB consultant continue discussion with the two carriers and report back to the committee on March 25, 2003, with any alternatives.  The purpose of the meeting would be to adopt a recommendation to be presented to the CPSB at its April 1, 2003, meeting.

 

Mr. Tarver moved on behalf of the committee to approve the committee’s recommendation.  The motion carried.

 

Mr. Tarver reported that there being no further business or discussion the meeting was adjourned.

 

March 25, 2003 Meeting

                         

Mr. Tarver, Chairman, reported that the Employee Benefits Committee met Tuesday, March 25, 2003; a quorum was present.

 

Mr. Tarver stated that Ron Hayes introduced Mr. David Dross, CPSB consultant with Mercer Human Resource Consulting in Houston.  Mr. Dross reviewed the initial offers as well as presenting an additional offer, which was submitted after the March 10, 2003 meeting.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana resubmitted a quotation.  The offer was reviewed with the revised offers of the two original bidders, MedPayeXpress and Trustmark.  Mr. Dross informed the committee that Trustmark offered its current program along with design alternatives to its existing program. MedPayeXpress offered a consumer directed health plan featuring a health savings account plan. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana submitted a self-insured program using BCBS provider network.

 

The MedPayeXpress proposal would cost 2.33 % less in premiums, but there were concerns over the company’s capacity for paying claims. Concerns were also expressed as to the company’s ability to gear up for the added workload of the CPSB group health insurance plan and that there was no aggregate cap in the amount of coverage with the MedPaye plan.

 

Blue Cross Blue Shield’s proposal would amount to a 42 percent increase over the present cost. 

 

Mr. Dross’s recommendation was to continue with Trustmark as the carrier but with an option, which would reduce benefits and increase premiums by 13.84 % from the present rate.  The plan would also increase the outpatient deductible from the present $300 to $500 and would change the drug benefit.

 

Mr. Philip Tarver asked the committee to vote on the three carriers.  Ten committee members voted for Trustmark.  Two members voted for MedPayeXpress and none for Blue Cross Blue Shield.

 

A motion was made to recommend to the Board renewal with Trustmark with the option of the higher deductible and a smaller increase in premiums. After further discussion by the committee, this motion was withdrawn and a new motion was made to recommend at the CPSB April 1, 2003 meeting renewal with Trustmark with no change in benefits with an increase in premiums of 17.09%.

 

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Tarver moved to accept the recommendation as presented. 

 

Mr. Tarver reported the following issues were also discussed:

 

Ø      Six RFPs were sent and only two realistic options were received.  The state plan and Blue Cross were astronomically higher and the other two refused to submit a quote after they received the information.

Ø      At one point, the committee was leaning toward the consumer driven health plan, but expressed concern relative to no aggregate cap on the amount of claims.

Ø      Concerns with the current in-house processing of payments.  It was noted that the processing of payments should be more efficient and responsive to the employees.

Ø      Lack of participation from the younger population.

Ø      Affordability for the lower income employees.

Ø      Increase in cost of the claims portion, in which there are no cost containment measures or employee involvement in the current plan.

Ø      The Board and staff involvement in health care administration was retained.

 

Several Board members concurred that the MedPayeExpress plan had merit, but  a number of issues needed to be addressed. 

 

Mr. Theriot stated that administration and staff would meet and work continuously throughout the year in attempts to develop a new program that will address health care issues and concerns. 

 

There was concern expressed regarding the prescription card.  Mr. Theriot noted that employees should contact the health insurance office for the name of a company that would accept the co-pay. 

 

For informational purposes Mr. Bruchhaus, Chief Financial Officer, presented a financial statistical analysis report indicating the Board’s cost for the health insurance premium renewal.  He reported that the new total health cost would be $28,212,300.  The system is currently collecting $21,783,000.  He stated an additional $6,429,000. is needed.  The health insurance fund reserve has available $2,500,000.  Staff is recommending that $1,750,000. of funds to be utilized to offset the premium increase.

 

There was discussion regarding the consumer health directed health plan concept.  Mr. Dross, health consultant, gave the following summary of the concept:

 

  • The simple rationale behind the plan is that employees will spend their money more wisely that they will spend someone else’s money.
  • Basically, the plan would set-up for the employees a health reimbursement account or health savings account.  If the money were exhausted in the course of one year, the employee would be spending their money until a cap is reached and at which point the insurance company would incur the costs for the remainder of the year.
  • The concept is a very new one.
  • One rationale is to increase employees’ awareness of the true cost of care.
  • Concern with claims paying capability.

 

After further discussion, the Chairman called for a vote on the motion, which is the health insurance plan renewal with Trustmark with no change in benefits and an increase in premium factors of 17.09%.  The motion carried.

 

Mr. Tarver reported that there being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

 

TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION

 

Sulphur Acappella Choir  - Trip to Branson, Missouri

 

On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Duhon and carried, approval was given to the Sulphur High School Acappella Choir to travel to Branson, Missouri.

 

Resolution Authorizing a Cooperative Agreement with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury

 

On motion by Mr. LaRocque, seconded by Mr. Andrepont and carried, the following resolution was approved:

 

RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, a Cooperative Agreement of an intergovernmental Contract is in

 

            effect between the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the Calcasieu

 

Parish School Board; and

 

 

WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury is proposing to fund $25,000.00 to

 

install piping of roadside drainage laterals near Moss Bluff Middle School;

 

and

 

 

WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board agrees to contribute the balance

 

of the funding of the project estimated at $15,935.00 from proceeds of

 

District 3 Sales Tax;

 

 

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Calcasieu Parish School

 

Board fully supports and approves the District 3 Sales Tax contribution

 

towards the funding of the project.

 

                                                                        /s/Gregory P. Robert                           

                                                                        Gregory P. Robert, President

                                                                        Calcasieu Parish School Board

 

 

 

 

 

Resolution Authorizing Recruitment and Employment for the 2003-2004 Session

 

On motion by Mr. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Breaux and carried, the following resolution was approved:

 

RESOLUTION

 

AUTHORIZING RECRUITMENT AND EMPLOYMENT FOR THE 2003-2004 SESSION

 

Superintendent Jude W. Theriot is hereby authorized to continue the employment and contract for the 2003-2004 session, as needed, those regular, special, state, and federally funded teachers, instructional support personnel, and administrators whose continuous employment with the Calcasieu Parish School Board began on or before January 10, 2003, except in the following cases:

 

a)         Employees with certification concerns;

b)         Employees who have been evaluated less than successful;

c)         Employees assigned to programs wherein deletions may be made, and;

d)         Employees assigned to programs wherein students’ participation is considered marginal for funding

 

Additionally, Superintendent Theriot is hereby authorized to provide Notices of Intent to Employ and/or contracts to those teachers, instructional support personnel, and administrators who began working for the Calcasieu Parish School Board after January 10, 2003, and other employees provided that in each case the items a-d of paragraph one above are met where applicable.

 

Finally, Superintendent Theriot is hereby authorized to recruit and render personnel decisions pursuant to policy for the 2003-2004 session, staff teaching and instructional support positions, and make adjustments to present teaching and support assignments in order to enhance the instructional program and meet other goals of the district.

/s/Gregory P. Robert_____________

Gregory P. Robert, President

Calcasieu Parish School Board

 

CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT

 

WHEREAS, the schools within the jurisdiction of the Calcasieu Parish School Board will close on Thursday, May 31, 2004 for a regularly scheduled vacation period; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board has approved annual vacation periods and holidays between and within schools sessions; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board does not interrupt the continuous employment of employees as a result of an annual vacation or holiday period; and,

 

WHEREAS, employees of the Calcasieu Parish School Board do not accrue additional property rights during an annual vacation or holiday period pursuant to the statutes of the State of Louisiana; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board is considering revenues, expenditures, and the staffing allocations pursuant thereto for the ensuing session; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board may alter and revise a proposed budget for the ensuing session until August 12, 2003, therefore,

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calcasieu Parish School Board offer reasonable assurance of employment to all existing personnel in their present assignments and within the limits of their approved work schedules except those specifically notified appropriately of a change in status pursuant to policy or those employees who may request to resign; and,

 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Superintendent or his designee notify in an appropriate manner, each employee whose assignment is for less than twelve months, of this reasonable assurance of continuous employment.

 

/s/Gregory P. Robert_______

Gregory P. Robert, President

                                                            Calcasieu Parish School Board

 

 

Final Action – Policy AE, School Year

 

On motion by Mr. Duhon, seconded by Mr. Tarver and carried, Policy AE, School Year was approved as presented.  The policy states: