05-11-2004

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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, May 11, 2004, at 5:00 p.m.  The meeting was called to order by James Pitre, President.  The prayer was led by R.L. Webb; Billy Breaux 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, James W. Pitre, Gregory P. Robert, Dr. Edward Stephens, Philip Tarver and R.L. Webb.

 

MINUTES APPROVED

 

On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Dr. Stephens and unanimously carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of April 20, 2004, were approved as presented. 

Supplemental Agenda

 

By general consent the Supplemental Agenda was included as part of the regular agenda.

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

Dr. David Thibodeaux, Congressional Candidate

 

Mr. Pitre recognized Dr. David Thibodeaux, 7th Congressional District Candidate. Mr. Theriot stated that Dr. Thibodeaux is a Board member in Lafayette Parish and teaches at the University of Lafayette Louisiana. Dr. Thibodeaux stated that his focus is directed to the educational system and the economy of the state.  He stated that, if elected, he will serve and be the voice for all Louisianans.  He thanked the Board for allowing him the time to present his views.

 

Perfect Attendance Award

 

Mr. Pitre recognized Keith LeLeux, Director of Child Welfare and Attendance.  Mr. LeLeux introduced and presented Kristen Allenday with a plaque for twelve years of perfect attendance.  Kristen is a senior at Barbe High School and is very active in school and community projects.  She has maintained a 4.0 GPA and plans to attend McNeese State University.  The Board congratulated Kristen and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Allenday, for this outstanding accomplishment.

 

Distinguished Educator End of Year Report

 

Carolyn Aufdemorte, Distinguished Educator at Lake Charles Boston High School, and Judy Romano, Distinguished Educator at Reynaud Middle School, were introduced.  They presented the following report to the Board:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distinguished Educator’s End-of-Year Report

Louisiana Department of Education

 


 

Judy Romano, Distinguished Educator

Reynaud Middle School, Calcasieu Parish Public Schools

May 2004

Executive Summary

 

Commendations/Accomplishments:

The school can be commended for the following:

  • The administration has effectively structured collaborative planning time and professional development for teachers.
  • The administration has successfully involved community stakeholders in activities that enhance student skills and talents.
  • The physical learning environment is conducive to teaching and learning.
  • The administration, teachers, staff and the central office personnel are supportive, cooperative and concerned about student achievement.

 

Outstanding Issues

A review of the 2003-2004 monthly reports indicates that:

§         Seventy percent of the students perform below basic in Reading and Math.

§         Struggling readers need a comprehensive reading program.

§         Special education classes need assistance in addressing varied readability levels and grade level curriculum.

§         There is inconsistent use of varied instructional strategies that accommodate individual differences.

§         There is a need to incorporate literacy strategies and writing strategies across content areas.

§         There is a need to maximize the use of instructional time.

§         Most student assessments do not reflect ITBS/LEAP-like items.

§         There is inconsistent implementation of the School Improvement Plan initiatives.

§         Professional development has been varied and on a wide range of instructional topics.

§         Discipline is a concern due to the large number of student referrals and student suspensions.

§         Staff turnover and non-certified teachers impact the quality of instruction.

 

Recommendations

To increase school effectiveness and improve student achievement, action must be taken. That action should include the following:

§         A clear focus on achievement including data driven instruction, frequent assessment, and many opportunities for students to improve

§         The funding of a comprehensive reading program that differentiates instruction for struggling readers such as READ 180

§         The implementation of focused reading and writing strategies that would be utilized across the content areas in all grade levels

§         The continued utilization of the LINCS Math Content Leaders

§         The development of student assessments that are ITBS/LEAP-like and that include at least one constructed response item

§         Professional Development that is focused, data-driven, aimed at student achievement directly related to the School Improvement Plan

§         The development and implementation of a school-wide discipline plan

§         An incentive program to attract and retain certified personnel.

 

 

 

Distinguished Educator’s End-of-Year Report

Louisiana Department of Education

 


 

Carolyn Aufdemorte, Distinguished Educator

Lake Charles Boston High School, Calcasieu Parish Public Schools

May 2004

Executive Summary

 

Commendations/Accomplishments:

The school can be commended for the following:

  • The district has approved an upgrade to the existing reading lab, as well as a science and math lab.
  • The Freshman Connection Program has been implemented.
  • The monitoring of weekly lesson plans by Learning Zone Designee and the DE has been implemented.
  • Department Heads have been identified and hold regularly scheduled monthly meetings.
  • At Report Card Conference Night, held on January 22, 2004, 150 parent/guardians attended.  Report cards were distributed to parents and a mini college fair was also available for viewing.  Four post-secondary institutions were present and a LEAP Information table was available to distribute documents and answer questions concerning testing and accountability.
  • LBC had a first place winner in Physics and several Honorable Mentions at the First Annual Science Fair, held February 11 and 12, 2004. 
  • READY-SET-TEST LEAP Saturday, held at LCB on March 13, 2004, was attended by 149 students from grades 9-12.  Twenty-five teachers volunteered to cook breakfast for students as well as to offer test-taking strategies, and give instruction in content area subjects.  The DAT leader also attended and offered support.
  • An English/Language Arts Content Leader has been added to the staff.
  • The Aztec Program is available for Option III students to prepare them for the GED.
  • Administration, teachers, and central office personnel are supportive, cooperative and concerned about school improvement efforts

 

Outstanding Issues

Review of the 2003-2004 monthly reports indicates that:

§         Seventy-five percent of students read below the ninth grade level.

§         The scheduling and tracking of students are inconsistent.

§         The posting of accurate attendance/tardiness continues to be a challenge.  Excessive number of students are tardy to class every hour.

§         The ineffective use of instructional time, bell-to-bell teaching and the need to accommodate for individual indifferences within the instructional period must be addressed.

§         The school should address the lack of inclusion of special education students into general education classes.

§         There is a need to broaden the curriculum through the addition of course offerings and to develop dual curriculum tracts for college prep and career/vocational students.

§         There is a need to increase opportunities for parental involvement within the educational process.

 

Recommendations

To increase school effectiveness and improve student achievement, action must be

taken. That action should include the following:

§         Counselors must accurately schedule and track all students at the school.

§         Routines and procedures for attendance and tardiness should be developed, followed by all students and staff and monitored.

§         A master schedule should be developed that more closely meets the needs of students.

§         The district should continue staff development that assists teachers by increasing the use of instructional strategies that are data driven, researched and proven to be successful. 

§         All ninth and tenth graders, who are reading below grade level, should be scheduled into the reading lab daily and be given a credit for their participation in the class.

§         The district should include special education teachers in any staff development offered to general education teachers.

 

The Board thanked Ms. Romano and Mrs. Aufdemorte for their efforts.

 

Quiz Bowl All-Parish Academic Team

 

Carmen Hamilton, Quiz Bowl Director, recognized the following students who have been selected as the Quiz Bowl All-Parish Academic Team:

 

            Nate Ellender                           DeQuincy High School

            Andrew Pruitt                           Barbe High School

            Elizabeth Cook             Barbe High School

            Jonathan Van Norman  Hamilton Christian

Kailey Galagos             Sulphur High School

Jared Ward                              Westlake High School

            Margaret Monk                        St. Louis High School

 

Mrs. Hamilton also recognized and thanked Norman Guillory, High School Science Consultant.

 

The team, Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Guillory were congratulated.

           

Lake Charles Boston High School Boys’ Basketball Team

 

Mr. Pitre announced that the Lake Charles Boston High School Boys’ Basketball Team is the State High School Basketball Champions.  The members are:

 

Head Coach:                Herman Weston

Assistant Coaches:        Roy Jackson, Andre Perkins, Nathaniel Perry

Manager:                      Lavandon Coleman

 

Players:

Anthony Aaron

Darrel Anderson

Ronald August

Terrell Bennett

Brandon Bordelon

Gregory Brown

Terrell Ceasar

Desmond Sugas

Tim Joseph

Edmond Lawrence

Skyler McKinnie

Jared Monroe

Anthony Streeter

 Javandon Vallare

Jerome Wilson

 

The team members were congratulated for an outstanding season.

 

Krystal Archie, Winner of the KPLC Talent Award

 

Krystal Archie, student at Lake Charles Boston High School, sang accapella “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”  The Board commended Krystal for her extraordinary talent.  Ms. Belinda Williams, Krystal’s coach and choir director, was congratulated for her success.

 

Calcasieu Parish Students of the Year

 

Mr. Robert recognized Elementary Administrative Director Dolores Hicks.  Mrs. Hicks thanked the Board for the opportunity to honor the outstanding students of Calcasieu Parish.  She stated that the Student of the Year Program was designed to recognize students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement, leadership ability and citizenship.  The Louisiana State Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education sponsor the program.

One representative from each school is selected to compete at the parish level.  These students are judged on their application portfolio, which includes a biographical sketch, academic achievement, leadership, activities, recognitions, and service/citizenship.  They also compete in a writing competition and are interviewed by a panel of judges.  This panel is comprised of community members representing a wide variety of businesses and civic organizations.

 

Mrs. Hicks extended appreciation to the following businesses for their generous donations:

 

Cameron State Bank, American Fidelity of Lake Charles and Texas Roadhouse

 

Mrs. Hicks thanked Phyllis Hess for her assistance with the presentation.

 

This year’s parish winners and runners-up are as follows:

 

Elementary Division

 

Winner:                       Merritt Christian Harrelson

School:             A.A. Nelson Elementary

Principal/Assistant:        Principal Sue Way, Assistant Principal Jackie Smith

Parents:                        Laura and Dirk Harrelson

 

Runner-up:                 Reagan Womack

School:             T.S. Cooley Elementary

Principal/Assistant:        Principal Fritzi Fralick

Parents:                        Carol and David Womack

 

Middle School Division

 

Winner:                       Jacob Sittig

School:             J.I. Watson Middle School

Principal/Assistant:        Principal Richard Vail

Assistant Principals Amelia Yakupzack and Pat Schooler

Parents:                        Julie and Greg Sittig

 

 

Runner-up:                 Andrea Lee

School:             Moss Bluff Middle School

Principal/Assistant:        Principal John Duhon

                                    Assistant Principals Don Caldwell and Kathleen Severns

Parents:                        Julie and Scott Lee

 

Mr. LaRocque presented Andrea with a savings bond for her accomplishment.

 

High School Division

 

Winner:                       Taylor Moss

School:             Sam Houston High School

Principal/Assistant:        Principal Herman Menard

                                    Assistant Principals Ann Guidry and Michael Reed

Parents:                        Kim and Mickey Moss

 

Mr. LaRocque presented Taylor with a savings bond for her accomplishment.

 

Runner-up:                 Lauren Nicole Watson

School:             Westlake High School

Principal/Assistant:        Principal Steve Powers, Assistant Principal Lee Crick

Parents:                        Sharla and David Watson

 

The Board congratulated the students and their parents.

 

Counselor of the Year Awards

 

James Powers, Tech Prep/Options/Counselor Consultant, recognized the following Counselors of the Year:

 

Outstanding Elementary School Counselor-Sandy Stevens, Brentwood

Outstanding Middle School Counselor- Mark Richard, Maplewood

Outstanding High School Counselor & Calcasieu Parish Counselor of the Year 2003-2004 - Gisele Puckett, Barbe High School

 

Mr. Powers stated that these distinguished counselors will be nominated in their levels for the state counselor of the year award at the Louisiana School Counselors Conference in the fall.  The following counselors are to be recognized for participating in the awards process:  Genie Wilson, D.S. Perkins and Cindy Dowers, Starks High.  He also commended the Nomination Committee: Yvette Ardoin, Clarence Ethridge, and James Burnham.

 

Sandy Stevens has been an educator for the past 14 years and is the guidance counselor at Brentwood Elementary.

 

Mrs. Stevens has accomplished the following:

·        Currently serving as Secretary in the Calcasieu School Counselors Association.

·        Brentwood’s Teacher of the Year in 1996. 

·        Serves as a Bible teacher in her church.

·        Particiaptes in the United Way Program.  She believes in making a difference in a child’s life. 

 

Mark Richard has been an educator for the past 23 years and is a guidance counselor at Maplewood Middle. 

 

Mr. Richard has accomplished the following:

·        Teacher and a varsity coach for several years. 

·        Summer baseball coach, parent volunteer, and a head coach for the Upward Basketball Team for which his son is a member.

·        Camp counselor, volunteer for the American Heart Association and Abraham’s Tent. 

·         

Gisele Puckett has been in education since 1972 and is a guidance counselor at Barbe High. 

 

Mrs. Puckett has accomplished the following:

·        Math teacher.

·        Evaluator for LaTep.

·        Student teacher supervisor at McNeese State University.

·        Vocational Counselor for the MSU D.R.I.V.E. Program.

·        Math Department Head at LaGrange High.

·        Volunteer at Abraham’s Tent, Walk for Literacy.

·        Coordinated book drives for the Women’s Shelter.

·        Currently serving on the LSU Regional Advisory Board for High School counselors. 

 

The counselors were commended for their commitment and dedication to the students of Calcasieu Parish.

 

A+PEL Calcasieu Parish School Volunteer of the Year Award

Suzanne Heath, area A+PEL Liaison, was recognized to announce the Associated Educators of Professional Louisiana A+PEL Volunteer of the Year Award recipient, Harden Reeves.  She added that Mr. Harden has volunteered countless hours at John F. Kennedy Elementary School. 

The following volunteers were runners-up:

 

Georgia Burrell             R.W. Vincent Elementary School

Charcey Cormier                      Molo Middle School

Tommy Istre                             Dolby Elementary

Paulette LaFleur                       St. John Elementary

Dena Ford Phillips                    Vincent Settlement Elementary

Gina Reed                                Westwood Elementary

Dee Stout                                 A.A. Nelson Elementary

 

The following 2004-2005 officers of A+PEL were announced:

 

Carolyn Langley, President

Margaret Williams, Vice President

Donna Little, Secretary

Sarah Newton, Treasurer

Membership, Connie Degenhardt

Suzanne Heath, Past President

 

Mrs. Heath recognized and presented an engraved paper weight to the

2003 Calcasieu Teachers of the Year.

 

Elementary                   Meg Reed, Moss Bluff Elementary

Middle                         Debra Wild, J.I. Middle School

High                             Kathy Bonsall, Sulphur High School

 

Washington/Marion Power Lifting Team

 

The following Washington/Marion Power Lifting Team members were recognized for winning the State Championship in Power Lifting:

 

Coaches Reginald Nelson, Roosevelt Washington, Edd Thomas

 

Mashala Jones                                            National Champion

Jasmine Fontenot                                        National Champion

D’Tara Frank                                              National Champion

Danielle Jackson                                         Runner-up

Crystal Tezeno                                            4th Place

Brittany Manuel                                           Runner-up

Noaka Jones                                               Runner-up

Ashley Spain                                               Runner-up

Antoinette Broussard                                   3rd Place

 

The following Boys’ Team placed 4th in the National Tournament:

 

Roy Wiltz, Jr.,                                             National Champion, State Champion

Bryan Nelson                                              4th Place

Keeland Joubert                                          4th Place

Damien Otis                                                3rd Place

Thaddeus Dugas

Dallas Montgomery

Jonathan Redmond                                    Runner-up

Donald Batiste, Jr.,                                  6th Place

 

The teams were congratulated and commended for their success.

 

Iowa High School Girls’ Track Team

 

The following Iowa High School Girls’ Track Team members were recognized as the District, Regional and State Champions:

 

Coaches Brendon Gilroy, Chalres Avery, Carmen Dennison, Jason leonards, Shannon Guillory

 

Courtney Anderson                                     Distance

Lauren Ardoin                                             Distance

Shanna Courville                                      Javelin

Yomisha Chatman                                       Shot/Discus

Elizabeth Hill                                               Sprints/Relays

Jennifer LaValley                                         Distance

Whitney Landry                                           Sprints/Relays

Tammy Ledet                                              Pole Vault

Jenee Peirre                                                Sprints/Relays

O’Neill Pollinque                                         Sprints/Relays

Keioshi Prater                                              100m Hurdles/High Jump

Lexie Sandrock                                           Pole Vault

Alicia Simon                                                Shot/Discus

Amy Sweat                                                 Shot/Discus

Laura Talbot                                                Sprints/Relays

Francis Vital                                                 100m Hurdles/Long Jump/100m

 

The team and coaches were commended for this prestigious award.

 

TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION

 

National Southern Regional Conference, Nashville, TN, July 21-24

 

On motion by Mr. Duhon, seconded by Rev. Franklin and carried, permission was granted to Clara Duhon and Sheral LaVergne to attend the National Southern Regional Conference in Nashville, Tennessee from July 21through 24, 2004.

 

Final Action, Policy JJ, Employment of Students

 

On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Webb and carried, final action on Policy JJ, Employment of Students, was approved.  The policy states:

 

                                                                                                            File:  JJ

 

EMPLOYMENT OF STUDENTS

 

 

            The Calcasieu Parish School Board realizes that some students may need to have part-time employment positions. Senior high school students over the age of 16 may be allowed to complete their senior classes in the morning, if their class schedules can be so arranged, in order for the student to be released for part-time employment in the afternoons.  Before release of the student, proof of employment shall be submitted by the student. The school reserves the right to monitor a student's continued employment.

EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATES

            Employment certificates are issued for youth to work only during vacation time and after school hours. No employment certificate can be issued for a high school student to work during the hours that school is in session. Employment certificates for the youth of Calcasieu Parish shall be issued by the Superintendent or his/her designee and submitted to the Louisiana Department of Labor. The original employment certificate shall be signed by the minor and the Superintendent/designee as issuing authority. A copy of each employment certificate shall be retained by the School Board together with documents required to be submitted with the application for employment certificate. Any additional information needed by students or teachers of Calcasieu Parish schools may be obtained by inquiring at the School Board office.

            Youth between the ages of 18 and 21 are not required to have employment certificates but may be issued certificates of age upon request of the employer.

Ref:      La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''23:161 et seq., 23:183, 23:184. 

 

Final Action, Policy JGCE, Child Abuse

 

On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Webb and carried, final action on

Policy JGCE, Child Abuse, was approved.  The policy states:

 

                                                                                                            File:     JGCE                                     

                                                                 CHILD ABUSE

 

           

The Calcasieu Parish School Board shall endeavor to ensure that all instances of child abuse and/or neglect are reported in accordance with appropriate state and local laws and regulations.  Therefore, the School Board directs that all school personnel be informed of their responsibilities under law as mandatory reporters when performing their occupational duties.

DEFINITIONS

Child, for purposes of child abuse, is defined as a person under eighteen (18) years of age, who prior to juvenile proceedings, has not been judicially emancipated or emancipated by marriage.

 

Abuse means any one of the following acts which seriously endanger the physical, mental, or emotional health of the child:

 

(a)        The infliction, attempted infliction, or, as a result of inadequate supervision, the allowance of the infliction or attempted infliction of physical or mental injury upon the child by a parent or any other person.

 

(b)        The exploitation or overwork of a child by a parent or any other person.

 

(c)        The involvement of the child in any sexual act with a parent or any other person, or the aiding or toleration by the parent or the caretaker of the child's sexual involvement with any other person or of the child's involvement in pornographic displays, or any other involvement of a child in sexual activity constituting a crime under the laws of this state.

 

Neglect means the refusal or willful failure of a parent or caretaker to supply the child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, care, treatment, or counseling for any injury, illness, or condition of the child, as a result of which the child's physical, mental, or emotional health is substantially threatened or impaired.  In accordance with statutory provisions, the inability of a parent or caretaker to provide for a child due to inadequate financial resources shall not, for that reason alone, be considered neglect. Whenever, in lieu of medical care, a child is being provided treatment in accordance with the tenets of a well‑recognized religious method of healing which has a reasonable, proven record of success, the child shall not, for that reason alone, be considered to be neglected or maltreated.  However, nothing herein shall prohibit the court from ordering medical services for the child when there is substantial risk of harm to the child's health or welfare.

 

A mandatory reporter is any person who provides training and supervision of a child, including any one of the following individuals performing their occupational duties:  teacher, teacher's aide, instructional aide, school principal, and school staff member.

 

Caretaker means any person legally obligated to provide or secure adequate care for a child, including a parent, tutor, guardian, legal custodian, foster home parent, an employee of a public or private day care center, or other person providing a residence for the child.

 

PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT

Any mandatory reporter, notwithstanding any claim of privileged communication, who has cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare is endangered as a result of abuse or neglect, as defined by this policy, or that abuse or neglect was a contributing factor in a child's death, shall report immediately suspected abuse/neglect in accordance with the following:

I.          The mandatory reporter having the information shall contact the principal or designee immediately.  The principal or other supervising employee shall immediately:

 

(A)       When the suspected abuser is believed to be a parent or caretaker, make the report to the local child protection unit of the Department of Social Services.

 

(B)       When the abuse or neglect is believed to be perpetrated by someone other than a parent or caretaker, and a parent or caretaker is not believed to have any responsibility for the abuse or neglect, make the report to the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the place where the abuse/neglect occurred.

 

II.         If the initial report was in oral form, it shall be followed by a written report on the approved form, which written report shall be delivered within five (5) days to the local child protection agency or the local law enforcement agency to whom the initial report was made.

 

III.       The principal, assistant principal, or other supervisory employee to whom the initial reporter gave the report shall have the primary responsibility of reporting the information to the appropriate agency as herein provided. The teacher or other Board employee who was the initial reporter is not relieved of responsibility, however, and to ensure that the report is delivered to the appropriate agency as required by law, the principal/designee/supervisory employee shall confer with the initial reporting employee and confirm that the report was made to the appropriate agency.  If the principal/designee/ supervisory employee fails or refuses to make a required report, the initial reporting employee shall make the required report to the appropriate agency and shall, within five (5) days of filing the required written report file a confidential report of the entire matter in writing with the Superintendent.

 

                                    The report shall contain the following information, if known:

 

1)         The name, address, age, sex, and race of the child.

 

2)         The nature, extent, and cause of the child's injuries or endangered condition, including any previous known or suspected abuse to this child or the child's siblings.

 

3)         The name and address of the child's parent(s) or other caretaker.

 

4)         The names and all the ages of all other members of the child's household.

 

5)         The name and address of the reporter.

 

6)         An account of how this child came to the reporter's attention.

 

7)         Any explanation of the cause of the child's injury or condition offered by the child, the caretaker, or any other person.

 

8)         Any other information which the reporter believes might be important or relevant.

 

The report shall also name the person or persons who are thought to have caused or contributed to the child's condition, if known, and the report shall contain the name of such person if he/she is named by the child.

If the initial report was in oral form by a mandatory reporter, it shall be followed by a written report made within five (5) days to the local child protection unit, or if necessary, to the local law enforcement agency.

INVESTIGATION OF REPORTS

Admission of the investigator on school premises or access to the child in school shall not be denied by school officials.

ALLEGATION AGAINST SCHOOL EMPLOYEES OR VOLUNTEERS

When an employee is accused of the use of impermissible corporal punishment or moral offenses involving students, the principal shall initiate an investigation (see procedures under policy GAMC, Employee Investigations).  If the offender is a central office employee, or principal, the immediate supervisor will initiate an investigation.

Upon any school employee receiving a report of, or information about, child abuse, against another school employee or volunteer, and the employee receiving said information has cause to believe the truthfulness thereof, the reporting procedure as outlined in this policy shall be followed, depending upon whether the employee or volunteer is considered a caretaker or someone other than a caretaker.

The school employee shall also, as soon as reasonably possible, notify the appropriate immediate supervisor of the accused individual, and that supervisor in turn will as soon as reasonably possible, notify the Superintendent or designee.  The Superintendent and the Board's attorney will determine what appropriate action the school system may take over and above the investigation being conducted by the appropriate state agency.  In any incident involving an employee or volunteer which is reported to the Superintendent or designee, the person shall be removed from all activities involving direct contact with students until the matter is resolved.

ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL OFFENSES

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall be required to notify the local law enforcement agency of any allegation made by a student of the commission of a sex offense as defined by La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:541(14.1). Such notification shall be made by the Superintendent or his/her designee within twenty-four (24) hours of the time the student notified the Superintendent or other appropriate personnel. Any school employee who receives information from a student concerning the possible commission of a sexual offense shall immediately inform the Superintendent and/or his/her designee.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The circumstances and information of the initial report, the fact that a report was made to an agency, and the written report shall be held in confidence and shall not be disseminated to third parties other than those persons or agencies designated by this policy or required by state law.  Any written report or other written information regarding the report shall be kept in a confidential file separate from the child's routine school records and accessible only by the principal/designee/supervisory employee or by court order.

 

INSERVICE TRAINING

At the beginning of each school year, each principal shall provide mandated inservice training for mandatory reporters and other school personnel and volunteers on how to recognize and report suspected child abuse or child neglect.  Each employee and volunteer shall sign a form indicating he/she has received and understands the guidelines for reporting child abuse/neglect.

IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY

Any person who in good faith makes a report, cooperates in any investigation arising as a result of such report, or participates in judicial proceedings authorized under the Louisiana Children's Code shall have immunity from civil or criminal liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed.  This immunity, however, does not extend to (1) a person who participates in or conspires with a participant or an accessory to an offense involving the abuse or neglect of a child; (2) any person who makes a report known to be false or with reckless disregard for the truth of the report.

LIABILITY

The Louisiana Children's Code and Louisiana criminal law provide substantial penalties for mandatory reporters who fail to report facts which would support a reasonable belief that child abuse or neglect has occurred.  Additionally, educators or other employees of the Calcasieu Parish School Board who fail or refuse to report child abuse/neglect as provided by law or by this policy may be subject to disciplinary and/or dismissal proceedings for neglect of duty.

Ref:      La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:403, 15:542.2, 17:81.6; La. Children's Code, Title VI, Art. 601 et seq.

 

Final Action, Policy DJED, Bids and Quotations

 

On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Webb and carried, final action on Policy DJED Bids and Quotations, was approved.  The policy states:

 

                                                                                                            File:  DJED

 

                                                       BIDS AND QUOTATIONS

 

A.        Public Works

 

            The Board shall advertise and let by contract, except in cases of emergencies, as provided below, all public work exceeding $100,000 per project.  The contract shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder who has bid according to the contract, plan, and specifications advertised, unless stipulated otherwise by the Board.

 

            As an evidence of good faith, each bidder for public works project shall attach to its bid, a bid bond, certified check, or cashier's check in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the bid amount. 

 

            All advertisements for bids shall appear in the newspaper selected as the official journal for the School Board, except in emergencies as may be declared by the Board, or designee. The advertisement, when published, shall appear once a week for three (3) different weeks, the first advertisement to appear at least twenty-five (25) days prior to the opening of bids. In addition, the School Board may also publish an advertisement by electronic media available to the general public.  The first publication of the advertisement shall not occur on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.

 

            All bids shall be opened in public in the presence of one or more witnesses at the time and place designated in the invitation for bids.  Each bid, together with the name of the bidder, shall be recorded and open to public inspection.  The Superintendent and/or other appropriate administrators shall review, summarize and report bids to the Board with recommendations for final action.

           

            Contracts for public works aggregating $100,000 or less shall be subject to the following:

            (1)        $10,000 - $100,000 

 

                        i)          Advertising will be at the discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee provided that written invitations for quotations are sent to at least five (5) bona fide, qualified bidders if the advertising process is not utilized.

 

                        ii)         Written invitations for quotations shall contain complete specifications, the quantity required, and any other information, including the delivery point, which is necessary to make an acceptable quotation.

 

                        iii)         Quotations shall be publicly opened and read at a specified date, time and location.  Each bidder shall be notified of the date, time and location.

 

                        iv)        Award of the contract shall be made by the Superintendent or his/her designee to lowest responsible responding contractor who has provided a quote.

 

            (2)        $5,000.00 - $9,999.99 Award will be made after obtaining no fewer than three (3) telephone or facsimile quotations.  A written confirmation of the accepted offer shall be obtained and made part of the purchase file.  If quotations lower than the accepted quotation are received, the reasons for their rejection shall be recorded in the purchase file.

 

            (3)        $0.00 - $4,999.99 Competitive quotations may be received at the discretion of the Buyer.

 

 

B.         Supplies, Materials and Equipment

 

            The Board shall advertise and let by contract all purchases of supplies, materials and equipment aggregating $25,000 or more.  All advertisements for bids shall appear in the newspaper selected as the official journal for the School Board.  The advertisement, when published, shall appear at least ten (10) days prior to the date set forth therein for the opening of bids.  In addition, the School Board may also publish an advertisement by electronic media available to the general public.  Notice shall also be given in writing to persons in a position to furnish the supplies, materials and equipment as shown by the purchasing department's records.

 

            All bids shall be opened in public in the presence of one or more witnesses, at the time and place designated in the invitation for bids.  Each bid, together with the name of the bidder, shall be recorded and open to public inspection.  The Superintendent and/or other appropriate administrators shall review, summarize and report bids to the Board with recommendations for final action.

 

The Board may require, as evidence of good faith that each bidder for the purchase of supplies, materials or equipment, attach to its bid a bid bond, certified check or cashier's check in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the bid amount.

 

            Purchases of supplies, material and equipment aggregating less than $25,000.00 shall be subject to the following:

 

            (1)        Purchases from $10,000 - $24,999.99 shall meet the same requirements as for purchases of $25,000.00 or more, except:

 

                        (a)        Advertisement will be at the discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee.  In any event, written invitations for bids shall be sent to at least five (5) bona fide qualified bidders.

 

                        (b)        Award of the contract shall be made by the Superintendent or his/her designee to lowest responsible bidder who has bid according to the specifications.

 

            (2)        Purchases of $5,000.00 or more, but less than $10,000 shall be made by obtaining no fewer than three telephone or facsimile quotations.  A written confirmation of the accepted offers shall be obtained and made part of the purchase file.  If quotations lower than the accepted quotation are received, the reasons for their rejection shall be recorded in the purchase file.