11-18-2003

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, November 18, 2003, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Gregory Robert, President. The prayer was led by Bryan LaRocque; Rev. J.L. Franklin 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, Bryan LaRocque, Sheral A. LaVergne, Gregory P. Robert, Dr. Edward Stephens, Philip Tarver and R.L. Webb.

James W. Pitre entered the meeting after it convened.

James W. Karr, Sr., was absent.

Mr. Robert called for a Point of Privilege to welcome Representative Elcie Guillory.

MINUTES APPROVED

On motion by Mr. Falgout, seconded by Mr. Webb and unanimously carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of October 28, 2003, were approved as presented.

Supplemental Agenda

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

Mr. Pitre entered the meeting.

PRESENTATIONS

Chamber SWLA Quality Award Winners – Iowa High School, John J. Johnson, II Elementary School, Vinton Middle School

Mrs. Chiasson recognized and introduced the following recipients of the Chamber SWLA Quality Awards:

Iowa High School for Significant Progress

Assistant Principal Mike Oakley, Faculty, Staff and Students

Vinton Middle School for Significant Progress

Principal Steve Hardy, Faculty, Staff and Students

John J. Johnson, II Elementary School for Serious Commitment

Principal Betty Sims, Faculty, Staff and Students

A certificate of achievement was presented to each school. The Board commended them on this outstanding award.

Students participating from the following schools were invited to share with each Board member their data folders, which outlines and grafts their achievements:

Ø Iowa High

Ø Ralph Wilson Elementary

Ø John J. Johnson, II Elementary

Ø Dolby Elementary

Ø Nelson Elementary

Ø Vinton Middle

Ø Vincent Settlement Elementary

Ø St. John Elementary

Louisiana Counselor of the Year Awards

James Powers, Counselors/Option 3/Tech Prep Consultant, announced and introduced the following recipients of the Louisiana Counselor of the Year Awards:

Louisiana Elementary School Counselor of the Year:

Mitzi Wilkinson, R.W. Vincent Elementary School

Principal – Paul Champagne

Louisiana Middle School Counselor of the Year:

Victoria Crawford, Vinton Middle School

Principal, Steve Hardy

Louisiana High School Counselor of the Year:

Jill Lockhart, Sulphur High School

Principal, Gerald Conner

Mr. Powers stated that these three outstanding guidance counselors are recognized for their excellence and devotion to their school and profession. He also added that this is the first time that all three levels have been honored from our parish. This reflects on the excellence and professionalism of all our counselors in the parish and recognizes the work that our counselors perform on a daily basis.

Mr. Robert, on behalf of the Board, congratulated the counselors for this outstanding achievement and commended their continued efforts as educators.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Budget/Fiscal Management

Mr. Pitre, Chairman, reported that the Budget/Fiscal Management Committee met Tuesday, November 4, 2003. A quorum was present.

Mr. Pitre reported that Mr. Bruchhaus reviewed the first budget revision for the 2003-2004 fiscal year. Revisions to the General Fund included projected revenues and other sources of $179,029,419 and expenditures and other uses totaled $179,867,283 for a projected deficit of ($837,763). The deficit would reduce the unreserved/undesignated fund balance to $18,902,658 or 10.56% of projected revenues. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Pitre moved to approve this budget revision. The motion carried.

The next item presented for discussion was a revision to the Calcasieu Parish School Board’s Investment Policy – File DFL. The revision clarifies and simplifies issues surrounding investments of funds for the school system. Allowable investment instruments are listed along with specific items that are not allowed. Mr. Bruchhaus advised the committee that a pilot program would be implemented with money from the current year’s reserves to be invested over an average 18-month period. The pilot’s goal is to increase yield and will be done with allowable investments according to policy. Mr. Pitre moved to approve this policy revision on behalf of the committee. The motion carried.

Next, Mr. Pitre reported that Mr. Charles Duhon, Internal Auditor, presented the school audit reports. Mr. Duhon advised the committee members that the reports were presented and discussed with the administrative directors and school principals and all exceptions were handled according to the School Activity Funds Principles and Procedures Manual. The audits included two schools with new principals and new bookkeepers and both were good audits.

Committee members questioned the process by which audits are conducted and the recurring discrepancies. Mr. Duhon stated that the major areas of discrepancy included travel and the handling of cash by employees and these areas have been addressed.

Mr. Pitre moved on behalf of the committee to approve the school audit reports as presented. The motion carried.

Mr. Pitre reported that the committee went into executive session to discuss school audit issues of personnel.

After the committee reconvened in regular session, the committee recommended accepting the Legislative Auditor’s report for S. J. Welsh Middle School and implement recommended practices in all possible instances. Mr. Pitre moved on behalf of the committee to approve this recommendation.

Discussion ensued relative to the Board’s responsibility for recourse action.

Mr. Spruel, legal council, reminded the Board that if personnel matters were involved, the issues would be discussed in executive session.

Rev. Franklin made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Duhon and carried, to go into executive session at 5:35 p.m.

The regular session reconvened at 7:00 p.m.

There was concern expressed relative to alleged new information concerning the S.J. Welsh audit and possibly the institution of a reinvestigation. It was the consensus of the Board to accept the legislative audit report as presented.

Mr. Robert called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried with two nays by Clara Duhon and Rev. Franklin.

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Pitre moved to refer the Reynaud Middle School audit report for the two-year period 2000-2002 to the Legislative Auditor’s Office for further review and recommendation.

After a brief discussion, Mr. Robert called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried with one nay by Clara Duhon.

Mr. Pitre reported that with no further business the Budget/Fiscal Management Committee was adjourned.

Mr. Bernard, Ms. LaVergne and Mr. Pitre left the meeting.

TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION

Resolution Granting Authorization to Employ Special Counsel for Sales Tax Litigation

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

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board administers and collects within the Parish of Calcasieu, sales and use tax both individually and as agent for various political subdivisions;

WHEREAS, a dispute and protest has arisen in connection with the audit assessment and subsequent litigation by Boyd Racing;

WHEREAS, there exists a real necessity involving the public interest for the Calcasieu Parish School Board to be represented by special counsel in the protest proceedings and any subsequent litigation; and

WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board desires to retain the Scofield, Gerard, Veron, Singletary and Pohorelsky Law Firm as special counsel for the Calcasieu Parish School Board in connection with the audit assessment protest proceedings and any subsequent litigation, subject to the attached Attorney General Fee Schedule.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Scofield, Gerard, Veron, Singletary and Pohorelsky Law Firm is hereby retained as special counsel for the Calcasieu Parish School Board in connection with the above case protest proceedings and any subsequent litigation, subject to the Attorney General Fee Schedule.

/s/Gregory P. Robert

Gregory P. Robert, President

Calcasieu Parish School Board

Attest:

/s/Jude W. Theriot

Jude W. Theriot, Secretary

Resolution Authorizing Execution of a Joint Services Agreement and Lease with Recreation District Ward 8 of Calcasieu Parish

On motion by Mr. Webb, seconded by Mr. Andrepont and carried, the following Resolution and Joint Services Agreement and Lease with Recreation District Ward 8 of Calcasieu Parish were approved:

RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF JOINT SERVICES AGREEMENT AND LEASE WITH THE RECREATION DISTRICT WARD 8 OF CALCASIEU PARISH

BE IT RESOLVED by the Calcasieu Parish School Board of Calcasieu Parish, convened in regular session on the 18th day of November 2003, that the President be and he is hereby authorized to execute a Joint Services Agreement and Lease with the Calcasieu Parish School Board under the terms and conditions of the agreement attached hereto.

PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED at Lake Charles, Louisiana on the 18th day of November 2003.

ATTEST:

________________________________

Jude W. Theriot, SECRETARY

STATE OF LOUISIANA : JOINT SERVICES AGREEMENT

PARISH OF CALCASIEU : AND LEASE

The following agreement is hereby entered into by and between the CALCASIEU

PARISH SCHOOL BOARD, a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, (hereinafter referred to as “School Board”), herein represented by its duly authorized President, Gregory P. Robert, and RECREATION DISTRICT NO. 1 OF WARD 8 OF CALCASIEU PARISH, a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, (hereinafter referred to “Recreation District”), herein represented by its duly authorized President, Norma Young, under the authority of Article 6, § 20 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution and the Local Services Law (LSA - R.S. 33:1321 et seq.);

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Recreation District has undertaken a program to develop and maintain recreational park facilities;

WHEREAS, in order for the Recreation District to fulfill its obligations to the district residents, it is necessary that a site be secured on which the Recreation District can construct, operate and maintain park facilities;

WHEREAS, the School Board is willing to allow the Recreation District to lease property it owns, pursuant to a lease agreement, under such terms and conditions as herein provided;

WHEREAS, the Local Services Law, and other statutes supplemental thereto authorize

political subdivisions to jointly arrange for the making of local public improvements, where it appears that through the use of such arrangements, greater economy and efficiency in the acquisition, operation and development of local services may be encouraged and the benefits of such local services extended;

WHEREAS, the School Board will benefit from this Agreement by the availability of park facilities in the immediate area that provide enhancement for many school activities used to motivate both academic and non-academic success; and

WHEREAS, the Recreation District will benefit from this Agreement in that it will be able to acquire and extend its facilities to the public schools, community groups and to other taxpayers and citizens in the area.

NOW THEREFORE, it is agreed by and between the School Board and the Recreation District that, in consideration of the mutual benefits to both parties hereto:

The School Board hereby leases to the Recreation District, the following described property located in Calcasieu Parish, hereinafter referred to as “the premises”:

Commencing at a point 1985 feet more or less South of the Northeast corner of Section 16, T9S - R7W, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, point being the intersection of the East line of said Section 16 and the centerline of an existing ditch; thence Westerly along said ditch centerline 615 feet more or less, to its intersection with the centerline of an existing irrigation canal, thence Northwesterly along said canal centerline a distance of 1280 feet more or less, thence East 60 more or less to the existing Southwest fence corner of a fence around LeBleu Settlement Elementary School, thence East along said existing fence and its extension a distance of 860 feet more or less to said East line of Section 16, thence South along said East line a distance of 1385 feet more or less to the point of commencement. Containing 18.5 acres more or less.

The Recreation District accepts the premises described above in its present condition. The rent or consideration for lease of the premises by the School Board to the Recreation District, as herein provided, includes the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, including, particularly, the obligation of the Recreation District to construct, operate and maintain park facilities and to provide access to the facilities to the School Board within the Recreation District.

The Recreation District and the School Board assume responsibility for maintenance, repair, and upkeep of the premises. The Recreation District assumes full responsibility for the development, construction and safety of the premises, and agrees to maintain the premises in a safe and satisfactory condition and to restore the premises in a safe and satisfactory condition

and to restore the premises at termination of its occupancy to reasonably as good a condition as it

was upon commencement of its occupancy, normal wear and tear excepted. The installation, furnishing of and payment for all facilities and services, including but not limited to, electricity, gas, water and sewerage, shall be the responsibility of the Recreation District.

The School Board agrees to purchase and maintain suitable general liability insurance coverage for the premises, in view of the intended use of the premises for the Lebleu Settlement Elementary School, naming the Recreation District, its agents, officers and employees as additional insured. The Recreation District shall bear the cost, if any, for being named additional insured.

The Recreation District may use the premises for the lawful purposes of the District, including the construction, operation, maintenance, development, expansion and addition of buildings and structures, and other facilities and services necessary and incidental to the operation and development of the park facilities and providing of public access, but such use shall not be for any purpose that is unlawful. The Recreation District shall not use or allow use of the premises for providing educational services, which are currently furnished by the School Board. The Recreation District shall not engage in any activities, which may endanger the welfare, health, safety or well being of students or employees of the School Board, nor any activities, which may interfere with instruction, provided by the School Board. The premises shall not be held open for public use during any time the Lebleu Settlement Elementary School is open or in session.

The Recreation District may build any structure or make any changes or improvements to the leased premises it deems appropriate, however, all structural changes or modifications to be made upon or to the premises will be made only in accordance with the applicable safety, fire and health standards and regulations. Any and all movable property including, but without limitation, structures, improvements, machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures, whether in the nature of additions, modifications, substitutions or improvements and whether or not made with steel, lime or cement, constructed upon or installed upon the leased premises (and whether or not considered affixed to the real property), shall be and remain the property of the Recreation District and in which the School Board shall have no interest. All such property may be modified or removed at any time and from time to time by the Recreation District. Upon the termination or cancellation of this Agreement, the Recreation District shall have the right but not the obligation, within ninety (90) days thereafter, to remove from the leased premises all or any part of the property referred to above; provided, however, that the School Board may request the Recreation District to remove all or any part of such property in which even the Recreation District to remove all or any part of such property in which event the Recreation District shall remove same within ninety (90) days after the School board’s notice of such request to the Recreation District.

Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as impairing or prohibiting the Recreation District from making an assignment, adopting such bond resolution, and entering into such agreements and covenants as may be necessary and incidental to the issuance, sale, security for and delivery of any general obligation bonds, including all such terms and conditions as may be required by the holders of the bonds from time to time.

No parties to this Agreement shall discriminate against any person in the provision of services or in any other manner, on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age or handicap.

Neither this Agreement no the exercise of the rights granted herein will create any servitude or continuing right of use in favor of the public, or any of the parties hereto.

10.

The term of this lease and joint services agreement shall commence on the 1^st day of January , 2004, and shall run for ninety-nine (99) full years from that date. Total or partial destruction of any improvements to the leased premises shall not terminate this Agreement. Further, this Agreement shall continue in effect, notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, for as long as any bond issued by the Recreation District may be outstanding.

11.

This lease is for the premises only and does not include minerals, ownership of which and right to explore for and produce which are reserved by the School board except the School Board shall not have the right to use the surface of the property for such exploration or production which would interfere with the Recreation District’s use of the premises.

12.

The Recreation District shall fence the entirety of the premises and take such other precautions as shall be necessary to prevent injury to any person or property.

13.

The School Board warrants that it holds legal valid and merchantable title to the leased premises. The School Board further agrees that it has not, and will not, create or permit to be created, or to remain, or will discharge, any lien, encumbrance or charge which might be or become a lien, encumbrance or charge on the leased premises or any part thereof or the income therefrom, having any priority or preference over or ranking on a parity with estates, rights and interest of the Recreation District in the leased premises; and the School Board will remove any such lien, encumbrance or charge by any method at the School Board’s disposal including, without limitation, expropriation or condemnation.

14.

The School Board represents and covenants that it has the legal right and power to enter into this lease and to assume and perform the obligations herein imposed upon it; that it has duly taken legal or other proceedings; and that it has adopted a resolution authorizing the execution and delivery of this lease, and that this lease constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the School Board in accordance with its terms and does not conflict with any agreement or statute binding on the School Board.

15.

The Recreation District represents and covenants that it has the power to enter into this lease and that this lease constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of the Recreation District and does not conflict with any agreement or statute binding on the Recreation District.

16.

The School Board covenants that it will not mortgage, sell, assign, transfer or convey all or any part of the leased premises or its interest in this agreement during the term of this agreement. The School Board shall secure to the Recreation District, its sublessees, successors and assigns, the quiet and peaceful possession and enjoyment of the leased premises against all persons.

17.

Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be changed, waived, discharged, terminated or amended except in writing agreed to by all the parties hereto.

18.

All covenants, agreements and conditions herein contained shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the School Board and Recreation District and their respective successors and assigns and the same shall be construed as real rights and covenants running with the land. The terms and provisions of this lease shall be irrevocable and irrepealable so long as any of the bonds, parity bonds, refunding bonds, pollution bonds or additional revenue bonds that are issued by the Recreation District, remain unpaid and outstanding, it being the intention hereof that this Agreement may be relied upon by the holders of the bonds as constituting the granting by the School Board of an indefeasable lease contract under the Constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana, pursuant to which park facilities may be construed, operated, maintained, extended and improved, and with respect to which the Recreation District shall be fully empowered to issue bonds secured by a mortgage and/or pledge and dedication of the ad valorem assessments or revenues to be derived from the District.

19.

This lease may be executed in counterparts signed by one or more of the parties hereto, and such execution shall have the same effect as if said party or parties had actually executed the same instrument.

20.

This lease and every assignment and authorized modification hereof may be recorded in the office of the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Recorder in the Mortgage Conveyance Records of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.

THUS DONE AND SIGNED at , Louisiana, on this Day of , 2003, in the presence of the undersigned competent witnesses and me, Notary, after due reading of the whole.

WITNESSES:

CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

By: /s/Gregory P. Robert

Gregory P. Robert, President

NOTARY

THUS DONE AND SIGNED at , Louisiana, on this

day of , 2003, in the presence of the undersigned competent witnesses

and me, Notary, after due reading of the whole.

WITNESSES: RECREATION DISTRICT NO. 1 OF WARD 8

OF CALCASIEU PARISH

BY: Norma Young, President

NOTARY

Louisiana School Self-Insured Group

On motion by Mr. Duhon, seconded by Mr. Andrepont and carried, the property and casualty insurance program with the Louisiana School Insurance Group was approved.

BID REPORTS

Additions and Renovations to J.I. Watson Middle School, Phase IV-B, School District Number 25 Bond Funds, Bid Number 2004-05PC, Moss Architect, Designer

The following bids were received:

Contractor Base Bid Alt.#1 Alt.#2 Alt.#3______

Ribbeck Const. Co. $477,400.00 $ 56,807.00 $42,663.00 $31,600.00

Vaughan Bros. Const. $454,970.00 $122,270.00 $60,000.00 $41,800.00

Charles Miller Const. $479,000.00 $ 75,600.00 $46,900.00 $35,500.00

On motion by Mr. Webb, seconded by Mr. Breaux and carried, the bid was awarded to Vaughn Brothers Construction (base bid) in the amount of Four Hundred Fifty Four Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy and No/100------------($454,970.00) as the lowest qualified bid meeting specifications.

New Science-Computer Building for Alfred M. Barbe High School, School District Number 34 Bond Funds, Bid Number 2004-03PC, C. Gayle Zembower, Architect, Inc., Designer

The following bids were received:

Contractor Base Bid Alt.#1 Alt.#2

Bessette Development $3,497,000.00 -$38,000.00 -$31,000.00

Alfred Palma, Inc., $3,411,000.00 -$36,300.00 -$66,900.00

Priola Const. Corp. $3,563,000.00 -$38,000.00 -$67,410.00

On motion by Mr. Pitre, seconded by Mr. Tarver and approved, the contract was awarded to Alfred Palma, Inc., (base bid) in the amount of Three Million Four Hundred Eleven Thousand and No/100-------($3,411,000.00), as the lowest qualified bid meeting specifications.

Classroom Pods, Phase IV, Riverboat Funds, Bid Number 2004-08PC, C.R. Fugatt, AIA, Designer

The following bids were received:

Contractor Base Bid

Picheloup Construction $1,433,000.00

Vaughan Brothers $1,524,600.00

Kraus Construction $1,505,600.00

Ribbeck Construction $1,520,000.00

On motion by Mr. Webb, seconded by Dr. Stephens and carried, the contract was awarded to Picheloup Construction Company (base bid) in the amount of One Million Four Hundred Thirty Three Dollars and No/100------------($1,433,000.00) as the lowest qualified bid meeting specifications.

PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE

Sale of 34 Portable Buildings to be Moved from 1104 Recreation Boulevard, Moss Bluff, LA, Adjacent to the Old Moss Bluff Middle School

On motion by Mr. LaRocque, seconded by Mr. Andrepont and carried, permission to advertise for the sale of 34 portable buildings to be moved from 1104 Recreation Boulevard, Moss Bluff, LA, adjacent to the old Moss Bluff Middle School, was approved.

Re-Roofing of Iowa High School, Moss Architects, Inc., Designer

On motion by Mr. Webb, seconded by Dr. Stephens and carried, permission to advertise for the re-roofing of Iowa High School, Moss Architects, Inc., designer, was approved.

CORRESPONDENCE

Change Order Number Two (2) for the Project “Additions and Renovations to Fairview Elementary School,” School District Number 33 Bond Funds

On motion by Mr. Falgout, seconded by Rev. Franklin and carried, change order number two (2) for the project “Additions and Renovations to Fairview Elementary School,” school district number 33 bond funds, for an increase of $72,558.00 and an extension of twenty-two (22) days, C. Gayle Zembower, Architect, Inc., designer; Bessette Development Corporation, contractor, was approved.

Change Order Number Five (5) for the Project “Additions and Renovations to Henry Heights Elementary School,” School District Number 33 Bond Funds

On motion by Rev. Franklin, seconded by Mr. Breaux and carried, change order number five (5) for the project “Additions and Renovations to Henry Heights Elementary School,” school district number 33 bond funds, project number 2003-08PC, for an increase of $35,631.13 and an extension of forty (40) days, Brossett Architect, LLC, designer; Bessette Development Corporation, contractor, was approved.

Recommendation of Acceptance for the Project, “Site Preparation for a New St. John Elementary School,” School District Number 34 Bond Funds

On motion by Mr. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Pitre and carried, recommendation of acceptance for the project, “Site Preparation for a New St. John Elementary School,” school district number 34 bond funds, King and Moss, Architects, designers; Brandt Pedersen Construction, contractor, was approved.

Recommendation of Acceptance for the Project “New Field House for Westlake High School,” School District Number 23 Bond Funds

On motion by Dr. Stephens, seconded by Mr. Breaux and carried, recommendation of acceptance for the project “New Field House for Westlake High School,” school district number 23 bond funds, King Architects, Inc., designer; Lewing Construction Company, Inc., contractor, was approved.

Change Order Number Three (3) for the Project “Additions and Renovations to Oak Park Middle School, School District Number 33 Bond Funds

On motion by Mr. Falgout, seconded by Mr. Webb and carried, change order number three (3) for the project “Additions and Renovations to Oak Park Middle School, school district number 33 bond funds, project number 303926, for an increase of $2,601.50, C.R. Fugatt, AIA, designer; Priola Construction, contractor, was approved.

On motion by Mr. Falgout, seconded by Mr. Andrepont and carried, it was approved to reconsider action taken on item VII-C, Louisiana School Self-Insured Group.

Mr. Hayes, Risk Manager, reported that this proposal was an opportunity to extend the current insurance program through December 31, 2004, at comparable rates with increased coverage limits.

Butler Bourgeois, representative of Arthur J. Gallagher of La., Inc., was recognized to explain the proposal. Mr. Bourgeois reported that The Louisiana School Insurance Group is a school “pool” seeking approval by the Department of Insurance. Coverage includes auto liability, general liability, educators’ legal liability and property. This pool would share risk in the amount of $1.00 per line of coverage. Benefits would include:

1. Increase buying power

2. Increase loss control services

3. Ability to manage and control insurance dollars

Calcasieu’s self-insured retention would remain at $250,000 per occurrence for casualty and property. Given a 12/31/03 effective date, the short rate return premium on the casualty insurance is estimated at $189,000. The pro-rata return premium on the property coverage is estimated at $420,000. Taking into consideration the return premiums and the six months coverage extension, $674,000 is the new premium balance required to continue coverage to December 31, 2004. Of that amount, $209,000 is deferred for payment until July 1, 2004.

It was noted that the premium payment would be considered a prepaid expenditure item.

After further discussion, Mr. Andrepont made a motion, seconded by Mr. Falgout, to accept the recommendation to approve the plan. The motion carried with one nay by Rev. Franklin.

Clara Duhon left the meeting.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Goals Report

CPSS Quality Implementation Report

Quality Training for New Schools/New Teachers

Ø Hibernia Tower 8:00 am – 3:30 pm

Ø 2 days for new schools/department: December 16 and 17

o Cooley Elementary, Molo Middle, LeBlanc Middle, Welsh Middle, DeQuincy Middle, Technology Department

Ø 1 day for new teachers at previously trained schools: December 15

Ø Training by peers and industry quality professionals

Training Module Development

Ø Teachers/Principals/Assistant Principals/Tech Department

o 2 days: New school teachers, principals and Tech Department

o 1 day: New teachers at previously trained schools

Ø Management

o 2 half –days: Executive Staff/Department Heads/Central Office

o Benchmarking other school districts’ implementation

Ø Focus on Disciplines, i.e. English, Math, History, etc.

Quality Tools Binder

Ø Hardcopy in Binder

Ø On CD

Ø On CPSS Quality Website

Blackboard Online Course for Teachers

Ø Half-day training October 29^th, PC Lab at C&I, 7 week course begins

Ø Focus on 7 Baldrige criteria with classroom application

Alignment of Quality Process with SACS, LINCS, Accelerated Reader, TAP

Ø Compare/Contrast processes using matrix

Ø Align processes to prevent overlap/repetition

Ø Reps from technology, elementary, middle, and high school departments and quality-trained principals

Mentor Program for Teachers and Administrators

Ø Similar to Tech Contact concept

Ø Framework being developed to include internal and external mentors

Principals’ Quality Roundtable

Ø Forum for principals to share ideas for implementation/concerns

Quality in Education Symposium

Ø Police Jury Government Channel: November 13, 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Ø Open to public audience

Quality Tools Presentations

Ø Board Meetings

Ø Principals’ Meetings

Chamber SWLA Quality Day

Ø Education Strand: Presenters from Iowa High, Vinton Middle, and Dolby

Ø 80+ attendees from school system

Status of CPSB Goals in Superintendent’s Report at Board Meetings

Chamber/Southwest Louisiana Quality Awards: Iowa High, Johnson Elementary, Vinton Middle

2003 LMEA Hall of Fame Inductee

Mr. Pat Deaville has been inducted into Louisiana Musician Educators Association Hall of Fame. Mr. Deaville serves as the K-12 Music Consultant for the school system and an advisor on secondary curriculum and accountability within the High School Department. He has served the LMEA with distinction, 17 years on the State Board of Directors, 16 years as Chairman of the State Music Conference, 8 years as Director of LMEA District V, and 12 years as Editor of The Louisiana Musician. Congratulations to Mr. Deaville for his outstanding accomplishments.

RECOGNITIONS AND CONDOLENCES

Mr. Tarver requested a letter of condolence to Mr. and Mrs. Mike Stelly on the loss of their son, Christopher. Mr. Stelly is the band director at S.J. Welsh Middle School.

Rev. Franklin requested a letter of condolence to James Coley on the loss of his brother. Mr. Coley is a teacher at John F. Kennedy Elementary School. He also commended and congratulated John F. Kennedy Elementary School for being nationally recognized as a Title One Distinguished School.

On behalf of the Board, Mr. Robert commended Mr. Deaville for all the contributions he has made in the music curriculum.

Mr. Andrepont expressed his appreciation to Mrs. Lancaster for her proficiency in dealing with the Board.

Mr. Webb requested a congratulatory letter to the Iowa High School for winning district championship in football. He added that this is the first time that the Iowa High School Football Team has ever won district.

Mr. Duhon requested a letter of recognition to the administrators, faculty and students who participated in the total quality program that was televised. He stated their efforts are commendable and that each group presentation was outstanding. He also requested a congratulatory letter to Vinton High School for winning district championship in football and Sulphur High School for being co-champs in football for this season.

Mr. Robert congratulated all of the football teams and wished the schools good luck in the post-season playoff games.

SCHEDULE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Administration and Personnel – Tuesday, December 2, 4:45

Employee Benefits Committee – Thursday, December 4, 4:45

Board Meeting – Tuesday, December 9, 2003, 5:00, Combre/Fondel Elementary Budget/Fiscal Management – Tuesday, December 16, 4:45

Curriculum and Instruction Committee – Thursday, December 18, 4:45

TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION

Personnel

On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Breaux and unanimously carried, the following personnel changes were approved as recommended by the Superintendent:

Resignation

Tiffany Croxdale, Teacher, Oak Park Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective October 23, 2003.

Anthony Litton, Teacher, F. K. White Middle School.

Recommend that his resignation become effective November 28, 2003.

William Phillips, Sweeper, DeQuincy Middle School.

Recommend that his resignation become effective October 31, 2003.

Billie Bruchhaus, Teacher, Combre-Fondel Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective October 29, 2003.

Michael Ford, Custodian, Vincent Settlement Elementary School.

Recommend that his resignation become effective November 7, 2003.

David Alexander, Custodian, Frasch Elementary School.

Recommend that his resignation become effective November 21, 2003.

Shelley Phillips, Clerk, Maplewood Middle School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective December 19, 2003.

Kay Clark, Clerk, Westwood Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective December 19, 2003.

Retirement Notification

Judy Harmon, Speech Therapist, Special Services Department.

Recommend that her retirement become effective November 23, 2003.

Sheila O’Neal, Teacher, Combre-Fondel Elementary School.

Recommend that her retirement become effective January 9, 2004.

Daniel Everett, Carpenter, Maintenance Department.

Recommend that his retirement become effective January 6, 2004.

Maternity Leave

Melissa Daigle, Teacher, J. I. Watson Middle School.

Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning October 20, 2003 until

December 1, 2003.

Kelli Bellon, Teacher, W. T. Henning Elementary School.

Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning October 6, 2003 until

December 1, 2003.

Sharon Mott, Teacher, S. J. Welsh Middle School.

Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning February 2, 2004 until

March 15, 2004.

Amanda Dickerson, Teacher, R. W. Vincent Elementary School.

Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning December 17, 2003

until February 2, 2004.

December 29, 2003 Ashley Martin, Teacher, LaGrange High School.

Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning January 5, 2004 until

March 1, 2004.

Leave Without Pay

Glenda Schexnider, Clerk, Risk Management Department.

Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning December 1, 2003

until April 1, 2004.

Cheryl Cameron, Cafeteria Technician, DeQuincy High School.

Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning November 3, 2003

until May 31, 2004.

Geneva Lewis, Cafeteria Technician, Ralph Wilson Elementary School.

Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning November 12, 2003

until January 1, 2004.

Darcie Johnson, Cafeteria Technician, S. J. Welsh Middle School.

Recommend that she be granted an extension of her leave without pay until

November 24, 2003.

Rescind Leave Without Pay

Germaine Stevens, Teacher, Prien Lake Elementary School.

Recommend that her leave without pay be rescinded for the spring semester of the

2003-2004 school session.

Yolanda Fountain, Teacher, Nelson Elementary School.

Recommend that her leave without pay beginning September 22, 2003 until January

9, 2004 be rescinded.

Professional Development

Mary Ann Jacques, School Psychologist, Special Services.