05-03-2005

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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 3, 2005, 4:45 p.m.  The meeting was called to order by Vice President Ed Stephens.  The prayer was led by Mr. LaRocque; Mr. Duhon led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

The roll was called and the following members were present: 

Joe A. Andrepont, Dale B. Bernard, Billy Breaux, 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, and R.L. Webb.

Absent: Joe A Andrepont

Philip Tarver entered the meeting after it convened.

MINUTES APPROVED

On motion by Mr. Karr, seconded by Mr. Webb and unanimously carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of  April 12, 2005, were approved as presented. 

Supplemental Agenda

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

PRESENTATIONS

By general consent item V-B was placed first under Presentations.

Sulphur High School State Quiz Bowl Award

Barbara Culpepper, Assistant Principal of Sulphur High School, was recognized.  She introduced Laura Perkins, Coach and Sponsor of the SHS Quiz Bowl Team.  Mrs. Perkins made the following announcement and presentation to the team members:

LAAC Division 1 State Champions

This is the first time since 1996 that a public school has won the title. 

NAQT State Champions

Sulphur is also the first public school to ever win the LAAC State Title and the

NAQT State Title in the same year.

Lamar University Texana Academic Challenge Champions 

Team Members:

Kailey Gallegos  

Beth Warner

Jimmy Williamson

Paul Richardson

Kasey Gallegos

Sheryl Chaisson

Phill Tucker

• LAAC is Louisiana Association for Academic Competition
• NAQT is National Academic Quiz Tournaments

The students and Mrs. Perkins were congratulated.

Mr. Tarver entered the meeting.

Distinguished Educator End of Year Report

Dolores Cormier-Zenon, Distinguished Educator, was recognized and reported the following:

Distinguished Educator’s End-of-Year Report                                                                               

Louisiana Department of Education

Reynaud Middle School

Commendations/Accomplishments

The school can be commended for the following:

§         Reynaud Middle School achieved an Exemplary Growth label for 2004-2005.

§         The administrators, teachers, staff, and the central office personnel were supportive, cooperative, and concerned about student achievement.

§         Technology assessment labs provided feedback of reading and math skills.

§         Reynaud Middle School established a positive school-wide behavior program with student incentives.

§         Content area teachers met monthly to analyze and discuss targeted areas of difficulty.

§         Middle school content area consultants supported “Target Thursday”.

§         Additional tutorial services were provided after school.

§         The READ 180 program increased reading levels for participating students.

§         Mathematics indices have continued to increase over the past 5 years.

Outstanding Issues

A review of the 2004-2005 monthly reports indicates that:

§         English language arts scores have declined for the past three years.

§         There are significant achievement gaps in English language arts and math scores between the Students with Disabilities group and the Whole School subgroups.

§         Student assessments do not reflect Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) and LEAP 21 test formats.

§         There is a need for professional development that is focused, data driven, and aimed at student achievement.

§         Positive behavior support strategies are needed.

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

Recommendations

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

§         Establish a clear focus on achievement.

§         Fund the two additional Read 180 labs.

§         Use student assessments that are reflective of ITBS and LEAP 21 test formats and include at least one constructed response item.

§         Provide professional development for teachers to analyze and interpret data and increase opportunities for teachers to collaborate.

§         Provide professional development in classroom management and utilize in-school suspension data.

§         Utilize Whole-Faculty Study Groups (WFSG) for training and implementation of effective instructional strategies and improved use of instructional time.

Distinguished Educator’s End-of-Year Report                                                                               

Louisiana Department of Education

Lake Charles Boston High School

Commendations/Accomplishments

The school can be commended for the following:

§         Lake Charles Boston High School (LCB) received an Exemplary Growth label for 2004-2005.

§         Administrators, teachers, and central office personnel were supportive, cooperative, and concerned about school improvement efforts.

§         The administration performed weekly walkthrough observations.

§         A committee to address the tardy issue was established.

§         LCB established a parent-teacher organization in March of this year.

§         The second “READY-SET-TEST LEAP Saturday” was held at LCB in March for grades 9-12. 

§         LCB elected to participate in the Teacher Advancement Program.

Outstanding Issues

A review of the 2004-2005 monthly reports indicates that:

§         Student achievement in reading, math, science and social studies declined from 2003 to 2004.

§         Teachers need to analyze student data and utilize effective instructional strategies.

§         Teachers need to more effectively utilize the opportunities afforded to them by Learning Intensive Networking Communities for Success (LINCS), Quality in Education, and the Teacher Advancement programs

§         There is a lack of vocational course offerings.

§         Absenteeism and tardiness negatively impact student achievement.

§         The scheduling and tracking of students is inconsistent.

Recommendations

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

§         Provide opportunities for students to receive remediation and additional practice in reading, math, science, and writing.

§         Include all teachers in parish-wide staff development.

§         Monitor and facilitate the implementation of LINCS and the Teacher Advancement Program.

§         Broaden the curriculum.

§         Develop procedures to address absenteeism and tardiness problems.

§         Provide staff development for counselors. 

It was noted that a detailed copy of the end-of-year report was provided to each Board member.  The following issues were discussed:

Ø      Prepare a comparison report of the 2004 and 2005 test scores.

Ø      TAP program and how it would benefit LCB.

Ø      Teacher retention.

Ø      Identify why students are absent and tardy.

Dolores Zenon was commended for her efforts and thanked for an excellent job.

Milken Family Foundation Award to Susan Couch

Sue Way, Principal of A.A. Nelson Elementary School, was recognized.  Mrs. Way introduced Susan Couch and announced that she was awarded the Milken Family Foundation Award.  Mrs. Couch was one of 100 teachers who was honored in Washington, DC for her dedication and many contributions to the teaching profession.  She currently serves as a master teacher in the Teacher Advancement Program; a program developed by the Milken Family Foundation. TAP is a bold new strategy to attract, retain, motivate and develop talented people to the teaching profession.  Mrs. Couch thanked her family, co-educators, administrators, Superintendent Theriot, and the Board for making it possible for her to represent Calcasieu Parish schools.  She stated that she attributes her success as an educator to passion and the vision of excellence in education.

Student of the Year Awards

Dolores Hicks, Administrative Director of Elementary Schools, thanked Jill Crain and Johna Rion for coordinating the presentation.  Mrs. Hicks stated that the Student of the Year Awards Program is designed to recognize students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement, leadership ability, and citizenship.  The program is sponsored by the Louisiana State Department of education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.  Parish winners advanced to the regional competition which was held in Lafayette in March.  Middle School winner, Claire Galley, was awarded Regional Middle School Student of the Year.  Claire then went on to the state competition in Baton Rouge in April. She now represents Calcasieu Parish as the Louisiana State Middle School Student of the Year.  The students received a plaque and certificate.  Also, they were rewarded by corporate sponsors: AFI Mortgage of Lake Charles, Cameron State Bank, Jeff Davis Bank, and the Graywood Master Plan Community.  The students are:

High School Winner               Anthony Ecker           DeQuincy High School

Runner - up                              Michael Kingrey           Barbe High School

Middle School Winner           Claire Galley              DeQuincy Middle School

Runner – up                              Colin Hyatt                   Maplewood Middle School

Elementary School Winner    Rachel Rust               T.S. Cooley Elementary

Runner – up                              Megan Ortego              Westwood Elementary

Perfect Attendance Award

Keith LeLeux, Director of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented a plaque to Quincy Jarel Allison for an outstanding perfect attendance for twelve or more years.  Quincy is a senior at Washington-Marion High School.  He was commended for his perseverance and dedication to his education.

Westlake High School Theatre Awards       This item was postponed.

A+PEL School Volunteer of the Year Award

Suzanne Heath, A+PEL district representative, announced the following:

2005-2006 Officers

Carolyn Langley, President                   Gillis Elementary

Margaret Williams, Vice President        Frasch Elementary

Donna Little, Secretary                         Gillis Elementary

Sara Newton, Treasurer                       Retired

Marianne Wallace, Membership            Gillis Elementary

Rhonda Ney, Member at Large            R.W. Vincent Elementary

Janice Broussard, Member at Large      Mossville, Dept. of Special Services

School Volunteers of the Year

Dianne Frelot                                        Westwood Elementary

Sara Toro                                             Nelson Elementary

Becky Lee                                            St. John Elementary

Dawn Hill                                             J.J. Johnson Elementary

Rolinda Fruge                                       R.W. Vincent Elementary

The Board congratulated the officers and thanked the volunteers for their dedication and willingness to assist the schools.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Budget Fiscal Management

Sheral LaVergne reported that the Budget/Fiscal Management Committee met at  4:45 p.m., Tuesday, April 26, 2005 in the Board Room.   A quorum was present.  

The first item on the agenda was a request by local vendor Lake City Supply to appear before the committee regarding procurement procedures of janitorial supplies.

Mr. Bryan Miller, representative of Lake City Supply, addressed the committee regarding procedures for purchasing janitorial supplies off of the State Contract.  He basically asked for the opportunity for his company to be included in the purchasing process for all janitorial items.

The major products including wax, sealer, and stripper have been purchased from State contract which allows purchasing items that have already been bid by the State. 

Mr. Bruchhaus offered two possible options available to the Board:

1.                  Continue to buy from State contract using local vendors.

2.                  Put the janitorial items out for bids with a service component mandated in the bid which would allow a potential award to vendors outside the local area.

After a lengthy discussion, it was recommended that bids or quotations be received on all janitorial supply orders over $300 through June 30, 2006, to  include a service component along with a demonstration of the product.  

Ms. LaVergne moved on behalf of the committee to approve the recommendation as presented. 

Mr. Pitre made a motion, seconded by Mr. Bernard, to refer the purchasing process for all janitorial items back to the Budget Fiscal Management Committee for further discussion from all parties.

There was opposition to sending the issue back to the next Budget Committee since the Committee made a recommendation at the last meeting to put the items out for bid.

Mr. Robert called for a point of order by stating that the motion is only debatable in terms of the timing involved.

Mr. Belfour, legal counsel, advised the Board that the motion is debatable only to the extent of referring it to the committee.

Dr. Stephens called for a vote on the motion to refer the issue of purchasing janitorial supplies to the Budget Fiscal Management Committee.  The motion carried with one nay by Rev. Franklin.

Ms. LaVergne continued by reporting that  Ms. Jean Johnson, representative of the Calcasieu Federation of Teachers and School Employees,  requested that the committee consider a salary increase for teachers and support personnel for the 2005-2006 school year.  Ms. Johnson stated that our school system ranked 28^th in average teachers salaries for the 2004-2005 school year.  However, Calcasieu is ranked as one of the top in the State in test scores, technology and performance.  Ms. Johnson asked that the Board make teacher raises a top priority.

The committee recommended to send a resolution expressing the Board’s support for teacher raises to other governmental bodies, the legislative delegation and the governor.  Ms. LaVergne moved on behalf of the committee to approve the request.  There was concern expressed relative to the approval prior to reviewing the actual Resolution.  After a brief discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. The motion carried with one nay by Mr. Robert.

The next item presented was an overview and revenue projections for the 2005-2006 General Fund budget.

Mr. Bruchhaus spoke to the committee advising that the budget for next year will have several expected increases in expenditures including step increases, health insurance and retirement cost increases, as well as a State mandated MFP teacher pay raise.   The teacher raise totaled $2.2 million of the budget giving the teachers a raise of $824 added into the salary schedule. Total revenues for 2005-2006 are projected at $198,733,779.  The first draft of expenditures was submitted from all departments and staff will begin moving toward the goal of a balanced budget. 

Staff requested and the committee approved the following action steps for the 2005-2006 budget:

1.                  Set the 2005-2006 General Fund revenues at $198,733,779.

2.                  Set the 2005-2006 General Fund allowable expenditure level at $198,733,779.

Ms. LaVergne moved on the committee’s behalf to approve the recommended action steps for the 2005-2006 budget as presented.

Discussion ensued relative to the TAP Program and the possible impact on the 2005-2006 budget.  It was noted that there would be a minimal impact because the program would be funded mainly from grant and title monies. 

Mrs. Duhon requested that a list of the employees who have retired and re-hired be supplied to the Board members.

Dr. Stephens called for a vote on the motion to accept the action steps for the 2005-2006 budget as presented from committee.  The motion carried.

The next item presented was insurance renewals for various coverages.    Mr. Ron Hayes, Risk Manager, made a recommendation to renew coverages with the following companies:

      Description                                    Company                             Premium

1.  Electronic Data Processing            St. Paul Ins.                              $31,300

2.  Boiler/Machinery                              Hartford Steam Boiler           $20,235

It was recommended that the insurance renewals for electronic data processing and boiler/machinery coverage be approved as presented.  Ms. LaVergne moved on behalf of the committee to accept the insurance renewals for electronic data processing and boiler/machinery coverage as presented.  The motion carried.

Mr. Hayes presented the excess worker’s compensation coverage for renewal.  Safety National Casualty Corporation had the lowest premium and presented two options for consideration.  Option I was a two year premium of $91,889 per year and Option II was a one year premium of $85,088.  The Board felt that the committee needed to assess the cost of a two year premium versus a one year premium based on worker’s compensation figures.

Mr. Hayes presented the following:

After review, Mr. Falgout made a motion, seconded by Mr. Duhon, to accept the two year option with Safety National Casualty Corporation (Slocum & Associates, Agent).

Ms. LaVergne continued to report that Mr. Hayes then presented the property and casualty insurance coverage recommendations as follows:

       Description                                            Company                 Premium

1. General Liability Products                         AAIC                     $355,000

2. Educators Liability/Sexual Harassment  National Union      $  49,008

3. Umbrella                                                   Am. Alternative      $175,883

4. Quake/Flood                                           C.N.A.                    $798,400

5. Auto                                                        C.N.A.                     $ 10,757

                                                 Total Premium                        $1,389,048

It was recommended that the property and casualty insurance coverages be renewed as presented.  Ms. LaVergne moved on behalf of the committee to approve the recommendation.  The motion carried.

It was then recommended that the uninsured motorist policy coverage be rejected and that the Superintendent be authorized to sign the rejection notice.  On behalf of the committee, Ms. LaVergne moved to approve the recommendation.  The motion carried.

A motion was also made and approved to reject the terrorism option coverage.  On behalf of the committee, Ms. LaVergne moved to reject the terrorism option coverage.  The motion carried.

A number of school audits, as listed in the minutes, were presented by Mr. Charles Duhon, Internal Auditor.  Mr. Duhon advised the committee 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.

It was recommended that the school audit reports be approved as presented.  Ms. LaVergne moved to approve the audit reports as presented.  The motion carried.

Next, a Cooperative Agreement with the City of Lake Charles and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury was presented.  The agreement is for a project to improve roadside drainage on West McNeese Street at Barbe High School.  The cost associated with the project would be $41,000 and would be split between the three governmental bodies.  On behalf of the committee, Ms. LaVergne moved to approve the Cooperative Agreement with the City of Lake Charles and the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury.  The motion carried.

The next item presented was audit proposals received on April 8, 2005.  Two proposals were received and both met minimum specifications required. Staff recommended, and the committee approved,  contracting the firm of Allen, Green & Williamson, LLP for the audit years ending 2005, 2006 and 2007 based on fee structure and overall school system experience.   Ms. LaVergne moved on behalf of the committee to approve contracting the firm of Allen, Green and Williamson, LLP for the audit years ending 2005, 2006 and 2007 based on fee structure and overall school system experience.  The motion carried.

Next, Mr. Bruchhaus advised the committee that we currently have a contract with Werntz & Associates for third party administration of services concerning tax-sheltered programs.  The service has not met established expectations and needs to be terminated.  The company providing services prior to Werntz & Associates

was First Financial Administrators, Inc.  They have upgraded their technology capabilities and have offered to provide compliance and payment services at no

charge under the condition they be granted access to employees to administer the program.  

Staff recommends termination of the contract with Werntz & Associates effective after 5/31/05 payrolls and to authorize contracting First Financial Administrators, Inc., to administer the program.  Ms. LaVergne moved on behalf of the committee to approve recommendation.  The motion carried.

There being no further business or action, the meeting adjourned.

Administration and Personnel

Chairman John Falgout reported that the Administration and Personnel Committee met Wednesday, April 27, 4:45; a quorum was present.

Mr. Falgout reported that Mr. Savoy reviewed the eligibility criteria. He stated that all credit reports were received with the exception of two, which would be discussed at a later time.

A motion was made, seconded, and approved to defer agenda items #2) Discuss interview process and schedule timeline, #3) Travel Expenses, #4) Contact person to meet applicants and #5) unfinished business pertaining to the Superintendent Search to be discussed at a later date.

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Falgout moved to defer the agenda items.  The motion carried.

Mr. Falgout reported that Mr. Tom Hatfield, PPG Quality Facilitator, presented several voting methods that could be used to choose a new Superintendent.

After a brief discussion, no action was taken relative to the procedures as presented.

A motion was made, seconded and approved to accept the five applicants who met the criteria listed in the advertisement.  On behalf of the Committee, Mr. Falgout moved to accept the five applicants who met the criteria listed in the advertisement.

There was concern expressed relative to the rejection of applicants due to the certification requirements.  There was discussion on the state criteria and the possibility that the school system could set a time frame for obtaining required certification.

Mr. Karr requested a point of privilege to express concerns relative to a news article and negative comments.

Mrs. Duhon called for a Point of Order.

Mr. Belfour advised the Board that discussion should be directed to the motion.

Discussion continued relative to the applicants.  The following were discussed in opposition to the motion:

Ø      Interview all applicants and determine if certification can be obtained.

Ø      Burden of responsibility lies within the system.

Ø      Information concerning the applicants should have been shared with the Board members.

Ø      Wording in circulars and publications was different and could have been misinterpreted.

Ø      Contact applicants advising them of eligibility requirements from BESE.

The following issues were discussed in favor of the motion:

Ø      The system is not responsible for advising applicants of certification requirements.

Ø      Unnecessary costs involved with travel for interview if the applicant does not qualify according to State criteria.

Ø      Should not hire an applicant who doesn’t meet State requirements.

Ø      Adhere to policy and standards set forth by the Board.

Ø      Setting a president if the criteria, as outlined in the advertisement, are not met.

Legal counsel offered the following opinion:

§         He advised the Board not to ignore the advertisement and State criteria due to potential litigation, and the State specifically requires that a letter of eligibility or a certificate of eligibility is required.

§         Options are possible.

1)      The Board can reject all applicants, if there is a legitimate reason.

2)      Accept the Committee’s recommendation.

3)      Extend deadline for applicants to obtain state requirements.

4)      Re-open advertising process that would allow applicants to obtain possible certification.

Dr. Stephens recognized Mary Morris, a concerned citizen.  She spoke in favor of interviewing all applicants.

Dr. Stephens called for a vote on the motion.  The motion failed due to lack of support with the following results:

Yeas:   Mr. Bernard, Mr. Falgout, Mr. Karr, Mr. LaRocque, Ms. LaVergne, Mr.                    Pitre, Mr. Robert

Nays:    Mr. Breaux, Mrs. Duhon, Mr. Duhon, Rev. Franklin, Dr. Stephens, Mr.                 Tarver, Mr. Webb

Mr. Falgout reported that with no further business, the meeting adjourned.

TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION

Resolution Authorizing the Refunding of School District Number 26

 SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1                                                                                                Lake Charles, Louisiana

                                                                                                May 3, 2005

                        The Calcasieu Parish School Board, State of Louisiana, met in regular public session at its regular meeting place in the Calcasieu Parish School Board Office, Lake Charles, Louisiana, at 4:45 o’clock p.m. on May 3, 2005, pursuant to written notice given to each and every member thereof and duly posted in the manner required by law.

                        Vice President, Dr. Edward Stephens, called the meeting to order and on roll call, the following members were present: