TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2007                      LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA   

DATE, TIME, PLACE OF MEETING

The Calcasieu Parish School Board met in the Conference Room of the Calcasieu Parish School Board, located at 1732 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Tuesday, April 3, 2007, at 4:45 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Bryan LaRocque, President. The prayer was led by Bill Jongbloed; the pledge was led by Clara Duhon.

ROLL CALL

The roll was called and the following members were present: Annette Ballard, Billy Breaux, Randy Burleigh, Mack Dellafosse, Clara Duhon, Fred Hardy, Bill Jongbloed, James Karr, Sr., Bryan LaRocque, Jimmy Pitre, Elray Victorian, and R.L. Webb.

Joe Andrepont and Dale Bernard were not in attendance. Chad Guidry arrived after the roll was called.

MINUTES APPROVED

On a motion by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Burleigh, the Minutes of March 6, 2007 were approved, with a nay vote by Mr. Hardy. Regarding the employee renewals, Mr. Hardy suggested there was an error regarding the listing of James Wilson as an Assistant Principal.

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA

On a motion by Mr. Dellafosse and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the Supplemental Agenda was included as part of the regular agenda.

PRESENTATIONS

2007 All Parish Quiz Bowl Team

David Kay, Department of Mass Communication at McNeese State University, presented the All Parish Quiz Bowl Team. He reported that the Sulphur High School Quiz Bowl Team had placed second at the NAQT  State Championship.

The All Parish Team members:

Jennifer Barclay, Barbe High School

Coach: Cecil Tate

Principal: Charles Adkins

Julie Cooper, Hamilton Christian Academy

Zechriah Jones, Starks High School

Coach: Carolyn Givens

Principal: Vickie Poole

Bill LaFleur, Sulphur High School

Coach: Laura Perkins

Principal: Keith Bonin

Alex Reeser, Westlake High School

Coach: Nancy Hansen

Principal: Steve Powers

The team is under the leadership of Norma Guillory, Science Consultant for grades 9-12.

Barbe High School Boy’s Basketball Team/Coaches

State 5 A Semi-Finalist

David Buller, Administrative Director of High Schools, introduced Principal Charles Adkins and Coach Shannon LaFargue. Mr. Adkins presented certificates to the Senior members of the team:

Daniel Richard

Zach Ryder

Zander Lampkin

Nate Guillory

Ben Kamla

Washington-Marion High School Boy’s Basketball Team/Coaches

State 4 A Finalist

Mr. Buller introduced Principal Merculus Chretien;  Athletic Director, Clyde Wilkins, Sr.; Coach Mack Guillory and his assistant coaches:

Greg Latour

Pat Collins

Roosevelt Washington

Darrik Clark

Patricia Clarence

Mr. Chretien presented certificates to members of the team:

Kevin Branch

Brandon Clarence

Joseph Gallien

Desmond Griffin

Gerald Griffin

Donte’ Amos

Shane Morris

Curry Collins

Frankie Garrick

Keavin Fontenot

Harold Robinson

Shannon Allison

Desmond Richard

Kevin Calloway

Leonard Washington

Drew Grant Award Winners

Yvette Ardoin, Research/Budget Analyst, named the Drew Grant Award winners:

Brentwood Elementary (Davis)                $9965.00

S. J. Welsh Middle (Fontenot)                  $3351.28

T. H. Watkins Elementary (Ortego)         $3726.24

Oak Park Elementary (Metoyer)             $9000.40

E. K Key Elementary (Sherrill)                $5697.11

R. W. Vincent Elementary (Sylvest)     $10,022.39

Ralph Wilson Elementary (Simpson)      $9250.28

Dolby Elementary (Fontenot)                  $9999.72

E. K. Key (Guidry)                                   $8867.13

St. John Elementary (Dressler)                $8270.89

Bell City High (Schultz)                          $6000.66

DeQuincy High (Tolbert)                      $5700.38

Starks High (Smart)                               $2495.00

Sulphur High (DesOrmeaux)                   $1574.32

Sam Houston High (Jacobs)                     $6147.75

Iowa High (Whatley)                               $6249.00

Sam Houston High (Wygoda)                 $5657.88

Iowa High (Johnson)                               $4853.20

A. M. Barbe High (Reon)                     $9798.00

Starks High (Sonnier)                           $2105.00

Sulphur High (Broussard)                      $5595.13

Sulphur High (Villery)                           $1349.99

Calcasieu Career Center (Scott)            $3848.60

St. John Elementary (Stevens)            $10,600.00

St. John Elementary (Deshotel)          $10,084.31

Maplewood Middle (Simpson)            $8,952.85

Oak Park Elementary (Bundy)           $11,070.81

J. D. Clifton Elementary (Rigmaiden)   $9479.37

Moss Bluff  Elementary (Reed)           $9,436.45

Ralph Wilson Elementary (Carson)     $3,946.40

Combre-Fondel Elementary (Jackson)$9,600.80

Gillis Elementary (Verret)                   $9,585.65

Moss Bluff Elementary (Hopkins)      $6,719.08

St. John Elementary (Patin)             $10,059.06

Reynaud Middle (Ray)                       $7,857.20

J. I. Watson Middle (Doherty-Ogea)  $8,864.66

W. W. Lewis Middle (Khoury)          $2,704.50

Moss Bluff Middle (Darbonne)         $8,104.85

Maplewood Middle (Claudel)            $9708.70

Sam Houston High (Thigpen)           $1,426.65

Reynaud Middle (Olivier)                 $6,474.25

Maplewood Middle (Gayle)             $9,640.40

Vinton Middle (Moss)                      $4,173.87

Sulphur High (Moss)                        $9,044.61

Sam Houston High (Jolie)                   $625.00

Bell City High (Fruge)                     $1,988.05

St. John Elementary (Person)          $7,946.97

Grand Total                     $317,619.84

PERSONNEL PACKET/EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion by Mr. Victorian and seconded by Mr. Karr, the Board went into Executive Session at 5:20 p.m. The Board resumed Regular Session at 6:25 p.m.

Personnel

Gary Anderson, Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Personnel, requested a motion supporting the recommendations as listed in the personnel packet, with the exception of the recommendation for termination. On a motion by Mr. Webb and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.

Mr. Anderson asked for a motion for permission to advertise for the position of  Director of Federal Programs. On a motion by Mr. Breaux and seconded by Mr. Karr, the motion carried.

Mr. Anderson asked for a motion for permission to advertise for the position of Director of Transportation. On a motion by Mrs. Duhon and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried.

Mr. Anderson asked for a motion for permission to advertise for the position of Foreign Language Consultant. On a motion by Mr. Victorian and seconded by Mr. Dellafosse, the motion carried.

Mr. Anderson asked for a motion for permission to advertise for the position of Assistant Principal of S.P. Arnett Middle School. On a motion by Mr. Burleigh and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.

Mr. Savoy asked for a motion for approval of the recommendation of termination of Christine Morgan, a bus driver for CPSB. Ms. Morgan had requested that her termination be discussed in open session. Ms. Morgan was not present for this discussion. On a motion by Mr. Breaux and seconded by Mrs. Ballard, the motion carried.

Litigation Item #2007-1442

Mr. Breaux moved that staff be given the authorization to settle case #2007-1442. Mr. Webb seconded that motion and the motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Curriculum and Instruction Committee, March 15, 2007

R.L. Webb, Chairman, reported the following to the full Board:

The calendar for the 2007 Regular Summer School and 2007 Leap/Gee Summer School was discussed and on behalf of the committee, Mr. Webb made a motion to accept. Upon a vote, there was no opposition.

Textbook adoption for Social Studies (K-12) and on behalf of the committee, Mr. Webb made a motion to accept their recommendation. Upon a vote, there was no opposition.

Mr. Webb thanked the textbook adoption committee for their hard work.

The third item discussed at committee was the C.R.A.F.T. (Calcasieu Readying Artisans for Trades) Program. This is an alternative to the regular classroom for at-risk 8^th graders. The committee asked staff to look into funding this program on both sides of the river. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Webb made a motion to accept this recommendation. There was no opposition.

At committee, Roger Creel, Director of  Career and Technical Education, gave an overview of his department. This was for informational purposes only. Mr. LaRocque thanked everyone involved in giving the committee that report.

Budget and Fiscal Management, March 20, 2007

James Pitre, Chairman, reported the following to the full Board:

At committee, there was an update on energy management by Johnson Controls. This was for informational purposes only.

Mr. Bruchhaus presented information to the committee regarding the start-up costs for the proposed elementary alternative school. The total costs for the proposed site at the old St. John Elementary School would be $630,885 for a full year’s implementation. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Pitre made a motion to accept. The motion passed with one nay vote from Mrs. Duhon.

A recommendation for a one-time supplement for employees was discussed at committee. Employees based on the Teachers’ Salary woul receive $1,500 and employees not on the schedule would receive $1000. All part-time employees working 4 hours or less would receive ½ of the supplement. The supplement would be combined with the regular paycheck of April 30, 2007 for all employees with active status on April 20, 2007. Total cost of the supplement to the system would be $7,426,969, with grant funds used for grant employees when possible. The salary supplement would lower the unreserved and undesignated fund balance to $24,580,156 or 11.18% of projected revenues. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Pitre made a motion to accept the recommendation. There was no opposition.

Mr. Breaux asked if employees that are on sabbatical are eligible for the supplement. Mr. Bruchhaus said yes, that sabbatical employees are considered active, based on their sabbatical designation by the State.

Jean Johnson, President of the Calcasieu Federation of Teachers, thanked the Board for the supplemental pay and urged them to consider a permanent pay raise in the budget for next year.

Lydia Colligan, President of the Calcasieu Association of Educators, thanked the Board for the supplemental pay and for the insurance premium holiday in May.

Mr. Pitre reported that the Board had previously reserved

$1,000,000 from the general fund together with State generated tobacco funds into a trust fund to be used for educational purposes. The State ruled that the tobacco funds could not be drawn strictly for investment purposes. The staff requested that the dedication of the trust fund reserve of $1,000,000 be lifted for official financial statement purposes. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Pitre made a motion to approve the staff recommendation. There was no opposition.

At committee, Garland Manufacturing Company discussed preventive maintenance to maintain and extend the life of the school board’s roofs. An assessment could be done for a one-time charge of $550,000. This item was for informational purposes only.

The committee recommended that by resolution, the school board request and authorize the State Mineral Board to advertise for a mineral lease on land located in the Sabine Wildlife Refuge, at Section 16, Township 10 South, Range 13 West of the Sabine Wildlife Refuge. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Pitre made a motion to accept. There was no opposition.

Mr. Bruchhaus presented the committee with a possible contract with a Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN), which bids goods and services for member entities. The members pay no fee to join and are able to purchase goods and services at a set bid price. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Pitre made a motion to approve the staff’s recommendation. There was no opposition.

The staff recommended consolidation of all the different investment companies and voluntary product services currently offered to school board employees through payroll deduction. First Financial Administrators, a third party administrator, would handle the entire process from product selection to enrollment; to billing and compliance, with full liability. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Pitre made a motion to accept. Upon a vote, there was no opposition.

Administration and Personnel Committee, March 27, 2007

Bill Jongbloed, Chairman, reported the following to the full Board:

The first item was Bus Hiring Procedures, Policy GBD-AP.

The committee approved the revision of Policy GBD-AP to delete the distance of a route from a driver’s home to the first stop point of a route. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Jongbloed made a motion to accept. Upon a vote, the motion carried, with nay votes from Mr. Dellafosse and Mr. Victorian.

The committee addressed Policy JCDAE, Electronic Telecommunication Devices for students. The committee recommendation was for students to be able to have cell phones, but not be able to turn them on or have them visible. The committee sent the policy back to staff for further discussion on the wording of the policy and the discipline for violations. The committee hopes to have the policy in place by the 2007-2008 school year.

TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION

Request for Proposal Approval for 2007-2008 8(g) Competitive Grants

The 8(g) Competitive Grants identify exemplary and innovative projects designed to improve elementary and secondary student performance in public and nonpublic systems.  Projects are funded on an annual basis with a maximum of three years of funding.    The tentative 2007-2008 maximum eligible awards for Calcasieu Parish are $569,536.  The maximum amount each school could request to be funded was $100,000. Notification of the award winners will be May 19, 2007. 

 I am requesting that the Board approve the following proposals for the 2007-2008 8(g) Competitive Grants:

1.       Grant Title:  Inspired Kids (Renewal)

School:  Dolby Elementary

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Pam Quebodeaux, Principal -- Missy Bushnell, Asst. Principal

Grant Amount: $100,000

Purpose:  INSPIRED Kids is an innovative project designed to improve student academic achievement within the ELA focus area and give learners opportunities to improve the reading and writing skills in all content areas.

Main Objectives:  INSPIRED Kids has three main objectives for student achievement: 1) To increase one grade level (+1.0) on the STAR Reading Test; 2) To increase two points (+2) in reading comprehension skills on the Comprehensive Assessment of Reading Strategies evaluation; 3) To improve student writing abilities.

2.       Grant Title:  Once Upon A  T.I.M.E.

School:  Gillis Elementary School

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Timothy Savoy, Principal; Janet Gilpin, Asst. Principal

Grant Amount:  $70,000

Purpose:  The purpose of this project is to increase student achievement in ELA by improving comprehension and problem solving skills.

Main Objectives:  The main objectives of this project are 1) to increase student achievement in reading comprehension, 2) read and apply for problem solving and 3) motivate/engage students in learning.

3.       Grant Title:  Go to the MAT (Renewal)

School:  Moss Bluff Elementary

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Charles Caldarera, Principal – Shauna Burkhead, Asst. Principal

Grant Amount:  $100,000

Purpose:  The purpose of this project is to improve student achievement in the area of ELA while providing increased access to technology for all students. 

Main Objectives The MAT Project will 1) Improve the student performance and knowledge of the writing process standards for at least 75% of all targeted students; 2) Broaden the reading and writing vocabulary for at least 80% of all targeted students; 3) Increase the access to technology resources as 80% of all targeted students collaborate to produce creative project portfolios.

4.       Grant Title:  Learning to Read the World

School:  LeBlanc Middle Schol

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Tom Finnie, Principal; Darlene Morris, Master Teacher

Grant Amount:  $99,537

Purpose:  The purpose of this project is to provide school-wide access to a technology-infused learning environment that will deepen student learning and improve test scores as student products are used to begin a technology resource library. 

Main Objectives:    The measurable objectives for student achievement are 1) to develop more sophisticated communication skills; 2) to increase quality of responses to constructed response items; and 3) to improve reading comprehension skills across the content areas.

5.       Grant Title:  The World In the Palm of Their Hands

School:  Maplewood Middle

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Margaret Goode, Principal; Terri Simpson, 8^th Grade Teacher

Grant Amount:  $100,000

Purpose:  The purpose of The World In the Palm of Their Hands is to increase student achievement in language arts, specifically in the areas of reading, analyzing, responding and writing, by using multimedia tools to add depth and engagement in student work.

Main Objectives:  The main objectives are: 1) 85% of the targeted 6^th,  7^th and 8^th grade students scoring in the 38^th percentile, or below on the national reading section of the ILEAP will gain a minimum of 1.5 book levels on the Renaissance Learning STAR and/or Scholastic Reading Inventory post-test;; 2) 85% of the targeted 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students scoring below 78% (raw score) on their respective ELA Benchmark Assessment pre-test will show a minimum 120% gain on the post-test; and 3) a minimum of 85% of the targeted 6^th, 7^th and 8th grade students will show mastery on the technology skills checklist.

6.       Grant Title:  Sharing Technology and Reading Students (STARS)

School:  Iowa High School

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Mike Oakley, Principal – Christi Fontenot, Teacher

Grant Amount:  $99,999

Purpose:  The purpose of this project is to improve literacy instruction and academic achievement for 503 students in grades 9-12 by offering comprehensive opportunities in reading and learning with technology.

Main Objectives: The main objectives are 1) Improve reading comprehension by at least 1 grade level; 2) Increase in English Reading Content Standards; 3) Increase in English Writing, Proofreading, and Locate, Select, and Synthesize Content Standards; 4) Acquire an increased appreciation for reading and emerging technology

On a motion by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mrs. Ballard, the motion to approve carried.

Resolution to Support Legislative Action Regarding Bus Driver Retire/Rehire

         On Motion of _______________________, duly seconded and adopted by the Board:

RESOLUTION

       WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School System is responsible for the safe transportation of students;

       WHEREAS, it has become increasingly difficult to hire professional drivers;

       WHEREAS, Calcasieu Parish School Board would like to hire retired bus drivers to return to work;

       WHEREAS, the retired bus drivers would like to return to work full time, but would suffer a penalty under existing law;

       WHEREAS, Senator James David Cain is going to introduce legislation in the 2007 Legislature to have the penalty only apply the first twelve (12) months after retirement;

       WHEREAS, the passage of this legislation would greatly ease the shortage of bus drivers;

       BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Calcasieu Parish School Board urges and requests the Louisiana Legislature pass the bill offered by Senator James David Cain that would suspend retirement payments to a retiree who has returned to work only for the first twelve (12) months after retirement.

                                                       __________________________

                                                       Chairman

                                                       __________________________

                                                       Secretary

On a motion by Mr. Breaux and seconded by Mr. Webb, the motion carried. There was one nay vote from Mrs. Duhon.

Voluntary Unit Agreement, Authorization for Superintendent to Sign Agreement, Pending Attorney Review

On a motion to approve by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Burleigh, the motion carried.

BID REPORTS

Saleof Used Surplus Pallets

Report on bids received for the sale of used surplus pallets , opened on March 5, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.

Two bids were received for the sale of used surplus pallets.

Bidder                      Item Description        Amount of Bid

Dalton Wilkins             Used Pallets                .51 per pallet

Gerald Vitatoe              Used Pallets               1.00 per pallet

Staff recommends acceptance of the bid from the highest bidder for the pallets, Gerald Vitatoe. On a motion by Mrs. Duhon and seconded by Mr. Hardy, the motion to accept carried.

Auditorium Roof Replacement, SulphurHigh School, Hurricane Rita Repair Funds, Bid Number 2007-07PC, Ellender Architects and Associates, LLC., Designer.

The committee recommends award of the contract to Alfred Palma, Inc. in the amount of Four Hundred Ninety One Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars and No/100 ($491,900.00) as the lowest qualified bidder meeting specifications.

On a motion by Mr. Breaux and seconded by Mr. Guidry, the motion to accept carried.

PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE

Copy Paper, 20# White, 8.5 X 11, 10,080 Cases

Each ream must be wrapped in wax coated paper

On a motion by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.

Phase VI Classroom Pods, Riverboat Funds, C.R. Fugatt, AIA, Designer

On a motion by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.

SamHoustonHigh School, Phase II, Classroom and Science Lab Addition to Main Building, Site Preparation Project, Moss Architects, Inc., Architect.

Scope of Work:

Provide all necessary site clearing and earthwork to prepare the site for the addition project. Approximately 18,500 feet of area.

On a motion by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE

None at this time.                                  

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Previously Approved  Board Dates                                             

                                       Tuesday, May 1, 2007, 4:45 p.m.

                                       Tuesday, June 5, 2007, 4:45 p.m.

For Approval

                                       Tuesday, July 10, 2007, 4:45 p.m.

On a motion by Mrs. Duhon and seconded by Mr. Hardy, the motion carried.

Mr. Savoy read a thank you note from Western Heights Elementary School support personnel, for the supplemental pay.

He reported that Allison Post, a senior at Barbe High School, was named a finalist as a Louisiana High School Student of the Year.

Mr. Savoy talked about the Washington-Marion Junior ROTC program and what an impressive program that it is. He said it is a very good representation of our students and he would like to have more of these programs in our high schools.

The Literacy Council is partnering with the CPSB Elementary Department and McNeese State University to provide a program for after school activities through the CAP program (Calcasieu After School Partnership.) Approximately forty students are enrolled in the program at Ralph Wilson Elementary, where they receive help with their homework, literacy and math. Mr. Savoy said this was a perfect example of the community stepping forward and helping one of our elementary schools and he hoped that there could be more of these programs.

He reminded the Board that the Very Special Arts Fest would be held on Wednesday, April 4, at Burton Coliseum.

CONDOLENCES/RECOGNITIONS

Mr. Burleigh gave an update to the Board on Kay Stephens, regarding her recuperation from her long illness.

Mr. Webb thanked the Media Center for the artwork on the agenda books.

Mr. Hardy asked for a letter to Washington-Marion, congratulating them on their ROTC program.

Mr. Hardy thanked Mr. Savoy for visiting two of his zone schools, Combre Elementary and Clifton Elementary.

Mr. Hardy asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Mrs. Velma Bias.

Mr. Hardy asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Mrs. Erma Heckard.

Mr. Hardy asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Mr. Herschell Hartman.

Mrs. Duhon gave information to the Board members regarding No Child Left Behind, information she received from the Federal Relations Board.

SCHEDULE STANDING COMMITTEE  MEETINGS

Administration and Personnel, April 24, 2007, 4:45 p.m.

Budget Committee, May 15, 2007, 4:45 p.m.

REQUESTS FOR COMMITTEE TOPICS OF DISCUSSION

Mr. Breaux would like to discuss coaching supplements at the Budget Committee. He would like the A&P committee to discuss retire/rehire for administrators.

Mr. Dellafosse would like to discuss a principal evaluation survey at the C&I Committee.

Mr. Hardy would like for the LHSAA to receive information regarding our testing schedule, so that important ball games are not held the same week as LEAP/GEE.

Meeting Adjourned

On a motion to adjourn by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

____________________           ______________________

Wayne Savoy, Secretary            Bryan LaRocque, President