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02-20-2001 |
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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, February 20, 2001, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Sheral A. LaVergne, President. The prayer was led by Elray T. Victorian; Jay L. Duhon led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL The roll was called and the following members were present: Joe A. Andrepont, Randall C. Armentor, Ricky Blackwell, Wilridge P. Doucet, Clara F. Duhon, Jay L. Duhon, Carla C. Duplechin, John M. Falgout, L. J. "Berk" Fontenot, James W. Karr, Sr., Sheral A. LaVergne, James W. Pitre, Gregory P. Robert, Philip Tarver and Elray T. Victorian. MINUTES APPROVED On motion by Mr. Falgout, seconded by Mr. Blackwell and unanimously carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of February 6, 2001, were approved as presented. RECOGNIZE SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES Ms. LaVergne recognized representatives present from the following schools: LeBlanc & DeQuincy Middle; Drost Special School; DeQuincy High Schools. Ms. LaVergne recognized Carolyn Manuel, Allen Parish School Board Member, who was in attendance. Mr. Fontenot requested that the Curriculum and Instruction Committee report be heard first under the Committee Reports section of the agenda; it was requested that the Drew Estate presentation be heard first under Presentations. By general consent, the requests were honored. PRESENTATIONS Drew Estate Patrice Saucier, Grant Writer for Calcasieu Parish, gave a brief summary of the life of H. C. Drew, a benefactor of education in Calcasieu Parish. She stated that 2000 Drew Estate contributions had impacted over 7,000 students in the parish this year. Mrs. Saucier recognized Louie D. "Beau" Barbe and C. Wade Shaddock, Jr., Trustees of the Drew Estate. Plaques were then presented to Mr. Barbe and Mr. Shaddock as Trustees of the Estate in appreciation from the Calcasieu Parish School Board. Approve Supplemental Agenda On motion by Mrs. Duplechin, seconded by C. Duhon and unanimously carried, the Supplemental Agenda was approved as part of the regular agenda. Sam Houston High School Jack Hazel Memorial Sportsmanship Award 2000 Ken Bertrand of The Southwest Louisiana Officials’ Association presented the Jack Hazel Memorial Sportsmanship Award 2000 to Doug McCullor, Principal and Coach Felix Simon of Sam Houston High School for the outstanding sportsmanship displayed by fans throughout their football season. It was noted that Jack Hazel dedicated and gave his life to sportsmanship. Mr. Bertrand stated that to receive this award was quite an accomplishment. Ms. LaVergne congratulated Mr. McCullor and Coach Simon on behalf of the Board. Mr. Fontenot extended his congratulations to the coaching staff, students, faculty and fans of Sam Houston High School. Lake Area Industry Alliance Wayne Savoy, Assistant Superintendent, introduced Larry DeRoussel, Executive Director of the Lake Area Industry Alliance who presented a brief overview of the Calcasieu Parish Comprehensive Air Sampling Program. Mr. DeRoussel requested the Board’s approval to allow LDEQ to use the Mossville location as a monitoring site for the VOC sampling and DIOXIN sampling. He stated that the site would be in place for three years. After a brief discussion, it was moved by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Doucet and unanimously carried to prepare a legal agreement between the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the Calcasieu Parish School Board for use of the Mossville site as a monitoring station for air sampling. Ms. LaVergne recognized Police Juror, Chris Landry, who was in the audience. COMMITTEE REPORTS Curriculum & Instruction Committee Randy Armentor, Chair, reported that the Curriculum and Instruction Committee met on January 18, 2001; a quorum was present. The first item of discussion was the 2001-2002 School Calendar. Leo Miller, Assistant Superintendent, presented a draft of the calendar to the Committee. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the 2001-2002 School Calendar as presented. Mr. Fontenot stated that Veterans Day should not be a school holiday but rather a day in school to educate students about Veterans Day. He then moved to amend the motion to eliminate Veterans Day from the 2001-2002 school calendar and to assign the Superintendent the responsibility of promoting it as a day of special recognition for educating students about Veterans Day and to reinstate the Wednesday following Mardi Gras as a holiday to offset the elimination of Veterans Day. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Armentor moved on behalf of the Committee to approve the motion as presented. Mr. Fontenot then offered a substitute motion, seconded by Mr. Falgout, to have a holiday for Veterans Day on November 12, 2001 as was originally proposed by staff. Mr. Fontenot then offered his apologies to his fellow Veterans for any anguish the matter may have caused. He stated that his recommendation was not to take anything away from the Veterans but to glorify their accomplishments by educating the students. Mr. Tarver requested that a proclamation be sent to all schools to have a program recognizing Veterans Day. Ms. LaVergne recognized Veterans Jesse Knowles, Lennis Hoffpauir, Charles O’Quinn and, a Vinton citizen, Vanessa Conway, who all spoke in favor of a decision to reinstate the Veterans Day holiday. Substitute motion, to adopt the 2001-2002 School Calendar as amended was then voted on and carried by majority vote. Calcasieu Parish Schools SCHOOL CALENDAR 2001-2002
Students Report to School Monday, August 20, 2001 HOLIDAYS: Labor Day Monday, September 3, 2001 Veterans Day Monday, November 12, 2001 Thanksgiving Close schools at the end of the day Friday, November 16, 2001 Reopen schools Monday, November 26, 2001 Christmas, New Year Close schools at the end of the day Thursday, December 20, 2001 Reopen schools Thursday, January 3, 2002 Martin L. King, Jr. Day Monday, January 21, 2002 Mardi Gras Holiday Close schools at the end of the day Friday, February 8, 2002 Reopen schools Wednesday, February 13, 2002 Easter & Spring Break Close schools at the end of the day Thursday, March 28, 2002 Reopen schools Monday, April 8, 2002 END OF SESSION: Thursday, May 31, 2002 Students report to schools for report cards at 1:00 p.m. School Closes SIX-WEEK PERIODS END First Six-Weeks Period October 1, 2001 Second Six-Weeks Period November 13, 2001 Third Six-Weeks Period January 14, 2002 Fourth Six-Weeks Period February 28, 2002 Fifth Six-Weeks Period April 19, 2002 Sixth Six-Weeks Period May 31, 2002 DATES PAYCHECKS WILL BE ISSUED FOR 2001-2002 SCHOOL YEAR July 31, 2001 January 31, 2002 August 31, 2001 February 28, 2002 September 28, 2001 March 28, 2002 October 31, 2001 April 30, 2002 November 30, 2001 May 31, 2002 December 20, 2001 or January 3, 2002 June 28, 2002 TEACHER INSERVICE DATES (students will NOT attend school on these dates) August 16, 2001 System-Wide Teacher Inservice August 17, 2001 School Administration Inservice In Each School October 8, 2001 System-Wide Teacher Inservice January 22, 2002 System-Wide Teacher Inservice
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Holidays for Calcasieu Parish School Board ADMINISTRATIVE, OFFICE, & MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL Beginning Fiscal Year July 1, 2001
Independence Day Close offices at end of the day, Tuesday, July 3, 2001 Reopen offices Thursday, July 5, 2001 Labor Day Monday, September 3, 2001 Veterans Day Monday, November 12, 2001 Thanksgiving Close offices at end of the day Tuesday, November 20, 2001 Reopen offices Monday, November 26, 2001 Christmas and New Year Close offices at end of the day Friday, December 21, 2001 Reopen offices Thursday, January 3, 2002 Martin L. King, Jr. Day Monday, January 21, 2002 Mardi Gras Close offices at end of the day, Friday, February 8, 2002 Reopen offices Wednesday, February 13, 2002 Easter Close offices at end of the day, Thursday, March 28, 2002 Reopen offices Wednesday, April 3, 2002 Holidays for sales tax and data processing may vary as necessity dictates, subject to approval of the superintendent. Gay Arnold, Supervisor of Gifted Programs, outlined a program that would offer online courses for gifted students in high schools with low gifted populations. She stated that the courses would be electives for juniors and seniors with Bell City, LaGrange, Lake Charles/Boston and Washington/Marion High Schools targeted to receive the courses. Teachers would be certified in gifted and trained to develop an online course and would receive a stipend to develop the course; the cost, including salary and hardware would be approximately $91,100. A motion was made and approved in Committee that the Calcasieu Parish School Board provide a teacher at the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter on a pilot basis with the principal at Barbe Elementary supervising the program and to refer the item to the Budget Fiscal Management Committee. Mr. Armentor so moved on behalf of the Committee. Motion was voted on and carried unanimously. Ad Hoc Insurance (Employee Benefits) Committee/Budget/Fiscal Management Committee Mr. Falgout, Chair of the Budget/Fiscal Management Committee reported that the committee met on February 13, 2001; a quorum was present. The first item of discussion was the report of the Ad Hoc Insurance Committee. The Committee discussed a structured premium plan whereby employees and the Board would each assume a set percentage of the cost of insurance premiums. Options to be considered for a premium structure plan were presented. After discussion, a motion was made, seconded and approved that the Board institute a structured premium plan for employee insurance wherein the Board and the employee would each assume a percentage of the insurance premium, to be decided by the Committee and that Options B, C & D be submitted to the Board for consideration. It was moved, on behalf of the Committee to approve a structured insurance premium for employee insurance wherein the Board and the employee would each assume a percentage of the insurance premium, that percentage to be decided by the Committee. Motion carried. A motion was made, seconded and approved by the Committee to recommend adoption of Option D (62%/50%) of the structured premium plan for recommendation to the full Board. Mr. Robert requested that a regression analysis be presented for review in order to address the demographics of employees under the current structure before making a final decision. Mr. Duhon stated that the Committee had worked hard to arrive at a percentage and plan to try to keep employees’ premiums down or at least, the least possible increase. Mr. Robert then offered a substitute motion that coverage be provided at 65% for employees/40% for dependents. Motion failed for lack of a second. A lengthy discussion followed with Mr. Falgout calling for the question. Mr. Robert voted against the call for the question. The original motion, to adopt Option D (62%/50%) of the structured premium plan, was then voted on and carried by majority vote; Mr. Robert voted nay. Mr. Duhon then moved, on behalf of the Insurance Committee, to recommend negotiation of a renewal with Trustmark. Motion carried; Mrs. Duplechin voted nay. Mr. Falgout moved, on behalf of the Committee to recommend negotiation of a renewal with Trustmark. A brief discussion followed regarding bids/requests for proposals rather than negotiations with Trustmark with Mr. Spruel stating that time was critical in the matter and that it would be Request for Proposals rather than bids. Allen Saba, Senior Regional Manager of Trustmark, addressed the Committee stating that renewal based on the current benefit would increase the premium 16.89% which represents $2.96 million over current costs. Alternate A, 13.49% represented an increase of $2.36 million; Alternate B, 11.03% represented a $1.925 million increase. After discussion by Committee members, a motion was made, seconded and approved to negotiate a renewal with Trustmark. The recommendation from Committee will be taken to the Budget/Fiscal Management Committee for discussion. The Chair recognized Kathy Landry, President of the Bus Driver’s Association who urged the Board not to vote for anything that would mean a reduction in benefits for employees. Following the discussion, motion was voted on and carried unanimously. A motion was made in Committee to allow staff to further negotiate with Trustmark on the health plan renewal with no negotiations on employees’ out-of-pocket expenses. Motion failed. With the conclusion of the Ad Hoc Insurance Committee report, Mr. Falgout proceeded with the Budget/Fiscal Management Committee report. Karl Bruchhaus presented Budget/Revision #2 for the 2000-2001 General Fund. The budget revision was a major revision where salary and benefit line items were adjusted to reflect actual expenditures instead of estimates. Budget Revision #2 projected revenues and other sources at $161,053,185 and projected expenditures and other uses at $160,639,264, for a projected operating surplus of $413,921. The surplus would leave an undesignated/unreserved fund balance of $13,774,559 or 8.55%. Additional revenues totaled $4,858,130. Adjustments to expenditures were $3,448.227. He stated that staff requested that the committee meet to review the budget again after the Budget Letter was approved by BESE at the end of February. Motion was made, seconded and carried by Committee to approve Budget Revision #2 to the 2000-2001 General Fund Mr. Falgout moved on behalf of the Committee to approve Budget Revision #2 to the 2000-2001 General Fund. Motion carried unanimously. Information was presented regarding approval of the daily rate of teacher pay for the Summer LEAP 21 Program for 2001 was were: $175/day; $87.50/half day and $25/hour for a total increase in the budget of $81,086.50 over last year’s program. Mr. Falgout moved, on behalf of the Committee, to approve the daily rate of teacher pay for the Summer LEAP 21 Program for 2001 as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Falgout moved, on behalf of the Committee to approve permission to advertise for the sale of used surplus fixed assets. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Falgout moved, on behalf of the Committee to approve permission to advertise to accept bids for the selection of a fiscal agent for the School Board for the period July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2004. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Falgout moved, on behalf of the Committee to approve a request by the City of Lake Charles for use of school board facilities for the Summer Food Services Program. Motion carried. Mr. Savoy advised that LaGrange High School and Washington/Marion High School would be used this year due to equipment problems at Lake Charles/Boston. The issue concerning canopies at the St. John Elementary School site was discussed. Currently there are sixteen temporary buildings with no protection from the elements for students and teachers traveling to the main building. Presently there is no proposal addressed for pods at that location due to the possibility of a bond issue. Staff recommended that $100,000 be allocated to fund this project. Mr. Tarver moved and was seconded by Mr. Pitre to approve the $100,000 allocation for funding canopies at St. John Elementary with possible repayment to the General Fund by the bond district if a bond issue is passed. A motion was then made, seconded and carried by majority vote in committee to postpone the motion for funding of canopies at St. John Elementary. Mr. Falgout moved, on behalf of the committee to approve the postponement $100,000 allocation for funding canopies at St. John Elementary with possible repayment to the General Fund by the bond district if a bond issue is passed. Motion carried unanimously. An item addressing the topic of parishwide financing of capital projects was withdrawn. Mr. Bruchhaus then addressed the Committee regarding a proposal for the relocation of the Calcasieu Parish School Board Sales Tax Office. He stated the building had incurred foundation problems with severe moisture problems in the floors, walls and ceilings. Due to the existing problems, staff recommended getting bids for a new sales tax building to be placed on property owned by the Board adjacent to the Rosteet Annex using plans developed last year. The proposal would include five-year financing through monies already allocated by LCDA. Due to the lack of a quorum, the item was postponed until the next Budget/Fiscal Management Committee meeting for further consideration. Due to the lack of a quorum, the school audit report for Fondel Elementary was postponed. TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION Calcasieu Parish Systemic Program – Success Through Exemplary Mathematics and Science (STEMS) Grant On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Blackwell and unanimously carried, the Calcasieu Parish Systemic Program – Success Through Exemplary Mathematics and Science (STEMS) Grant was approved for submission. Permission to Enter Into Negotiations with Sel-Mart Distributors, Inc., for the Purchase of Property in SD#23 Adjacent to Westwood Elementary School On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by J. Duhon and unanimously carried, permission to enter into negotiations with Sel-Mart Distributors, Inc., for the purchase of property in SD#23 adjacent to Westwood Elementary School for a price not to exceed the appraised value, funded by riverboat funds, was approved. Authorization for Board President to Execute Closing Documents for the Purchase of Property in SD#23 Adjacent to Westwood Elementary School On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by J. Duhon and unanimously carried, the President was authorized to execute closing documents for the purchase of property in SD#23 adjacent to Westwood Elementary School, Riverboat Funds, if negotiations are successful. Resolution Authorizing Recruitment and Employment for the 2001-2002 School Session On motion by Mr. Karr, seconded by Mr. Blackwell and unanimously carried, the following Resolution Authorizing Recruitment and Employment for the 2001-2002 School Session was approved: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RECRUITMENT AND EMPLOYMENT FOR THE 2001-2002 SESSIONSuperintendent Jude W. Theriot is hereby authorized to continue the employment and contract for the 2001-2002 session, as needed, those regular, special, state, and federally funded teachers, instructional support personnel, and administrators whose continuous employment with the Calcasieu Parish School Board began on or before January 12, 2001, except in the following cases:
Additionally, Superintendent Theriot is hereby authorized to provide Notices of Intent to Employ and/or contracts to those teachers, instructional support personnel, and administrators who began working for the Calcasieu Parish School Board after January 12, 2001, and other employees provided that in each case the items a-d of paragraph one above are met where applicable. Finally, Superintendent Theriot is hereby authorized to recruit and render personnel decisions pursuant to policy for the 2001-2002 session, staff teaching and instructional support positions, and make adjustments to present teaching and support assignments in order to enhance the instructional program and meet other goals of the district. /s/Sheral A. LaVergne President Calcasieu Parish School Board CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT WHEREAS, the schools within the jurisdiction of the Calcasieu Parish School Board will close on Thursday, May 31, 2001 for a regularly scheduled vacation period; and, WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board has approved annual vacation periods and holidays between and within schools sessions; and, WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board does not interrupt the continuous employment of employees as a result of an annual vacation or holiday period; and, WHEREAS, employees of the Calcasieu Parish School Board do not accrue additional property rights during an annual vacation or holiday period pursuant to the statutes of the State of Louisiana; and, WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board is considering revenues, expenditures, and the staffing allocations pursuant thereto for the ensuing session; and, WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board may alter and revise a proposed budget for the ensuing session until August 16, 2001, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calcasieu Parish School Board offer reasonable assurance of employment to all existing personnel in their present assignments and within the limits of their approved work schedules except those specifically notified appropriately of a change in status pursuant to policy or those employees who may request to resign; and, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Superintendent or his designee notify in an appropriate manner, each employee whose assignment is for less than twelve months, of this reasonable assurance of continuous employment. /s/Sheral A. LaVergne President Calcasieu Parish School Board BID REPORTS Audio Visual Equipment for Vinton Elementary, Title I, Resource Center Special Services and Elementary Department Bids were received from the following vendors for Audio Visual Equipment for Vinton Elementary, Title I, Resource Center Special Services and Elementary Department; Bid #2001-33: Classroom Direct/Reprint Company, Microwarehouse, Inc., Tri-State Video Systems, Troxell Communications and Califone International C/O Ward & Associates. VENDOR BID PRICE Classroom Direct/Reprint Company $ 255.36 (Birmingham, AL) Microwarehouse, Inc. $23,910.00 (Norwalk, CT) Troxell Communications $30,333.60 (Baton Rouge, LA) Califone International $ 8,120.00 C/O Ward & Associates (Mandeville, LA) TOTAL $62,618.96 On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by J. Duhon and unanimously carried, the low bids for each item meeting specifications was approved. Shop Equipment for CPSB Automotive Classes at DeQuincy High, Westlake High and College Street T & I of Calcasieu Parish School Board Bids were received from the following vendors for Shop Equipment for CPSB Automotive Classes at DeQuincy High, Westlake High and College Street T & I of Calcasieu Parish School Board; Bid #2001-38: Dimmick Supply, Graingers, O’Reilly, Auto Parts, Snap-On Industrial and Landry Supply. On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by Mr. Victorian and unanimously carried, the following low bids meeting specifications were approved: VENDOR BID PRICE Landry Supply $17,453.60 (Lake Charles, LA) Snap-On Industrial $ 7,732.66 (Beaumont, TX) O’Reilly Auto Parts $ 358.07 (Springfield, MS) TOTAL $25,544.33 Band Instruments for Calcasieu Parish Schools Bids were received from the following vendors for Band Instruments for Calcasieu Parish Schools; General Funds; Bid #2001-43: Bearden’s Music, Doc’s Music, Lake Charles Music, Educational Music, Co., Swicegood Music Company, West Manor Music, The Woodwind and Brasswind and Wenger, Co. On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by Mr. Victorian and unanimously carried, the following low bids meeting specifications were approved: VENDOR BID PRICE Doc’s Music $ 357.00 (Lake Charles, LA) National Educational Music $10,478.74 (Mountainside, NJ) Swicegood Music Company $ 6,759.00 (Lake Charles, LA) Wenger Corporation $ 768.00 (Owatonna, MN) West Manor Music $11,841.00 (Bronx, NY) The Woodwind & Brasswind $ 7,746.46 (South Bend, IN) TOTAL $37,950.20 Demolition and Miscellaneous Site Improvements to Combre Elementary School, SD#31 Bond Funds The following bids were received for the project: Demolition and miscellaneous Site Improvement to Combre Elementary School, SD#31, Bond Funds; Bid #2001-18PC; Moss Architects, Designer: CONTRACTOR BASE BID Alfred Palma, Inc. $ 59,400.00 Bessette Development Corporation $ 99,223.00 Chaney Trucking, Inc. $ 65,100.00 Civil Construction $143,320.00 JCC Environmental $ 66,913.13 McManus Construction * Michael B. Keaveney $ 82,000.00 Plank Road Demolition $ 38,500.00 Tommasi Brothers, Inc. $ 48,400.00 Ritter Co. Demo & Develop $ 49,999.99 H. D. Trucking ** C & C Fontenot $ 65,651.00 On motion by C. Duhon, seconded by Mr. Victorian and unanimously carried, the contract was awarded to Plank Road Demolition Base Bid in the amount of Thirty-eight thousand, five hundred and no/100 - - - - - - -Dollars (38,500.00) as the lowest qualified bidder.
PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE Bleacher Boards for Various Schools On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Blackwell and unanimously carried, permission to advertise for Bleacher Boards for Various Schools; CPSB Maintenance Department; General Funds; Bid #2001-50, was approved. Audio Visual Equipment for Calcasieu Parish School Board, Special Services On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Blackwell and unanimously carried, permission to advertise for Audio Visual Equipment for Calcasieu Parish School Board, Special Services; Grant Funds; Bid #2001-52, was approved. Renovations to Westlake High School Campus On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by Mr. Blackwell and unanimously carried permission to advertise for renovations to Westlake High School Camps, SD#23 Bond Funds, King Architects, was approved. 2001 Bond Issue Improvements – Vinton High School - Phase I Improvements On motion by J. Duhon, seconded by Mr. Andrepont and unanimously carried, 2001 Bond Issue Improvements – Vinton High School – Phase I Improvements; SD#26 Bond Funds; Ellender Architects & Associates, LLC, was approved. CORRESPONDENCE Change Order #4 for the Project: Roofing and Miscellaneous Improvements to S. P. Arnett Middle School On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by Mr. Blackwell and unanimously carried, Change Order #4 for the Project: Roofing and Miscellaneous Improvements to S. P. Arnett Middle School, for an increase of $799.23; Barry King, Inc., Architect; Morgan Roofing, Contractor, was approved. Change Order #5 for the Project: Classroom Pods – Phase II (2, 6 & 8) Classroom Pods On motion by Mr. Victorian, seconded by J. Duhon and unanimously carried, Change Order #5 for the Project: Classroom Pods – Phase II (2, 6 & 8) Classroom Pods, Riverboat Funds, for an increase of $15,640, C. R. Fugatt, AIA; Miller & Associates, Contractor, was approved. Recommendation of Acceptance – Calcasieu Parish Classroom Pods – Phase II (2, 6 & 8) Classroom Pods On motion by Mr. Victorian, seconded by J. Duhon and unanimously carried, the Recommendation of Acceptance for the Project: Calcasieu Parish Classroom Pods – Phase II (2, 6 &8) Classroom Pods (Iowa High; Barbe High; A. A. Nelson; Fairview; Iowa High); C. R. Fugatt, AIA; Miller & Associates, Contractor, was approved. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Elementary Quiz Bowl As the result of a grant received by Betty K Turner, Henry Heights Elementary School, Henry Heights is the first elementary school in Calcasieu Parish to have a Quiz Bowl Team. As part of the grant they received Quiz Bowl equipment and books of competition questions. They formed a team of fifth graders and invited other schools to compete. Prien Lake Elementary, T. S. Cooley Elementary and Episcopal Day School Elementary participate in the Quiz Bowl with Henry Heights. The first Elementary Quiz Bowl Tournament was held on Saturday, February 17, 2001. 2001 LSBA Artwork Contest The 2001 LSBA Artwork Contest Selection Committee has made its selections for the first, second and third place winners as well as honorable mention in all categories (Grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12). Calcasieu Parish is proud to announce a winner in each category. In the K-4 category, Aaron Ackley, Fairview Elementary School, 4th Grade, was the First Place winner; in the 5-8 category Brett Butcher, College Oaks Elementary, 5th Grade was the second place winner; in the 9-12 category, Jamar Simien, LaGrange High, 11th Grade, was the first place winner. The artwork will be on exhibit at the LSBA Convention in Baton Rouge March 8-10, 2001. All first, second and third place winners will be recognized and presented a plaque for their artwork. Copies of the works by the winning artists are displayed on the Board Room wall. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Calcasieu Parish received a Certificate of Accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Calcasieu is one of ten parishes in Louisiana accredited by SACS and is the largest parish in the state to be fully accredited. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS Mr. Blackwell extended congratulations to the Sulphur High Girls’ Basketball Team. For informational purposes, Mr. Blackwell informed the Board that students over the age of 16 who were arrested could be fined from $200 to $500. Mr. Andrepont requested that the Risk Manager visit the intersection of Cypress and Ruth Streets to check for the feasibility of a crossing guard. He encouraged the Risk Manager to contact Dick Gremillion of Project Impact so that Calcasieu Parish could have a participant in the meetings. Mr. Andrepont requested that the Board look at having schools wear their school colors more than one day a week. He suggested that staff have a meeting with principals to insure that all are following the guidelines of the uniform policy. He extended condolences to Lisa Hansen on the loss of her father. Congratulations were extended to the Sulphur High School Girls’ Basketball and Soccer teams. Mr. Victorian requested that a follow-up be made on where funding was coming from for DAT Team Curriculum Coordinators. C. Duhon extended congratulations to the Lake Charles/Boston High School Girls’ Basketball Team. She said the recent NSBA Federal Relations Network Conference was very worthwhile. Mrs. Duhon informed the Board that she would be installed as President Elect at the upcoming LSBA meeting. Mr. Tarver thanked Sulphur High School for hosting the monthly Board luncheon. He requested a report on the impact of the Zero Tolerance Policy from the Juvenile Detention authorities. He requested that the students who were winners in the LSBA Art Contest be recognized at an upcoming Board meeting. Mr. Falgout requested a letter of condolence be sent to the family of Nina Mae Steen. He commended the LaGrange High School Girls Basketball Team for a successful season. He requested that the plaque with names of students from Lake Charles High School who died in World War II be moved with the Wildcat mascot. Mr. Pitre congratulated the Barbe High Girls’ Soccer Team and Coach Brenda Leger for a 4th successful season and twice winning the title of District Champions. He stated that meetings on the proposed bond issue for District 34 had been well received by the community and asked that a meeting of District 34 Board members be scheduled to discuss such. Mr. Fontenot requested a letter of condolence to be sent to Doug McCullor on the loss of his mother. Mr. Armentor extended condolences to Pat Fontenot on the loss of her brother. He informed the Board of the upcoming Walk for Literacy event at J. I. Watson to be held on March 31, 2001. Mrs. Duplechin extended congratulations to C. Duhon on her position of President-Elect for the Louisiana School Boards Association.
Mr. Doucet announced that he was the LSBA appointment to the Louisiana Quality Science and Math Commission and encouraged all math and science teachers to make applications for available grant monies. He invited all Board members and staff to meet at Westwood Elementary School on Friday, March 23, at 11:30 a.m. for lunch. Ms. LaVergne extended congratulations to the Washington/Marion High School Girls Basketball Team for their successful season. She extended her regrets that she was unable to attend the Board luncheon recently held at Sulphur High. SCHEDULE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS Budget/Fiscal Management – Monday, March 5, 2001 – 4:45 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by Mr. Victorian, and unanimously carried, the Board went into Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. to hear Expulsion Appeal, Case #2001-01. The Board resumed regular open session at 10:45 p.m. TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION Mr. Fontenot and Mr. Andrepont left the meeting. Expulsion Appeal Case #2001-01 In the matter of Expulsion Appeal Case #2001-01, C. Duhon moved, seconded by Mr. Doucet and carried by majority vote, to allow the Superintendent to seek modifications to the expulsion to place the student at a school in Calcasieu Parish, not to include Washington/Marion High School. Ayes: Mr. Doucet, Mr. Karr, Mrs. Duplechin, Mr. Falgout, Ms. LaVergne, C. Duhon, Mr. Robert and J. Duhon. Nays: Mr. Pitre, Mr. Armentor, Mr. Tarver and Mr. Blackwell. Mr. Victorian recused himself from the vote. Executive Session On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by C. Duhon and unanimously carried, the Board went into Executive Session at 10:48 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. The Board resumed regular open session at 11:12 p.m. Mr. Victorian and J. Duhon left during executive session. Personnel On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by Mr. Robert and unanimously carried, the following personnel changes were approved as recommended by the Superintendent: Resignations Veronica Woodard, Teacher, Lake Charles Boston High School, effective February 9, 2001; Donald Harrison, Bus Driver, Iowa High School, effective February 1, 2001; Kimberly Landreneau, Teacher, Brentwood Elementary, effective February 28, 2001; Sarah Gordon, Teacher, Career Center, effective February 20, 2001; Matthew Greenman, Sweeper, St. John Elementary, effective February 16, 2001. Retirement Notifications Norma Boblett, Teacher, Moss Bluff Elementary, effective May 31, 2001; Don Palombo, Teacher, Sulphur High, effective May 31, 2001; Herman Menard, Assistant Principal, Sulphur High, effective June 30, 2001; Loretta Bresette, Custodian, W. W. Lewis Middle, effective July 31, 2001; Robert Weeks, Bus Mechanic, Transportation Department, effective May 15, 2001; Ida Aucoin, Teacher, T. H. Watkins, effective May 31, 2001; Cathy Jongbloed, Teacher, Nelson Elementary, effective May 31, 2001; Mike Johns, Head Coach/Teacher, LaGrange High, effective May 31, 2001; Waldine Guillott, Teacher, DeQuincy Elementary, effective May 31, 2001; Judy Jones, Program Facilitator, Special Services Department, effective June 30, 2001; Vada Armistead, Teacher, Sulphur High, effective May 31, 2001; Judith Stegall, Teacher Aide, Maplewood Middle, effective February 14, 2001. Maternity Leave Andrea Conner, Teacher, Pearl Watson Elementary, beginning May 7, 2001 until May 31, 2001; Karen Ashworth, Teacher, J. I. Watson, beginning April 23, 2001 until May 31, 2001; Polly Fontenot, Teacher, W. T. Henning Elementary, beginning April 23, 2001 until May 31, 2001; Julie Ortego, Teacher, College Oaks Elementary, beginning May 1, 2001 until May 31, 2001. Leave Without Pay Betty Edwards, Cafeteria Technician, DeQuincy Elementary, extension of leave without pay until February 16, 2001; Jennifer Kyle, Teacher, Vincent Settlement Elementary, beginning March 7, 2001 until May 31, 2001; Brenda Benoit, Teacher Aide, Barbe High, beginning January 31, 2001 until May 31, 2001; Dougie Stutes, Cafeteria Technician, Sam Houston High, beginning February 14, 2001 until March 2, 2001; Howard Welch, Teacher, S. J. Welsh Middle, spring semester of the 2000-2001 school semester be rescinded and he be granted a leave without pay for the spring semester of the 2000-2001 school session; Deborah Dupuis, Cafeteria Technician, Fairview Elementary, beginning January 3, 2001 until May 31, 2001; Ruth Oliver, Cafeteria Technician, S. J. Welsh Middle, beginning January 25, 2001 until March 8, 2001. Professional Development Gerald Jackson, Teacher, Sam Houston High, 2001-2002 school session. Medical Sabbatical Cheryl Prendergast, Teacher, S. J. Welsh Middle, spring semester of the 2000-01 school session; Beth Aron, Teacher, Special Services Department, spring semester of the 2000-01 school session; Margarita Zavalza, Teacher, Teacher, LaGrange High, spring semester of the 2000-2001 school session pending receipt of a physician’s statement. Recommended Performance Contract Renewals On motion by Mr. Falgout, seconded by Mrs. Duplechin and unanimously carried, Mallany Ryan and Mark Teal’s Performance Contract was pulled from the packet. On motion by Mr. Armentor, seconded by Mr. Blackwell and unanimously carried, Richard Vail’s Performance Contract was pulled from the packet to be voted on separately. On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by Mrs. Duplechin and unanimously carried, the following Performance Contracts were renewed: Doug McCullor, Ricky Truax, Roy Blanchette, Charles Adkins, Betty Sims, Homer Doty, III, Cheryl Hutchins, Johnnie Mouton, James Strahan, Martin Guillory, Daniel Racca, Linda Ceaser, Cynthia Creel, Tony Dougherty, Gerald Saucier, Diane Ethridge, Edgar Hayes, Paul Champagne, Betty Washington, Steve Hardy, Novella Miller, Greg Whiteard, Carroll Parsons, Pam Quebodeaux, Jean Hernandez Assistant Principals Herman Menard, R. L. Webb, Charles W. Hansen, Charles Caldarera, Janis Guillory, Stephanie Couste’, Chris Comeaux, Benny Craig Neal, Anne Guidry, Alexandra MacKnight, Melanie Kellogg, Tim Savoy, Vickie Poole Supervisors Al Burguieres, Ross Young, Mary Lou Caldarera Directors James Crawford, Leonard Richard Administrative Coordinators Steve Wieschhaus, Marilyn Habetz Administrative Directors Dolores Hicks, Charlotte Gallemore Assistant Superintendents Leo Miller, Wayne Savoy Mr. Doucet moved to extend Richard Vail’s contract for two years. Motion died for lack of a second. Permission to Advertise On motion by Mr. Blackwell, seconded Mr. Karr and unanimously carried, permission to advertise for an Assistant Principal for Sulphur High was approved. On motion by Mr. Falgout, seconded by Mrs. Duplechin and unanimously carried, permission to advertise for a Teacher/Head Coach for LaGrange High was approved. Meeting Adjourned On motion by Mr. Armentor, seconded by Mr. Blackwell and unanimously carried, the meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
/s/Jude W. Theriot /s/Sheral A. LaVergne Jude W. Theriot, Secretary Sheral A. LaVergne, President |
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