02-21-2006

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 21, 2006, 4:45 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Ed Stephens, President. The prayer was led by Bryan LaRocque; Mary Kaye Eason 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,

Mary Kaye Eason, John M. Falgout, Rev. J.L. Franklin, James W. Karr, Sr., Bryan LaRocque, Sheral A. LaVergne, James W. Pitre, Gregory P. Robert, Dr. Edward Stephens, Philip Tarver and R.L. Webb.

MINUTES APPROVED

On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Webb and unanimously carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of January 24, 2006, were approved as presented.

Supplemental Agenda

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

PRESENTATIONS

2006 Teachers of the Year Awards

Beatrice Hopkins was recognized. She announced the winners of the 2006 Teachers of the Year Awards; they were presented with plaques.

2006 Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Julie Parham, College Oaks, Principal – Diane Ethridge

1^st Runner-Up: Terri Simpson, D.S. Perkins, Principal – Gloria Marcantel

2^nd: Martha Damian, Barbe Elementary, Principal – John Spikes

2006 Middle School Teacher of the Year

Richard Kuykendall, J.I. Watson, Principal – Pat Schooler

(Regional/State Finalist)

1^st Runner-Up: Marion Bordelon, F.K. White, Principal – Charles Allen

2^nd: Tim McMillen, W.W. Lewis, Principal – Tony Dougherty

2006 High School Teacher of the Year

Tanya Miles, LaGrange, Principal – Bobby Jack Thompson

(Regional/State Finalist)

1^st Runner-Up: Dawn Webb, Iowa High, Principal – David Buller

2^nd: Diane Thibodeaux, Westlake High, Principal – Steve Powers

The Board congratulated the teachers and thanked them for commitment to education.

Chamber/Southwest Louisiana Quality Council Awards

Charlene Chiasson, Public Information Officer, recognized the following schools as recipients of the Chamber/Southwest Louisiana Quality Council Awards:

John J. Johnson Elementary School Betty Sims, Principal

Maplewood Middle School Margaret Goode, Principal

Reynaud Middle School Ellaweena Woods, Principal

S.J. Welsh Middle School Buzz Sarver, Principal

The schools and principals were congratulated.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Curriculum and Instruction

Chairman Webb reported that the Curriculum and Instruction Committee met on Thursday, February 16, at 4:45; a quorum was present.

Item #3, 21^st Century Learning Center Grant, was omitted and Item #4, High School Redesign, was presented first.

HIGH SCHOOL REDESIGN

Mr. Webb reported that Pat Deaville, Music Consultant K-12, gave an excellent overview of the high school redesign plan. He noted that a number of ideas were exchanged by committee members. Mr. Webb added that this item was for informational purposes only.

Mr. Andrepont introduced a motion that was seconded by Mr. Duhon, to bring back the item of high school redesign to a future Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting with the request that the BESE board member and legislative delegation be invited to attend the meeting. The motion carried.

2006 REGULAR SUMMER SCHOOL and 2006 LEAP / GEE SUMMER SCHOOL

Mr. Webb continued by reporting that there being no changes from last year’s summer school schedule, a motion was made, seconded and carried, that the 2006 Regular Summer School and 2006 LEAP/GEE Summer School be accepted as presented. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Webb moved that the schedules be approved as presented. The motion carried.

PARENT ACCESS TO STUDENT PROGRESS

Next, Mr. Webb reported that at the request of Rev. Franklin, parent internet access to student progress was revisited. Jim Crawford, Director of Data Processing, stated that there has been very positive feedback from parents on the pilot, “Making the Grade,” at Sulphur High 9^th Grade Campus. However, because of the program’s inability to expand as well as some potential security issues, a better choice would be Home Access Center, a grade book program which is part of our current student system. This new program would allow parents access to student grades, attendance, and homework. Mr. Crawford suggested that a pilot be conducted at Sulphur High School as well as other school sites. This item was informational only.

Mr. Webb stated that there being no further discussion or business, the meeting adjourned.

TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION

Lake Charles Boston High School Choir Trip to Jackson, Mississippi

On motion by Mrs. Duhon, seconded by Rev. Franklin and carried, the Lake Charles Boston High School Choir trip to Jackson, Mississippi, was approved.

Joint Services Agreement and Lease Between City of DeQuincy and CPSB

On motion by Mr. Karr, seconded by Mr. Andrepont, the following agreement was approved:

SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1STATE OF LOUISIANA }

PARISH OF CALCASIEU }

LEASE AND JOINT SERVICES AGREEMENT

The following Lease and Joint Services Agreement is hereby entered into by and between the CITY OF DEQUINCY, LOUISIANA, hereinafter “CITY” hereinafter represented by Jerry Bell, Mayor, and the CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD(hereinafter “SCHOOL BOARD), hereinafter represented by Dr. Edward Stephens, President.

WHEREAS, there is a need in the City of Dequincy, Louisiana for the operation of additional recreation facilities; and

WHEREAS, the City is willing to allow the use of the property described herein by the SCHOOL BOARD.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the CITY, and the SCHOOL BOARD as follows:

For and in exchange for the consideration stated herein the CITY hereby leases unto the

SCHOOL BOARD the following described premises:

Boise Southern Park Athletic Field, AKA, the DeQuincy High School Baseball Field (Earl Treadway Memorial Baseball Field)

Dequincy High School Softball Field (Jamie Cooper Memorial Softball Field) a

501 S. Overton, Dequincy, Louisiana, more fully described as:

COM SW COR. SEC 13.7.11 TH E 2440.15 FT TH N 54 DEG 42 MIN E 204.58 FT TO W R/W LINE OF A 50 FT WIDE CITY STREET (OVERTON STREET) TH N 339.81 FT TO BEG TH W 500 FT N 715 FT TH E 500 FT TO W R/W LINE OF OVERTON ST TH S 715 FT WITH W R/W LINE OF OVERTON ST TO BEG

II.

Except as set forth below, the term of this lease and joint services agreement shall commence on March 1, 2006 and shall run for two (2) full years from date. The SCHOOL BOARD is further granted the option to renew this lease and joint services agreement for three three-year periods, provided that notice of intent to exercise this right to renew shall be given not later than thirty (30) days prior to the end of the initial term or prior to the end of any renewed term.

III.

The SCHOOL BOARD agrees to maintain, at no expense to the CITY, the recreation fields and related facilities on the leased premises.

IV.

The SCHOOL BOARD accepts the premises described above in their present condition.

The SCHOOL BOARD assumes all risks of and shall indemnify, defendant and save the CITY, its officers, directors, agents and employees, harmless from and against all claims, demands, actions or suits (including costs and expenses incident thereto) for or on account of injuries to (including death of) persons or property of others, arising wholly or in part from or in connection with the existence of the sports facilities, including, but not limited to, the constructing, maintaining, operations, occupancy of, use of or removal of SCHOOL BOARD'S facilities. In the event of any suit or action brought against the CITY shall timely notify the SCHOOL BOARD, and the CITY shall appear and defend said suit or action at its cost and expense, and will pay and satisfy any judgment that may be rendered therein against the CITY when such suit or action has been finally determined. The SCHOOL BOARD agrees to purchase and maintain general liability insurance with limits of not less than FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND ($500,000.00) DOLLARS per person, nor less than FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND ($5,000,000.00) DOLLARS per accident, naming The CITY, its officers, directors and employees as additional insured.

VI.

The SCHOOL BOARD agrees to be responsible for the installation and payment of all utilities on the premises.

VII.

The SCHOOL BOARD shall not have the right to assign or sublet its right to occupy the premises, it being understood and agreed that the lease contemplates the use of the premises for the operation of recreational fields and related facilities and the proper maintenance of such property by the SCHOOL BOARD. If the facilities or the premises are not properly maintained to the satisfaction of the CITY, its successors, heirs and/or assigns, this lease shall become invalid and the right to use the premises revoked immediately.

VIII.

Upon termination of this lease and joint services agreement, the SCHOOL BOARD shall have authority to and shall remove such structures as it may have placed upon the premises, if the same can be accomplished without detriment to the premises, it being the intention of this clause that the premises shall be restored upon termination of this lease to their original condition, normal use, wear and tear excepted.

IX.

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

Any notice or other communication given under or with respect to the lease by the CITY to the SCHOO.L BOARD shall be given by registered mail or certified mail or facsimile addressed to:

CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

P. O. Box 800

Lake Charles, La 70602

Facsimile #(337) 437-1293

Any such notice by the SCHOOL BOARD shall be given by registered or certified mail or facsimile addressed to:

CITY OF DEQUINCY, LOUISIANA

P. O. Box 968

Dequincy, LA 70663

Facsimile # (337) 786-3076

THUS DONE AND SIGNED on the dates hereinafter shown, in the Parish of Calcasieu, State of Louisiana, in the presence of the undersigned, after a due reading of the whole.

WITNESSES: CITY OF DEQUINCY, LOUISIANA

____________________________

BY: JERRY BELL, Mayor

SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED, before me, on this _____ day of ______________, 2006.

_______________________________

NOTARY PUBLIC, I.D. #

WITNESSES: CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

__________________________

BY:_______________________________

___________________________ DR. EDWARD STEPHENS, President

SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED, before me, on this ______ day of ____________, 2006.

____________________________________________

NOTARY PUBLIC, I.D. #

Dr. Stephens recognized Ms. Lynn Treme, City of DeQuincy representative. She extended her appreciation to the Board, on behalf of the City of DeQuincy, for their cooperation and willingness to assist the community of DeQunicy.

Playground Equipment for Prien Lake Elementary School, School District Number 34 Bond Funds

The following bids were received:

Vendor Name Bid Price

ABC School Supply $17,172.00

Landisville, PA

Gametime $ 1,991.00

Cypress, TX

Planet Recess $ 9,435.00

Total Bid Amount $28,598.00

On motion by Mr. Robert, seconded by Mr. Bernard and carried, the low bid for each item meeting specifications was approved.

Sale of Used Surplus Pallets

The following bids were received:

Vendor Name Bid Price

Dalton Wilkins 70 cents per pallet

Carol Spell 70 cents per pallet

On motion by Mr. Duhon, seconded by Mr. Andrepont and carried, the bid was awarded to the highest bidder, Dalton Wilkins, for 70 cents per pallet.

PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE

Audio Visual Equipment for Libraries, Bid Number 2006-25

On motion by Mrs. Duhon, seconded by Ms. LaVergne and carried, permission to advertise for audio visual equipment for libraries, bid number 2006-25, was approved.

Vinton High School, Phase I, Stadium Improvements, School District Number 26 Bond Funds, Ellender Architects and Associates, Designer

On motion by Mr. Duhon, seconded by Ms. Andrepont and carried, permission to advertise for the project “Additions and Renovations to Vinton High School,” phase I, stadium improvements, school district number 26 bond funds, was approved.

Relocation of Calcasieu Parish School Board Facilities, Hurricane Repair Funds, Randy M. Goodloe, AIA, Designer

A motion was made by Mr. Duhon and seconded by Rev. Franklin requesting permission to advertise for the relocation of Calcasieu Parish School Board facilities. An amendment to the motion was made by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Bernard to include in the advertisement Phase I of the project, expansion of the construction of the Board Room. The amendment to the motion carried with two nays by Mr. LaRocque and Mr. Karr. Dr. Stephens called for a vote on the motion as amended. The motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE

Change Order Number Six (6) for the Project “Classroom Pods, Phase V,” Riverboat Funds

On motion by Mr. LaRocque, seconded by Mr. Duhon and carried, change order number six (6) for the project “Classroom Pods, Phase V,” riverboat funds, project number 5004615, for an increase of $21,883.96, C.R. Fugatt, AIA, designer; Shannon Smith Construction Inc., contractor, was approved.

Change Order Number One (1) for the Project “Repairs and Renovations to the Sales Tax Office,” Hurricane Repair Funds

On motion by Mr. Bernard, seconded by Mr. Duhon and carried, change order number one (1) for the project “Repairs and Renovations to the Sales Tax Office,” hurricane repair funds, project number 0516, for an increase of $27,818.54, Champeaux Evans Hotard, designers; Sam Istre Construction Company, contractor, was approved.

Recommendation of Acceptance for the Project “Additions and Renovations to LaGrange High School,” School District Number 33

On motion by Mr. Bernard, seconded by Mr. Duhon and carried, recommendation of acceptance for the project “Additions and Renovations to LaGrange High School,” school district number 33, project number 200214, C. Gayle Zembower, Architect, Inc., designer; Priola Construction, contractor, was approved.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Suggested Board Date – Tuesday, March 14, 4:45

On motion by Mr. Karr, seconded by Mr. Falgout and carried, the suggested Board date of March 14, was approved.

Request for Grant Application Renewal – HeadStart

On motion by Mr. Falgout, seconded by Mr. Webb and carried, the request for grant application renewal for HeadStart was approved.

Request for Grant Application Renewal – LA 4/Starting Points

On motion by Mr. Karr, seconded by Mr. Breaux and carried, the request for grant application renewal for LA 4/Starting Points was approved.

Request for Grant Application Renewal – 8(g) Competitive Grants

On motion by Mr. Karr, seconded by Mr. Breaux and carried, the request for grant application renewal for 8(g) competitive grants was approved.

Grants Awarded to Westwood Elementary

Westwood Elementary was awarded $5,000 in Nickelodeon’s “Let’s Just Play” giveaway. The grant is Nickelodeon’s pro-social, grassroots, multimedia campaign that encourages children to engage in active, healthy lifestyles. As a recipient of the grant, Westwood will be part of this nationwide movement for children.

Westwood Elementary was also awarded $7,000 from the Church World Service, an organization dedicated to providing monetary relief for disaster victims. The grant will be used to purchase computers, recreation kits and teaching supplies, with an emphasis on serving the students who were Hurricane Katrina evacuees. Westwood was awarded the money after welcoming approximately 30 students from the New Orleans area following the storm.

Grant Recipients from T.H. Watkins Elementary

On January 24, 2006, Jill Crain, Master Teacher, and Roma Mitchell, Counselor, of T.H. Watkins Elementary School were notified that they were recipients of a grant for hurricane recovery from the Church World Service Emergency Response Program in New York.

Mrs. Crain and Mrs. Mitchell applied for the grant in early January in order to furnish equipment, books, and supplies for the students at Watkins. The grant award provided 270 school supply kits, 315 health care kits, and a cast grant totaling $3,100.00 to be used for purchasing books and physical education equipment.

LSBA 2006 Art Work Contest Winners

Congratulations to the following students who placed first in the 2006 Louisiana School Boards Association Art Work Contest:

First Place in the K-4 Category:

Tatyana Colston, 4^th Grade at College Oaks Elementary School

First Place in the 5-8 Category:

Jade Richard, 8^th Grade at Maplewood Middle School

CONDOLENCES/RECOGNITIONS

Mr. Robert congratulated the art contest winners and suggested that they be recognized at a Board meeting. He announced that it is commendable that Elementary Division has had a 1^st place winner for five consecutive years.

Ms. LaVergne requested a congratulatory letter to the Washington-Marion High School Boys’ Basketball Team for being the district champions. Also, send a letter to the Sam Houston High School Boys’ Basketball Team for their successful season.

Mrs. Duhon and Rev. Franklin requested a letter of commendation to the Lake Charles Boston High School Girls’ Track Team for placing 1^st in the State in-door track competition.

Mr. LaRocque requested a condolence letter to Diane Kersten on the loss of her husband. He also requested a letter of congratulations to the Sam Houston Girls’ Soccer Team for reaching the State play-off category.

Mr. Breaux extended his appreciation to Patrice Saucier, Grant Writer, for her assistance with the grant awarded to W.W. Lewis Middle School for purchase computers.

Mr. Karr extended his appreciation to the DeQuincy City Counsel for their efforts and excellent leadership.

Mr. Pitre requested a letter of congratulations to the Barbe High School Boys’ Basketball Team for their successful season and also to the Girls’ Soccer Team for reaching the semi-finals.

Mr. Andrepont reminded the Board of the “Team Building” retreat will be held March 30 – April 1.

COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEMS

Mr. Andrepont –

Administration and Personnel Committee:

Random drug testing for all employees.
Joint Service Agreement with the Calcasieu Police Jury regarding facilities and buses as related to the upcoming hurricane season.

Curriculum and Instruction Committee:

Testing and grading pertaining to the high school students.

Mr. Breaux –

Administration and Personnel Committee:

Update on employee exit interviews.

Ms. LaVergne -

Curriculum and Instruction Committee:

Pilot program relative to a 4 day school week.

Mrs. Duhon –

Input on cell phone usage.

Mr. Duhon –

Curriculum and Instruction:

Update on the apprehension of drugs and the effectiveness of the canine surveillance in the schools.
Update on expulsion hearings as it pertains to drugs and information regarding alcohol abuse.

Rev. Franklin –

Administration and Personnel:

Report on the number of non-certified teachers.

Mr. Karr –

Update on the alternative school and the students who do not successfully complete the attendance requirement.

Mr. Andrepont requested that the issue relative to cell phone usage among students and faculty members be brought to Committee for review.

SCHEDULE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Board Meeting – Tuesday, March 14, 4:45

Budget Fiscal Management – Tuesday, March 28, 445

Employee Benefits – Tuesday, March 7, 4:45

EXECUTIVE SESSION

On motion by Mr. Duhon, seconded by Mrs. Duhon and unanimously carried, the Board went into Executive Session at 5:45 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. The Board resumed regular open session at 7:10 p.m. Rev. Franklin did not return to open session.

TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION

Personnel

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

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PERSONNEL CHANGES

Resignation

Valena Coco, Teacher, Pearl Watson Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective December 16, 2005.

Nelda Stebbins, Teacher Aide, Gillis Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective January 20, 2006.

Albert Landry, Jr., Teacher, Washington-Marion High School.

Recommend that his resignation become effective January 31, 2006.

Lo Estelle, Teacher, Henry Heights Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective January 13, 2006.

Joe Billy Corbello, Electrician, Maintenance Department.

Recommend that his resignation become effective March 31, 2006.

Jacqueline Grogan, Cafeteria Manager, Iowa High School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective February 28, 2006.

Stephanie Vidrine, Teacher Aide, D. S. Perkins Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective February 6, 2006.

Wilfred Chenier, Counselor, Reynaud Middle School.

Recommend that his resignation become effective February 3, 2006.

Tammie Abshire, Teacher Aide, Sam Houston High School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective February 13, 2006.

Penny Clark, Cafeteria Technician, J. F. Kennedy Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective February 8, 2006.

Wesley Chitty, Custodian, Bell City High School.

Recommend that his resignation become effective February 10, 2006.

Lee Earnest, Custodian, Vinton High School.

Recommend that his resignation become effective February 17, 2006.

Terri Hale, School Clerk, Westlake High School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective February 20, 2006.

Shirley Magnuson, Bus Driver, LeBleu Settlement Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective February 28, 2006.

Marion Pittman, Teacher Aide, LaGrange High School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective May 31, 2006.

Elisabeth Bourdon, Teacher, LaGrange High School.

Recommend that his resignation become effective February 24, 2006.

Samuel Baynes, Teacher, Lake Charles Boston High School.

Recommend that his resignation become effective February 20, 2006.

Notification of Retirement

Margaret Guillory, Teacher Aide, Vinton Elementary School.