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11-01-2005 |
DATE, TIME, PLACE OF MEETING
The Calcasieu Parish School Board met in the Conference Room of the Calcasieu Parish School Board located at 1732 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Tuesday, November 1, 2005, 4:45 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Joe Andrepont, President. The prayer was led by Bryan LaRocque; Jay Duhon led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
The roll was called and the following members were present: Joe A. Andrepont, 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, Philip Tarver and R.L. Webb.
Dale B. Bernard entered after the meeting convened.
MINUTES APPROVED
On motion by Mr. Breaux, seconded by Mr. LaRocque and unanimously carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of September 6 and September 13, 2005, were approved as presented.
Supplemental Agenda
By general consent the Supplemental Agenda was included as part of the regular agenda.
PRESENTATIONS
Book Bag Donation
Jean Johnson, President of the Calcasieu Federation of Teachers, was recognized. Mrs. Johnson reported that over 3,000 book bags filled with school supplies were donated to our school system by the Ponchatoula FFA in an effort to ease the transition back to school. CFT volunteered to assist with the distribution of the bags. The Board thanked Mrs. Johnson and CFT for their efforts. It was requested to send the Ponchatoula FFA a letter thanking them for the bags, supplies and caring spirit as signified by their generous gifts.
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION
Katrina Sales Tax Resolution
On motion by Mr. Robert, seconded by Mr. Tarver and carried, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
Whereas, the effects of Hurricane Katrina have interrupted normal business practices inclusive of filing state and local tax returns and the Calcasieu Parish School Board is desirous of granting some relief for those business concerns affected thereby and,
Whereas, Section 337.18 A.(4) of the Uniform Local Sales Tax Code of 2003 limits the granting of extensions to file sales tax returns for good cause to thirty days, and in consideration of hundreds of businesses that are required to file said return with this parish who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina,
It Is Hereby Resolved, that the Director of the Calcasieu Parish School Board’s Sales and Use Tax Department is hereby authorized to grant additional thirty (30) day extensions to file parish sales tax returns due September 1 and October 1, 2005 for registered businesses in the following parishes: Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St. Tammany.
Be It Further Resolved, that businesses required to file with this parish that are located in any of the twenty-six other parishes in Louisiana as well as other Federal Disaster Areas so designated by the President of the United States in the states of Alabama, Mississippi or Florida may also request in writing an extension of time to file, not to exceed sixty (60) days from the due date of those periods.
Such authorization also permits the Director to suspend the imposition of delinquent interest and penalties for late filing insofar as the delinquency is attributed solely to the inability of the business to meet its filing responsibility because of consequences arising from the storm.
Joe Andrepont, President Calcasieu Parish School Board
ATTEST:
Jude W. Theriot, Secretary
Resolution Authorizing Hiring of Special Counsel for Audit Assessment Protest Proceedings and Any Subsequent Litigation
On motion by Ms. LaVergne, seconded by Mr. Karr and carried, the following resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board administers and collects within the Parish of Calcasieu, sales and use tax both individually and as agent for various political subdivisions; WHEREAS, a dispute and protest has arisen in connection with the audit assessment and subsequent litigation by Centennial Wireless; WHEREAS, there exists a real necessity involving the public interest for the Calcasieu Parish School Board to be represented by special counsel in the protest proceedings and any subsequent litigation; and WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board desires to retain the Law Firm of Rainer, Anding & McLindon as special counsel for the Calcasieu Parish School Board in connection with the audit assessment protest proceedings and any subsequent litigation, subject to a 25% contingency fee. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Firm of Rainer, Anding & McLindon is hereby retained as special counsel for the Calcasieu Parish School Board in connection with the above case protest proceedings and any subsequent litigation, subject to a 25% contingency fee. Joe A. Andrepont, President Calcasieu Parish School Board
Attest:
Jude W. Theriot, Secretary
Declaration of Emergency
On motion by Mr. Robert, seconded by Dr. Stephens and carried, the following resolution was adopted:
SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1R E S O L U T I O N
DECLARING PUBLIC EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, the effects of and the widespread damages resulting from Hurricane Rita have resulted in widespread property damage and a negative impact on the ability of the Calcasieu Parish School System to provide and deliver the constitutionally mandated public education;
WHEREAS, immediate emergency action is required to restore the ability of the Calcasieu Parish School System to provide and deliver the constitutionally mandated public education;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Calcasieu Parish School Board that it hereby certifies and declares that a public emergency exists for the purpose of and in accordance with LSA - R.S. 38:2211 et seq and further that notice of this declaration be published in the official journal of the Calcasieu Parish School Board within ten days hereof.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this _________ day of _______________, 2005.
_______________________ Joe A. Andrepont, President Calcasieu Parish School Board
Attest:
____________________________________ Jude W. Theriot, Secretary PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Items Due to Hurricane Rita
On motion by Ms. LaVergne, seconded by Mr. Tarver and carried with one nay by Rev. Franklin, permission to advertise for the replacement of lost or damaged items due to hurricane Rita was approved.
Mr. Bernard entered the meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
Change Order Number Five (5) for the Project “Additions and Renovations to LaGrange High School,” School District Number 33 Bond Funds, Project Number 200214,
On motion by Mr. Bernard, seconded by Mr. Falgout and carried, change order number five (5) for the project “Additions and Renovations to LaGrange High School,” school district number 33 bond funds, project number 200214, for an increase of $48,112.14 and an extension of 70 days, C. Gayle Zembower, Architect, Inc., designer; Priola Construction Corporation, contractor was approved.
Change Order Number Four (4) for the Project “Additions and Renovations to Nelson Elementary School,” Phase III, School District Number 34 Bond Funds, Project Number 2005-08PC
On motion by Mr. Bernard, seconded by Mr. Pitre and carried, change order number four (4) for the project “Additions and Renovations to Nelson Elementary School,” phase III, school district number 34 bond funds, project number 2005-08PC, for an increase of $1,850.00, H. Curtis Vincent and Steven D. Shows, Architects, designers; Miller and Associates Company, Inc., contractor, was approved.
Change Order Number Five (5-R) for the Project “Additions and Renovations to Prien Lake Elementary School,” School District Number 34 Bond Funds, Project Number 2004-22PC
On motion by Mr. Robert, seconded by Mr. Bernard and carried, change order number five (5-R) for the project “Additions and Renovations to Prien Lake Elementary School,” school district number 34 bond funds, project number 2004-22PC, for an increase of $2,877.00 and an extension of 70 days, Paul B. Ritter, AIA, designer; Alfred Palma, Inc., contractor, was approved.
Recommendation of Acceptance for the Project “Additions and Renovations to College Oaks Elementary School,” School District Number 34 Bond Funds, Project Number 2004-14PC
On motion by Mr. Robert, seconded by Mr. Bernard and carried, recommendation of acceptance for the project “Additions and Renovations to College Oaks Elementary School,” school district number 34 bond funds, project number 2004-14PC, Moss Architects, Inc., designer; Bessette Development Corporation, contractor, was approved.
Recommendation of Acceptance for the Project “Additions and Renovations to Gillis Elementary School,” Sales Tax District Number 3, Project Number 2005-04PC
On motion by Mr. Webb, seconded by Dr. Stephens and carried, recommendation of acceptance for the project “Additions and Renovations to Gillis Elementary School,” sales tax district number 3, project number 2005-04PC, Moss Architects, Inc., designer; Lewing Construction Company, contractor, was approved.
Recommendation of Acceptance for the Project “Additions and Renovations to Prien Lake Elementary,” School District Number 34 Bond Funds, Project Number 2004-15PC
On motion by Mr. Robert, seconded by Mr. Bernard and carried, recommendation of acceptance for the project “Additions and Renovations to Prien Lake Elementary,” school district number 34 bond funds, project number 2004-15PC, Paul B. Ritter, AIA, designer; Alfred Palma, Inc., contractor, was approved.
Recommendation of Acceptance for the Project “New St. John Elementary School,” School District Number 34 Bond Funds, Moss Architects, Inc., Designer; Alfred Palma, Inc., Contractor
On motion by Mr. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Pitre and carried, recommendation of acceptance for the project “New St. John Elementary School,” school district number 34 bond funds, Moss Architects, Inc., designer; Alfred Palma, Inc., contractor, was approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Hurricane Rita Disaster Response Chronology
LSBA Convention – March 9-11, 2006, Baton Rouge
NSBA 66th Annual Conference and Exposition – April 8-11, 2006, Chicago
CONDOLENCES/RECOGNITION
Mr. Webb expressed his appreciation to Mr. Theriot and staff for the professional and expeditious manner in which the hurricane disaster response was managed. He requested letters of condolence to Glenda Williams on the loss of her mother, Andy Ardoin on the loss of his mother, and Janelle Authement on the loss of her husband.
Ms. LaVergne thanked administration and staff for their response to the disaster and open line of communication to the employees and public regarding the status of our school system.
Mrs. Duhon requested a letter of condolence to the family of Wylie Stewart. Coach Stewart was a football coach at W.O. Boston High School. She requested a letter of thanks to the Minden School Board Superintendent and Board Member Frankie Mitchell for assisting the Calcasieu students, especially her grandchildren during the displacement period due to hurricane Rita. She commended the system for the manner in which the disaster was handled and also the city officials for their efforts.
Mr. Robert recognized the McNeese students who were in attendance. He commended the school system for acting promptly and diligently to the hurricane disaster.
Mr. Bernard congratulated the superintendent and staff for their efforts.
Mr. Tarver thanked staff for their leadership and the process in which they moved forward, therefore stimulating the planning and recovery of our community.
Dr. Stephens requested a letter of condolence to his brother in law, Thomas Duncan, on the loss of his sister, Zella Duncan.
Mr. LaRocque extended his personal thanks to administration and staff for their diligent efforts to restore operation of our system.
Rev. Franklin thanked Mr. Theriot and staff for all they have done for the school system. He also requested letters of condolence to the family of Katherine Washington, wife of the late Rev. V.E. Washington.
Mr. Breaux commended the system for their response to the disaster. Also, he extended well wishes to Betty Hanchey for a speedy recovery from her illness. He requested a letter of condolence to Carol Longenbaugh for the tragic loss of her daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren.
Mr. Duhon commended staff for their efforts and noted that for several days the only means of communication and operation updates was through the function of the website. He congratulated his nephew, Ben Bourgeois, for being named Athlete of the Week. In addition to his athleticism, his academic record is excellent – all As. Mr. Duhon requested a letter of condolence to the family of Marie Allen. Ms. Allen was a retired teacher and principal at Vincent Settlement. He reminded the Board and public of the bond election in bonding district 26 on November 12. He added that it was not a tax increase.
Mr. Karr requested a letter of condolence to Douglas Hall on the loss of his wife, Diane. Mrs. Hall was a teacher’s aide at DeQuincy High School. He commended the school system administration, staff, local mayors throughout Calcasieu Parish and adjacent parishes, police jury, sheriff’s office, and the city police. He added that the school system shines through the leadership of Superintendent Theriot, and he is proud to be a member of the Board.
Mr. Falgout requested letters of condolence to the families of Iris Murphy and Evie Whitten. They taught in the system for many years and were well respected. He congratulated Mr. Theriot and staff for their response to the hurricane disaster.
Mr. Pitre echoed the Board’s sentiments regarding the successful management of the hurricane response.
Mr. Andrepont thanked Mr. Theriot and staff. He read the following message that was printed on the front of the agenda packet: “Words can not express the gratitude and appreciation that we owe to all the individuals that helped this system start operating again. Your dedication and hard work is greatly appreciated.”
SCHEDULE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Board Meeting – Tuesday, December 13, 4:45 Pupil Personnel – Tuesday, November 29, 4:45 Budget Fiscal Management – Tuesday, November 14, 4:45 Curriculum and Instruction – Thursday, December 6, 4:45
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On motion by Mr. Karr, seconded by Dr. Stephens and unanimously carried, the Board went into Executive Session at 5:40 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. The Board resumed regular open session at 5:45 p.m.
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION
Personnel
On motion by Mr. Karr, seconded by Mr. Tarver and unanimously carried, the following personnel changes were approved as recommended by the Superintendent:
Workers’ Compensation Claim
On motion by Mr. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Breaux and carried, it was approved to settle workers’ claim number 061WCM04 according to legal advice.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PERSONNEL CHANGES
Resignation
Sally Skillman, Cafeteria Tech., Moss Bluff Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective August 30, 2005.
Gail Richard, Cafeteria Tech., Vinton Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective May 31, 2005.
Carol Simon, Cafeteria Tech., Prien Lake Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective August 31, 2005.
Hattie Hebert, Bus Driver, Pearl Watson Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective August 31, 2005.
Jeanette Vitello, School Clerk, S. J. Welsh Middle School. Recommend that her resignation become effective September 13, 2005.
Cherie Benoit, Teacher, Westwood Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective September 1, 2005.
Sylvia Nash, Teacher, F. K. White Middle School. Recommend that her resignation become effective August 31, 2005.
Vincent Occhiogrosso, Teacher Aide, Westlake T & I. Recommend that his resignation become effective August 30, 2005.
Melissa Kegley, Cafeteria Tech., R. W. Vincent Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective September 1, 2005.
William B. Kellogg, Jr., Teacher/Coach, DeQuincy High School. Recommend that his resignation become effective September 23, 2005.
Marilyn Spicer, Cafeteria Tech., Maplewood Middle School. Recommend that her resignation become effective August 7, 2005.
Robert Palmer, Teacher, Reynaud Middle School. Recommend that his resignation become effective September 12, 2005.
Kirk Credeur, Supervisor of Special Education, Special Services Dept. Recommend that his resignation become effective September 30, 2005.
Thomasena Chaisson, Teacher, Pearl Watson Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective September 16, 2005.
Crystal Van, Cafeteria Tech., Vincent Settlement Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective September 16, 2005.
Jane Worsham, Teacher, J. I. Watson Middle School. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 13, 2005.
Michael Lavergne, Carpenter, Maintenance Department. Recommend that his resignation become effective October 19, 2005.
Standifer Hines, Custodian, Fairview Elementary School. Recommend that his resignation become effective October 12, 2005.
David Bourque, Bus Mechanic, Transportation Department. Recommend that his resignation become effective October 14, 2005.
Mary Alice Ballard, Teacher, W. W. Lewis Middle School. Recommend that her resignation become effective September 9, 2005.
Kimberly Brouillette, Teacher, LeBlanc Middle School. Recommend that her resignation become effective September 20, 2005.
Mary Segura, Cafeteria Tech., Kaufman Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective September 20, 2005.
Martin Harris, Teacher, F. K. White Middle School. Recommend that his resignation become effective September 20, 2005.
Ethel Fruge', Teacher, Career Center. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 7, 2005.
Myrna Ramirez, Teacher, Frasch Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 13, 2005.
Monique McNab, Teacher, Clifton Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 17, 2005.
Ruth Hickmon, Teacher, Molo Middle School. Recommend that her resignation become effective September 20, 2005.
Elizabeth Myers, Cafeteria Tech., LaGrange High School. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 14, 2005.
Katherine Moreaux, Cafeteria Tech., DeQuincy High School. Recommend that her resignation become effective September 30, 2005.
Leon Senegar, Teacher, Lake Charles Boston High School. Recommend that his resignation become effective October 18, 2005.
Deborah Lange, Teacher, T. H. Watkins Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 18, 2005.
Tiffany Miller, Tutor, Oak Park Middle School. Recommend that her resignation become effective September 20, 2005.
Marjorie Rene', Cafeteria Tech., Oak Park Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 19, 2005.
Ronald Bourque, Custodian, Westwood Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 17, 2005.
Glenn Buras, Sr., Teacher Aide, F. K. White Middle School. Recommend that his resignation become effective October 21, 2005.
Dena Jules, Family Advocate, Headstart Programs. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 21, 2005.
Shirley Joseph, Cafeteria Tech., Kaufman Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 22, 2005.
Melissa Comeaux, Teacher, Frasch Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 21, 2005.
Phyllis Jackson, Teacher, Westwood Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective September 30, 2005.
Sharon Reed, Cafeteria Tech., Frasch Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 31, 2005.
Carolyn Whitwell, Teacher, DeQuincy Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 28, 2005.
Payton Smith, Custodian, Reynaud Middle School. Recommend that his resignation become effective October 27, 2005.
Margarita Zavalza, Teacher, LaGrange High School. Recommend that her resignation become effective November 4, 2005.
Reynaldo Zavalza, Teacher, LaGrange High School. Recommend that his resignation become effective November 4, 2005.
Rebekah Gradwohl, Teacher, Clifton Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 26, 2005.
Christopher Leach, Electrician, Maintenance Department. Recommend that his resignation become effective October 31, 2005.
Alorea Gilyot, Teacher, Clifton Elementary School. Recommend that her resignation become effective October 21, 2005.
Joseph Gilyot, Teacher, Reynaud Middle School. Recommend that his resignation become effective October 21, 2005.
Waive Act 715
Wanda Ardoin, Teacher, LaGrange High School. Recommend that Act 715 be waive on her behalf and her resignation become effective October 21, 2005.
Retirement Notification
Betty Jenkins, Tutor, Johnson Elementary School. Recommend that her notification of retirement become effective October 31, 2005.
Scott Grant, Jr., Custodian, DeQuincy High School. Recommend that his notification of retirement become effective September 30, 2005.
Sheila LeBleu, Cafeteria Tech., LeBleu Settlement Elementary School. Recommend that her notification of retirement become effective November 4, 2005.
Notification of Approved Retire-Rehire
Peggy Paige, Librarian, Vinton Middle School. Approved notification of retirement effective September 9, 2005 and rehire effective September 13, 2005.
Leave Without Pay
Erin Webb, Teacher Aide, St. John Elementary School. Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning September 26, 2005 until December 16, 2005.
Stacy Stewart-Trail, Cafeteria Tech., Barbe Elementary School. Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning October 27, 2005 until November 4, 2005.
Joyce Blunt, Cafeteria Tech., Western Heights Elementary School. Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning October 20, 2005 until January 3, 2006.
Kerry Fobbs, Teacher Aide, Brentwood Elementary School. Recommend that he be granted a leave without pay for the 2005-2006 school session.
Saundra LaFleur, Bus Aide, Western Heights Elementary School. Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning September 12, 2005 until November 1, 2005.
James Reed, Custodian, Gillis Elementary School. Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning October 25, 2005 until August 1, 2005.
Lori Jordan, Teacher Aide, St. John Elementary School. Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning October 24, 2005 until January 2, 2006.
Karen Prater, Bus Driver, Headstart Programs. Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning October 26, 2005 until May 31, 2005.
Deborah Jones, Teacher Aide, College Oaks Elementary School. Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning October 25, 2005 until December 25, 2005.
Dorothy Rougeau, Cafeteria Tech., J. I. Watson Middle School. Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning November 1, 2005 until May 31, 2005.
Maternity Leave
Sherri Kramer, Teacher, Prien Lake Elementary School. Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning September 19, 2005, until November 1, 2005.
Billijo Boyd, Teacher Aide, Dolby Elementary School. Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning August 30, 2005 until October 24, 2005.
Kathryn Sanford, Teacher, S. P. Arnett Middle School. Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning October 21, 2005 until January 2, 2006.
Erin Nickel, Teacher, Prien Lake Elementary School. Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning September 2, 2005 until January 18, 2006.
Alexia Richard, Teacher, S. J. Welsh Middle School. Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning November 30, 2005 until March 1, 2006.
Christe Pettis, Speech Pathologist, Special Services Department. Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning November 5, 2005 until December 12, 2005.
Lisa Mullett, Web Specialist, Technology Department Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning July 22, 2005 until September 6, 2005.
Hollie Sanders, Teacher, DeQuincy High School. Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning October 29, 2005 until January 13, 2006.
Angela Ramirez, Teacher, DeQuincy Elementary School. Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning January 2, 2006 until February 13, 2006.
Heather Sarver, Teacher, F. K. White Middle School. Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning November 10, 2005, until January 2, 2006.
Julie Semien, Teacher, Sam Houston High School. Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning November 28, 2005, until January 10, 2006.
Alice Bailey, Teacher, R. W. Vincent Elementary School. Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning December 12, 2005, until February 6, 2006.
Mary Hidalgo, Teacher, Iowa/Bell City High Schools. Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning April 21, 2006 until May 31, 2005.
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