11-14-2006

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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, November 14, 2006, at 4:45 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Ed Stephens, President. The prayer was led by Sheral LaVergne; Bryan LaRocque led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

The roll was called and the following members were present: Joe A. Andrepont, Clara F. Duhon, Jay L. Duhon, Mary Kaye Eason, Rev. J.L. Franklin, Bryan LaRocque, Sheral A. LaVergne, Dr. Edward Stephens, Billy Breaux, James Karr, Sr., Greg Robert, and R.L. Webb.

John Falgout, Dale Bernard, and Jimmy Pitre were absent.

MINUTES APPROVED

On a motion by Joe Andrepont, seconded by Jay Duhon and unanimously carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of October 3, 2006 were approved as presented.

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA

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

PRESENTATIONS

Tech Networking Employees

Wayne Savoy, Superintendent, presented the following employees to the Board, along with Mrs. Ruth Starr and Mrs. Charlotte Currie.

Jerry Baus, Chris Mace, Michael Franks, and Jacob Tyree

These men rescued Mrs. Starr from her flooded car during a recent heavy downpour and subsequent street flooding. Mrs. Currie, the daughter of Mrs. Starr, asked that these men be recognized for helping her mother.

NSBA Technology Award

Sheryl Abshire, Administrative Coordinator of Technology, presented her department to the Board, reporting that they had been chosen to receive the Trailblazer Award from the NSBA’s Technology Leadership Network Program. This is only the second time that this award has ever been given. The reward was received as a result of the comprehensive technology planning that allowed the department to service the students, faculty, and community during the Hurricane Rita crisis.

2007 Calcasieu Parish Teachers of the Year

Beatrice Hopkins, ELA Consultant, presented the runners up and winners from the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Elementary

2^nd Runner Up              Marjorie Cormier, Barbe Elementary

                                     Principal, John Spikes

1^st Runner Up               Trudy Phelps, Dolby Elementary

                                     Principal, Pam Quebedeaux

Winner                         Brydie Manuel, Nelson Elementary

                                     Jackie Smith, Principal

Middle School

2^nd Runner Up              Karen Andrews, Vinton Middle

                                     Stephen Hardy, Principal

1^st Runner Up               Rachel Sanders, Molo Middle

                                     James Wilson, Principal

Winner                         Mitzi George, J.I. Watson Middle

                                     Pat Schooler, Principal

High School

2^nd Runner Up              Julie McCardle, Vinton High

                                     Mitch Manuel, Principal

1^st Runner Up               Sara Jolie, Sam Houston High

                                     Doug McCullor, Principal

Winner                         Bridgette Culpepper, Sulphur High

                                     Keith Bonin, Principal

Counselor of the Year

James Powers, Tech Prep Consultant/Counselors/Option 3, presented the

Recipients of the Calcasieu Counselor of the Year awards.

Lee Richard, Outstanding Middle School Counselor, W.W. Lewis Middle School, Tony Dougherty, Principal

Pam Spears, Outstanding Elementary School Counselor and Calcasieu Counselor of the Year, DeQuincy Elementary School, Cynthia Creel, Principal

CALCASIEU PARISH HEAD START SERVICE AWARD

Sheryl Piper, Director of Early Childhood, presented a plaque to Jackie Simien-Guillory for serving as president of the Parents Policy Council, for Head Start.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Budget and Fiscal Management Committee

Jay Duhon, Chairman of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, reported on the October 12, 2006 committee meeting. On the item of band uniforms, at committee, a motion was made and seconded to table the item until band organizations could present their financial status to the committee. Mr. Duhon, on behalf of the committee, moved to accept the motion to table this item. The motion was voted on and passed by the Board. Mr. Andrepont asked that the staff research which bands have been supplemented in the past, and which ones have been left out.

The next item presented was a cooperative agreement between CPSB and the Town of Vinton, for completion of projects at Vinton High School, Vinton Middle School, and other various Vinton projects. The committee moved to approve the recommendation that the cooperative agreement between CPSB and the Town of Vinton be approved. Mr. Duhon, on behalf of the committee, moved to accept the motion. The motion was voted on and passed by the Board.

Next, a transfer and joint services agreement between CPSB and the City of DeQuincy was presented, regarding the old DeQuincy Middle School gymnasium property. The gymnasium has been leased by the City of DeQuincy for many years and they desire to make improvements to the property, to use as a permanent facility. The property would be offered back to the school system if the City decided to sell the property. The committee moved to approve the agreement. Mr. Duhon, on behalf of the committee, moved to accept the motion. The motion was voted on and passed by the Board.

A one-time salary supplement for employees actively employed on October 31, 2006 was discussed and on a motion by committee, approved.

Employees based on the Teacher’s Salary Schedule would receive $2,200 and employees not based on the Teacher’s Salary Schedule would receive $1,700. All part-time regular employees (4 hours or less) would receive ½ of the supplement. Mr. Duhon, on behalf of the committee, moved to accept the motion. The motion was voted on and passed by the Board.

Mr. Duhon reported that the committee had discussed an increase in platoon bus route fees, but had decided the matter could be handled in other ways. For Board action, on a motion by Mr. Robert, the item was deferred. Mr. Andrepont seconded the motion.

The next item presented was Budget Revision #1 to the 2006-2007 General Fund Budget. Revenues and other sources of funds totaled $207,830,837, an increase of$32,199. Expenditures and other uses of funds totaled $213,480,979, an increase of $832,472. The net result of operations is a $5,650,142 deficit, an increase of $800,273 from the original deficit. The unreserved/undesignated portion of General Fund reserves, after recording the deficit, is $36,495,962 or 17.56% of project revenues. The committee approved the revision and on behalf of the committee, Mr. Duhon made a motion to accept. The motion was voted on and passed by the Board.

Next, a recommendation was presented for an additional phase of pod construction to include 28 classrooms at 4 different schools. Mr. Karr asked for an amendment to the motion by Mr. Duhon to accept the recommendation, that Vinton High School be included with a two-room pod. Mr. Duhon seconded the motion for the amendment. On a vote, the amendment carried. Mr. Duhon, on behalf of the committee, moved to accept the recommendation for the additional phase of pod construction, including the amendment. The motion carried. Mrs. Duhon asked the names of the four schools receiving the pod classrooms. Mr. Bruchhaus named the schools as Sam Houston High School, St. John Elementary, LeBleu Settlement Elementary, and Bell City High School.

The committee reviewed the substitute teacher pay scale. A motion was made to have the staff review the pay rate and make a recommendation back to the committee for further review. Mr. Duhon, on behalf of the committee, moved to accept the motion. The motion was voted on and passed.

Curriculum and Instruction Committee

R.L. Webb, Chairman of the Curriculum and Instruction Committee,

reported on the November 9, 2006 committee meeting. The first item was the 2007-2008 School/Administrative Calendar. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Webb moved to accept the recommendation to approve. The motion was voted on and passed.

The second item was the Social Studies Textbook selection recommendation. The committee moved to accept the recommendation to accept the Elementary, Middle and High School Social Studies textbook recommendations. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Webb made a motion to accept. The motion was voted on and passed.

The next item was School Assessed Fees. This item was brought to committee to discuss the varying fees at different schools. Principals asked for an increase in telephone allocations and Middle School principals asked that the committee discuss funding for athletic equipment. Mr. Karr asked that there be a total review of the cheerleader policy. Parents should be told up front what fees are required and what they are being used for. This item was for information purposes only.

Mr. Andrepont asked that parameters be put on assessed fees and that parents be informed how fees are spent, along with how fundraiser funds are spent. He also said that the Board needs to discuss a formula for helping fund items for schools, such as lawn equipment, copiers, furniture, etc.

The last committee item was an update on textbooks for Middle School math. This item was for informational purposes only.

Employee Benefits Committee

Billy Breaux, Chairman of the Employee Benefits Committee, reported on the October 5, 2006 committee meeting. The only agenda item was the midyear Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Louisiana health insurance update.

CPSB has added 388.25 more members in 2006 than in 2005. The total claims paid from May-August in 2006 showed an increase of $733,052 from the same time in 2005. The average claims paid per month, per member, is $302.00, up 3% from 2005. Kathy Sonnier, with BC/BS of LA explained to the committee that BC/BS networks saved over 52% for CPSB and that BC/BS networks are being used 95% of the time. Mr. Breaux reported this to the Board, for information purposes only.

TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION

Moss Bluff Middle School Band  Field Trip Request

On a motion by Mr. LaRocque, seconded by Mr. Andrepont and carried, the Moss Bluff Middle School Field Trip request to Orlando, Florida was approved on a vote by the Board.

Sulphur High School Chorus Field Trip Request

On a motion by Mr. Duhon, seconded by Mr. Andrepont and carried, the Sulphur High School Chorus Field Trip request to Houston, Texas was approved on a vote by the Board.

Joint Services Agreement – City of DeQuincy

On a motion by Mr. Karr, seconded by Mr. Breaux, the Joint Services Agreement regarding the Old DeQuincy Middle School Gymnasium property and the City of DeQuincy was approved on a vote by the Board.

STATE OF LOUISIANA:

PARISH OF CALCASIEU:

                                                                    TRANSFER & JOINT SERVICES AGREEMENT

BE IT KNOWN, that before me, Notary Public duly commissioned and qualified in and for the Parish of Calcasieu, State of Louisiana and in the presence of the subscribing witnesses, personally came and appeared:

CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD, a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, herein represented by its duly authorized president,  Edward Stephens,

hereinafter referred to as “vendor”, who declared that it does by these presents grant, bargain, assign, transfer, deliver, convey, abandon, and set over without warranty of title but with full subrogation to all rights and to actions of warranty vendor may have unto:

CITY OF DEQUINCY, a municipality organized under the laws of the State of Louisiana, herein represented by Jerry Bell, its duly authorized Mayor,

hereinafter called “vendee”, whose permanent mailing address is P. O. Box 968, DeQuincy, Louisiana  70633, here present, accepting, and acknowledging delivery and possession of  the following described property:

Old DeQuincy Middle School Gymnasium property, located at 502 Grand Avenue, DeQuincy, Louisiana, more fully described as:

That certain tract of land in the Northwest Quarter (NW ¼ ) of the Northeast Quarter (NE ¼ ) of Section Nineteen (19), Township Seven (7) South, Range Ten (10) West, commencing at the intersection of the east line of the right-of-way of State Hwy. No.  27 with the south line of the right-of-way of the old Gulf Coast Railroad, thence northeasterly along the south line of the right-of-way of the old Gulf Coast Railroad a distance of three hundred four (304) feet more or less to a point, thence south a distance of one hundred forty-four (144) feet more or less to a point, thence west a distance of three hundred (300) feet to the east line of the right-of-way of State Hwy. No. 27; thence north along the east line of the right-of-way of State Hwy. No. 27 a distance of one hundred (100) feet to a point of beginning.  Description is approximate and may vary subject to a final survey,

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said property unto vendee, its successors and assigns forever. 

The foregoing conveyance is made without any warranty, whether as to title or condition of the premises, and vendee assumes responsibility for the premises in its current condition.

Vendee further assumes payment of the costs of appraisal and survey of the premises, and will reimburse vendor for such sums as may have been expended by it in connection with the foregoing transfer.

Vendor transfers and vendee acquires title to the premises to be used by vendee as a community center and other similar lawful city purposes.

Vendee agrees that should it desire to sell the premises transferred herein, then and in that event it shall first offer to transfer the property back to the Calcasieu Parish School Board and vendor shall have 90 days from written notification of said offer by vendee to notify vendee in writing whether it desires to exercise its option from vendee.

THUS DONE, AND SIGNED by the parties in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana  on this                    day of                           , 2006.

WITNESSES:                                       CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

                                                 President (VENDOR)

Sworn to and subscribed before me this                         day of                          , 2006 at Lake Charles, Louisiana.

NOTARY PUBLIC

WITNESSES:                                       CITY OF DEQUINCY

                                                 MAYOR  (VENDEE)

Sworn to and subscribed before me this                         day of                          , 2006 at Lake Charles, Louisiana.

NOTARY PUBLIC

Cooperative Agreement – Town of Vinton

On a motion by Mr. Duhon, seconded by Mr. Andrepont, the Cooperative Agreement with the Town of Vinton was approved on a vote by the Board.

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT            UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

BETWEEN                                                   

TOWN OF VINTON                                   STATE OF LOUISIANA

AND                                                              

CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD    PARISH OF CALCASIEU

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT,  made and entered into this              day of                    , 2006 by and between the TOWN OF VINTON, a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana (herinafter called “Town”), herein represented by its Mayor,                      and the CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD, a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana (hereinafter called “School Board”), herein represented by its President, Edward Stephens.

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, Article VII, Section 14(c) of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana provides that “for a public purpose, the state and its political subdivisions…may engage in cooperative endeavors with each other…,”

WHEREAS, the School Board and the Town have approved their participation in this agreement for the following:

Vinton High School

The Town of Vinton would install reinforced concrete catch basins and reinforced concrete culverts in the open ditches in front of the school.  This would involve approximately 500 ft. of piping along with six catch basins.  The materials would be provided by the School Board.  Additional work involving limestone surfacing (over fill material) of parking areas (in the right-of-way of Grace Avenue) and concrete sidewalks to be provided by the School Board are future potential projects under the agreement. 

Vinton Middle School

The School Board would provide reinforced concrete parking and drives over an area (approximately 54’ by 424’) of 22,896 sq. ft. of which approximately one half of the total area would be located in the public right-of-way of Short Street on the north side of the school.

Other Vinton Projects

The School Board and the Town may periodically identify mutually beneficial projects that will be jointly sponsored and authorized under this agreement.  The identification of “other Vinton projects” must be in writing and signed by both the School Board and the Town.

WHEREAS, the Town and the School Board wish to enter into this Agreement for the mutual benefit of the Parish of Calcasieu as authorized under LSA-R.S.33:1321 et seq. (“Local Services Law”) and Louisiana Constitution, Article VII, Section 14;

The Parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I – PROJECT IDENTITY

The Projects will be identified as “Improvements at Vinton Schools”. All correspondence submitted in connection with the Project shall be identified by the project name set forth above.

ARTICLE II – COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

The School Board and its employees, contractors, subcontractors and agents shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances in carrying out the provisions of this Cooperative Agreement.

The Town and its employees, contractors, subcontractors and agents shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances in carrying out the provisions of this Cooperative Agreement.

ARTICLE III – PROCUREMENT STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS

The participation by the School Board and the Town in the Project shall in no way be construed to make them a party to each other’s contracts between   contractors and/or subcontractors.  However, all parties to this agreement shall be deemed to derive benefit from the contracts and this stipulation shall be incorporated into all contracts for work on the Project.

ARTICLE IV – INSURANCE

Both the School Board and the Town shall procure and maintain, for the duration of the contract, appropriate insurance coverage with a company licensed in the State of Louisiana.

ARTICLE V – ASSIGNABILITY

Neither the School Board nor the Town shall assign any interest in this Cooperative Agreement, and shall not transfer any interest in the same (whether by assignment or novation), without the prior written consent of the School Board or the Town.

ARTICLE VI – SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

This Cooperative Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the respective parties hereto.

ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS

No amendment shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of both parties.

ARTICLE VIII – REPRESENTATION

The School Board and the Town represent that this agreement supersedes all proposals, oral and written, all previous contracts, agreements, negotiations and all other communications between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused these presents to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of

the day and year first above written.

WITNESSES:                         CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

                                                 BY:                                                                             

                                                        EDWARD STEPHENS, PRESIDENT

WITNESSES:                         TOWN OF VINTON

                                                 BY:                                                                             

                                                                                         , MAYOR

BID REPORTS

There were no Bid Reports.

         PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE

Deluxe Trauma Kit, Title IV Safe & Drug Free Schools Project

On a motion to advertise by Mr. Andrepont and seconded by Mr. Duhon, the motion carried. Mr. Miller, Assistant Superintendent, reported that these will be paid by the Emergency Response Grant.

Sam Houston High School – Phase II – Science Lab and Classroom Addition, Sales Tax District 3 Funds; Moss Architects, Inc., Designer

On a motion to advertise by Mr. LaRocque and seconded by Mr. Webb, the motion carried.

         CORRESPONDENCE

Recommendation of Acceptance, Bid Number 2006-01 PC, for the Project “Gym Floor Replacement at DeQuincy Middle School, Hurricane Rita Repair Funds; C.R. Fugatt, A.I.A., Architect; Arms Building &Maintenance, Inc., Contractor. On a motion to accept by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.

Recommendation of Acceptance, Project Number 2006-18 PC, for the Project “Phase 4 – Additions & Renovations to Nelson Elementary School,” Bonding District #34 Funds, H.Curtis Vincent – Steven D. Shows, Architects, APC.; Miller & Associates, Contractor. On a motion to accept by Mr. Robert and seconded by Mrs. Eason, the motion carried.

           SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Suggested Board Dates

                                               Tuesday, December 5, 2006, 4:45 p.m.

                                               Tuesday, January 9, 2007, 4:45 p.m.

                                               Tuesday, February 6, 2007, 4:45 p.m.

On a motion to accept by Mr. Andrepont and seconded by Mr. Karr, the motion carried.

Mr. Savoy reported to the Board that CPSB is proud to announce that many long term bond issues were refinanced at extremely low rates prior to rates starting to rise. Total direct taxpayer savings are $4,201,655.00.

Mr. Breaux, Mr. Karr, Mr. Andrepont, and Mr. Duhon complimented Mr. Bruchhaus for the excellent way that he manages the school system funds. Mr. Bruchhaus noted that he has a group of very competent people in his department and they all work hard to save the system money.

Mr. Savoy discussed the safety measures that the system uses, such as ID badges, school resource officers, school uniforms, video cameras, and Sonitrol. Over eight hundred employees have been trained with the U.S. Department of Education Emergency Response Crisis Management Grant, for school safety audits/CPR training/stress debriefing.

Mr. Savoy showed the Board the brochure that will be sent home to every CPSB student. The brochure has emergency information and emergency phone numbers for parents, so that they will know what to do in case of school emergencies. Penny Haxthausen, Drug Free/Title IX Consultant, presented the brochure information to the Board, saying that school safety is everyone’s responsibility and that parents need to be aware that our schools are prepared.

He reported on Connect Ed, a company that will notify every parent instantly when there is any problem at a school, such as a lockdown situation.

CONDOLENCES/RECOGNITIONS

Mr. Andrepont asked that schools with Veteran’s Day programs be complimented.

Mrs. LaVergne asked that a letter of commendation be sent to Molo Middle School for coming out of corrective action. Mr. Pitre (not present) had sent in a written request for the same.

Mrs. Duhon asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Andrus Sam, a bus driver with CPSB for many years. She asked for a letter of recognition to the Lake Charles-Boston football team for making the playoffs. She asked that a letter of recognition be sent to Superintendent Savoy for the system newsletter. She also commended the audience for staying for the meeting.

Mr. LaRocque asked for a letter of condolence to Ruth Chaumont at the loss of her daughter.

Mr. Duhon asked for letters of recognition to the Sulphur High School and Vinton High School football teams for making the playoffs.

COMMITTEE AGENDA  ITEMS

Administration and Personnel Committee

Mr. Duhon asked that prayer in schools be reviewed.

Mr. Karr asked that the issue of travel by employees be discussed, expanding it to include all CPSB travel expenses, as compared to other districts.

Mrs. Duhon asked that principals be asked how the cell phone issue is being handled at their schools.

Mr. Andrepont said that he continues to receive complaints against the Transportation Department and would like that addressed by the committee.

Curriculum and Instruction Committee

Mr. Andrepont asked that school uniforms be discussed and that common sense be stressed as it applies to uniforms.

Budget and Fiscal Management Committee

Mr. Andrepont asked for a formula to be created for copiers, lawn equipment, furniture, phone allocations and using CPSB reserves for these items for schools.

Mr. Breaux asked that the Change Order Committee be revived or reconvened.

SCHEDULE STANDING COMMITTEE  MEETINGS

There were no committee meetings scheduled.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion by Mr. Karr, seconded by Mr. Webb, the Board went into Executive Session at 6:15 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. The Board resumed Regular Session at 7:05 p.m.

TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION

Personnel

Mr. Anderson, Assistant Superintendent, requested a motion supporting the recommendations as listed in the personnel packet, including the addendum. On a motion by Mr. LaRocque, seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.    

ADDENDUM:

The staff recommended Melissa Bushnell as the Assistant Principal of Dolby Elementary School. On a motion by Mr. Robert, seconded by Mrs. Eason, the motion carried.

The staff recommended Kashia Askew as Elementary Consultant. On a motion by Mr. Breaux, seconded by Mr. Webb, the motion carried.

            Mr. Anderson asked for a motion to advertise for the position of Director

            of High Schools. On a motion by Mr. Karr, seconded by Mr. Breaux, the

            motion carried.

A blue card was filled out by Mr. Burke and he addressed the Board,                             asking them to reconsider the termination of his son, Brian, as custodian at the Sales Tax office.

Meeting Adjourned

On a motion to adjourn by Mr. Breaux, seconded by Mrs. Eason, the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m.

____________________________               _____________________________

Wayne Savoy, Secretary                                Ed Stephens, President