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02/12/08 |
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 12, 2008, 4:45 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Jimmy Pitre, President. The prayer was led by R.L. Webb; Bill Jongbloed led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
The roll was called and the following members were present: Joe Andrepont, Annette Ballard, Dale B. Bernard, Billy Breaux, Randy Burleigh, Mack Dellafosse, Clara Duhon, Chad Guidry, Fred Hardy, Bill Jongbloed, James Karr, Bryan LaRocque, Jimmy Pitre, Elray Victorian, and R.L. Webb.
MINUTES APPROVED
On a motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Webb and unanimously carried, the Minutes of the regular meeting of January 8, 2008, were approved as presented. On a motion by Mr. Burleigh, seconded by Mr. Jongbloed and unanimously carried, the Minutes of the special meeting of January 29, 2008, were approved as presented.
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
On a motion by Mr. LaRocque and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the Supplemental Agenda was included as part of the regular agenda.
Mr. Andrepont moved to amend the agenda under Item VIII, Committee Reports, Item A, to include Take Appropriate Action on whether or not the TAP program would be funded with General Funds. Mr. Hardy seconded the motion. Mr. Victorian asked that anyone wanting to amend the agenda on an item that will have lengthy discussion, to please try to contact the Board Members before the meeting.
On a roll call vote to amend the agenda, the votes were as follows: Yes: Mr. Andrepont, Mr. Bernard, Mr. Breaux, Mr. Burleigh, Mr. Dellafosse, Mrs. Duhon, Mr. Guidry, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Jongbloed, Mr. Karr, Mr. Victorian, Mr. Webb No: Mrs. Ballard, Mr. LaRocque, Mr. Pitre
PRESENTATIONS
Westlake High School Football Team (Seniors)
Mr. David Buller, the Administrative Director of High Schools, presented the Senior members of the Westlake Ram Football Team, along with their coaches and managers. In December of 2007, the team went to New Orleans, LA to play in the State Division 3A Championship game. Coaches Max Caldarera, Head Coach Pistol Max Caldarera II Jeremy Duplechin Jamie Schiro Charlie Smith Charles Vicknair Assistant Coaches: Scott Meche, Garin Dugas, Anthony Whitehead
Football Players Ed Bates Carrington Carheel Tyler Guidry Rayder Huffman Kade Lemaire Kevin Matt Jacob McInnis Casey Oden Dylan Oden Kerrick Rigmaiden Chris Seraille Austin Treadway
Senior Managers Jason Carpenter Emily Desroches Jacob McBride
Presentation to Bryan LaRocque, 2007 Board President
Mr. Pitre presented a plaque to Mr. LaRocque, in appreciation for his service and dedication as the 2007 Board President.
PERSONNEL PACKET/EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board did not adjourn into Executive Session.
ADDENDUM
Mr. Gary Anderson, Assistant Superintendent, asked for a motion supporting the recommendation of the Personnel Packet and Addendum, as presented. On a motion by Mr. LaRocque and seconded by Mr. Hardy, the motion carried.
Mr. Anderson asked for a motion supporting the recommendation of Mr. Lee Crick as Acting Principal of Westlake High School. On a motion by Mr. Burleigh and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.
Mr. Webb asked for clarification on whether the job would be re-posted if Mr. Steve Powers, the Principal of Westlake High School, returned. Mr. Savoy replied that on the advertisement it was indicated that we had the option of re-advertising or not re-advertising.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Curriculum and Instruction Committee, January 24, 2008 Annette Ballard, Chair
Mrs. Ballard gave the following report:
ELEMENTARY SUMMER ACADEMY (PILOT) 2008 (Brentwood Elementary and J.J. Johnson Elementary) At committee, Mr. Brent Washington, Principal of Brentwood Elementary, and Mrs. Betty Sims, Principal of J. J. Johnson Elementary, presented an overview of the Elementary Summer Academy. The four-week Academy will focus on Reading and Math for students in the 3-5th grades. The purpose of the Academy is to close the academic achievement gap through scientific-based strategies. Each school site will have 1 administrator, 8 certified teachers (2 for each grade level), 2 enrichment teachers, 6 para-educators (1 per classroom teacher) and 1 secretary. Teacher/student ratio will be 20 to 1 with a para-educator in each class. Breakfast and lunch will be provided by the Summer Feeding Program. The Academy will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. during the weeks of June 4-6, June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27 and June 30-July 2. Evaluation tools used are Scantron, LEAP, iLEAP results and Voyager reports. Motivational and guest speakers, games, competitions, and a program at the end of the Academy are some of the activities planned. School uniforms will be worn Monday – Thursday with a free dress day on Fridays. Parental involvement will be encouraged. Total expense per school will be $53,413.00.
At committee, Mr. Breaux made a motion to accept the recommendation for an Elementary Summer Academy Pilot at Brentwood Elementary and J. J. Johnson Elementary and to increase the supply allocation from $3,000.00 to $6,400.00. Mr. Victorian seconded the motion and the motion passed.
On behalf of the committee, Mrs. Ballard made a motion to accept the recommendation to send this item to the Budget Committee. No second was needed and on a vote, the motion carried.
Mrs. Duhon asked if all third and fifth grade students at these schools will participate. Mrs. Dolores Hicks, Administrative Director of Elementary Schools, replied that they will be selected by test scores.
Mrs. Hicks said that Dr. George Reado, Director of Elementary Curriculum, is working with the principals to prepare a syllabus to present to the Board.
UPDATE ON TEACHER ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM (TAP) At committee, Mr. Miller explained that the purpose of this item is not to approve or disapprove TAP, but rather an update of where the program stands in regard to funding. As of August 26, 2008, there are 24 schools—17 Title I and 7 non-title. Funding for TAP comes from Title I, Title II, School Improvement, EEF, Milken Foundation and General Fund. A school committee decides how the Title I money will be spent. If the program continues, as is, the approximate cost to the General Fund next year will be 4.7 million dollars. At committee, request was made for staff to come back before the Board with recommendations.
Mr. Andrepont made a motion to not fund TAP out of the General Fund for the coming year. Mr. Hardy seconded the motion.
Mr. Andrepont said this was not an attack on the people involved in the program, but he did not feel that we were getting a good return on what we were investing in. He said he was concerned with the large number of non-certified teachers who are teaching in core curriculum and we have a large number of TAP teachers who are all certified and could really make a difference for children in the classroom.
Mr. Victorian said that we have teachers who “shop” schools and the only way to get expert teachers into the low performing schools is to pay them extra. He felt that TAP was working at some schools and the only way to keep the good teachers at those schools is to pay them.
Mr. Breaux questioned what would replace TAP if TAP was not funded out of General Funds and was discontinued. He said he did agree that TAP should not be funded out of General Funds.
Mrs. Duhon felt that good, experienced, certified teachers should be placed in the low performing schools and they should be paid a substantial amount of money to teach at those schools. She feels that TAP is not working at the schools that she represents and the schools are going further down and she is hoping for a program to turn around the low performing schools. She said it could be tried for one year to see if it would work.
Mr. Webb said that we have 24 schools out of 55 schools that are involved in TAP and receive this extra help. He said other schools would like to have help and to spend 4.7 million dollars on these 24 schools, does not help the remaining schools. He asked if Title schools could choose to keep TAP, if they are willing to spend their Title money on it.
Mr. Leo Miller, Assistant Superintendent, replied that the federal funds do not provide for the teacher “pay-out” to come from those funds.
Mr. Bernard said that he supported TAP and is depending on the staff to bring back a report on TAP, regarding what schools work well with TAP, which ones do not.
Mr. Miller said that a survey was going out to all TAP schools on Thursday, February 14. It was a one answer survey, with the choice being: I strongly agree with TAP; I strongly disagree with TAP; It does not matter to me. He said there are a lot of teachers who really are not supportive, but might be afraid to say anything. The survey would be done by computer and only Mr. Miller, Mr. Savoy, and the computer tech person would know who gave what answer.
Mr. Dellafosse said he thought it should have been understood by the last survey on TAP, and it should have been clear where the schools stand on how they feel about the TAP program.
Mr. Miller said it was decided that they would have one more survey, to be sure who supports and who does not support the program.
Mr. Savoy said that the TAP report shows that the TAP schools are divided into several ranges, either above, below, or no distinguishable difference. He said that no distinguishable difference is a comparison between a TAP school and a school that is not in TAP. He said that he wants all of our schools to be above average and that being average is not what he would consider a good result. He said he does not want low performing schools or schools that have expectations to just be average.
Mr. Bruchhaus, Chief Financial Officer, said that the 4.7 million dollars that is being talked about assumes that the General Fund is going to pick up the grant money we are losing for next year. He said that if the General Fund picks up 4.7 million dollars of an 8.5 million dollar program, the federal government will look at that and think that if we are going to pick up that amount, we would be supplanting and we could not use our Title money to fund that program, anymore. He said it is possible they will think that if we fund more than half of the program ourselves, then we need to fund it all.
Mr. Dellafosse said that we have Master Teachers at the schools that are not performing, so he questioned whether they should still be paid to be there when the program is not working. He said these are measurable results and he felt that the results need to be looked at before deciding to support it.
Mr. Burleigh said that highly qualified teachers need to be at the failing schools, but they can not be forced to be there. He said they will need to be paid to be willing to go to those schools.
Mrs. Ballard said that she was concerned with the money coming from the General Fund and that where it is not working, she does not feel that we should continue to keep throwing money at it.
Mr. LaRocque said he knew the motion was to not fund TAP through the General Fund, but he wanted to be sure they were not hampering the ability of the staff to bring back a recommendation that would include any General Fund help. He said he was not in favor of continuing to fund a program that was not working.
Mr. Karr asked if any schools that were not in TAP wanted to be in the TAP program. Mr. Miller replied that he did not know of any.
Mrs. Duhon said that she would like to see tutors in the classroom, along with a certified teacher.
Mrs. Sue Way, TAP Coordinator, spoke on the TAP report that was handed out to all of the Board members by Mr. Miller. She said that TAP makes a predicted score based on two years of information from the LEAP and ILEAP tests.
Mr. Victorian questioned that the comparison was from 2007 and there was no comparison from 2005 or 2006, which would show better information on whether a school has changed or not. He said he would be more comfortable making a decision with information on more than one year. He said if the Board is willing to pay teachers more to go into the low performing schools, then he can vote against TAP. He said he had never heard it from the Board before, that they would be willing to pay teachers more to go to the low performing schools.
Mrs. Way said this was our third year of TAP, but a survey was not done in the first year, as it was a practice year. Then, after Hurricane Rita, schools were closed for five weeks. TAP was not started aggressively until January of 2006.
Mr. Dellafosse questioned whether giving 4.5 million to schools that are not Title I schools, then the Title schools should have equal access to that 4.5 million for their schools, too.
Mr. Guidry said he felt that survey was good, but that the TAP report was more important than the survey, due to possible intimidation on answering the survey. He said to him it is obvious that the program is not working. He said he would like to have certified teachers in all of the core subjects.
Mrs. Jean Johnson, President of CAE, spoke to the Board and urged them to vote yes on Mr. Andrepont’s motion to not fund TAP from the General Fund. She said she did not feel that another survey was necessary. She said teachers told her that they did not feel that the program was successful, but did not receive any feedback from their first survey. She said that the money spent is not justified by the results.
On a vote for the motion to support the motion to not fund TAP with General Funds, the results were as follows:
Yes: Mr. Webb, Mr. Hardy, Mrs. Duhon, Mrs. Ballard, Mr. Jongbloed, Mr. Victorian, Mr. Karr, Mr. LaRocque, Mr. Burleigh, Mr. Andrepont, Mr. Guidry, Mr. Breaux, Mr. Dellafosse No: Mr. Bernard President Pitre did not vote.
Mrs. Ballard continued with the Early Childhood Report from Committee.
At committee, Mrs. Sheryl Piper, Director of the Early Childhood Department, explained that in a recent monitoring visit, Calcasieu Parish Head Start was sited on 2 of 1822 items. The two deficiencies refer to the need for better communication with the Calcasieu Parish School Board. To rectify these deficiencies, Mrs. Piper briefly presented information to the Board for their approval. A motion was made by Mr. LaRocque, seconded by Mr. Bernard, to accept the following recommendations:
Approval of shared decision making on establishing and maintaining procedures to resolve Community Complaints about the program
Approval of long and short term goals for Head Start that are aligned to District’s goals
Approval of eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment plan for 2008-09
Approval of program and service plans for 2007-08
Human Resource Management Approval of program personnel policies based on the Calcasieu Parish School Board and Head Start Regulations – which includes that all Head Start employees will receive at least one annual performance review
Program Governance – 1304.50 Approval of shared decision making in the hiring and termination of the Head Start Director and any other persons who work primarily for the Head Start Program based on the Calcasieu Parish School Board & Head Start personnel policies
Approval to hire a consultant that is a registered dietitian or nutritionist
Approval of program and service plans for 2007-08
Approval to apply for the Head Start Grant for 2008-09
On behalf of the committee, Mrs. Ballard made a motion to accept the recommendations. No second was needed and on a vote, the motion carried.
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, Elray Victorian, Chair
Mr. Victorian gave the following report:
Staff recommended a one-time appropriation of $250,000 from the General Fund reserves to provide a $100 allocation for supplies to each teacher in the parish.
On behalf of the committee, Mr. Victorian made a motion to accept. No second was needed and on a vote, the motion carried.
At committee, Mr. Bruchhaus presented the Single Audit Report for the year ended June The School Board received an unqualified clean audit opinion except for a control deficiency in internal controls. There were three findings involving internal controls and other operational matters in the following areas: 1) Accounting for capital assets; 2) Income and Expense Reporting in the Child Nutrition Program; and 3) Employee Time Certificates in the Child Nutrition Program. There were also two management suggestions in the following areas: 1) Approval of Investments by CFO; and 2) Vendor Disbursements in our Accounts Payable Department. Mr. Bruchhaus then presented the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. The School Board’s net assets totaled $91,035,815 at the close of the fiscal year. The 2007 year had a negative impact on the General Fund balance of ($5,444,745) after transfers and special items. The General Fund had a total ending fund balance of $48,714,728, with $35,108,151 unreserved and undesignated.
The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report will be presented to the Government Finance Officers Association and the Association of School Business Officials for national awards. The report has received certificates of excellence in financial reporting from the Association of School Business Officials for the past 24 years and certificates of excellence for the past 19 years from the Government Finance Officers Association.
On behalf of the committee, Mr. Victorian made a motion to approve the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the Single Audit Report as presented for the year ended June 30, 2007. No second was needed and on a vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Bruchhaus reviewed General Fund Budget Revision #2 for fiscal year 2007-2008. Projected revenues and other sources of funds were $255,559,001, an increase of $6,885,928, and expenditures and other uses of funds were $263,006,918, an increase of $15,638,928. Revision #2 projected an unreserved/undesignated fund balance at $29,930,224 or 11.71% of projected revenues.
On behalf of the committee, Mr. Victorian made a motion to approve the Budget Revision #2 for 2007-2008. No second was needed and on a vote, the motion carried.
Next, Mr. Bruchhaus presented a proposed revision to Policy File DFL – Cash Management and Investments. The proposed change would extend the maturity of the portfolio from 18 months to no longer than 36 months and the maximum maturity of any security in the portfolio would be extended from two years to five years. In addition, the following sentence would be included: “Investments in all funds shall be managed in such a way that maturity rates will correspond to projected cash flow”.
On behalf of the committee, Mr. Victorian made a motion to approve the proposed revision to Policy File DFL – Cash Management and Investments, as presented. No second was needed and on a vote, the motion carried.
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION
Resolution Authorizing CPSB to Proceed with Development of Current Refunding of Certain Outstanding Bonds of School District #34
Mr. Jay Delafield presented the following to the Board:
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD TO PROCEED WITH DEVELOPMENT OF A CURRENT REFUNDING OF CERTAIN OUTSTANDING BONDS OF SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 34; AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE BY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 34 OF NOT EXCEEDING $10,500,000 OF GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS; MAKING APPLICATION TO THE STATE BOND COMMISSION AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board, acting as the governing authority of School District No. 34 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana (the “Issuer”), after examining available data, has determined that there is substantial need within the Issuer for refunding certain outstanding General Obligation Refunding Bonds by the Issuer, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended; and
WHEREAS, issuance of certain general obligation refunding bonds of the Issuer will assist in alleviating such need;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Calcasieu Parish School Board, the governing authority of School District No. 34 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, as follows:
SECTION 1. School District No. 34 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is hereby authorized to proceed with a current refunding of the Issuer’s outstanding General Obligation Public School Improvement Bonds, 2002 Series A and 2002 Series B, involving the proposed issuance by School District No. 34 of not exceeding $10,500,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, 2008 Series, to mature not later than November 1, 2022, at a rate or rates not exceeding 4.5% per annum.
SECTION 2. Application is hereby formally made to the Louisiana State Bond Commission, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, for consent, approval and authority to issue, sell and deliver the bonds herein authorized, to be secured by and payable from the levy and collection of annual ad valorem taxes on all taxable property within the limits of each respective Issuer, and the pledge of the proceeds to be derived from that portion of the funds received by each Issuer from the State Revenue Sharing Fund to offset current losses caused by the homestead exemption, if any.
By virtue of the Issuer’s application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval(s) resolved and set forth herein, it resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval(s) are expressly conditioned upon, and it further resolves that it understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the “State Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc,” adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing(s) and other matter(s) subject to the approval(s), including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swap(s) or other product(s) or enhancement(s) covered thereby.
SECTION 3. The Secretary is empowered, authorized and requested to forward to the Louisiana State Bond Commission a certified copy of this resolution which shall constitute a formal application as herein provided.
SECTION 4. There being a real public necessity for the retention and employment of legal counsel to provide specialized legal services in connection with issuance of the Bonds by the Issuer, and it appearing that the public interest requires obtaining of such specialized legal services, Joseph A. Delafield, A Professional Corporation, of Lake Charles, Louisiana (“Bond Counsel”), is hereby employed for such purposes. The fee for the work to be performed by Bond Counsel is contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds, and shall be in accordance with the maximum fee schedule of the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for comprehensive legal and coordinate professional work of bond attorneys and bond counsel in the issuance of general obligation bonds.
SECTION 5. The employment of Crews & Associates, Little Rock, Arkansas, as Underwriter in connection with the Bonds is hereby approved. The compensation of the Underwriter shall be payable from the proceeds of the Bonds and shall be subject to the approval of the Issuer and the Louisiana State Bond Commission.
SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 Lake Charles, Louisiana February 12, 2008
The resolution was introduced and pursuant to motion made by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Breaux, was adopted by the following vote:
YEAS: Mr. Andrepont, Mrs. Ballard, Mr. Bernard, Mr. Breaux, Mr. Burleigh, Mr. Dellafosse, Mrs. Duhon, Mr. Guidry, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Jongbloed, Mr. Karr, Mr. LaRocque, Mr. Victorian and Mr. Webb
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
NOT VOTING: President Pitre
STATE OF LOUISIANA PARISH OF CALCASIEU
I, WAYNE R. SAVOY, certify that I am the duly qualified and acting Superintendent of Public Schools for the Parish of Calcasieu, Louisiana, and as such, Ex-Officio Secretary of the Calcasieu Parish School Board, governing authority of School District No. 34 of Calcasieu Parish,
I further certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of an excerpt from the minutes of a public meeting of the Calcasieu Parish School Board, held on February 12, 2008, and of a resolution adopted at said meeting, as said minutes and resolution appear officially of record in my possession.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature and the impress of the official seal of School District No. 34 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, on this, the 12th day of February, 2008.
WAYNE R. SAVOY, Secretary
Resolution Authorizing Refunding of Outstanding Certificates/Districts 23, 28, 31
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD TO PROCEED WITH A CURRENT REFUNDING OF CERTAIN OUTSTANDING CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS OF THE CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD; AUTHORIZING SCHOOL DISTRICT NOS. 23, 28, AND 31 OF CALCASIEU PARISH, LOUISIANA, TO PROCEED WITH CURRENT REFUNDINGS OF CERTAIN OUTSTANDING BONDS OF EACH DISTRICT, INVOLVING ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS OF THE CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AND THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS; MAKING APPLICATION TO THE STATE BOND COMMISSION, AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board, acting as the governing authority of School District Nos. 23, 28, and 31 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana (the “Districts”), after examining available data, has determined that there is substantial need within each District for currently refunding certain outstanding Certificates of Indebtedness of the Calcasieu Parish School Board (the “Board”), and certain General Obligation Public School Improvement Bonds of the respective Districts, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended; and
WHEREAS, issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds of the Board and the respective School Districts will assist the Districts in alleviating such need;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Calcasieu Parish School Board, as governing authority of School District Nos. 23, 28, and 31 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, as follows:
SECTION 1. The Calcasieu Parish School Board does hereby authorize School District No. 23 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, to proceed with a plan for currently refunding its outstanding General Obligation Public School Improvement Bonds, 2002 Series, dated October 1, 2002, on original issue, involving the proposed issuance by School District No. 23 of not to exceed $6,500,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds of School District No. 23 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2008 Series, to be issued and sold at such time as a savings acceptable to School District No. 23 can be achieved, said Refunding Bonds to mature not later than October 1, 2022, at a rate or rates not exceeding 4.5% per annum.
SECTION 2. The Calcasieu Parish School Board does hereby authorize School District No. 28 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, to proceed with a plan for currently refunding its outstanding General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 1996, dated July 15, 1996 on original issue, involving the proposed issuance by School District No. 28 of not to exceed $750,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds of School District No. 28 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2008 Series, to be issued and sold at such time as a savings acceptable to School District No. 28 can be achieved, said Refunding Bonds to mature not later than July 15, 2011, at a rate or rates not exceeding 4.5% per annum.
SECTION 3. The Calcasieu Parish School Board does hereby authorize School District No. 31 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, to proceed with a plan for currently refunding its outstanding General Obligation Public School Improvement Bonds, 2002 Series B, dated October 1, 2002 on original issue, involving the proposed issuance by School District No. 31 of not to exceed $9,000,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds of School District No. 31 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, 2008 Series, to be issued and sold at such time as a savings acceptable to School District No. 31 can be achieved, said Refunding Bonds to mature not later than October 1, 2022, at a rate or rates not exceeding 4.5% per annum.
SECTION 5. The Calcasieu Parish School Board is hereby authorized to proceed with a plan for currently refunding its outstanding Excess Revenue Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2002, dated February 1, 2002 on original issue, involving the proposed issuance by the Calcasieu Parish School Board of not to exceed $1,000,000 Calcasieu Parish School Board General Obligation Refunding Bonds, 2008 Series, to be issued and sold at such time as a savings acceptable to the Board 33 can be achieved, said Refunding Bonds to mature not later than February 1, 2012, at a rate or rates not exceeding 4.5% per annum. SECTION 6. Application is hereby formally made to the Louisiana State Bond Commission, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, for consent, approval and authority to issue, sell and deliver General Obligation Refunding Bonds of the Calcasieu Parish School Board and each respective School District, the bonds of each District to be secured by and payable from the levy and collection of annual ad valorem taxes on all taxable property within the limits of the respective Districts, and the bonds of the Board to be secured by and payable from the excess of annual revenues accruing to the budget of the Board for the four (4) year period during which the refunding bonds are outstanding, above statutory, necessary and usual charges;
By virtue of the Board’s and the Districts’ applications for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval(s) resolved and set forth herein, they resolve that they understand and agree that such approval(s) are expressly conditioned upon, and they further resolve that they understand, agree and bind themselves, their successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the “State Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc,” adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing(s) and other matter(s) subject to the approval(s), including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swap(s) or other product(s) or enhancement(s) covered thereby.
SECTION 7. The Secretary is empowered, authorized and requested to forward to the Louisiana State Bond Commission a certified copy of this resolution which shall constitute a formal application as herein provided.
SECTION 8. There being a real public necessity for the retention and employment of legal counsel to provide specialized legal services in connection with issuance of the Bonds by the Issuers, and it appearing that the public interest requires obtaining of such specialized legal services, Joseph A. Delafield, A Professional Corporation, Lake Charles, Louisiana (“Bond Counsel”), is hereby employed for such purposes. The fee for the work to be performed by Bond Counsel is contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds, and shall be in accordance with the maximum fee schedule of the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for comprehensive legal and coordinate professional work of bond attorneys and bond counsel in the issuance of general obligation bonds.
SECTION 9. The employment of Stephens Inc., Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as Underwriter in connection with the Bonds is hereby approved. The compensation of the Underwriter shall be payable from the proceeds of the Bonds and shall be subject to the approval of the Board and the Louisiana State Bond Commission.
SECTION 10. The employment of Government Consultants of Louisiana, Inc., Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as Financial Advisor in connection with the Bonds is hereby approved. The compensation of the Financial Advisor shall be payable from the proceeds of the Bonds and shall be subject to the approval of the Board and the Louisiana State Bond Commission.
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF CALCASIEU
I, WAYNE R. SAVOY, certify that I am the duly qualified and acting Superintendent of Public Schools for the Parish of Calcasieu, Louisiana, and as such, Ex-Officio Secretary of the Calcasieu Parish School Board, the governing authority of School District Nos. 23, 28, and 31 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana.
I further certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of an excerpt from the minutes of a public meeting of the Calcasieu Parish School Board, held on February 12, 2008, and of a resolution adopted at said meeting, as said minutes and resolution appear officially of record in my possession.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature and the impress of the official seal of the Calcasieu Parish School Board on this, the 12th day of February, 2008.
WAYNE R. SAVOY, Secretary
The resolution was introduced and pursuant to motion made by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Breaux, was adopted by the following vote:
YEAS: Mr. Andrepont, Mrs. Ballard, Mr. Bernard, Mr. Breaux, Mr. Burleigh, Mr. Dellafosse, Mrs. Duhon, Mr. Guidry, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Jongbloed, Mr. Karr, Mr. LaRocque, Mr. Victorian and Mr. Webb
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
NOT VOTING: President Pitre
Permission to Negotiate the Purchase of Property at LaGrange T&I
On a motion to approve by Mr. Dellafosse and seconded by Mr. Bernard, the motion carried.
Washington-Marion High School Choir Trip to Jackson, Mississippi
On a motion to approve by Mr. Dellafosse and seconded by Mr. Bernard, the motion carried.
LaGrange High School Choir Trip to Jackson, Mississippi
On a motion to approve by Mr. Dellafosse and seconded by Mr. Bernard, the motion carried.
Commodity Bid Report for the Chicken/CPSB Food Services
The staff recommends that the bottom line total low bid meeting specifications from Pilgrim’s Pride is accepted. On a motion to approve by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried. The Bid Report on each bid is listed in the official Minutes at the Central Office at 1724 Kirkman.
Commodity Bid Report for Turkey/CPSB Food Services
The staff recommends the acceptance of the bid from Jenni-O-Turkey, as all products meet specifications. On a motion to approve by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried. The Bid Report on each bid is listed in the official Minutes at the Central Office at 1724 Kirkman.
Commodity Bid Report for Pork/CPSB Food Services
The staff recommends the acceptance of the bid from J.T. M. Provisions, as all products meet specifications. On a motion to approve by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried. The Bid Report on each bid is listed in the official Minutes at the Central Office at 1724 Kirkman.
Commodity Bid Report for Peanut Butter/CPSB Food Services The staff recommends acceptance of the bid from J.M. Smucker Company, as all products meet specifications. On a motion to approve by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried. The Bid Report on each bid is listed in the official Minutes at the Central Office at 1724 Kirkman.
Commodity Bid Report for Eggs/CPSB Food Services
The staff recommends acceptance of the bid from Cargill Kitchen Solutions, as all products meet specifications. On a motion to approve by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried. The Bid Report on each bid is listed in the official Minutes at the Central Office at 1724 Kirkman.
Commodity Bid Report for Cheese/CPSB Food Services
The staff recommends acceptance of bids received from Eastside Entrees, J.M. Smucker Company, Rich’s/Sea-Pak Corporation, and Uno Foods, Inc., for cheese products meeting specifications. On a motion to approve by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried. The Bid Report on each bid is listed in the official Minutes at the Central Office at 1724 Kirkman.
Commodity Bid Report for Beef/CPSB Food Services
The staff recommends that the bottom line total low bid meeting specifications from J.T.M. Provisions be accepted. On a motion to approve by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried. The Bid Report on each bid is listed in the official Minutes at the Central Office at 1724 Kirkman.
Commodity Bid Report for Beef (Meatballs)/CPSB Food Services
The staff recommends acceptance of the bid from Rich’s/Sea-Pak Corporation, as all products meet specifications. On a motion to approve by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried. The Bid Report on each bid is listed in the official Minutes at the Central Office at 1724 Kirkman.
BID REPORTS
JANUARY 31, 2008
BID FOR SCHOOL UNIFORMS FOR THE TITLE X DEPARTMENT FOR THE CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD.
BID NUMBER 2008-19, WAS OPENED JANUARY 30, 2008 AT 10:00 A.M.
BIDS WERE RECEIVED FROM THE FOLLOWING VENDORS:
EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS, INC. (EPI) LOGO SHOP NO BID RECEIVED SCHOOL UNIFORM SALE NO BID RECEIVED SURPLUS UNIFORMS THE UNIFORM SHOP NO BID RECEIVED
THE STAFF RECOMMENDS ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR EACH ITEM MEETING SPECIFICATIONS.
IF ACCEPTED, TOTALS WILL BE AS FOLLOWS: VENDOR NAME BID PRICE
EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS, INC. (EPI) $137,886.40 LOGO SHOP NO BID RECEIVED SCHOOL UNIFORM SALE NO BID RECEIVED SURPLUS UNIFORMS $ 44,168.65 THE UNIFORM SHOP NO BID RECEIVED
THE STAFF RECOMMENDS ACCEPTING THE LOW BID MEETING SPECIFICATIONS FROM SURPLUS UNIFORMS FOR THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $44,168.65 AND EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS, INC. (EPI) FOR THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $137,886.40.
Mr. Dellafosse questioned that we were accepting bids from two vendors. Mr. Bruchhaus said that uniforms and school supplies would be bundled. Mr. Dellafosse said that he felt that the two bid amounts were backwards. Mr. Bruchhaus said that he would verify the amounts.
PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE
Sam Houston High School – Improvements to Existing Class Wing- Main Building, District 3, Sales Tax Funds
On a motion to accept by Mr. LaRocque and seconded by Mr. Webb, the motion carried.
Phase I – E.K. Key Elementary School – Additions & Renovations, District 30 Bond Funds
On a motion to accept by Mr. Andrepont and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.
Westlake High School, S.P. Arnett Middle School, Western Heights Elementary School, Westwood Elementary School, T&I Building and Misc. Paving, District 23 Bond Funds
On a motion to accept by Mr. Burleigh and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried, with one nay vote by Mr. Hardy. Mr. Burleigh stated that half of the artificial turf expense would be funded by Recreation District 1 of Ward 4. Mr. Hardy said that he felt that he had concerns with spending that much money on a football field. He asked what was the Administration view on using so much money for a football field. Mr. Savoy replied that in a bond issue, the scope of work is presented to the voters. The voters wanted this and he said he felt it was a good use of taxpayer money when a community group is found to put up half of the money.
Phase I – Vincent Settlement Elementary School – Additions and Renovations, District 30, Bond Funds
On a motion to accept by Mr. Guidry and seconded by Mr. Andrepont, the motion carried.
Restroom and Concession Improvements, Matt Walker Memorial Stadium, Sulphur High School, District 30 Bond Funds.
On a motion to accept by Mr. Guidry and seconded by Mr. Andrepont, the motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
(None)
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Approved Board Date: March 4, 2008
Mr. Savoy presented the 2008 calendar for Board meetings. He told the Board that the November 4th date was Election Day and asked if they would like to change the date. On a motion for discussion about the date change by Mr. Dellafosse and seconded by Mr. Bernard, the motion carried.
There was discussion about changing the date for the November meeting and Mr. Breaux called for a question to cease discussion. On a motion by Mr. Andrepont to change the Board Meeting time of November 4th to 4:00, with a second by Mrs. Duhon, the motion carried. Nay votes were: Mr. Jongbloed, Mr. Hardy, Mr.Webb.
The dates are as follows, at 4:45: March 4, April 8, May 6, June 3, July 8, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2, January 6, 2009. After the vote, the November 4th meeting was changed to 4:00.
Mr. Savoy told the Board that Larry Hunter, Supervisor in Human Resources, and Mr. Hunter’s daughter, Kim, were featured in a book entitled, “Daughters of Men, Portraits of African American Women and Their Father.”
Mr. Savoy reported that Kerry Onxley was inducted into the Arkansas Hall of Fame of the Arkansas Thespian Society. Mr. Onxley has been a theater specialist with our system for 21 years and he was honored for his dedication to theater education.
Mr. Scott Schonefeld, Tech Support Coordinator, was featured in the March-April edition of Learning and Leading with Technology, a magazine dealing with software, published by the International Society for Technology in Education.
Mr. Savoy told the Board that Sam Houston High School received the Louisiana ACT Council Award, in recognition for a significant increase in their ACT Composite scores over the last 5 years. Sam Houston is one of only 2 percent of the high schools in Louisiana to accomplish this.
At Forest K. White, Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed dedicated a computer lab, focusing on improving math skills. The lab is called, “Skills for Life.”
The attorneys and staff of the Law Firm of Kean, Miller, Hawthorne, D’Armond, McCowan, and Jarman, LLP donated dictionaries to all of our third grade students. These dictionaries were purchased in association with The Dictionary Project.
CONDOLENCES/RECOGNITIONS
Mr. Hardy asked for the following letters of condolence to the families of:
Rupert Richardson Johnnie Levings Beatrice Duhon Eugene Hardy, Jr. Clarence Andrepont, Jr. Ray Delahoussaye Anatole Anthony Irma Pierre
Mr. Hardy asked for a plaque to be presented at the March 4 meeting to Jacquelyn Stevens, a teacher at Washington-Marion, chosen as the NFL Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Hardy and Mrs. Duhon asked for a plaque for Rupert Richardson, in honor of her pioneering work with civil rights.
Mr. Webb asked for a letter of recognition to David Buller, Administrative Director of High Schools. He was given an award by LHSAA for his distinguished service.
Mrs. Ballard asked for a letter of condolence to Jerome Goodly. She asked for a letter of appreciation for the Cooperative Education Employer Appreciation luncheon.
Mr. Bernard asked for a letter of condolence Dr. and Mrs. George Vincent.
Mr. LaRocque asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Irma Pierre. He asked for a letter thanking Mrs. Ogea’s class at Gillis Elementary School and Mr. Tim Savoy, Principal, for the 2008 calendar.
Mr. Karr asked for a letter of condolence to Carolyn Slade.
Mr. Andrepont thanked Mr. Karr for the jelly that he made and gave to all Board members.
Mr. Breaux asked for a letter of congratulation to Jessica Carnes, girl’s basketball coach at Maplewood Middle. The team was undefeated this season.
Mr. Dellafosse asked for letters of condolence to the families of Mark Lavan, Irma Pierre, and Jerome Goodly.
Mr. Manuel, Legal Counsel, said that he had received calls from parents of Gillis Elementary students, appreciating the way the recent lock-down was handled.
Mr. Jongbloed commended Mr. Savoy for ConnectEd. He said it is a good communication device for parents and Board members and he appreciates it.
COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Victorian asked for a plan to address the problem regarding non-certified teachers. Also, how to keep certified teachers at low performing schools, so that they won’t “shop” schools after their initial two years at a low performing school.
Mr. Andrepont asked for A&P or Budget to look into hiring additional mail runners. He thought it would be more feasible to keep principals in their schools, if mail was being delivered to schools rather than having to be picked up at central office. He also asked for information on the next team building event.
Mr. Breaux asked for C&I to bring guidelines or qualifications on what it takes for a student to be assigned to the elementary alternative school.
Mrs. Duhon asked for C&I to look into a proven research based program for turning around low performing schools.
Mr. Savoy said that soon he would like to bring information to the Board on a committee meeting night.
Mr. Hardy would like to discuss band at Reynaud Middle School. He said he would like to have a program for team teaching at elementary schools.
Mr. Dellafosse asked for a list of school building level committees at TAP schools.
SCHEDULE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Goals and Objectives Committee – Tuesday, February 19, 2008 A&P Committee – Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Meeting Adjourned
On a motion by Mr. Karr, seconded by Mr. LaRocque and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
__________________________ Wayne Savoy, Secretary
__________________________ James Pitre, President
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