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, March 4, 2008, 4:45 p.m.  The meeting was called to order by Jimmy Pitre, President.  The prayer was led by Dale Bernard; Bryan LaRocque led the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

The roll was called and the following members were present: 

Annette Ballard, Dale Bernard, Billy Breaux, Randy Burleigh, Mack Dellafosse, Chad Guidry, Fred Hardy, Bill Jongbloed, Bryan LaRocque, Jimmy Pitre, Elray Victorian, and R.L. Webb.  

Joe Andrepont, Clara Duhon, and James Karr were absent.

MINUTES APPROVED

On a motion by Mr. Bernard, seconded by Mr. Burleigh and unanimously carried, the Minutes of the regular meeting of February 12, 2008, were approved as presented.  Mr. Dellafosse questioned the correct wording and figures on the bid report regarding school uniforms for Title X. Mr. Bruchhaus, Chief Financial Officer, verified that it was correct and that both bids were for uniforms.

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA

On a motion by Mr. Victorian and seconded by Mr. Jongbloed, the Supplemental Agenda was included as part of the regular agenda.

PRESENTATIONS

Jacquelyn Stevens, NFL Teacher of the Year

Mr. Savoy, Superintendent, presented a plaque to Mrs. Jackie Stevens, a teacher at Washington-Marion High School. She received the NFL Teacher of the Year Award, after being nominated by a former student, Eddie Kennison.

Senator Willie Mount presented Mrs. Stevens with a proclamation from the Louisiana Senate and a proclamation from Governor Jindal.

Mr. Merculus Chretien, Principal of Washington-Marion High School, and several other staff members from the school, presented a banner to Mrs. Stevens.

Rupert Richardson, NAACP President Emeritus  (Posthumous Recognition)

Mr. Savoy introduced Judge Todd Clemens, the son of Mrs. Richardson, and presented a plaque to him from the Board. Mrs. Richardson was the former president of the NAACP and a longtime civil rights activist and was named President Emeritus of the NAACP.

PERSONNEL PACKET/EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion by Mr. Jongbloed and seconded by Mr. Bernard, the Board voted to adjourn into Executive Session at 5:07 p.m. Regular Session resumed at 5:23 p.m.

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.

ADDENDUM:

Mr. Anderson requested 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.

Mr. Anderson requested a motion supporting the recommendation of Mr. Jon Powers as acting Assistant Principal of Westlake High School. On a motion by Mr. Hardy and seconded by Mr. Burleigh, the motion carried.

Mr. Anderson requested a motion supporting the recommendation of Ms. Brenda Moreau as Special Education Hearing Officer. On a motion by Mr. Webb and seconded by Mr. Hardy, the motion carried, with one nay vote by Mr. Breaux.

Mr. Anderson requested a motion for permission to advertise for the position of Assistant Principal at DeQuincy High School. On a motion by Mr. Burleigh and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried. Mr. Webb asked if the position was permanent or acting. Mr. Anderson replied that the position was permanent and that Mr. Powers was aware of that when he applied for the acting position at Westlake High School.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Insurance/Employees Benefits Committee, January March 3, 2008, Billy Breaux, Chair

Mr. Breaux gave the following report:

The Calcasieu Parish School Board Employee Benefits Committee met in the Board Room at 1732 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Monday, March 3, 2008, at 4:45 p.m.

Ms. Kathy Sonnier presented Calcasieu Parish School System’s 2008 – 2009 group health insurance renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield of LA. Ms. Sonnier explained that the claims paid May - January were up $135,357 at this point in the 2007–2008 period over 2006-2007. BCBS had 37 CPSB employee claims paid that were over $50,000. All claims were increasing except for the inpatient claims. Prescription drug claims were up from $72.38 per member per month to $81.78 per member per month. Medical trend, the average age of group, retiree mix, and Rx utilization have all continued to increase. The BCBS network continues to deliver a savings to the school board of 54%.

The committee voted to approve a 7% increase for the group health insurance for CPSB employees for 2008 -09.

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Breaux made a motion to accept. On a vote, the motion carried.

Mr. Billy Breaux referred to the second item on the agenda, Solutions Employee Assistance Program. Ms. Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, Director, explained to the committee the need for an employee assistance program to combat increased use of healthcare services, greater turnover, lower productivity, higher absenteeism, increased use of supervisor’s time, and increased workers’ compensation claims. 50% of doctor visits are attributable to stress; 85% of industrial accidents are stress related; and at any given time at least 15% of the workforce is struggling with personal issues, financial issues, and/or substance abuse issues.  These issues come with employees to the workplace. 

The committee voted to adopt Solutions Employee Assistance Program and on behalf of the committee, Mr. Breaux made a motion to accept.

Mr. Bruchhaus said that each employee and any member of their household will be entitled to up to six visits. These include workshops and counseling sessions for drug, alcohol, marriage, addiction, and internet issues. He said this would be a two year contract, with the rate being a little over $2.00 per employee. He said the benefits of reducing absenteeism and possible offsets to our health program would make the money well spent, with the projected cost being $125,000 per year.

Mr. Webb asked if this included retirees and Mr. Bruchhaus replied that this plan was for active employees only.

On a vote, the motion carried.

At committee, it was reported that the group dental insurance, through Crescent Dental, would have no rate increase or benefit change for 2008-09. The committee voted to renew the dental insurance plan and on behalf of the committee, Mr. Breaux made a motion to accept the recommendation. On a vote, the motion carried.

Mr. Terry Holden, representing the Louisiana Association of Educators, filled out a blue card to speak to the Board. He said that they were not notified that the insurance rate increase was on the agenda. He said that he was told that the insurance rate was based on a national increase, but because our teacher salaries are not at a national average, this rate will cause them to drop again to below the regional average.

He asked why notices could not have been sent out regarding the Insurance Committee meeting, so that he could have addressed this with the committee.

Mr. Terry Manuel, Board Counsel, said that the state law mandates that anything added to the agenda has to be approved with a two thirds vote of the Board. He said that Board members set their own policy to receive committee and Board agendas five days before a meeting is held, and that is waivable, as it is their own policy.

Mr. Dellafosse asked what notice is given to the public regarding committee meetings and if we are in compliance with the open meetings law. Mr. Manuel said if something is added to the agenda by the two thirds vote, then we are in compliance.

Mr. Hardy said he was not notified of the committee meeting and he did want the public to believe that everything done by the Board is done properly.

Mr. Savoy said that committee dates are normally set at the Board meeting and that the Board date is always posted on the CPSB website.

Mr. Breaux said that the Insurance Committee could not set a date at the previous Board meeting, as they were still waiting on the information to come in from the insurance companies.

Mr. Dellafosse asked when and where the information regarding the Insurance Committee was posted.

Mr. Savoy replied that committee meeting dates are faxed to the media.

Mr. Ron Hayes, Secretary of the Insurance Committee, said that letters are sent to committee members, which include Board members, media contacts, and others who represent organizations and groups within our employee pool. The letters are sent out a week before the meeting.  

Mr. Victorian said that the Mr. Holden and others who represent teachers in our system should be notified of the committee meetings. Mr. Hayes replied that the CAE and A+Pel representatives were at the meeting.

Mr. Dellafosse asked how the public was supposed to know about the committee meeting, as it looked like that everyone notified was actually on the committee. Mr. Victorian said as a Board member, he should have been notified, even though he is not on that committee.

Mr. Manuel said there is no difference between a committee meeting and a full Board meeting, under the law. He said that publishing the notice of the meeting and agenda, with the official journal, has to be at least twenty four hours before the meetings or you can post a copy of the agenda on the door of the meeting room.

He suggested that be done as a normal routine.

Goals and Objectives Committee, Mack Dellafosse, Chair

Mr. Dellafosse gave the following report:

The Calcasieu Parish School Board Goals and Objectives Committee met at 4:45 p.m., Tuesday, February 19, 2008 in the Board Room, 1732 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana.  

Items on the agenda were:

·                    Review of the District’s and Superintendent’s Goals             and Dashboards

·                    Review of the Board’s Retreat Work

·                    Brainstorming Goals and Action Items

·                    Prioritizing each through Multi-Voting

·                    Determining Measurement, Completion Dates,                     Person(s) Responsible, Method of Publishing

·                    Review of the Final Plan

At committee, Mr. Dellafosse recognized Tom Hatfield, who is working as Facilitator with the Goals and Objectives Committee. Mr. Savoy, Superintendent, reviewed the District Dashboard. The Mission Statement is to Provide a quality education for all students and the Vision Statement is that All children are important to us.

The Focus Areas/Goals are:

·                    High academic achievement

·                    Stakeholder satisfaction

·                    Safe, productive environment

·                    Operational efficiency

Core Values are:

·                    Visionary leadership

·                    Effective communication

·                    Continuous improvement

·                    Respect for all

·                    High expectations

Mr. Savoy said that the Superintendent’s Dashboard has the same Mission and Vision statements as the District Dashboard. His Dashboard consists of:

·                    High academic achievement

·                    Stakeholder Satisfaction

·                    Safe productive environment

·                    Operational Efficiency

The Committee then had a brainstorming session, regarding all of the focus areas. All attending Committee members contributed to the following:

High Academic Achievement Brainstorm

STUDENT SUCCESS

Target struggling students

Reading proficiency – reading on grade level

Utilize data to drive instruction

Redesign curriculum in lower performing schools

Raise percentage of graduates

Develop instructional teams to improve scores by curriculum

Concentrate on fundamentals of ELA and Math

Evaluate pace as to how curriculum is developed

Increase parental involvement

Create process to measure level of student support to create plan for enhancement

Smaller classroom sizes for k-5 classrooms

Increase # of certified teachers

Make classroom environment more conducive to learning in terms of discipline

Continue to support professional development for teachers

Provide tutors in classroom to assist with basic core subjects

Implement strong phonetic program in early reading classes

Cluster classes based on ability and like learning styles

Change way students are assessed (state mandate) - compare student to student

Do not implement any new programs for 4 years

Evaluate existing program success with data

Selective abandonment of programs that are not working

Better lobbying of representatives in government concerning NCLB

Provide semi-annual report to board on existing programs within schools

Consider year round school to aide and support students

Improve student assessment of performance in the classroom

Change perception of schools by publicizing successes more frequently

Supply board with report to assess how schools are doing based on data (curriculum based information)

Place high performing teachers in low performing schools (teachers must have proven success)

Retrain administrative leaders at low performing schools

Measure effectiveness of remedial programs

Find ways to close achievement gaps within schools

Improve evaluation of teachers/administrators/schools

Better on-time evaluation from top to bottom and bottom to top

Stakeholder Satisfaction Brainstorm

CONDUCT NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY

Create stakeholder (students/parents/board rep/teachers/elected officials/business leaders/ local universities/etc.) focus groups to better communicate direction of district

Host forums for feedback of stakeholders

Allow parents to evaluate curriculum within schools

Focus on positive aspects of schools to improve perception within community

Accommodate voice of teachers

Develop confidential surveys for stakeholders to insure honest input

Create “next step” plan with current survey results (NSSE survey)

Continue to seek ways to instill trust in board and central office

Communicate financial operations of schools

Safe, Productive Environment Brainstorm

STUDENT AND EMPLOYEE SAFETY

Place security cameras at all schools, especially at entrances and exits

Access to buildings and campuses needs to be more closely monitored

Improve awareness of student mental illnesses

Employ safety measures to reduce incidents (safety glasses, gloves, shoes)

Employee satisfaction safety evaluation

Place metal detectors at middle and high schools

Evaluate “open campus” policies

Review employee hiring policy (background checks, etc.)

Implement random drug screens for employees

Check fencing around schools

Provide training for employees using chemicals, etc.

Train employees on proper handling of “disgruntled” parents/visitors

Operational Efficiency Brainstorm

SOUND FISCAL MANAGEMENT

Keep Karl Bruchhaus

Provide more detailed report on title programs, expenditures, etc. by school

Evaluate fund raiser processes and how monies are being spent

Implement evaluation process for individual schools to determine areas of strengths/weaknesses/need

Share cost benefit analysis on grant programs/dollars/impact to determine need

Break financial budget into smaller sessions to aide in comprehension

Budget training for board

Consider parish wide bonding

Maintain reserves at greater than 8 percent

Audit more accounts to ensure fiscal soundness

Keep Mr. Savoy

Each Board member received a copy of Mr. Hatfield’s final revision.

All items were for information purposes only.

TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION

Request for Proposal Agreement for 2008-2009 8(g0 Competitive Grants

On a motion by Mr. Burleigh and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried to approve the following.

The 8(g) Competitive Grants identify exemplary and innovative projects designed to improve elementary and secondary student performance in public and nonpublic systems.  Projects are funded on an annual basis with a maximum of three years of funding.    The tentative 2008-2009 maximum eligible awards for Calcasieu Parish are $574,204.  The maximum amount each school could request to be funded was $100,000. Notification of the award winners will be May 15, 2008. 

1.                    Grant Title:  Inspired Kids (Final Renewal)

School:  Dolby Elementary

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Pam Quebodeaux, Principal -- Missy Bushnell, Assistant Principal

Grant Amount: $100,000

Purpose:  INSPIRED Kids is an innovative project designed to improve student academic achievement within the ELA focus area and give learners opportunities to improve their reading and writing skills in all content areas.

Main Objectives:  INSPIRED Kids has three main objectives for student achievement:  1) To increase one grade level (+1.0) on the STAR Reading Test; 2) To increase two points (+2) in reading comprehension skills on the Comprehensive Assessment of Reading Strategies evaluation; 3) To increase one proficiency level in writing abilities on the LEAP-like writing rubric.

2.                    Grant Title:  Once Upon A  T.I.M.E. (Renewal)

School:  Gillis Elementary School

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Timothy Savoy, Principal; Janet Gilpin, Assistant Principal

Grant Amount:  $100,000

Purpose:  The purpose of this project is to increase student achievement in ELA by improving comprehension and read and apply for problem solving skills.

Main Objectives:  The main objectives of this project are 1) To show a 5% improvement in oral reading fluency and kindergarten early indicator non-sense word fluency on DIBELS benchmark assessment, 2) To decrease by 5% the number of students in grades 1-5 scoring below the instructional reading level on the STAR assessment, and 3) To show a 10% improvement in reading and read and apply skills on the Scantron Performance Series.

3.                    Grant Title:  Computers with an Attitude

School:  S.P. Arnett Middle

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Vance Richmond, Principal – Dara Johnson, Teacher

Grant Amount:  $90,348

Purpose:  This project will show academic achievement of students by graphing, analyzing, and interpreting data using laptops to perform science experiments. 

Main Objectives:  The main objectives of this project are 1) To show improvement on the Science as Inquiry section on i-LEAP, 2) To improve on the Physical Science section of the i-LEAP, 3) To improve on the Science and the Environment section of the i-LEAP, and 4) To increase the sixth-grade science index from 96.3 to 101.3. 

4.                    Grant Title:  Learning to Read the World

School:  LeBlanc Middle School

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Tom Finnie, Principal; Darlene Morris, Master Teacher

Grant Amount:  $99,654

Purpose:  The purpose for implementing Learning to Read the World is to increase academic achievement in English-Language Arts (ELA) for the targeted students through the use of reading comprehension strategies, problem solving, research skills, and the use of innovative classroom technologies. 

Main Objectives:                  The measurable objectives for student achievement are 1) To improve communication skills as measured by the Quality Team rubric; 2) To show a 10% improvement in justifying thoughts and opinions when responding to written text as measured by Scantron Achievement Series; and 3) To show an improvement in reading comprehension as measured by increasing reading levels by a minimum of 100 Lexile points.

5.                    Grant Title:  B.E.A.R.S. (Bringing Educational Advancements to Reach all Students)

School:  Bell City High

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Reinette Guillory, Principal; Elizabeth Armentor, Curriculum Coordinator (Elem/Middle)

Grant Amount:  $96,529

Purpose:  To increase student achievement with the use of available technology

Main Objectives:  The main objectives of this project are: 1) To improve reading level by at least 1 grade level as measured by the STAR assessment; and 2) To improve ELA scores by at least 10% on the iLEAP, LEAP, and GEE exams.

6.                    Grant Title:  Sharing Technology and Reading Students (STARS) (Renewal)

School:  Iowa High School

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Mike Oakley, Principal – Christi Fontenot, Teacher

Grant Amount:  $100,000

Purpose:  The purpose of S.T.A.R.S. is to improve reading and technology skills of all students in grades 9-12.

Main Objectives: The main objectives of this project are 1) To improve reading comprehension by at least 1 grade level if below grade level or maintain on-level or above-level as measured by STAR test results 2) To increase by 5% school percent correct on ELA reading content standards as measured by Scantron assessments; and 3) To increase learning opportunities with multimedia technology as evidenced by the completion of student-centered technology projects.

7.                    Grant Title:  Millennium Math Lab (MML)

School:  John J. Johnson Elementary

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Betty Sims, Principal; Sallye A. Salter, Curriculum Assistant Principal

Grant Amount:  $100,000

Purpose:  Through technology and strategy-based instruction, students will increase academic achievement in all areas of Mathematics.

Main Objectives:  The main objectives of this project are: 1) To show a 10% growth in Mathematics as measured by pre and post test; 2) To show a 10% growth in Mathematics as measured by Scantron Performance series; and 3) To show a 10% growth by receiving a score of competent on a rubric assessment of problem-solving skills.

8.                    Grant Title:  Bridge to ACTIVReading

School:  LeBleu Settlement Elementary

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Jill Portie, Principal; Kate Ryder, Teacher

Grant Amount:  $100,000

Purpose:  The purpose and reason for implementing the Bridge to ACTIVReading project is to increase academic achievement in English Language Arts by providing differentiated reading instruction in small groups incorporating collaborative learning technologies with student led ACTIVReading centers for inclusion classes in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Main Objectives:  The main objectives of this project are: 1) To improve reading skills by increasing by one proficiency level as measured by DIBELS assessment; and 2) To improve reading and comprehension skills as evidenced by an increase in scale score of at least 150 points (one year’s growth) on the Scantron Performance Series reading test.

9.                    Grant Title:  Student Achievement B.L.O.O.M.S. through Interactive Engagement

School:  St. John Elementary

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Sabrah Kingham, Principal; Pam Nicholson, Assistant Principal

Grant Amount:  $100,000

Purpose:  The overall purpose of the grant is to raise student achievement by enriching the learning experience of mathematics through the integration of technology strategies geared at increasing student interaction.

Main Objectives:  The main objectives are: 1) To improve by at least 5% on the Mathematics portion of the iLEAP in grade 5; 2) To improve by at least 5% on the Mathematics portion of the LEAP in grade 4; 3) To improve by at least 5% on the Mathematics portion of the iLEAP in grade 3; and 4) To improve by at least 5% on the Mathematics portion of the IOWA in grade 2.

10.                 Grant Title:  Making Math Mean More (M4)

School:  SJ Welsh Middle

Grant Agency: State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education – 8(g) Competitive Grant

Name of Persons Applying for Grant:  Marion “Buzz” Sarver, Principal; Teresa Chance, Curriculum Assistant Principal

Grant Amount:  $100,000

Purpose:  Making Math Mean More (M4) is about all students being successful in MATH by using interactive and innovative technology focused on student centered lessons and activities that address middle school grade level GLEs.

Main Objectives:  The main objectives of this project are: 1) To increase the percent proficient on the Mathematics portion of the iLEAP in grade 6 from 56% to 66%; 2) To increase the percent proficient on the Mathematics portion of the iLEAP in grade 7 from 70% to 80%; and 3) To increase the percent proficient on the Mathematics portion of the LEAP in grade 8

Cooperative Agreement for Recreational District 1 of Ward 4

Mr. Burleigh explained that the agreement is for the Recreation District I of Ward 4, representing the Westlake area, to pay for half of the field improvements at Westlake High School.

Ms. Mary Morris turned in a blue card to speak on this agreement. She questioned that the agreement was between the Board and the Recreation District, not specifically Bonding District #23. She felt that if the Recreation District did not fulfill the agreement, that the Board would be responsible for paying for all of the improvements. Mr. Manuel replied that the Bonding District is not a legal entity and cannot enter into an agreement.

Mr. Manuel said that legal action would be taken against the Recreation District if they did not pay, as agreed in the contract.

Mr. Burleigh said that he would go on official record that this is a capital improvement project and if the Recreation District did not pay their half, then the whole amount would come out of the bonding district #23 funds.

On a motion by Mr. Jongbloed and seconded by Mr. Burleigh, the motion carried.

BID REPORTS

(None)

 PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE

Additions and Improvements at Frasch Elementary School, Sulphur 9^th Grade and W.W. Lewis Middle School, School District # 30 Bond Funds .

On a motion to accept by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.

Bid to Supply Magazines for All CPSB Schools, General Funds

On a motion to accept by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.

Bid for Batteries for CPSB Maintenance Department, General Funds

On a motion to accept by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.

Phase I, “Improvements to Maplewood Middle School,” School District #23 Bond Funds, Ellender Architects and Associates, Inc., Designer

On a motion to accept by Mr. Breaux and seconded by Mr. Burleigh, the motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE

Change Order Number Six (6) for Project, “Classroom Pods, Phase VI,” Bid Number 2007-06 PC, File Number 2809957, Riverboat Funds, C.R. Fugatt, AIA, Designer; Miller & Associates Co., Inc., Contractor; Increase of         $520,440.00 and Increase of Three Hundred Sixty Five (365) Days.

Mr. Breaux said he had a problem continuing to add classes without a property tax being passed. He said he understands how hard it is to raise mills and that District 23 and District 30 have taxed themselves seventy million plus dollars in property taxes to address their school needs. He asked when we reached the point that people choose to live in a certain area, there is no parish wide bonding, and classes continue to be added with no vote on millage. He said he is very interested in helping students and wanted to know if Ward 1 was planning a bond issue in the future.

Mr. Dellafosse asked if this comes from riverboat money and there is no riverboat money right now, at what point do we stop using money that we don’t have. He said the riverboat money was to replace the temporary buildings and it was not for growth. He said the Board needs to be reasonable and prudent on how money is spent.

Mr. Bruchhaus replied that the pods project was originally designed to replace temporary buildings. He said possibly half of the pods built were not built to replace temporary buildings, but for needed classrooms. He said for the last five years, everything done with riverboat funds has gone into the red and by Board approval, authorization was given for an interim General Fund loan. He said we don’t like to be in the red, but the realization is that we have been able to do a lot of things that we could not have done, unless we did it this way. He said we could wait until the riverboat money is available, but we have a lot of schools contacting him daily that they need pods. Even with 3,000 less students in this District, we have built 308 pod classrooms. He said there is a riverboat fund analysis on the agenda for the next budget meeting.

Mr. LaRocque said that Moss Bluff has four schools, with over 11% of the students in Calcasieu Parish at those four schools. He said even though their sales tax is a cent and a half more than most everyone in the state, it is still inadequate to provide for the students in Moss Bluff. He said that Sam Houston High School has sixteen temporary buildings on their campus. He said that we should consider ourselves a school system, not broken down into Wards, regarding spending for our students. He said he knew that parish wide bonding was not of interest to most of the Board members.

Mr. Victorian said this is about how to finance what is needed for the students in each district.  He said schools should be built for growth with bond money and sales tax money.

Mr. Burleigh said with the bonding funds available in his district, he knows they have better funded recreation departments and better funded schools, but they still have to deal with the bad side of living near the industries. He said he has no problem with using riverboat money where it is needed, but that a district with bonding capacity should pass a bond.

Mr. Webb said his district has needs and there is not enough money left from his bond money, so he will soon be coming before the Board to ask for money. He said there is no way to raise the money to cover the needs with the growth that his district is experiencing. He said he knew that parish wide bonding was not popular with this Board, but in the outlying areas, he does not see anything else available since they can not raise the money that they need.

Mr. LaRocque said that the sales tax in Moss Bluff does not provide adequate funds to provide capital improvements, even with a bond issue attached to it.

Mr. Jongbloed asked Mr. Bruchhaus that regarding the riverboat funds, with the 1.8 million that we are in the red and this new expense making that total 2.3 million, when would he project that to be paid. Mr. Bruchhaus replied it would be approximately 1.5 years, with no new expenditures.He said there are pending land deals and many more requests for pods.

On a motion to accept by Mr. LaRocque and seconded by Mr. Webb, the motion carried, with nay votes from Mr. Dellafosse and Mr. Victorian.

Change Order Number Two (2) for Project, “A New Running Track for Bell City High School,” School District #28 Bond Funds, Bid Number 2007-10PC, Project Number MA0702A, Moss Architects, Inc., Designer; Asphalt           Associates, Inc., Contractor; Increase of Sixty (60) Days.

On a motion to accept by Mr. Webb and seconded by Mrs. Ballard, the motion carried.

Change Order Number One (1) for Project, “CPSB Relocation, Phase II,” Project Number 0603-II, Bid Number 2008-01PC, Hurricane Rita Repair Funds, Randy Goodloe, AIA, Architect; Alfred Palma, LLC., Contractor;            Increase of $61,709.00 and Increase of Twelve (12) Days.

On a motion to accept by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mrs. Ballard, the motion carried.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Mr. Savoy handed out a list of proposed monthly committee dates to the Board, for their review and future discussion.

Mr. Pitre said he would use feedback from the Board to decide if we would proceed with this proposal.

Mr. Savoy said that at every Board meeting, each Board member would get a report on the enrollment increases and decreases in the schools in their district.

He reported that Sarah Edwards, from Prien Lake Elementary School, won first place in the LSBA art contest, kindergarten-4^th grade category. She was recognized at the LSBA conference in Shreveport.

He said that Dr. Sally Clausen, Commissioner of Higher Education for the Louisiana Department of Education, recognized John F. Kennedy Elementary School as a School of Excellence. They were commended for their 2006-2007 LEAP and ILeap test scores.

Mr. Savoy told the Board of the following students, selected for the National Honor Choir, chosen by competitive audition:

DeQuincy Middle School

Olin Browning, Jonathan Haley, Staci Maddox, Cary Marcontell, Baylee Royer, Victoria Vendergriff, Joshua Windham

DeQuincy High School

Scotti Vige’, Hallie Moses, Erin Windham, Rebecca Marcantel, Tracey Shoemake, Sean Bean, Michael Suchanek, Brandon Pitre, Jaydan Templet, Nicholas Chachere

DeQuincy Elementary School

Jaylee Googe

St. John Elementary School

Abigail Hammond, Tiana Lazard, Gary Lytle

T.S. Cooley Elementary School

Hailey Soileau, Brook Townsley, John Trouth

Barbe High School

Matthew Higgenbotham, Victoria Otte, Anna Lynn Sober, Hannah Sober

Mr. Savoy gave each of the Board members a folder, designed by Charlene Chiasson and the personnel department, to be used for information for recruiting in Calcasieu Parish.

Mr. Savoy gave an update on the relocation of the central offices to the old Sam’s building. The target date for relocation is January, 2009.

Mr. Savoy introduced Roger Creel, Director of Career and Technical Education. Mr. Creel gave a report on the Construction Zone program. This program helps students find an aptitude for a certain trade and pursue training for a career in the construction industry.

Mr. Dellafosse asked if this program would come before the Board at a future Budget Committee meeting. Mr. Creel replied that as of now, everything has been paid for by grant funds.

CONDOLENCES/RECOGNITIONS

Mr. Bernard asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Sam Huber.

Mr. Bernard, Mr. Webb, and Mr. Hardy asked for a letter of condolence to the family of McClendon Nichols.

Mr. Webb asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Marie Hoffpauir. He asked for a “get well” letter to Brenda Arceneaux, the daughter of Marie Hoffpauir.

Mr. Hardy commented on what he felt was disrespect from different Board members, regarding lack of information.

Mr. Pitre announced that the Board retreat would be April 20-22 in Baton Rouge.

Mr. Savoy asked for a letter of condolence to District Attorney John DeRosier, at the loss of his father.

Mr. Dellafosse asked for a letter of condolence to Clara Duhon at the loss of her uncle.

Kathy Landry, President, School Bus Driver’s Association, asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Kenneth Williams.

COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEMS

Mr. Dellafosse handed out to each attending Board member a copy of  “The Key Work of School Boards” guidebook.” These are to be used for the Goals and Objectives Committee and the upcoming Board retreat.

SCHEDULE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS   

A & P Committee – Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Goals and Objectives Committee – Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Curriculum and Instruction Committee – Thursday, March 20, 2008

Budget Committee – Thursday, April 17, 2008

Meeting Adjourned

On a motion by Mr. Hardy, seconded by Mrs. Ballard and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

__________________________   Wayne Savoy, Secretary

__________________________   James Pitre, President