05/03/2008

The Calcasieu Parish School Board met in the Conference Room of the Calcasieu Parish School Board, located at 1732 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, 70601, on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at 4:45 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Jimmy Pitre, President. The prayer was led by Annette Ballard and Clara Duhon led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The roll was called and the following members were present: Joe Andrepont, Annette Ballard, Dale 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.

On a motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. LaRocque and unanimously carried, the Minutes of the regular meeting of April 8, 2008 were approved as presented.

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

Mr. Pitre said that the agenda order on Presentations would be changed so that the Zanner-Bloser Handwriting Contest winners would be presented first.

Zanner-Bloser Handwriting Contest winners were presented awards by Mr. Greg Thomas, the representative from Zanner-Bloser.Mrs. Hicks, Administrative Director of Elementary Schools, introduced Mr. Thomas.

Mrs. Hicks introduced Kashia Askew, Elementary Curriculum Specialist and Terry Collins, Elementary Curriculum Specialist. Ms. Askew presented the following winners and runners up.

Cameron Shull thanked all of his teachers for impacting his life and preparing him for college.

Susan Caldwell thanked the Board for their support in funding the salary supplement for the nationally certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

Marianne Wallace, President of A+Pel, introduced Kylie DeVille (not present) as the Volunteer of the Year. New officers for the 2008-2009 school year are:

Keith LeLeux, Director of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented the following students:

2008 Calcasieu Parish All-Parish Team

Jennifer Barclay - Barbe
David Johnson - LaGrange
Alex Reeser - Westlake
Jerome Weston - Washington-Marion
Cody Yarbrough – Sulphur

These students were presented by Norma Guillory, High School Science Consultant.

Middle School Forensics Tournament Winners and Middle School Summer Reading Program Presentation

Beatrice Hopkins, Middle School ELA Consultant, presented Carla Craddock, an 8^th grade ELA teacher at LeBlanc Middle School. Ms. Craddock introduced students from LeBlanc Middle, regarding the summer reading program. Each of the students gave a brief report on a book that they had enjoyed. The students were:

Veronica Gardner, ELA and Speech/Debate Coach at F. K. White Middle School introduced Sonia Ortiz and Marcus Hughes. Sonia gave a poetry presentation and Marcus presented a dramatic interpretation selection.

Raedonna Person and Linda Leukenhoff, representing the Calcasieu School Counselor’s Association, presented the following Calcasieu Counselor of the Year winners:

Mr. Savoy presented the following schools as receiving money from the State Department for the 2006-2007 Accountability

Mr. Savoy presented Ronald Blanchard, a science teacher at Molo Middle School. Mr. Blanchard was chosen to be inducted into the National Teacher’s Hall of Fame. Mr. Blanchard said he was excited to work in Calcasieu Parish and hoped that he was an inspiration to some. He thanked everyone that helped him achieve this honor.

Recognition of Sabra Soileau, Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award

Mr. Savoy presented Sabra Soileau, a teacher at Moss Bluff Middle School. Mrs. Soileau received $25,000 as an award from the Milken Foundation for excellence in her teaching methods and exemplary educational accomplishments.

Coach Cathi Reed introduced the following members of the championship bowling team:

On a motion by Mr. Andrepont and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the Board voted to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:02 p.m. The agenda was amended on a motion by Mr. Breaux and seconded by Mr. Karr, with no opposition. On the amended agenda, the Board voted on a roll call vote to go into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation, CW vs CPSB, No. 2:08 – CV-00576, US District Court, Western District of Louisiana. The motion carried, with no nay votes. Regular Session resumed at 6:45 p.m.

Mr. Anderson asked for a motion supporting the recommendation of the Personnel Packet. On a motion by Mr. Andrepont and seconded by Mr. Karr, the motion carried.

Mr. Anderson requested a motion supporting the recommendation of Arlene Hobaugh as Principal of R.W. Vincent Elementary School. On a motion by Mr. Andrepont and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.

Mr. Anderson requested a motion supporting the recommendation of Deborah Buckley as Assistant Principal of Frash Elementary School. On a motion by Mr. Andrepont and seconded by Mr. Guidry, the motion carried.

Mr. Anderson requested a motion supporting the recommendation of Jules Sullen as Head Coach at LaGrange High School. On a motion by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Jongbloed, the motion carried.

Mr. Anderson requested a motion for permission to advertise for the position of Assistant Principal of College Oaks Elementary School.

The Calcasieu Parish School Board Budget/Fiscal Management Committee met at 4:45 p.m., Thursday, April 17, 2008 in the Board Room. The first item, the Elementary Summer Academy (pilot) 2008 for Brentwood and J.J. Johnson Elementary Schools,

Was previously presented and approved by the Board pending approval by the Budget Committee. Anticipated costs were presented at $61,919 per school or a total of $123,838. Staff recommended approval of the pilot program for inclusion into the 2007-2008 General Fund Budget through Budget Revision #3.

At committee, Mrs. Duhon asked to let the record reflect that she was in Washington, D.C. on January 24, 2008 when this item was presented and added that it was requested that a program be established for low performing schools which this program does not address.

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Victorian made the motion to accept the committee recommendation to approve the Elementary Summer Academy 2008 budget. A second was not needed and on a vote, there were no nay votes. Mrs.Duhon abstained.

Next, the property and casualty insurance renewal rates for the 2008-2009 policy year were presented at committee. These rates are down from the prior year with rates totaling $1,132,645 for property, $560,549 liability, and $13,809 auto physical damages. Staff recommended approval of the property/casualty coverage.

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Victorian made a motion to accept the committee recommendation to approve the property/casualty insurance renewals for 2008-2009 fiscal year. A second was not needed and on a vote, there were no nay votes.

Staff recommended rejection of the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and medical pay for 2008-2009. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Victorian made a motion to accept the staff recommendation. A second was not needed and on a vote, there were no nay votes.

At committee, Mr. Butler Bourgeois, representative of Gallagher Risk Management Services, addressed the committee’s concerns regarding a recommendation to approve terrorism coverage at $36,675 for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Victorian made a motion to accept the staff recommendation that the terrorism coverage for the 2008-2009 fiscal year be approved, as presented. A second was not needed.

Mr. Dellafosse felt that they would be voting on fear, on an event that might not happen. He felt that the money could be put aside in a fund to be available when needed.

Mr. Hayes said that this policy was different than the one previously brought before the Board, as it did not have to be an international act of terrorism, declared by the Secretary of State. This new policy involves domestic acts of terrorism and engages if anything political is said by the perpetrator. Mr. Manuel asked for clarification on the word “political.” Mr. Bruchhaus replied that ideological would also fit, instead of necessarily religious or political.

Mr. Andrepont asked about the amount of coverage and Mr. Hayes replied it was ten million dollars. Mr. Andrepont said he could not support this, as it plays to people’s fears.

Mr. Hayes said that as Risk Manager, he did recommend this policy. He said that national indictors show that the soft targets for terrorism are school children. Mr. Hayes said that our current insurance would cover this type of incident under liability protection, but we have a three million dollar limit (one million underlying coverage and an umbrella policy that raises the limit to three million) and a $250,000 deductible under the general liability. The coverage recommended at committee has a $10,000 deductible on liability and $100,000 on property. Mr. Hayes said this new policy is coverage with a higher limit, with a lower deductible and a lesser amount of premium.

Mr. Victorian said that he supported this, as all of the insurance bought is based on a fear factor.

Yes: Mrs. Duhon, Mrs. Ballard, Mr. Bernard, Mr. Jongbloed, Mr. Karr, Mr. Guidry, Mr. LaRocque, Mr. Victorian, Mr. Breaux

The following schools were audited and received good audit reports: S.P. Arnett Middle, Calcasieu Career Center, College Oaks Elementary, DeQuincy Elementary, LaGrange High, LeBlanc Middle, St. John Elementary, Starks High, Vincent Settlement Elementary and R.W. Vincent Elementary. All audits were discussed with the administrative directors and school principals and all exceptions were handled according to the School Activity Funds Principles and Procedures Manual.

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Victorian made a motion to approve the audit reports, as presented. There was no second needed and on a vote, there was no opposition.

At committee, Staff presented a recommendation for a one-year extension of the external audit contract with Allen, Green & Williamson, LLP, to perform the financial and compliance audit at a price of $72,000. Allen, Green & Williamson have performed the school board’s audits for the last nine years.

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Victorian made a motion to accept the staff recommendation of a one year extension of the external audit contract with Allen, Green & Williamson, LLP.

Next, staff made a request for permission to advertise for the sale of used surplus phone systems and equipment.

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Victorian made a motion to accept the recommendation that permission be given to advertise for the sale of used surplus phone systems and equipment. There was no second needed and on a vote, there was no opposition.

An update of the riverboat head tax proceeds showed revenues from inception to date totaled $29,641,377.24 and expenditures/encumbrances totaled $31,535,598.16 for a deficit of ($1,894,220.92). An expenditure history was reviewed detailing how riverboat proceeds have funded mostly land and classroom buildings (PODS) since they began in 1995.

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Victorian made a motion to accept the staff recommendation that the projected deficit in the Riverboat Capital Projects Fund not exceed 80% of actual revenues collected for the immediate prior year. This would exclude any previously approved expenditures, even if they have not been recorded. There was no second needed and on a vote, the motion carried, with one nay vote by Mr. LaRocque.

An update of property tax and millage collection information showed that General Fund property tax millages remained at 18.72 mills for 2007-2008 with net assessed valuation at $1.18 billion. This item was for informational purposes and no action was necessary.

Staff is requesting permission to enter into a two-year lease for 15 temporary classroom buildings with Kaufman Building Systems, Inc. The buildings (24’ x 36’) are constructed in modular style. A basic specification sheet is attached along with a picture.

The lease will contain a required non-appropriation clause for year two. Set-up will be the responsibility of the CPSB and will be quoted through the maintenance department. Cost of each classroom will be $700 per month with a total annual cost of $126,000. There will be a $2000 per building dismantle charge at return along with freight charges.

On a motion to accept by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Webb, the motion carried. Mr. Hardy said that he looked for a bid presentation on these buildings and he feels that local contractors might want to construct these buildings and then lease them and he is concerned that there is fair play regarding the leasing of buildings from certain vendors.

Mr. Bruchhaus said that this was a short term operating lease and it is not required to be bid.

The Ensuring Literacy for All Initiative is a competitive initiative designed to address the educational needs of the state’s youngest learners in grades Pre-Kindergarten through grade four. The overarching goal of the Ensuring Literacy for All Initiative is to have all students in Louisiana reading and writing at or above grade level in grades kindergarten through four. The estimated award per school is in the range of $100,000 to $200,000.

I am requesting that the Board approve the following proposals for the 2008-09 Ensuring Literacy for All Initiative.

The AT&T Foundation has launched a new grant program focused on high school success for at-risk students. The foundation seeks to support the most effective programs that intervene early and get results.

Project support is for existing high school retention programs with a successful track record of achieving effective results and is intended for programs ready to operate in their current or modified form by the first semester of the 2008-2009 school year. Grant payout will range from $50,000 to $100,000 a year for up to four years (2008-2011).

I am requesting that the Board approve the following proposal for the 2008-09 AT&T High School Success Special Grants Program.

Name of Persons Applying for Grant: Otto Strasburg, High School Task Force Coordinator and Patrick Deaville, Director of High School Curriculum

On a motion by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mr. Webb, the motion to accept these proposals was approved.

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

On a motion to approve by Mr. Hardy and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried.

On a motion to approve by Mr. Jongbloed and seconded by Mr. Bernard, the motion carried.

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

Addition and Improvements at Frash Elementary, Sulphur 9^th Grade, W.W. Lewis Middle School

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

THE STAFF RECOMMENDS ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR EACH ITEM MEETING SPECIFICATIONS.

THE STAFF RECOMMENDS ACCEPTING THE LOW BID MEETING ALL SPECIFICATIONS FROM NATIONAL ORGANIZATION SERVICE FOR THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $34,387.50.

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

THE STAFF RECOMMENDS ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR EACH ITEM MEETING SPECIFICATIONS.

THE STAFF RECOMMENDS ACCEPTING THE LOW BID MEETING SPECIFICATIONS FROM EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS, INC (EPI) FOR THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $41,317.50.

BID FOR CLASSROOM SUPPLIES, SOFTWARE AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD.

THE STAFF RECOMMENDS ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR EACH ITEM MEETING SPECIFICATIONS.

THE STAFF RECOMMENDS ACCEPTING THE LOW BID MEETING SPECIFICATIONS WITH EACH VENDOR AS LISTED ABOVE. STAFF SEEKS PERMISSION TO PURCHASE NO-BID ITEMS ACCORDING TO APPLICABLE PURCHASING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.

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

BID FOR JANITORIAL PAPER GOODS AND SUPPLIES FOR THE CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD.

THE STAFF RECOMMENDS ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR EACH ITEM MEETING SPECIFICATIONS.

THE STAFF RECOMMENDS ACCEPTING THE LOW BID MEETING SPECIFICATIONS WITH EACH VENDOR AS LISTED ABOVE. STAFF SEEKS PERMISSION TO PURCHASE NO BID ITEMS ACCORDING TO APPLICABLE PURCHASING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.

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

#1TRUCKS AND VANS FOR THE CPSB

MAINTENANCE DEPT., GENERAL FUNDS

5/06/2008 TBA TBA

#2SCHOOL BUSES FOR THE CPSB

TRANSPORTATION DEPT., GENERAL FUNDS

5/06/2008 TBA TBA

#3PEST AND RODENT FOR ALL CPSB

LOCATIONS, GENERAL FUNDS

5/06/2008 TBA TBA

#4OFFICE SUPPLY CATALOG DISCOUNT FOR ALL

CPSB LOCATIONS, GENERAL FUNDS/FEDERAL/

SCHOOL/OTHER

5/06/2008 TBA TBA

#5DISCHARGE MONITORING AND MONTHLY TESTING

FOR 11 SCHOOLS, GENERAL FUNDS

5/06/2008 TBA TBA

#6SECURITY SERVICES FOR THE CPSB

CHENNAULT, WAREHOUSE, AND BUS GARAGE

FACILITIES, GENERAL FUNDS

5/06/2008 TBA TBA

#7FIRE ALARM INSPECTIONS FOR ALL CPSB

LOCATIONS, GENERAL FUNDS

5/06/2008 TBA TBA

The above mentioned items 1-7, on a motion to approve by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Victorian, were approved by vote, with no opposition.

CORRESPONDENCE

Change Order Number Three (3) for “CPSB Relocation Phase II,” Project #0603-II, Alfred Palma, LLC, Contractor; Randy Goodloe, AIA, Architect, Increase of $3,174.00 and Increase of One (1) day.

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

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Mr. Savoy reported that Fantacee Brown, a senior at Washington-Marion High School, received a $600 scholarship from the Lake Charles Rotary Club, for the “Service Above Self” award. He announced that Dinah Robinson, Principal of J. F. Kennedy Elementary School, was chosen to be on State Superintendent Paul Pastorek’s Principal Advisory Group.

Mr. Savoy asked the Board to look at the expanded Transportation information on the Calcasieu Parish School Board website. He said that field trip software would soon be added to this site. He thanked the bus drivers for giving up their free time for training.

Mr. Savoy gave each member of the Board a draft of information submitted to the State Department of Education, regarding the Reconstitution Plan for Reynaud Middle School.

CONDOLENCES AND RECOGNITIONS

Mr. Jongbloed asked for a letter of condolence to Mary Guillory, at the loss of her husband. He asked for a letter of recognition to Coach Steve Richard at Barbe High School, as the Girls’ Track Team won the 5A State Championship and to Coach Cathi Reed for the Barbe Bowling Team State Championship. He asked for a letter of condolence to Vic Stelly at the loss of his mother-in-law and a letter to Debbie Nabours, at the loss of her son.

Mr. Webb asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Amber Hardy, a ten year old student; a letter of condolence to Pat Schooler, at the loss of her mother; a letter of condolence to Rick Kuykendall at the loss of his wife; and a letter of condolence to Andy and Kerry Ardoin at the loss of Kerry’s brother.

Mr. Hardy asked for a letter of condolence to Carolyn Martin, at the loss of her husband; a letter of condolence to Debbie Nabours, at the loss of her son; and a letter of condolence to Patrick Dix, at the loss of his grandfather.

Mr. Burleigh asked for a letter of recognition to Jay Ecker, Band Director at Westlake High School, as the Jazz Band won first place in the state festival.

Mr. Andrepont asked for a letter of thanks to Tom Hatfield and to staff for their work at the Board retreat.

Mr. Breaux asked for a letter of condolence to Mr. Kuykendall at the loss of his wife, Susan, a teacher.

Mr. Pitre announced that he was appointed to the Louisiana School Board Association Board of Directors.

COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEMS

Mr. Andrepont asked for C&I to explore a pilot program for the elementary schools that feed Reynaud Middle, that all teachers at these elementary schools be certified teachers. He also would like a reading tutorial program at the Lake Charles-Boston Academy of Learning.

Mr. Breaux asked for Budget to discuss a media center at D.S. Perkins, for those living on that side of the parish. He asked for A&P to review the retire-rehire policy.

SCHEDULE COMMITTEES

Budget Committee - May 20, 2008 at 4:45 p.m.

Curriculum and Instruction Committee - May 20, 2008 at 4:45 p.m.

On a motion to adjourn by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the Board voted to adjourn at 7:33 p.m.

COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEMS

Elementary Division

Winner

Runner-up

Middle School Division

Winner

Runner-up

High School Division

Winner

Runner-up