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11-13-2007 |
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DATE, TIME, PLACE OF MEETING The Calcasieu Parish School Board met in the Conference Room of the Calcasieu Parish School Board, located at 1732 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 4:45 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Bryan LaRocque, President. The prayer was led by Fred Hardy; the pledge was led by Mack Dellafosse. ROLL CALL The roll was called and the following members were present: Joe Andrepont, Annette Ballard, Randy Burleigh, Mack Dellafosse, Clara Duhon, Chad Guidry, Fred Hardy, Bill Jongbloed, James Karr, Bryan Larocque, Elray Victorian, and R.L. Webb. Dale Bernard, Billy Breaux, and Jimmy Pitre were absent. MINUTES APPROVED On a motion by Mr. Andrepont and seconded by Mr. Burleigh, the Minutes of October 9, 2007 were approved. The Supplemental Agenda was approved as part of the regular agenda on a motion by Mr. Dellafosse and seconded by Mr. Webb. With no opposition, it was agreed to add item XVII to the agenda, an additional Executive Session. PRESENTATIONS Louisiana FFA State President Jacob Sittig, the State President for the Louisiana Future Farmers of America, spoke to the Board, with information about FFA and thanking the Board for their support. Louisiana Elementary Counselor of the Year James Powers, from the Career and Technical Education Department, and Mitzi Wilkinson, a counselor at Sulphur High School and President of the Calcasieu School Counselor’s Association, presented Cassandra Austin as the Louisiana Elementary Counselor of the Year. This was for the 2006-2007 school year at Combre-Fondel Elementary School. She is currently a counselor at S.J. Welsh Middle School. Bus Accident Responders Mr. Savoy, Superintendent, asked that this item be moved to later in the agenda, in order for the McNeese football players to arrive after their daily practice. The players arrived at 5:55 p.m. and were presented to the Board by Ron Hayes, Risk Manager. These players helped remove Kaufman Elementary School students from an overturned bus on October 17, 2007 and stayed with the students until help arrived. A certificate was presented to Karen Williams, Principal of Kaufman Elementary School, as she was commended for her quick response in notifying the parents of the students involved. Jim Murphy, Athletic Trainer for the McNeese team, was given a certificate of appreciation for his help in checking out each of the students and staying with them until medical help arrived. Tammy LeBlanc, a private citizen that was the first to respond to the accident, was given a certificate of appreciation and thanks by the Board. The students from the bus accident arrived to thank the players for being their “heroes.” The McNeese players that helped that day were: Kenneth Lundy Detrick Taylor LaDairus Key John Hamilton Travis Thibodeaux David Turnage Vaalyn Jackson Garren Jim Tyson Sibley John Ledet Bernardo Henry Bryant Mason Josh Ellison John Vigers Geremy Pilate Allen Nelson Brian Harvey Josh Wagner Mr. Hayes also recognized Tommy McClelland, the interim Athletic Director for McNeese and Louis Bonnette, the Sports Information Director for McNeese. PERSONNEL PACKET/EXECUTIVE SESSION On a motion by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Andrepont, the Board adjourned into Executive Session at 5:10 p.m. The Board returned for the Regular Session at 5:20 p.m. Mr. Gary Anderson, Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Personnel, requested a motion supporting the recommendations as listed in the personnel packet. On a motion by Mr. Victorian and seconded by Mr. Burleigh, the motion carried.
Mr. Anderson requested a motion supporting the recommendation of Lorette Bass as Assistant Principal of Fairview Elementary School. On a motion by Mr. Victorian and seconded by Mr. Hardy, the motion carried. Mr. Anderson asked for a motion to support the renewal of the performance contract for Karl Bruchhaus, Chief Financial Officer. On a motion to approve by Mr. Dellafosse and seconded by Mr. Victorian, there was no opposition. Mr. Savoy asked for permission to advertise for the position of Curriculum Assistant at Combre-Fondel Elementary School, for the remainder of this school year. On a motion to approve by Mr. Burleigh and seconded by Mr. Webb, the motion carried. Mr. Andrepont made a motion for the Board to authorize the Superintendent to settle a portion of the American Alternative Insurance Corporation’s claim number 1002285, by contributing the School Board’s self insured retention to the settlement. Mr. Hardy seconded the motion and the motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, October 16, 2007
Mr. Karr gave the following committee report, in Mr. Pitre’s absence. The Calcasieu Parish School Board Budget/Fiscal Management Committee met at 4:45 p.m., Tuesday, October 16, 2007 in the Board Room. A quorum was present. At committee, Mr. Bruchhaus presented General Fund Budget Revision #1. Revenues and other sources of funds were $248,673,073, an increase of $4,605,045, and expenditures and other uses of funds were $247,357,990, an increase of $3,289,962. The projected result of operations included a $1,315,083 surplus leaving unreserved/undesignated reserves at $38,693,224 or 15.6% of projected revenues. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Karr made a motion to accept and the motion carried. Next, staff recommended a possible one-time supplement in the amount of $1,700 to all full-time employees and ½ of the supplement for all part-time regular employees to be combined with their paycheck on November 30, 2007. The proposed supplement would be given to employees who are actively employed at the end-of-day on November 16, 2007. The total cost of the supplement including benefit costs would be $9,938,021. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Karr made a motion to accept. Mr. Dellafosse made a substitute motion for a $500 annual salary increase and a $500 supplement for support personnel, with a $1000 supplement for teachers. Mrs. Duhon seconded his motion. Mr. Guidry asked if a raise had ever been given to just one department, without including everyone. Mr. Bruchhaus replied that if it has been done, it has not been done very often. He also said that he had met with Mr. Dellafosse regarding the information for his substitute motion, but he wanted to clarify that the staff recommendation is still the same as the original motion. Mr. Guidry asked if this is the first time that the support workers have received the same supplement as the teachers and Mr. Bruchhaus replied that it had happened once before. Mr. Guidry said that he felt the recent salary raise of $5000 for teachers and $1500 for support personnel was fair and that the same supplement is fair, but he could not vote for only one section of the people to get a raise. Mr. Dellafosse said that he knew that there had been instances of only one section getting a raise, but Mr. Bruchhaus replied that it might have been state and not local. Mr. Victorian said he remembered that the support personnel had been promised a $500 raise after the budget was presented. He said he would like to take the $1700 supplement amount for support personnel and have it changed to a $1200 supplement, with a $500 raise. He said that once it has been made public to the employees, it is extremely difficult to change. Mr. Webb said that it has already come out in the media that the teachers are getting a $1700 supplement, and then to cut it to $1000 makes it look like money is being taken from the teachers and being given to the support personnel. He said he could support a raise, but after it has gone back to the Budget Committee for a proposal. Mr. Andrepont said that he remembered that there was not a promise for a raise for support personnel, but that it would be looked at to see if it was possible if money was available. He said supplements are good because we have the money, but he does worry about recurring expenses with a raise. Mr. Karr said he was reluctant to change the staff recommendation, because he was worried about recurring expenses. Mr. Jongbloed said that when the raises were given this summer, he had asked that support personnel be given $2000 instead of $1500. He said he would certainly support a raise in the future for support personnel only. Mr. Dellafosse said that the Board should be able to make decisions, regardless of what is recommended by a committee, and exercise the right to be open minded and fair. Mr. Hardy said he could not support the substitute motion because it reduces the teacher’s supplement. Jean Johnson, President of the Calcasieu Federation of Teachers, spoke to the Board. She urged the Board to support the original motion, as it is already out to the public and everyone is very excited about receiving the supplement. She said she was very pleased that everyone was getting the same amount and there is no doubt that the support personnel need a raise. She said the supplements are a good thing, as it does count towards retirement. She said that when the budget is considered for next year, CFT would support a raise for support personnel. On a vote for the substitute motion, the yeah votes were Mr. Dellafosse and Mrs. Duhon. Mr. Victorian abstained. The motion failed. Mr. Victorian made a substitute motion to keep the entire $1700 supplement for teachers and redirect $500 of the $1700 for support personnel as a salary increase. Mrs. Duhon seconded the motion. Mr. Bruchhaus said that he still was behind the original recommendation, but if this is what the Board wanted to do, he would suggest that the support personnel be given the entire $1700 and a $500 raise be given to them starting next year. Mr. Burleigh said he could not support this motion and that he believes the support workers did not get a fair deal with the raises from the State. He said that at the beginning of the next fiscal year, this raise needs to be considered. Mr. Andrepont said that some of our programs need to be looked at and maybe eliminated. He said maybe we could turn around and reward that money to support workers, even more than the $500 that is proposed. Mr. Karr said that he is worried about large expenditures that the system might be faced with in the near future. On a vote for the substitute motion, yeah votes were Mr. Victorian and Mrs. Duhon. The motion failed. On a vote for the original motion, there were no nay votes and the motion carried. The next item presented was a recommendation by staff to fund an annual $3,000 supplement for ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists at an approximate cost of $75,000 pending funding by the State of a supplement. Mr. Karr made a motion to accept on behalf of the committee. Mr. Bruchhaus said that the State passed a law giving the supplement, but never funded the supplement. He said he feels like it will be funded next year by the legislature, but in the interim, we would fund the supplement. Susan Caldwell addressed the Board, urging their support and thanking them for recognizing them for the services that they provide. Mr. Hardy asked if we will continue to fund the supplement until the State funds it and Mr. Bruchhaus replied yes. He said the LSBA will continue to lobby for the supplement to be funded. Mr. LaRocque asked if this will be presented annually to the Board for approval. Mr. Bruchhaus said it is being presented now to be funded until the State funds it. Mr. Victorian asked if the LSBA has been notified that we would want them to continue lobbying for this funding. Mr. Webb asked when the supplement will be paid. Mr. Bruchhaus said the supplement would be put as a line item on their monthly checks for the rest of this school year. On a vote, there was no opposition and the motion carried. Mr. Karr reported that the committee discussed a potential program for recruiting highly qualified teachers to our parish. One method suggested was the offering of college scholarships to committed education majors with an agreement to work in Calcasieu Parish for a specified time as a teacher. Staff requested Board approval of the following actions:
· Authorize appropriation of $100,000 to seed trust fund. · Authorize Board President to appoint focus group to determine actual scholarship parameters. · Authorize staff to contract attorney Jim Watson to develop trust document and scholarship contract.
On behalf of the committee, Mr. Karr made a motion to approve the program for recruiting highly qualified teachers as presented. Mr. Bruchhaus said the goal is to put the $100,000 into a trust account and hope that donors will contribute to the account. The interest from the money will be used to give scholarships. Mr. Andrepont said at a later date he would like to know how many certified teachers we have outside of the classroom. On a vote to approve, there was no opposition. Mr. Karr reported on the growing concern of student medical issues in the parish and concluded that additional nurses were required in our system to meet the growing health issues. Staff requested authorization to hire 10 licensed practical nurses at an approximate annual cost of $227,200. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Karr made a motion to accept and the motion carried. At committee, Mr. Bruchhaus gave an update on current grants in the system. A list of the current grants accounted for centrally was presented with totals and salary/benefit information. Staff is working toward implementing a grant “clearinghouse” to track grants submitted to pre-determine that services are not being duplicated and that the district is not committing to obligations it can’t sustain. This item was for informational purposes and no action was taken. At committee, the staff presented expenditure information on the grant for the 21st Century Community Center – Reynaud. Source documents for expenditures are available in various business departments that handle such documents in the system. The grant is subject to an annual audit by external auditors and State monitors. This item was for informational purposes and no action was necessary. Mrs. Duhon said she would like to have a copy of the audit information and by whom and the dates of the audit. At committee, a resolution was presented for adoption authorizing continuing membership in the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (LCDA). Mr. Bruchhaus said this is a state entity that was created to loan money to governmental bodies. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Karr made a motion to continue membership in LCDA be approved as presented. On a vote, the motion carried. Employee Benefits Committee, November 1, 2007 Mr. Dellafosse gave the committee report, in the absence of Mr. Breaux.
The Calcasieu Parish School Board Employee Benefits Committee met in the Board Room at 1732 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Thursday, November 1, 2007, at 4:45 p.m.
At committee, Ms. Kathy Sonnier presented Calcasieu Parish School System’s group health coverage mid-year review with Blue Cross Blue Shield of LA.
Ms. Sonnier explained that the claims paid year to date were $439,917 less than 2006 – 2007 and the CPSB group has 63 more employees/retirees covered by the plan. The average claims paid per member per month is $305.38, which is $13.30 less than the previous year. The savings year-to-date was attributed to inpatient claims decreasing, the continued growth in the plan members, and the BCBS network costs savings of 54.6% to the school board.
She reminded the committee of the wellness benefits available to CPSB insureds. Included are health benefits, self-directed wellness/health information, and wellness maintenance discounting programs. Ms. Sonnier presented an employee brochure for consideration to be distributed to all employees. The committee voted to approve the wellness brochure for distribution to all employees with their December paychecks. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Dellafosse made a motion to accept. On a vote, there was no opposition.
Mr. Webb asked how the retirees would receive the brochure and Mr. Dellafosse replied that it would come in the mail.
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION
Policy Relating to Hooded Jackets
Mr. Jongbloed asked that this be on the agenda, reporting on calls he was receiving from principals regarding hooded jackets and hooded sweatshirts. For security reasons, he said that the hooded jackets are a problem because when the hood is tightened around the face, you cannot identify the wearer. He said that many of the principals would like to have the hooded jackets banned, but legal counsel could not support this as it was not a Calcasieu Parish School Board policy. He said that the jackets are not a problem in elementary schools, only in high schools and middle schools.
Mr. Jongbloed made a motion to ban hooded jackets for high school and middle school students. Mr. Burleigh seconded the motion. Mr. Dellafosse made a substitute motion to send this item back to Staff or to the A&P Committee, with a second by Mr. Victorian.
Mr. Andrepont said he could not support either motion.
Mrs. Duhon said that she would like parents to be asked to just not buy the hooded jackets next year, as they probably have already bought the jackets that the students are wearing for this year.
Mr. Victorian said that he feels that this can be handled at the school level and the Board does not really need to get involved. He said that the students should just be told to not wear the hoods that are on their jackets.
Mr. Hardy said that he objects to both motions as the Board has not had time to ponder the subject and he does not like surprises.
Mr. Dellafosse clarified that his substitute motion was to refer the item to Staff, before sending it to the A&P Committee. Mr. Victorian still seconded the motion.
Mrs. Ballard said that she respects what the principals tell them and she supports the item going back to Staff for clarification.
Buzz Sarver, Principal of S.J. Welsh Middle School, spoke to the Board regarding how he handles hooded jackets. He said that students must put their hooded jackets in their locker when they arrive at school. There are no hoods worn inside the school building. He said that many things can be hidden inside a hood and that is one of the reasons that he does not allow them, the other being that students cannot learn in a non-safe learning environment. He said he does have a problem with students hiding their hoods inside the back of their jackets and then putting them on if no one is looking.
Beth Fraser, Principal of Barbe High School, said that she has a large campus and it is impossible to identify people on her campus if they have a hood tightened around their face. She said that she is thankful for a uniform policy and she believes that students don’t necessarily want to wear the hood, but for fashion reasons, they want their jacket or sweatshirt to have a hood on it. She said that the hoods are a security issue and a discipline issue. She said that three years ago a letter was mailed to every parent stating that hoods were not allowed and to please not purchase this type of jacket for their student. When the student signed to receive their handbook in August, the handbook stated that no hoodies were allowed on campus. She knows of churches and community service providers that will help any student with economic problems, if they need a jacket other than the one they might have with a hood. She said it was a shock when she learned a few weeks ago that there was a change in the legal opinion and that hooded jackets could not be banned from the campus, as it was not a CPSB policy. She asked the Board to reconsider and not allow hooded jackets on the campus.
Mr. Savoy said that the dress code policy states that there is no headwear to be worn on campus, with the exception of knit caps in extremely cold weather. He said this policy was based on styles in 2001 and there is no specific reference to the hooded jackets that are in style today. He said that he does concur that it is a safety issue when students wear their hoods. He is concerned that if hooded jackets are banned, it is a problem for parents that have already bought hooded jackets for this season. He said that this issue needs to be addressed and Staff needs to come up with an answer that will be as fair as possible.
Mr. Jongbloed said that principals are asking for help now and are not asking for this to be sent back to committee and he hates putting this off and he is not in favor of sending it back for discussion.
Mr. Andrepont said that he would like an amendment that just says no hoods are allowed to be worn at school. Mr. Savoy said that the two issues that have to be taken into consideration are the safety of the students and whether parents can afford to buy another jacket this year, if they have already bought one with a hood.
James Spruel, Legal Counsel, said that there is policy regarding how the Board actually develops policy. He said unless the Board is going to suspend their own rules regarding how policy is made, there is no quick fix and hoodies obviously present a security and safety concern. The policy right now only gives one type of head wear that is permissible at school and he thinks a clarification or directive from the Superintendent about hoodies should take care of the situation, rather than creating a policy.
Mr. Dellafosse said that each school creates their own handbook and their own rules and he would like to see consistency in whatever we have as policy, with them not creating their own.
Mr. Savoy said that handbooks are an issue and they are being looked at. He feels that every handbook should be approved by the Board.
Mr. Karr called for a question to stop the discussion, with a second by Mr. Webb. There was no opposition.
Mr. Karr yielded to Leo Miller, Assistant Superintendent. Mr. Miller said that he agreed that parents have already bought jackets for this school year and his concern is that principals are spending too much time having to deal with this type of issue. He said principals need to be supervising instruction and he tells administrators that they need to find creative ways to keep children in school and not find ways to send them home.
Mr. Spruel said that regarding Mr. Dellafosse wanting school handbooks uniform across the parish, there are certain community standards that have to be considered. He said there needs to be some discretion and diversity among different schools in different neighborhoods.
On a vote for the substitute motion to send the issue to Staff for a recommendation, there was no opposition.
Mr. Savoy said that he wants to talk with the principals, one on one, before issuing a directive on the hooded jacket issue.
Washington-Marion High School Choir Trip to Oxford, Mississippi
On a motion to approve by Mr. Burleigh and seconded by Mr. Webb, the motion carried.
Mr. Dellafosse questioned whether it was appropriate to vote on a trip that had already taken place. Mr. Spruel replied that if the Board did not vote to approve, it would appear that the Board was not approving of the trip. Mr. Spruel said that since it is after the fact, the Board is not actually authorizing the trip, but it does give Board approval.
Barbe High School Soccer Team Trip to Santa Ana, California
On a motion to approve by Mr. Burleigh and seconded by Mr. Webb, the motion carried.
Mr. Victorian asked that the costs and methods of raising the funds for these trips be included in information to the Board. He said that some parents have to put a lot of money out for trips like this and it could be a strain, as they would not want their child to not be able to participate.
Mr. Savoy said that the procedure can be changed to include an itemized list of estimated costs involved in any out of state trip. He said audit procedures at each school will show how money is brought in and how it is spent.
Barbe High School Baseball Team Trip to Carlsbad, California On a motion to approve by Mr. Burleigh and seconded by Mr. Webb, the motion carried.
Resolution for Funding for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists On a motion to approve by Mr. Dellafosse and seconded by Mrs. Ballard, the motion carried.
Recommendation for HESI
On a motion to approve by Mr. Victorian and seconded by Mr. Hardy, the motion carried. Mr. Webb asked for clarification. Mr. Bruchhaus said that the Port of Lake Charles was recruiting business into a certain enterprise zone and they asked for the Calcasieu Parish School Board to write a letter recommending acceptance. Mr. Bruchhaus said there would be no financial impact on CPSB at all.
Right of Way/Sewer and Water/City of Lake Charles/Elementary Alternative School
On a motion to accept by Mr. Andrepont and seconded by Mr. Burleigh, the motion carried.
BID REPORTS (None)
PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE (None)
CORRESPONDENCE
Change Order Number Two (2), Project, “Roof Repairs at Frasch Elementary School,” Hurricane Rita Repair Funds, Bid #2007-09PC, Project #07-006; Randall D. Broussard, Architect; Alfred Palma, Inc., Contractor; decrease of $5,166.00. On a motion to approve by Mr. Guidry and seconded by Mr. Andrepont, the motion carried.
Recommendation of Acceptance, Project #MAO409C-1, “Sam Houston High School – Phase II, Classroom and Science Lab Addition to Main Building- Site Preparation Project,” Sales Tax District #3, Bid #2007-01PC; Designer, Moss Architects, Inc.; Contractor, HD Truck and Tractor, LLC. On a motion to approve by Mr. Webb and seconded by Mr. Dellafosse, the motion carried.
Beneficial Occupancy, Project “Phase VI – Classroom Pods for the Calcasieu Parish School Board,” LeBleu Settlement; Riverboat Funds, Bid # 2007- 06PC; C.R. Fugatt, AIA, Architect; Miller and Associates Co., Inc., Contractor. On a motion to approve by Mr. Webb and seconded by Mr. Dellafosse, the motion carried. Beneficial Occupancy, Project “Phase VI – Classroom Pods for the Calcasieu Parish School Board,” Vinton High; Riverboat Funds, Bid #2007-06PC; C.R. Fugatt, AIA, Architect; Miller and Associates Co., Inc., Contractor. On a motion to approve by Mr. Guidry and seconded by Mr. Karr, the motion carried. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Approved Board Dates
Tuesday, December 4, 2007, 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2008, 4:45 p.m.
For Approval
Tuesday, February 12, 2008, 4:45 p.m.
On a motion to accept by Mr. Andrepont and seconded by Mr. Burleigh, the motion carried.
Mr. Savoy said that he would like to draft a calendar of Board dates for the entire 2008 calendar year. He will present this at the February meeting.
Mr. Savoy reported that Ollie Tyler, the Assistant Superintendent of the State Department of Education, recognized two more of our schools as Pacesetter Schools. These are Henry Heights Elementary and Vincent Settlement Elementary. She has asked that they submit information to the State Department on some of their successes and implementations.
CONDOLENCES AND RECOGNITIONS
Mr. Webb asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Beatrice Kinard. He also asked for a condolence letter to Mary and Jay Wilkinson at the loss of their son.
Mr. Hardy thanked Mr. Savoy for the plaque for the Nelly Lutcher exhibit at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum. He asked for a letter of condolence to Dr. Delahoussaye at the loss of her brother-in-law; a letter of condolence to the family of Reverend Al Stevens; a letter of condolence to the family of Allen Joe Mitchell, Sr.; a letter of condolence to the family of Marie Key; a letter of condolence to the family of William Palmer, Jr.; a letter of condolence to the family of Mrs. Ivory Perryman; a letter of condolence to the family of Sylvia Hollis; a letter of condolence to the family of Deola Guillory; and a letter of condolence to the family of Barbara Stone.
Mrs. Duhon also mentioned Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Palmer, Dr. Delahoussaye, and Reverend Stevens. She asked for a letter of commendation to whoever compiled the retreat book and the annual report. Also, to whoever planned the workshop for the Board members.
Mrs. Ballard asked for a letter of appreciation to the Westlake High School band for performing at the Partner in Education lunch. She thanked Charlene Chiasson, Dr. Vidrine, and their staff for their work on the PIE Kick-Off. She said that schools with Veteran’s Day programs deserved a lot of credit and that she attended the one at Barbe High School and it was excellent.
Mr. Jongbloed said that he personally enjoyed the Board retreat and felt that it was very beneficial. Mr. LaRocque said that Charlene Chiasson, Mr. Savoy, and several others worked on the retreat and he agreed with Mr. Jongbloed.
Mr. Victorian asked for a letter of condolence to Sallye Salter at the death of her father. He asked for a letter of condolence to Eldonet Slate at the death of her mother; a letter of condolence to Quinlon Bordelon on the death of his father.
Mr. Andrepont also mentioned the loss of Marie Key. He thanked Charlene Chiasson and Schel and the others that put forth so much effort for the Board retreat. He also thanked Mrs. Chiasson for putting information out regarding the Bond Election. He asked for a letter of thanks to Tom Hatfield for facilitating the retreat. He thanked the Barbe High School Board members for the birthday cake at the Barbe High School vs Sulphur High School ball game. He asked for a letter to Sulphur High School congratulating them on their football team winning District.
Mr. Burleigh asked for a letter of condolence to Rita Fruge at the loss of her mother. He also said he was very proud of the Westlake High School band and their performance at the PIE Kick-Off lunch. He also thanked Mrs. Chiasson and her department for their help with the Bond Election. He asked for a letter of commendation to Coach Max Caldarera for the Westlake High School football team perfect season.
Mr. Dellafosse also mentioned Mr. Mitchell and Dr. Delahoussaye’s brother-in-law. He also thanked Mrs. Chiasson and her crew for the Board retreat.
Mr. Karr commended everyone that had anything to do with the Board retreat, especially Tom Hatfield and Christina Wilson, the speakers.
Mr. Hardy added that he would like a letter sent to Coach Jenkins at Washington-Marion High School for doing a good job with the football team.
COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Andrepont asked for a follow-up on the drug and alcohol policy for school employees and the issue of buses being over-crowded, for the A&P Committee.
Mrs. Duhon asked for the C&I Committee to research programs that have been proven to turn around our one star schools. She feels that our schools are getting further behind, even with all of the programs that we have and she feels that we need some different directives.
Mr. Hardy said that he did not know that Sulphur was in the process of building a school or that Mr. Jongbloed was bringing a proposal for a policy and he does not like surprises. He said he hopes that an agenda committee could get started, so that there are no more surprises. He said he was not objecting to the school, but he would have liked to have known about it in advance.
Mr. Andrepont said that it has been discussed for quite some time. Mr. Hardy said that the entire Board needs to be involved when any area in the parish has a project. He said he feels very uninformed about it. Mr. Andrepont said that any of the Board members are welcome to give any of the Sulphur members a call regarding any question they may have regarding the bond issue. Mr. Andrepont said there was never any intention to keep anyone in the dark on the bond issue.
Mr. Burleigh said that he, Mr. Breaux, Mr. Guidry, and Mr. Andrepont tried to get the word out regarding the bond election. He said he apologized if the information did not get to all of the Board members.
Mr. Burleigh asked the Budget Committee to look at a raise in the supplement for high school coaches and athletic sponsors.
Mr. Hardy asked if the Board voted on bond issues or is it just done on a whim or at the discretion of Board members in that certain area. Mr. Bruchhaus replied that the Board did vote and approve the Bond Election for Districts 23 and 30. Mr. Hardy said he wants more information on that and how specifically things are approved for certain schools.
Mr. Dellafosse asked for a report on how many certified teachers are at each school. He also asked how the Goals and Objectives Committee and the Agenda Committee will be established.
Mr. LaRocque said that he and Mr. Savoy and several others have talked with Mr. McMurry at the Police Jury regarding an Agenda Committee and how it works for them and it is being considered. He said the Goals and Objectives Committee will be discussed with the new 2008 Board President.
Mr. Hardy said that he would like the schools to have exercise programs, to get the students more physically fit.
SCHEDULE COMMITTEES
Curriculum and Instruction Committee, November 15, 2007 at 4:45 p.m.
On a motion by Mr. Dellafosse and seconded by Mr. Burleigh, the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. for Executive Session. The meeting resumed at 8:35 p.m.. One a motion to adjourn by Mr. Dellafosse and seconded by Mr. Hardy, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
_________________________ ___________________________ Wayne Savoy, Secretary Bryan LaRocque, President
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