|
|
|
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, 70601, on Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 4:45 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Jimmy Pitre, President. The prayer was led by James Karr, Sr. and Chad Guidry led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
The roll was called and the following members were present: Joe Andrepont, Annette Ballard, 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.
Dale Bernard arrived after the roll was called.
MINUTES APPROVED
On a motion by Mr. Guidry, seconded by Mr. Victorian and unanimously carried, the Minutes of the regular meeting of August 5, 2008 were approved, as presented.
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
On a motion by Mr. LaRocque and seconded by Mr. Webb, the Supplemental Agenda was included as part of the regular agenda.
Mr. Jongbloed made a motion to amend the agenda to add Item XIII A, as Discussion and Appropriate Action on Renewal of Superintendent’s Contract. On a motion by Mrs. Ballard, the motion carried with no opposition.
South Lake Charles Little League Team
The team was unable to attend and will be presented at a later meeting.
John Warner Smith, Education’s Next Horizon
Due to Hurricane Gustav, Mr. Smith was unable to attend. He will make his presentation at a later time.
Steve Street, Candidate for District Attorney
Mr. Street addressed the Board regarding his candidacy for District Attorney.
Louisiana Distinguished Partner in Education
Citgo Refinery and VFW Post 4759 and Ladies Auxiliary were presented to the Board and thanked for their generosity and interest in the schools that they represent in the Partner in Education Program. Statewide, eight Partners in Education were recognized as Distinguished Partner in Education and Calcasieu had two of those.
Citgo is partnered with Sulphur High School, Sulphur High School 9th Grade, E.K. Key Elementary, and the Calcasieu Career Center. VFW Post 4759 and Ladies Auxiliary partner with Starks High School.
2007-2008 Outstanding School Support Employees
David Buller, Administrative Director for High Schools, told the Board that the winner in the high school category was Kerry Rigmaiden, a custodian at Westlake High School. He was unable to attend, but will be presented at a later meeting.
Charlotte Gallemore, Administrative Director for Middle Schools, presented Greg Sample, a custodian at DeQuincy Middle School.
Dolores Hicks, Administrative Director for Elementary Schools, presented Ashley Conrad, a paraprofessional in the LA-4 Program at Westwood Elementary School.
PERSONNEL PACKET/EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Mr. Victorian and seconded by Mrs. Ballard, the Board adjourned into Executive Session at 5:23 p.m.
Regular Session resumed at 5:53 p.m.
PERSONNEL PACKET/TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION
Mr. Anderson asked for a motion supporting the recommendations, as listed in the personnel packet. On a motion by Mr. Andrepont and seconded by Mr. Webb, the motion carried.
For the following positions, Mr. Anderson asked for a motion supporting the following recommendations:
Melanie Kellogg as Acting Principal of E. K. Key Elementary School and on a motion by Mr. Andrepont and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.
Dr. Cathy Severns as Principal of College Oaks Elementary School and on a motion by Mrs. Ballard and seconded by Mr. Bernard, the motion carried.
Adam Caldwell as Assistant Principal of Nelson Elementary School and on a motion by Mr. Jongbloed and seconded by Mr. Bernard, the motion carried.
Mark Young as Acting Assistant Principal of Vinton Elementary School and on a motion by Mr. Guidry and seconded by Mr. Karr, the motion carried.
Sharon Ruffin-Hardy as Administrative Intern at Barbe Elementary School and on a motion by Mrs. Ballard and seconded by Mrs. Duhon, the motion carried.
Brad Brinkley as Assistant Principal of Maplewood Middle School and on a motion by Mr. Breaux and seconded by Mr. Andrepont, the motion carried.
Terry Collins as Acting Assistant Principal of Maplewood Middle School and on a motion by Mr. Breaux and seconded by Mr. Andrepont, the motion carried.
Mr. Anderson asked for permission to advertise for the position of Acting Elementary Consultant. On a motion by Mr. Burleigh and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Curriculum and Instruction Committee, August 18, 2008 Annette Ballard, Chair
Mrs. Ballard gave the following report from the meeting of August 18, 2008:
1. EARLY CHILDHOOD REPORT (HEAD START) Sheryl Piper, Director of Early Childhood, stated that nothing has changed from last year. After three years, the program is in full compliance. Pre-K and Head Start are servicing 466 students. There is a waiting list for three and four year olds.
Items for approval: · 2008-2009 Long- and Short-Range Program Goals and Objectives · Organizational Chart · Philosophy · 2008 Community Assessment · 2008 Self-Assessment · Shared Decision-Making Procedures · By-Laws · 2008-2009 Policy Council and Parent Committee Reimbursements · 2008-2009 Composition/Procedures for Policy Council Member Selection · 2008-2009 Community Representatives Policy Council Selection Criteria · Impasse Resolution · 2008-2009 Procedures for Program Planning/Calendar · 2008-2009 Program and Service Plans · 2008-2009 Recruitment, Selection, and enrollment Priorities Criteria · 2008-2009 Governing Body Roles and Responsibilities · Program Personnel Policies/Standard of Conduct · 2008-2009 Hiring/Termination Process for the Head Start Director or any person who works primarily for the Head Start Program · Approval for Bridget Roberson as Wonderland of Play Head Start Site Facilitator · Approval to hire a contracted Mental Health Consultant and a Registered Dietician
On behalf of the committee, Mrs. Ballard made a motion to accept the committee recommendation to approve the above mentioned items. A second was not needed and on a vote, the motion carried.
2. PRESENTATION BY ST JOHN ELEMENTARY ON CULTURAL AND ACADEMIC TRIP TO LONDON Four staff from St. John Elementary as well an instructor from McNeese State University traveled to London. The mission of the trip was to make a cultural and academic connection with Beatrix Potter Primary School in Wandsworth, England. Goals stated were to build and strengthen relationships between both Leadership Teams, to share and exchange instructional strategies that improve academic achievement using technology, and to establish a partnership with our professional development school, McNeese State University, and Roehampton University.
The St. John team visited two K-6 schools. Beatrix Potter Primary had an enrollment of 325 and was multi-cultural with a very diverse student population. Belleville Primary School had an enrollment of 660 and had a greater student population of economically disadvantaged children.
Each member of St. John’s team was assigned an area in which to compare similarities and differences. Sabrah Kingham, principal of St. John Elementary, looked at the overall educational process and developing international partnerships to impact student achievement focusing on five major areas: curriculum plans, discipline, special education issues, professional develop opportunities for staff, and administrative inservices. Pam Nicholson, Assistant Principal, investigated technology integration. Cindy Hanks, Curriculum Coordinator, looked at curriculum design and implementation, and assessment. Sandy Matthews, Assistant Principal, focused on the special education inclusion process. Gayle Pearce, St. John’s McNeese professional development link, met with a professor from the local university regarding technology integration and pre-service teacher preparation. All team members agreed that this was an insightful trip. This item was for information only. The Board recognized Mrs. Kingham, Principal of St. John Elementary School. Mrs. Kingham thanked the Board for allowing them to make their presentation.
Change Order Committee, August 8, 2008 Billy Breaux, Chair
Mr. Breaux gave the following report from the meeting of August 8, 2008:
Item 1 – The Construction Manager had been given permission to approve, in the field Change Order items, up to $7,500.00. The Board will vote on the Change Order at the next meeting. This practice has enabled the projects to move forward at a steady pace.
Item 2 – Monies from each project will be set aside to cover necessary Change Orders. Renovations project will set aside 5% and new construction project will set aside 3%.
Item 3 – Construction Manager will review Change Orders and if he deems them excessive in price, may bid such out through Purchasing Dept. to receive better price.
Item 4 – All projects will have soil tests performed on the proposed site prior to start of construction.
Mr. Breaux stated that this report is for information only and requires no action. He said, at a later date, he would like to discuss having a preferred set of architects.
Goals and Objectives Committee, August 26, 2008 Mack Dellafosse, Chair
Mr. Dellafosse gave the following report from the meeting of August 26, 2008:
· Dashboard · Goals · Measurements · Methods of Publishing · Key Action Steps · Timeline for Completion · Person Responsible for Each Action Step
Mr. Dellafosse recognized Tom Hatfield, who is working as Facilitator with the Goals and Objectives Committee.
On a motion by Mr. Andrepont and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried to change the wording of the following:
Under Key Action Steps, instead of “Retention of administrators at low performing schools,” it would read “Retention of effective faculty at low performing schools.” It was decided that a motion was not necessary, that changes could be made by a consensus of the members.
Under Improve District Performance, instead of “Retain administrative leaders at low performing schools,” it would read “Retain effective faculty at low performing schools.” The Board voted to accept this change.
On behalf of the committee, Mr. Dellafosse made a motion to accept these suggested changes. There was no second needed and on a vote, the motion carried.
The dashboard, in its entirety, is available at the end of this document.
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION
Items A, B, C are available for viewing in the legal Minutes, at 1724 Kirkman Street.
A. Resolution to support the City of Lake Charles in effort to construct a street connecting with McNeese Farm Road
On a motion to approve by Mr. Victorian and seconded by Mr. Bernard, the motion carried.
Mr. Bruchhaus said that this was not to support financially, just “in spirit.”
B. Resolution authorizing Board President to sign documents necessary for completion of right-of-way agreement between City of Lake Charles and CPSB
On a motion to approve by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mrs. Duhon, the motion carried.
C. Agreement to purchase property across from Maplewood Middle School
On a motion to approve by Mr. Breaux and seconded by Mr. Andrepont, the motion carried.
Mr. Breaux said that this purchase will help with the traffic situation on Maplewood Drive. He said that if this land is purchased, the Parish will come in at a later date and buy the portion of the land that is not needed, at the appraised price. He said that bond funds will pay for the costs of creating a parking lot.
Mr. Victorian questioned the cost of the land and Mr. Bruchhaus said it would only be purchased at the appraisal price.
Mr. Hardy asked why the land was to be purchased from riverboat funds. Mr. Breaux replied that property is always bought from the General Fund, that bond funds are for “brick and mortar,” never land acquisition. Mr. Bruchhaus said that every piece of property purchased in the last ten years was purchased from riverboat funds.
D. Approval of Louisiana Leader Fellow Program
The Louisiana Leader Fellows Program will provide school districts with funding to provide the very best teacher leaders in the state with Fellowships to become certified as educational leaders (principals, assistant principals, district leaders) for Louisiana’s schools. The first cohort of the Louisiana Leaders Fellows program will be participating in the program during a thirteen month time period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. Fellowships are for $90,000 each with Calcasieu having three participants; totaling awards of $270,000.
The participants for the first cohort are:
1. School: Dolby Elementary Name of Participant: Karyl O’Banion
2. School: Maplewood Middle Name of Participant: Saberly O’Quain
3. School: Vinton Middle Name of Participant: Gwen Pullard
Mr. Savoy said that these candidates applied and were chosen by the Louisiana Leader Fellows Program. He said that they would be working closely with the principals at these schools, learning best methods for being effective.
Mr. Bruchhaus said that upon approval, we are agreeing to be the fiscal agent and continuing to pay their salaries, with reimbursement from the State.
Mr. Victorian asked that they be moved to other schools at the end of the first semester, where it might be a little more challenging.
Mr. Hardy called a question to cease discussion.
On a motion to approve by Mr. Bernard and seconded by Mrs. Ballard, the motion carried.
E. Request for Washington-Marion Chorus Trip to Hattiesburg, MS – September 29-30, 2008
On a motion to approve by Mr. Hardy and seconded by Mr. Dellafosse, the motion carried.
Mr. Victorian said he was not in favor of using parent’s vehicles for this trip and asked that the possibility of using school buses be checked into.
BID REPORTS
On a motion to approve by Mr. Webb and seconded by Mrs. Duhon, the motion carried.
PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE
A. Bid for 18’ Dry Van for CPSB Warehouse/General Funds
On a motion to approve by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried.
B. Additions and Renovations to W.W. Lewis Middle School/District #30 Bond Funds
On a motion to approve by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried.
C. DeQuincy Lower Elementary School, Additions and Renovations/District #21 Bond Funds
On a motion to approve by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried.
D. DeQuincy Upper Elementary School/District #21 Bond Funds
On a motion to approve by Mr. Karr and seconded by Mr. Victorian, the motion carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
A. Recommendation of Acceptance, “New Synthetic Turf at Westlake High School,” Project #0710-A2, Bid #2008-09PC; King Architects, Inc., Designer; Hellas Construction, Inc., Contractor.
On a motion to approve by Mr. Burleigh and seconded by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried. Mr. Burleigh said acceptance was based on approval of the final punch list of items.
Mr. Andrepont left the meeting at 6:30.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Mr. Savoy said that Connect Ed would be used to contact students and employees regarding hurricane information.
He reminded the Board that there would be a Board Meeting on October 15th at 3:00, for the SACS Review.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Mrs. Ballard and seconded by Mrs. Duhon, the Board adjourned into Executive Session at 7:00 p.m. and resumed Regular Session at 7:31 p.m. On a motion by Mrs. Ballard and seconded by Mr. Webb, the Board approved the renewal of Superintendent Savoy’s current contract for the next four years, beginning with January 1, 2009. On a vote, there was no opposition.
Mr. Breaux thanked Mr. Savoy and his staff for their willingness to help, when asked.
Mrs. Duhon said she was very pleased with Mr. Savoy and that things are moving at the schools in her district and she appreciates it.
Mr. Jongbloed said he had seen many contentious board meetings in past years and was pleased that he had not seen that in the slightest since Mr. Savoy has been Superintendent. He said that he feels that we are fortunate to have Mr. Savoy and he wanted to publicly commend him.
Mr. Bernard thanked Mr. Savoy for the Lake Charles- Boston Academy and the direction it was going.
Mr. Hardy congratulated Mr. Savoy on the renewal of his contract, but wanted it noted that he still had concerns with the ACT scores and that we had too many schools not performing at level III.
Mr. Savoy thanked the Board for their support and said that his staff makes his job much easier. He said he believes that we can do much more in the next four years for the students in Calcasieu Parish.
CONDOLENCES AND RECOGNITIONS
Mr. Hardy asked for letters of condolence to families of the following: Mr. Joseph Rachal Mr. Henry Green, Jr. Mr. James Semien Mr. Leslie Devall
Mr. Webb asked for a condolence letter to the family of Mr. Harrison Savant.
Mr. Karr asked for condolence letters to the family of Mrs. Lurline Dennis and to the family of Mrs. Sarah Woodard.
Mr. Pitre said that he received a call from Mr. Dick Gremillion of the OEP and he was very appreciative of the help given by Mr. Savoy and his staff during this current hurricane season.
Mr. Dellafosse noted that Charlene Chiasson had returned from recent foot surgery.
SCHEDULE COMMITTEES
A&P Committee, September 16, 2008, 4:45 p.m. C&I Committee, September 16, 2008, 4:45 pm. Budget Committee, October 14, 2008, 4:45 p.m.
COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEMS
For C&I, Mr. Dellafosse asked that we discuss implementing Spanish, as opposed to French in our schools. For A&P, he asked for a formal policy to advertise for positions.
For A&P, Mr. Webb asked that the disciplinary phase of the cell phone policy be looked.
For Budget, Mr. Hardy asked that teachers be given a dollar a day for a gas allowance. For C&I, he said he would like to see every school publish their curriculum on their website.
At 7:48 p.m. a motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Duhon and seconded by Mr. Bernard. The motion carried.
________________________ ___________________________ James Pitre, President Wayne Savoy, Secretary
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|