Tuesday, March 16, 1999 Lake Charles, Louisiana
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 16, 1999, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by James W. Karr, Sr., President. The prayer was led by Jay L. Duhon; Clara F. Duhon led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Amend Agenda
On motion by Wilridge P. Doucet, seconded by Clara F. Duhon and unanimously carried, the agenda was amended to include the Supplemental Agenda and to remove Items VI-A - Assistant Principals of the Year; VI-C - Counselor of the Year; Item VIII-D - Consideration of Casualty Insurance; and to add Item VI-E - Art Presentation.
Roll Call
The roll was called and the following members were present:
Joe A. Andrepont, Randall C. Armentor, Ricky Blackwell, G. Michael Canaday, Wilridge P. Doucet, Clara F. Duhon, Jay L. Duhon, L. J. "Berk" Fontenot, James W. Karr, Sr., Sheral A. LaVergne, James W. Pitre, Gregory P. Robert, and Elray T. Victorian. Carla C. Duplechin and John M. Falgout were absent.
Minutes Approved
On motion by Mr. Victorian, seconded by Mr. Blackwell, and unanimously carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of March 2, 1999, were approved as presented.
RECOGNIZE SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. Karr recognized representatives present from the following schools: Barbe, J. D. Clifton, College Oaks, Dolby, J. F. Kennedy, Oak Park and T. H. Watkins Elementary Schools; Oak Park Middle School; Washington Marion High School.
PRESENTATIONS
Principals of the Year
Elementary Division
Dolores Hicks, Administrative Director of Elementary Schools, with the Assistance of Board Member, Elray T. Victorian, Board President, James W. Karr, Sr., Board Vice-President, Wilridge P. Doucet and Jude W. Theriot, Superintendent, recognized and presented a plaque to Rodney Geyen. Mr. Geyen was named Calcasieu Parish Elementary Principal of the Year. He became Principal of T. H. Watkins in 1991, and still holds that position at the present time. Under his leadership, T. H. Watkins implemented Windows on Science/Math/and Language Arts, closed circuit TV, Mentoring, Partners in Education and other innovative programs. In addition to being named Calcasieu Parish Elementary Principal of the Year, Mr. Geyen was also selected as the Region III Principal of the Year, Elementary Division.
Middle School Division
Charlotte Gallemore, Administrative Director of Middle Schools, with the assistance of Board Member, Clara Duhon; Board President, James W. Karr, Sr.; Board Vice-President, Wilridge P. Doucet and Jude W. Theriot, Superintendent, recognized and presented a plaque to Johnnie Mouton, Principal of Molo Middle School. Mr. Mouton has been Principal at Molo Middle School since 1993. Under his leadership, Molo Middle has implemented components for an effective middle school including Teaming, Advisor-Advisee and Cooperative Learning. Additionally, Peer Mediation and COPS Mentoring Program were implemented at Molo Middle. Mr. Mouton, in addition to being named Calcasieu Parish Middle School Principal of the Year, was also selected as the Region III Principal of the Year, Middle School Division.
High School Division
Garland Hamic, Jr., Assistant Superintendent, High Schools, with the assistance of Board Member, Randy Armentor; Board President, James W. Karr, Sr.; Board Vice-President, Wilridge P. Doucet and Jude W. Theriot, Superintendent, recognized and presented a plaque to David Buller, Principal of Iowa High School. Mr. Buller has been Principal at Iowa High School since 1990. Under his leadership, Iowa High School piloted Modular Scheduling for Calcasieu Parish. In 1998, the school became involved in the STEP-UP Internet Project for the sharing of instructional materials. Mr. Buller was twice named Calcasieu Parish High School Principal of the Year and was selected as High School Region III Principal of the Year in 1997.
Each of the three principals thanked the Board, the Superintendent and their faculty, staff and students for their support.
Education's Unsung Heroes Award
Annette Ballard, Administrative Director of Middle Schools recognized Pamela Quebodeaux, former Acting Principal at Dolby Elementary School. Ms. Quebodeaux was one of 100 recipients across the country to be named as one of Education's Unsung Heroes sponsored by ReliaStar and Northern Life. Due to a special project that was written by Mrs. Quebodeaux, Dolby Elementary will receive a $2,000 award for the project.
Art Display
Dr. Dan Vidrine called the Board's attention to the artwork displayed in the Board Room. All work displayed used architectural elements in their design and will be displayed at the Barham Gallery March 26, 1998 - May 9, 1999. Students in Calcasieu Parish art classes designed the pieces of art and teachers, some with the help of their students, painted the designs. In addition to the artwork, a curriculum was developed for teachers use.
Some of the teachers responsible for the display were: Kate Kunzweiler, Washington/Marion High; Mark LaBauve, Barbe Elementary; Melinda Harrell, Westwood Elementary; Suzanne Hayden, Ralph Wilson Elementary; Carla Guillory, Iowa High and Student, Amber Rogers; Kara DeMarie, Molo Middle; Bobbie Yancey, College Oaks and Student Teacher, Christine Manuel; Martha Ward, Westlake High; Sally Patin, St. John Elementary; Debbie LaVergne, F. K. White; Liz Dronet, Student Teacher, F. K. White; Jo Ann Mayo, Pearl Watson Elementary. Sally Babin, Curriculum Specialist was responsible for assembling the curriculum information. The cover design was by students from College Oaks Elementary.
Credit was given to the Arts and Humanities Council for a partial grant, The American Institute of Architects of Southwest Louisiana for a $1500 grant, and the Calcasieu Parish School System who provided printing for the project.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget/Fiscal Management
Mr. Doucet, Chair, reported that the Budget/Fiscal Management Committee met on Tuesday, March 9, 1999; a quorum was present.
The first agenda item was a presentation by Associated Design Group on the progress of the Johnson Controls Retrofit project.
A presentation was made by Tom Van Deventer, Electrical Project Manager for Associated Design Group. The presentation included a project update on the implementation phase of the contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. The scope of Associated Design Group's services as provided by contract was reviewed, a technical overview of the Johnson Controls, Inc. project was given, and an overview of site visits to the various retrofit projects throughout the parish was given. Site visits produced the following findings:
- low light levels in several schools, large numbers of light fixtures missing lenses and/or covers;
- exit signs retrofitted with wrong color LEDs;
- Energy Management Systems were installed properly and functioning but school staff needed training to use systems;
- mechanical retrofits were not complete at the time of site visits
- plumbing retrofits were installed properly and functioning;
- boiler tuning and inspection reports had not been submitted at the time of site visits.
It was reported that since the report, Johnson Controls worked to correct punch list findings. More than 80% of the work was complete and substantial completion was granted. $433,967 is being held until the punch list is completed.
Mr. Duhon requested that staff negotiate with Associated Design and present a proposal to the Board for continued monitoring of the process.
Mr. Doucet moved, on behalf of the Committee, to accept the report from Associated Design Group, Inc., as presented.
The second agenda item dealt with dental renewal benefits. The Committee was informed by Karl Bruchhaus, Chief Financial Officer, that Paid Dental of Texas was no longer the endorsed plan of the Louisiana Dental Society as they were when Calcasieu Parish joined their program. No premium increase was proposed by Paid Dental, however, a reassignment of some benefits to a lower payment tier for renewal was made. Crescent Dental, the plan now endorsed by the Louisiana Dental Society, presented a plan to match the proposed rates and benefits of Paid Dental. Staff recommended the reassignment of the coverage to Crescent Dental at current premiums with periodontics and endodontics reassigned as a Phase III benefit.
Mr. Doucet moved, on behalf of the Committee, to approve the reassignment of dental coverage to Crescent Dental of Louisiana at renewal. Motion carried unanimously.
An informational item was presented to the Committee by Sheryl Abshire, Technology Coordinator. A presentation on Technology Advancement in the parish and a 1998-99 budget summary of technology grant funding was made. Mrs. Abshire informed the Board that Calcasieu Parish continued to be a technology leader among school systems both in the state and the nation.
Mr. Bruchhaus presented a possible time line and procedures to follow for an election if Board members chose to consider calling a bond election in District 23.
A motion was made to approve a bond election for District 23; an amendment was then made to have funds allocated for Phase III of the Riverboat Project returned to Bonding District 23 for future capital projects. Motion as amended carried by majority vote in Committee.
After a lengthy discussion, a motion was made and approved by the Committee, to rescind the amended motion on the approval of a Bond election for District 23.
After further discussion, a motion was made and approved in Committee to approve a Bond election for District 23.
Mr. Doucet moved, on behalf of the Committee, to approve a Bond election for District 23.
Mr. Fontenot stated that, in districts who passed bond elections and had monies allocated for pods, credit should be given back to those districts for those monies.
Mr. Bruchhaus then explained to the Board that staff proposed the project be divided into five phases instead of the initial three. Some items would be removed from Phase III, such as plans to make revisions at Moss Bluff Middle and S. J. Welsh Middle due to the overcrowded conditions of the schools. Mr. Bruchhaus stated that to build pods at those two sites without further planning would not be prudent. Phase IV would include anticipated future bond issues; Phase V would include districts planning immediate bond issues; funding criteria would change by Phase. Phase III would be funded with cash on hand that was not used in Phase II and excess revenue certificates that would be sold; Phase IV would be funded with excess revenue certificates and cash collected from the Riverboats Head Tax; Phase V would be funded with general savings generated by eliminating leased temporary buildings and cash from the collections from the Riverboats Head Tax. A handout was given to each Board member showing the plan for each Phase and a breakdown of the monies.
A lengthy discussion followed regarding the five-phase program and the financing of the program.
The motion, to approve a Bond election in District 23 was then voted on and carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Mr. Duhon, seconded by Mr. Pitre, and unanimously carried, to approve the financing of $7.5 million for Phase III, and additional financing as recommended by staff for Phases IV and V.
A motion was made by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Duhon and unanimously carried, to approve the following Resolution
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD TO PROCEED WITH DEVELOPMENT OF A PROJECT INVOLVING ISSUANCE OF NOT EXCEEDING $7,500,000 EXCESS REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS (CLASSROOM FACILITIES PROJECT), SERIES 1999, AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO THE LOUISIANA STATE BOND COMMISSION, AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.
WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board (the "Issuer") is a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana within the meaning of Subsection 2 of Section 44 of Article VI of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, and Sections 2922 and 2923 of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, (the "Act");
WHEREAS, it is projected that the general fund budget of the Issuer for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999, will show an estimated excess of revenues over statutory, necessary and usual charges and all other expenses for such fiscal year in the total amount of $____________, as will more fully appear by reference to said budget;
WHEREAS, after carefully investigating and studying the actual revenues and expenditures and all matters in connection therewith for that portion of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999, the Issuer has found and does hereby find and determine that the actual surplus for said fiscal year will, in all probability, be in excess of the projected excess set forth above in the aforesaid budget;
WHEREAS, the estimates contained in the aforesaid budget are also deemed reasonable and conservative in view of the operating experience over the past several years, as reflected by the official audits, over the general fund revenues and expenditures;
WHEREAS, the Act authorizes the Issuer to make and enter into contracts dedicating the excess of annual revenues of subsequent years above statutory, necessary and usual charges to the payment of that portion of the cost of public improvements which is to be borne by the Issuer under such contacts, provided all such dedications do not exceed the estimated excess of revenues over said statutory, necessary and usual charges of the year in which the contract is made;
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to incur debt and issue not exceeding SEVEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 ($7,500,000.00) DOLLARS in Excess Revenue Certificates of Indebtedness in the manner authorized and provided by the Act and as hereinafter specified, to obtain ready funds to pay a portion of the costs of construction of certain classroom facilities (the "Project");
WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Issuer that after meeting statutory, necessary and usual charges, there will remain ample undedicated funds to pay debt service on the Excess Revenue Certificates of Indebtedness herein authorized;
WHEREAS, the Issuer will seek approval of the Louisiana State Bond Commission on April 15, 1999, for approval of the issuance, sale and delivery of not to exceed SEVEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 ($7,500,000.00) DOLLARS of Excess Revenue Certificates of Indebtedness of the Issuer, at an interest rate not to exceed six (6%) percent per annum, to be repaid over a ten (10) year period, said funds to be used for the purpose of financing the Project in the various Calcasieu Parish Schools (the "Certificates"), and which Certificates are to be secured by and payable from the excess of annual revenues accruing to the budget of the Issuer for the ten (10) year period during which the Certificates are outstanding, above statutory, necessary and usual charges;
WHEREAS, said Certificates may be sold in a single or multiple series and shall be sold to a purchaser deemed to be most favorable to the Issuer, at the price of not less than par and accrued interest to date of delivery;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Calcasieu Parish School Board, governing authority of the Calcasieu Parish School System, Lake Charles, Louisiana, as follows:
SECTION 1. The Issuer does hereby authorize undertaking and development of the Project involving the proposed issuance by the Issuer of not exceeding $7,500,000 Calcasieu Parish School Board Excess Revenue Certificates of Indebtedness (Classroom Facilities Project), Series 1999 (the "Certificates"), at an interest rate not to exceed six (6%) percent per annum, to be repaid over a ten (10) year period, which Certificates are to be secured by and payable from the excess of annual revenues accruing to the budget of the Issuer for the ten (10) year period during which the Certificates are outstanding, above statutory, necessary and usual charges. The Certificates may be sold in a single or multiple series and shall be sold to a purchaser deemed to be most favorable to the Issuer, at the price of not less than par and accrued interest to date of delivery.
SECTION 2. There being a real public necessity for the retention and employment of legal counsel to provide specialized legal services as described in Section 3 hereof, in connection with the issuance of the Certificates by the Issuer, for the purpose of financing construction of certain classroom facilities for school buildings of the Calcasieu Parish School Board within the Parish of Calcasieu, State of Louisiana, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2922 and 2923 of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and it appearing that the public interest requires the obtaining of such specialized legal services, Joseph A. Delafield, Esq., of Lake Charles, Louisiana ("Bond Counsel"), is hereby employed in accordance with the provisions of this resolution.
SECTION 3. Legal services to be provided hereunder include comprehensive legal and coordinate professional work described in Paragraphs (A) through (K) as follows:
(A) counseling and advising the Issuer relative to all legal and financial matters in connection with the issuance of the Certificates;
(B) making a survey of the financial resources and debt structure of the Issuer to determine the extent of its borrowing capacity and sources of funds to secure the Certificates;
(C) formulating a plan of finance which contains complete details of the proposed Certificates, the security features thereof, estimated interest rate, and the overall debt service requirements after giving effect to the new financing;
(D) assisting the officials of the Issuer in fixing the final details of the Certificates, including schedules of maturities, redemption features and form of the Certificates;
(E) drafting and submitting to the Issuer all proceedings and documents, including resolutions, indentures and ordinances necessary to authorize the issuance of the Certificates and all legal proceedings and documents relating to marketing and delivery of the Certificates, and supervising the adoption of said proceedings, and execution of said documents by the officials of the Issuer;
(F) assisting local counsel to the Issuer or local associate counsel retained by Issuer in handling all litigation affecting the legality of the Certificates and/or the method of financing;
(G) assisting the Issuer or others in various aspects of preparing the offering statement or any other disclosure document to be disseminated in connection with the sale of the Certificates;
(H) assisting in presenting information to bond rating organizations, if needed;
(I) arranging and supervising the delivery of the Certificates to the original purchaser thereof and, where required, the preparation and execution of trust documents safeguarding the expenditure of Certificate proceeds;
(J) obtaining any occurring or ancillary legal opinions from other persons or firms to enhance the possibilities of sale of the Certificate; and
(K) Preparing a complete transcript of record covering the issuance of the Certificates and furnishing the same to the purchaser(s) of the Certificates.
SECTION 4. The fee for the work to be performed hereunder is contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of the Certificates, and shall be in accordance with the maximum fee schedule of the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for comprehensive legal and coordinate professional work by bond attorneys and bond counsel in the issuance of revenue bonds. Bond Counsel shall pay out of his fee the following expenses: (a) Travel and communication expenses incurred by him in the handling of the Certificates; and (b) Printing and reproduction costs of all financial analysis, reports, and legal proceedings prepared by the Bond Counsel. Bond Counsel shall be reimbursed all other reasonable and necessary costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation and distribution of any preliminary and final Official Statements containing detailed and comprehensive financial and statistical data with respect to the Issuer (for example, costs and expenses to include the cost of collecting data, cost of preparing and assembling material, costs of printing or duplicating, postal supplies, and cost of binding copies of the transcript of proceedings).
SECTION 5. It is intended that acceptance and approval of this resolution by entering upon performance by Joseph A. Delafield, Esq., of the legal services provided for herein, shall constitute this resolution a contract in accordance with the provisions hereof.
SECTION 6. When the Issuer has received payment in full for the Certificates upon delivery thereof, payment of the fee and expenses is authorized to be made as herein provided.
SECTION 7. The Issuer does hereby authorize and direct Bond Counsel to proceed with the preparation of all necessary and appropriate documents and to file preliminary drafts of said documents and make application with the State Bond Commission in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission.
SECTION 8. The officers of the Issuer are hereby authorized and empowered to take any and all further action and to sign any and all documents, instruments in writing as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this resolution and to file, on behalf of the Issuer, with any governmental board of entity having jurisdiction over the Issuer's Project, such applications or requests for approval thereof as may be required by law, including the application to the State Bond Commission for preliminary approval and authorization to proceed with development of the Project.
SECTION 9. There being a real public necessity for the retention and employment of a financial advisor to provide specialized services in connection with issuance of the Certificates, the firm of Holley, Tucker, Bossier & Nosacka, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is hereby employed, subject to approval of the State Bond Commission.
SECTION 10. The professional services to be performed and the compensation for those services shall be subject to future negotiations with the Issuer and with Holley, Tucker, Bossier & Nosacka, and subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission.
This Resolution was declared adopted on this 16th day of March, 1999.
/s/ James W. Karr, Sr.
JAMES W. KARR, SR., President
Calcasieu Parish School Board
ATTEST:
/s/ Jude W. Theriot
JUDE W. THERIOT, Secretary
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF CALCASIEU
I, JUDE W. THERIOT, certify that I am the duly qualified and acting Superintendent of Public Schools for the Parish of Calcasieu, Louisiana, and as such, Ex-Officio Secretary of the Calcasieu Parish School Board.
I further certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of an excerpt from the minutes of a meeting of the Calcasieu Parish School Board held on March 16, 1999 insofar as said minutes pertain to the matters therein set out, and that the foregoing copy of a resolution adopted at said meeting is a true and correct copy of the original resolution as it is officially of record in my possession.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, witness my official signature and the impress of the official seal of the Calcasieu Parish School Board on this 16th day of March, 1999.
/s/Jude W. Theriot
JUDE W. THERIOT, Secretary
[[S E A L]
Mr. Bruchhaus reviewed Phase II and Phase III of the Building Project and the anticipated costs to complete both phases with regard to the financing of building pods. Total anticipated costs for the building program are $12,836,325, with anticipated cash on hand at the end of the fiscal year of $3,100,000, leaving an amount to finance the remainder of the projects at $9,736,325. A ten-year financing plan would yield only $7.5 million.
Mr. Doucet then moved, on behalf of the Committee to authorize the $7.5 million of financing for Phase III of the classroom pod project with staff prioritizing the project and remaining funds to go back to all bonding districts passing bond issues over the same period of time.
It was ruled that the above motion was irrelevant due to the previous motion approved.
Possible sites for the relocation of the Sales Tax Office were reviewed. The purpose for relocation was due to the poor condition of the existing facility. Staff requested direction from the Board as to whether to lease, purchase, or buy a building.
Mr. Doucet moved, on behalf of the Committee, to have staff proceed with pursuing a location for possible purchase of a building or construction of a sales tax facility with negotiations for financial assistance with other taxing entities for whom sales taxes are collected. Motion carried unanimously.
An overview of the 1998-99 General Fund Budget, the 1999-2000 Budget Goals, and the 1999-2000 Uncertainties was given by Mr. Bruchhaus, thus beginning the 1999-2000 Budget Process. This item was for informational purposes only and required no action.
An update on monies borrowed from the Louisiana Community Development Authority Equipment Pool for the purchase of buses and computers for this year was presented. The comparison of loan interest rates to invested money in the Louisiana Asset Management Pool showed the loan continued to be more beneficial than using invested cash. This item was for informational purposes only and required no action.
Mr. Doucet moved, on behalf of the Committee, to approve a request by SouthTech Exploration to amend the seismic survey permit at the Sabine Wildlife Management Area site in order to allow for seismic survey shot holes to be conducted on the property. The property is presently leased by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Motion carried unanimously.
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION
Sunday Activity Practice
On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by Ms. LaVergne and unanimously carried, final action on the following item regarding activity practice on Sunday by school groups, was approved as policy:
SUNDAY ACTIVITY PRACTICE
School activities - voluntary or otherwise - shall not be scheduled on Sundays. Should extenuating circumstances arise which necessitate an activity on Sunday, the coach/sponsor must secure written permission from the school principal and the Superintendent or his designee.
Compensatory Time and Overtime Pay
On motion by Mr. Doucet and seconded by Mr. Blackwell, final action on the following Compensatory Time and Overtime Pay Policy was presented:
COMPENSATORY TIME AND OVERTIME PAY
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) also known as Federal Wage and Hour Law requires enterprises engaged in interstate or foreign commerce and state and local governments to pay overtime of one and one-half time in a work week.
All employees are classified as either exempt or non-exempt from FLSA provisions governing overtime compensation. In general, non-exempt employees must be compensated either by being paid or by being given compensatory time for overtime at the time and one-half rate, after forty (40) hours of actual working time. Under FLSA, exempt employees do not have to be compensated for overtime work.
However, worked hours refers to actual hours worked during the workweek, excluding vacation, holiday and sick leave. Time not worked, whether or not it is paid time off, does not count toward the forty (40) hour threshold used to calculate overtime pay.
All work to be performed as overtime must be approved by the Department Head or his designee.
Compensatory time and compensatory time off are interchangeable terms under the FLSA. Compensatory time off is paid time off the job which is earned and accrued by an employee in lieu of immediate cash payment for employment in excess of the statutory hours for which overtime compensation is required.
As a condition for use of compensatory time in lieu of overtime payment in cash, an agreement or understanding is required prior to the performance of work.
The Calcasieu Parish School Board will allow the use of compensatory time off in lieu of a payment at a rate of time and a half. The following conditions are to apply:
1. Compensatory time will not be allowed to accumulate from year to year.
2. Compensatory time is to be used within sixty (60) days of being earned or this time will be paid at the next regularly scheduled pay period.
3. Compensatory time off must be requested twenty-four (24) hours in advance and approved by the Department Head or his designee.
4. The maximum allowable compensatory time off to be used instead of overtime payment will be forty (40) hours per fiscal year.
5. All other approved time worked in excess of the regular forty (40) hours will be paid at a rate of one and one-half times the regular hourly rates.
All existing compensatory time, with the approval of the Department Head, must be used or a cash payment issued for the time owed.
Mrs. Duhon moved, seconded by Mr. Victorian to amend the motion to have the policy read: "Compensatory Time and Overtime Pay for Maintenance Employees."
Amendment to the motion was voted on and carried unanimously.
The original motion was voted on and carried unanimously.
Mr. Doucet then moved, seconded by Mr. Andrepont, to have the policy, as amended, placed into effect immediately. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Karr recognized Beverly LeBouef, LAE/CAE representative who posed several questions regarding the Compensatory and Overtime Pay for Maintenance Employees Policy.
Resolution Requesting Notice of Proposed Zoning Changes
On motion by Mr. Blackwell, seconded by Mr. Pitre, and unanimously carried, the following Resolution was approved:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, many requests and petitions for zoning changes in the city and in the parish could impact individual school districts and their planning, operation or potential;
WHEREAS, the Calcasieu Parish School Board is desirous of receiving notice from the city and parish governing bodies responsible for addressing requests and petitions for zoning changes; and
WHEREAS, the city and parish governmental bodies responsible for addressing requests and petitions for zoning changes provide notice of hearings on any request or petition for zoning change;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Calcasieu Parish School board convened in Regular Session that:
SECTION 1:
The city and parish governing bodies responsible for addressing requests and petitions for zoning changes are respectfully requested to send written notice to the Calcasieu Parish School Board of any proposed zoning changes and hearings thereon.
SECTION 2:
A copy of this resolution is to be delivered to governing bodies for the parish and cities which are responsible for addressing requests and petitions for zoning changes.
PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED at Lake Charles, Louisiana, on the 16th day of March, 1999.
ATTEST:
/s/Jude W. Theriot
JUDE W. THERIOT, Secretary
BID REPORTS
Vinton High School Boiler and Pump Replacement
The following bids were received for the Vinton High School Boiler and Pump Replacement; General Funds; Bid #99-08M; Associated Design Group, Inc., Engineer:
Contractor Base Bid Alternate #1
Calcasieu Mechanical $68,600.00 + $2,710.00
A.K. Newlin Company $48,528.00 + $2,885.00
Trouth Air Conditioning $57,100.00 + $4,070.00
Vitello, Inc. $87,173.00 + $3,076.00
On motion by Mr. Duhon, seconded by Ms. LaVergne and unanimously carried, the contract was awarded to A. K. Newlin Company (Base Bid Plus Alternate #1) in the amount of Fifty One Thousand Four Hundred Thirteen and No/100---------Dollars ($51,413.00), as the lowest qualified bidder.
Calcasieu Parish School Board Kitchen Hood Replacements
The following bids were received for Calcasieu Parish School Board Kitchen Hood Replacements at Fondel Elementary, Henry Heights Elementary, J. I. Watson Middle, J. J. Johnson Elementary, S. J. Welsh Middle, T. H. Watkins Elementary and DeQuincy High Schools; General Funds; Bid #99-09M; Associated Design Group, Inc., Architect:
Contractor Bid
Calcasieu Mechanical $378,900.00
A. K. Newlin Company $254,908.00
Vitello, Inc. NO BID PRICE
On motion by Mr. Robert, seconded by Mr. Canaday and unanimously carried, the contract was awarded to A. K. Newlin Company, Inc. (Base Bid) in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Four Thousand Nine Hundred Eight and No/100------Dollars ($254,908.00) as the lowest qualified bidder.
Four Classroom Pods for the Calcasieu Parish School Board
The following bids were received for Four Classroom Pods for the Calcasieu Parish School Board at the Following Ten Schools: Barbe Elementary, Bell City High, DeQuincy High, Kaufman Elementary, Kennedy Elementary, Oak Park Elementary, Oak Park Middle, Washington Marion High, T. H. Watkins Elementary and J. I. Watson Middle Schools; General Funds; Bid #99-01M; Hackett & Associates, Architects:
Contractor Base Bid
Bessette Development $1,705,800.00
James Fontenot Construction $1,780,507.00
Lewing Construction $1,605,600.00
Miller & Associates $1,570,600.00
Alfred Palma $1,616,800.00
Picheloup Construction $1,791,888.00
Priola Construction $1,599,800.00
F. Miller Construction $1,628,520.00
On motion by Mr. Robert, seconded by Mr. Canaday and unanimously carried, the contract was awarded to Miller & Associates, (Base Bid) in the amount of One Million Five Hundred Seventy Thousand Six Hundred and No/100------Dollars (1,570,600.00), as the lowest qualified bidder.
PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE
Accessibility/Modifications to Moss Bluff Middle School
On motion by Mr. Fontenot, seconded by Mr. Duhon, and unanimously carried, permission to advertise for Accessibility/Modifications to Moss Bluff Middle School; General Funds; David Moss, Moss Architects, was approved.
Reroofing Science Building - Lake Charles/Boston High School
On motion by Mrs. Duhon, seconded by Mr. Robert and unanimously carried, permission to advertise for Reroofing Science Building - Lake Charles Boston High School; General Funds; David Moss, Moss Architects, was approved.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
School Visits
Schools visited since the last Board meeting are: Moss Bluff Elementary, Dolby Elementary, Arnett Middle, Vinton Middle, Vinton High, Sulphur High and the Career Center.
GeoGame Education World
Lisa Monteith, Teacher of Gifted students at Maplewood Middle, used GeoGame as an extension of her students' studies. Each student was given a list of cities and two sets of clues from GeoGame. Students had the option of working individually or pooling clues and working in small groups. When every individual or group was satisfied that the correct answer had been found, they worked as one large group to collate answers. Each student had to answer and support their decision with evidence from maps and research materials.
Louisiana Retired Teachers' Day
Governor Foster proclaimed March 18, 1999, as Louisiana Retired Teachers' Day.
National TV Turnoff Week
April 22-29, 1999, an expected seven (7) million individuals around the country and abroad will voluntarily turn off their TV sets for seven days. It is hoped individuals will rediscover that life can be more constructive, rewarding, healthy - even informed - with more time and less TV.
BESE - 8(g) Exemplary Projects
Program evaluators visited 254 of the 497 8(g) projects funded for the 1997-98 school year. Eighteen (18) programs were recognized as outstanding. Calcasieu Parish's "S.T.E.P. UP! (Students and Teachers Elevating Productivity Utilizing Partnerships)" was chosen as one of the outstanding models. An Outstanding 8(g) Program Award Certificate was received by the Administration in recognition of the program being selected as an exemplary model for improving instruction (1997-98). Margaret Goode was the author of the grant.
Student Achievements
Julia Taylor, second grader at J. J. Johnson Elementary, recently placed second in the fiction category in the Young Authors' Contest for the parish. Fourth grader, Lucinda Charles, also of J. J. Johnson, placed first in the poetry division in the contest. Lucinda will advance to the state competition.
Four $500 grants were provided to Western Heights Elementary teachers by their Partner in Education, Condea Vista. The grants were used for: "Math Manipulatives: You Can Count on Them" - a program to encourage thinking strategies in math; "Classroom Without Walls" - use of a Website to do math and science work; "Kids Teaching Kids" - through multi-media presentations, a project using technology to present a science project; and "Accelerated Reader - Achieving Results" - a program where students read books, answer questions and receive points.
Phillip Andrepont recently placed in the top 100 in the State Geography Bee. He will be competing next month in Baton Rouge for an opportunity to go to Washington, D. C.
The following members of Boy Scout Troop 5 and Calcasieu Parish School students recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout: Wesley Beason and Matt Bergstedt, Sulphur High; Michael Griffith, Thomas LeJeune and Daniel Miller, Barbe High; Corey Hider, Lake Charles Boston.
LEAP Booklets
Mr. Theriot informed the Board that each elementary school had prepared a booklet that was sent home to parents. It was hoped that parents would use the booklet during the school year and the summer to keep the students involved in studies.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS
Mr. Victorian requested that a resolution be sent to the area legislators stating that, if raises are in order at the state level, those raises be paid across the board and not prorated to parishes who are unable to pass a tax to fund raises to their teachers.
He reported on a "boot camp" type school in Lafayette Parish where students perform all duties including secretarial and janitorial duties. The program costs approximately $5,000 per student. He requested a letter of condolence to be sent to Gloria Combre, wife of the late Warren Combre, on the death of their son, Eric. He asked if a flyer could be placed in the schools from the Library Board to inform teachers about the upcoming tax election for the library. He was informed the flyer could be placed at the school for employees information.
Mr. Victorian then moved to amend the agenda, was seconded by Mr. Doucet and unanimously carried.
Mr. Victorian then moved, was seconded by Mr. Andrepont and unanimously carried, to send a Resolution to area legislators and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education stating that, if raises were in order at the state level, those raises be paid across the board and not prorated at a higher rate to parishes who cannot pass a tax to fund raises for their teachers.
Mrs. Duhon stated that she would like for the Board to meet with the area legislators in order to be more informed of upcoming issues. She inquired as to what was being done about the lower 20% schools.
Mr. Theriot responded that the lower 20% schools would be identified statewide by the current tests that students were taking. At that time, the state would focus additional resources and teachers at those schools.
Mrs. Duhon reported on an Optional School in Alexandria that was different from Calcasieu Parish's Alternative School. She said that students could place themselves in the Optional School if they felt they were having problems in a particular study area. She commended Ellaweena Woods, Principal at Reynaud Middle School, for making the best of a bad situation on the first day of testing when there was no heat in the school at the beginning of the day. She reported that Louisiana School Boards Association would hire a part-time lobbyist to lobby during the legislative session.
Mr. Fontenot moved, seconded by Mrs. Duhon and unanimously carried, to amend the agenda.
Mr. Fontenot then moved, was seconded by Mr. Victorian and unanimously carried, to send a Resolution to the Veterans' Administration and the Congressional Delegation endorsing the establishment of a national cemetery at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
Mr. Robert congratulated the Lake Charles Boston High School boys' basketball team for winning the State Championship. He requested a letter of condolence to be sent to Kysha Boldon on the loss of her son Jeremy. Jeremy was a student at Barbe Elementary School. He thanked the Superintendent and Dolores Hicks, Administrative Director of Elementary Schools, for support in getting counseling for the Barbe Elementary students on the loss of their fellow student, Jeremy.
Mr. Doucet said it was rewarding for him to be able to help the schools during testing. He requested a letter of condolence to be sent to the family of Natrice Higgingbotham, a Calcasieu Parish retired teacher. He announced that a student at Westlake High School was one of five chosen statewide for a tutoring program with LPBS. He stated that his grandson had won the regional free throw contest and would be competing in the finals in Lafayette. A review of the Alternative School before the end of the school year was requested.
Mr. Andrepont requested that the Board packets be sent out on Thursday rather than Friday. He congratulated Lake Charles Boston High School Board Members and the Lake Charles Boston boys' basketball on their State Championship. He requested a letter of congratulations to be sent to the Literacy Council on the success of the recent Spelling Bee.
Ms. LaVergne requested a letter of condolence to Gloria Combre on the loss of her son, Eric; she requested a letter of condolence to Willie and Maydell Smith on the loss of his father. A review of the Alternative School was requested. She requested a tour of the College Street T & I facility and asked that staff be available to answer questions posed. She congratulated the Lake Charles Boston boys' basketball team on their State Championship.
Mr. Armentor congratulated Mr. Buller on his selection as High School Principal of the Year. He informed the Board that Brian Johnson, Iowa High School, had recently won the National Championship in the Long Jump event; twenty-one students from Iowa High attended the Literary Rally. He requested that an insurance committee be named.
Mr. Karr appointed Wilridge Doucet as the 1999 Legislative Liaison representative for the Board. Mr. Doucet would be charged with keeping the Board informed of legislative matters pertaining to education.
Mr. Duhon requested a letter of condolence to be sent to Sheryl Piper on the loss of her mother-in-law.
SCHEDULE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Curriculum & Instruction - Thursday, March 18, 1999 - 4:45 p.m.
Superintendent's Evaluation Instrument - Tuesday, March 23, 1999 - 4:45 p.m.
Vision/Development - Wednesday, April 7, 1999 - 9:00 a.m.
Budget/Fiscal Management - Tuesday, April 13, 1999 - 4:45 p.m.
Pupil Personnel - Wednesday, April 27, 1999 - 4:45 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Victorian and unanimously carried, the Board went into Executive Session at 6:55 p.m. to discuss personnel and litigation matters. The Board resumed regular open session at 7:35 p.m.
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION
Personnel
On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Robert and unanimously carried, the following personnel changes, with the exception of extended sick leave, were approved as recommended by the Superintendent:
Resignations
Maxine Miller, Part-time Janitor, Starks High, effective March 5, 1999; Joyce Logue, Teacher Aide, Vincent Settlement Elementary, effective March 2, 1999; Joseph Davis, Cafeteria Technician, LaGrange High, effective March 1, 1999; Deborah Demerritt, Cafeteria Manager, Nelson Elementary, effective May 31, 1999; Don Gallemore, Library Services Consultant, Curriculum & Instruction Department, effective March 23, 1999.
Retirement Notifications
Betty Mounce, Cafeteria Technician, W. W. Lewis Middle, effective March 5, 1999; JoAnn Racca, Librarian, S. P. Arnett Middle, effective May 31, 1999; Claribel Jones, 3rd Grade Teacher, Henry Heights Elementary, effective May 31, 1999; Rose Ann Voge, 2nd Grade Teacher, Henry Heights Elementary, effective May 31, 1999; Helen Schexnayder, Bus Driver, Iowa High, effective May 31, 1999; Charlotte Landry, 2nd Grade Teacher, effective May 31, 1999; Christine Fournet, 8th Grade Teacher, Moss Bluff Middle, effective May 31, 1999; Marilyn Lewing, Librarian, Moss Bluff Middle, effective May 31, 1999; Suzanne Edwards, Librarian, Vinton Elementary, effective May 31, 1999.
Maternity Leave
Lori Dugas, 5th Grade Teacher, Brentwood Elementary, beginning April 26, 1999, until May 31, 1999; Cynthia Henning, Art Teacher, DeQuincy Elementary, beginning January 29, 1999, until March 22, 1999.
Leave Without Pay
Kim LaRocca, 5th Grade Teacher, T. H. Watkins Elementary, 1999-2000 school session; Linda Victorian, Teacher Aide, College Oaks Elementary, beginning March 17, 1999, until May 31, 1999.
Professional Development
Ronald Rush, Social Worker/Counselor/Career Center, fall semester of the 1999-2000 school session.
Sabbatical Rest and Recuperation
Nicki Duhon, Adapted P. E. Teacher, Special Services Department, spring semester of the 1998-99 school session.
Extended Sick Leave - Denied
On motion by Mr. Armentor, seconded by Mr. Robert and unanimously carried, the request for extended sick leave for Anne Paris, Teacher, Iowa High School, was denied.
On motion by Ms. LaVergne, seconded by Mr. Blackwell and unanimously carried, the request for extended sick leave for Becky Gary, Special Education Teacher, LeBlanc Middle School, was denied.
On motion by Mrs. Duhon, seconded by Mr. Robert and carried by majority vote, the request for extended sick leave for Susan Kyle, Teacher, Starks High School, was denied. Mr. Andrepont voted nay.
On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by Mrs. Duhon and unanimously carried, it was approved for the candidates to apply for a Sabbatical Rest and Recuperation Leave, if they so choose and provide proper documentation.
Recommendations
On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by Mr. Andrepont and unanimously carried, Ron Hayes was named Risk Manager for the Calcasieu Parish School Board.
Permission to Advertise
On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by Mr. Victorian and unanimously carried, permission to advertise for a Principal for Henry Heights Elementary School was approved.
On motion by Mr. Doucet, seconded by Mr. Victorian and unanimously carried, permission to advertise for a Principal for Starks High School was approved.
On motion by Jay Duhon, seconded by Mr. Andrepont and unanimously carried, permission to advertise for a Principal for Vinton Middle School was approved.
On motion by Mr. Pitre, seconded by Mr. Robert and unanimously carried, permission to advertise for a Head Basketball Coach/Assistant Coach for Barbe High School was approved.
Investigative Proceedings - Sam Houston High School Audit
On motion by Mr. Pitre, seconded by Mrs. Duhon and unanimously carried, it was approved to adopt a Resolution to retain special counsel in reference to the Sam Houston High School Audit report.
Meeting Adjourned
On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Victorian and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m
Jude W. Theriot, Secretary James W. Karr, President