Meet the Board
2025 Board President - Rev. Desmond Wallace
2025 Board Vice President - Aaron Natali
- Board Profiles
- Committees
- Board Meeting Agendas
- Board Meeting Minutes
- Board Meeting Recaps
- Board Members by School
- Public Participation
- Policy Manual
- Board Members by Bonding District
- Bonding District Map
- Redistricting - Election Districts
- Meeting Calendar
Board Profiles
Committees
- Auxiliary and Personnel Committee
- Curriculum and Instruction Committee
- Long Range Planning Committee
- Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
- Insurance/Employee Benefits Committee
Auxiliary and Personnel Committee
Curriculum and Instruction Committee
Long Range Planning Committee
Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
Insurance/Employee Benefits Committee
Board Meeting Agendas
Board Meeting Minutes
Board Meeting Recaps
- February 12, 2025
- January 14, 2025
- December 10, 2024
- November 12, 2024
- October 8, 2024
- September 17, 2024
- August 13, 2024
February 12, 2025
In an effort to help our families and employees plan ahead, the district submitted drafts to members of the School Board for a 25-26 and a 26-27 school year calendar. These drafts were approved unanimously by the board. View them here.
Due to issues with the General Contractor on the Sulphur High hurricane repair project, the board approved the Superintendent's declaration of default and contract termination. The vote authorized the Superintendent to execute contracts and other documents appropriate for completion of the project.
Staff recommendations were made in order to revise instructional minutes for the remainder of the year due to storm days. Staff recommended shifting the March 10 teacher in-service day to a virtual day for students, allowing students to complete work online or via packets or projects. Board member, Eric Tarver, made a substitute motion to have students attend school in-person on this day as opposed to the virtual learning day. That motion failed 7-7. The board then voted in support of March 10 being a virtual learning day. In addition, the motion included increasing needed minutes from 380 to 385. Schools should be able to adjust this with transition times between classes and not impact the beginning or end of day times.
There is an Employee Benefits Committee meeting on February 18 with a Superintendent's Evaluation Committee meeting to follow. There is also an A&P Committee Meeting on March 27 with a Budget Committee to follow.
January 14, 2025
Maplewood Middle Band Director Kyle Cook was recognized by the Board on winning the Milken Award earlier this school year.
The Board approved the district entering into a contract with Allied for school security services to replace the previous vendor. This will be in place for the remainder of the 24-25 school year. School security officers will be maintaining the same duties as previous officers.
The district received approval to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with McNeese State University for diagnostic and repair services of University musical instruments by CPSB’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
The District’s Athletic Training Services contract with Lake Charles Memorial Hospital was extended through July 31, 2029.
There will be a C&I Committee meeting on January 28 at 5 p.m. The Superintendent’s Evaluation Instrument Committee will meet following the C&I meeting.
December 10, 2024
Sulphur High School’s Amiah Henry was recognized for being named a Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) State Ambassador. Amiah is a junior at Sulphur and is the first student from Calcasieu to achieve this honor. She represented our parish on a national stage recently at the National Student Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C.
CPSB Social Worker Lacitta (Lottie) Lavergne was recognized for being named the Regional Public Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers. Ms. Lavergne works in our Federal Programs Department and is dedicated to serving students in need on and off the job, as she is also a foster parent for the Department of Children and Family Services. The recognition moves her on to compete at the state level.
The board voted to reformat the current teacher salary schedule to make it less confusing and to compress the number of existing steps. Once this is completed, the salary schedule will be brought back to the board for approval prior to implementation next school year.
A contract renewal with Solutions Counseling and EAP was approved by the board. This approval renews the contract for three years.
Board meeting and committee meeting dates for 2025 were approved, and new officers were elected. Reverend Desmond Wallace will serve as Board President, while Aaron Natali will serve as Vice President.
A resolution establishing a capital improvement fund was passed by the board due to the anticipation of additional sales and use taxes from industrial construction projects and other sources. This fund will be utilized for salaries (40%), capital improvement (40%), general fund reserved for future Hurricane Cost share (10%), and general fund (10%). Revenues will be allocated to each bonding district based on that district’s student count. All projects will be subject to approval by the School Board from recommendations made by the members of that bonding district. This fund will be audited annually by the Internal Auditing Department.
Two committee meetings are scheduled to take place on January 28 at 5 p.m. A budget committee meeting will be followed by a C&I committee meeting.
November 12, 2024
Board members formed a board committee to develop a new superintendent evaluation instrument. The nine-member committee will develop a new tool to be utilized beginning next Fall.
T.S. Cooley Elementary was recognized on their being named a National Blue Ribbon School. This is the third time the school has received this honor. You can read more about the award here.
The Board voted to purchase the Knights of Columbus Hall in Sulphur. It’s adjacent to property already owned by CPSB.
The differentiated compensations were moved to December as opposed to November. This was done due to these payments being based on Compass scores that are not yet available.
The Board voted to change the way school buses are assigned. Recently, new buses were assigned to the longest routes being driven. Changes were made to instead replace the oldest buses in the fleet with the newest buses. This will be done at the discretion of the Transportation Department.
The A&P Committee Meeting will meet on Monday, November 18.
October 8, 2024
An Act 311 allocation plan was approved out of committee by the board. The district will provide a total of $200,000 to schools to help alleviate the financial requirement of this new law.
An approval to increase the middle school cheer sponsor supplement to $1,000 was approved.
The board approved this year's Sales Tax Supplements for all employees. All employees based on the teachers' salary schedule will receive a supplement of $7,185, while all other personnel will receive $5,030. Part-time employees will receive one-half of that amount.
The board also approved the two state supplements allocated by the state to employees. All teachers will receive a $2000 supplement and support staff will receive a $1000. Differentiated compensation supplements were also approved.
All approved was a plan for the implementation of eHall Pass in the district. The district will cost share the implementation with schools to cover the cost of the visitor software.
The HVAC contract with Johnson Control Industries was extended for one year, and at that time, the RFP process will be enacted.
The board also granted permission to fill the Elementary Department position of Director of Curriculum, previously held by Dr. George Reado. The application process for that position will open soon.
September 17, 2024
- Students from Gillis Elementary and F.K. White Middle Beta Clubs were recognized for their performances and placements at the National Beta Club Convention. Gillis students brought home three national placements, while F.K. students secured two.
- A supplement for theatre sponsors was passed by the board last night. The $2,000 performance supplement will be provided to theatre program currently approved by the district and include Barbe High, LaGrange High, Sulphur High, and Westlake High.
- The Board voted to renew the district’s existing relationship with Big Brother Big Sisters’ MentorU program.
- New job descriptions for school counselors were also approved.
- Several employee supplements were approved at the meeting.
- ESSER Recruitment/Retention of certified staff for 15 hard-to-staff schools - $5,500 – This will be paid in September checks, and it is the last year of this stipend.
- Remaining ESSER Funds - $1,325 teachers, $925 support staff - – This will be paid in September checks, and it is the last year of this stipend.
- Compass Stipend for teachers – Performance and Demand - $200, $225, $250 – This will be paid in November checks.
Additional supplements will be brought to the board in October including the Sales Tax Supplement for all employees and two differentiated compensation supplements.
- An ITEP request from Lotte Chemical, LLC. was approved.
August 13, 2024
At last night's regular board meeting, Paranika Ethakota was recognized for being the regional Scripps Spelling Bee Winner and competing at the national event. Paranika is a student at T.S. Cooley Elementary.
Preston LeDay from Combre-Fondel Elementary was recognized for placing third at the National BETA Convention this summer. Preston plays the drums and will be continuing his educational journey at Oak Park Middle.
Board meetings will now be live-streamed in accordance with a new state law. Last night's board meeting can be viewed here.
In accordance with Act 311, job descriptions have been amended and approved following last night's meeting. Job descriptions for counselors were removed from the vote and will be revisited later. You can view the full agenda, which includes the job descriptions, here.
Revisions to the Code of Conduct were approved in accordance with new state laws, including Act 313. According to CPSB's Code of Conduct, student cell phones must be turned off and stowed away during the instructional day. The revised Code of Conduct will be shared publicly via our website and social media soon.
Several other things were approved at the meeting, including a revised Pupil Progression Plan, Performance Contracts, Emergency Pay Plan, and MOUs for Reunification Plan sites.
There is an upcoming C&I Committee meeting on August 27 and a Budget Committee meeting on September 24.
Board Members by School
- Arnett Middle: Damon Hardesty
- Barbe Elem: Mary Fontenot
- Barbe High: Dean Roberts
- Bell City High: Aaron Natali
- Brentwood Elem: Betty Washington
- Clifton Early Learning Center: Karen Hardy-McReynolds
- College Oaks Elem: Patrick Pichon
- Combre-Fondel Elem: Karen Hardy-McReynolds
- Cooley Elem: Mary Fontenot
- Cypress Cove Elem: Phyllis Ayo
- DeQuincy Elem: Tony O’Banion
- DeQuincy High: Tony O’Banion
- DeQuincy Middle: Tony O’Banion
- DeQuincy Primary: Tony O’Banion
- Dolby Elem: Patrick Pichon
- Fairview Elem: Desmond Wallace
- Frasch Elem: Russell Castille
- Gillis Elem: Aaron Natali
- Henning Elem: Russell Castille
- Henry Heights Elem: Patrick Pichon
- Iowa High/Middle: Aaron Natali
- Johnson Elem: Glenda Gay
- Kaufman Elem: Eric Tarver
- Kennedy Early Childhood Center: Desmond Wallace
- Key Elem: Russell Castille
- LaGrange High: Patrick Pichon
- LeBlanc Middle/Drost: Russell Castille
- LeBleu Settlement Elem: Aaron Natali
- Lewis Middle: Russell Castille
- Maplewood Elem: Billy Breaux
- Maplewood Middle: Billy Breaux
- Molo Middle: Karen Hardy-McReynolds
- Moss Bluff Elem: Shawn Baumgarten
- Moss Bluff Middle: Shawn Baumgarten
- Nelson Elem: Eric Tarver
- Oak Park Elem: Betty Washington
- Oak Park Middle: Betty Washington
- Prien Lake Elem: Mary Fontenot
- Sam Houston High: Shawn Baumgarten
- St. John Elem: Dean Roberts
- Starks High: Tony O’Banion
- Sulphur High: Russell Castille
- Vincent Settlement Elem: Phyllis Ayo
- Vincent, RW Elem: Billy Breaux
- Vinton Elem: Phyllis Ayo
- Vinton High: Phyllis Ayo
- Vinton Middle: Phyllis Ayo
- Washington-Marion High: Karen Hardy-McReynolds
- Watkins Elem: Betty Washington
- Watson, J.I. Elementary: Aaron Natali
- Watson, Pearl Elem: Glenda Gay
- Welsh Middle: Eric Tarver
- Western Heights Elem: Damon Hardesty
- Westlake High: Damon Hardesty
- Westwood Elem: Damon Hardesty
- White Middle: Patrick Pichon
- Wilson Elem: Glenda Gay
Public Participation
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS
The Calcasieu Parish School Board shall conduct all meetings in full view of and with welcome participation by the public. All delegations or individuals who wish to appear before the Board shall submit their requests in writing to the Superintendent at least eight (8) working days prior to the meeting date, stating the matter they wish considered by the Board and the approximate time such matter should consume at the meeting. Such items may be included on the agenda of the meeting at which the delegation or individual wishes to appear before the Board. Each delegation appearing before the Board shall select one (1) person in advance as its spokesman.
After the agenda is set and published, all delegations or individuals who wish to comment on any agenda item must submit their requests, in writing, to the Superintendent prior to the convening of the meeting, stating what agenda item they wish to address. A procedure of general consent may be used for Board action but that procedure shall not preclude public participation or public comment as provided for in this policy. Each delegation appearing before the Board shall select one (1) person in advance as a spokesperson.
In the event that the Board should add an item to its agenda after the Board meeting begins, the Board President shall orally request of the audience whether anyone in attendance would like to speak on the added agenda item. Each person indicating a desire to do so shall be given an opportunity to address the Board on each agenda item added. The Board shall delay deliberations on that agenda item until such time as all interested members of the public have had an opportunity to speak.
The Board reserves the right to recess into or call executive sessions as provided by state law. At no time will actions be taken or resolutions made during executive sessions.
The Board may have removed from a Board meeting any person or persons who willfully disrupt a meeting to the extent that orderly conduct of the meeting is seriously compromised.
PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PUBLIC COMMENT AT BOARD MEETINGS
The Calcasieu Parish School Board has established a five (5) minute rule on comments by the public. With a 2/3 vote of the Board, this time can be extended by the Board for a time to be determined by a 2/3 vote of the Board.
If at the time an agenda item is stated to be before the School Board or a School Board committee for discussion or action, there are fifteen (15) or more submitted “Request to Appear” Forms on that item, comments by the public shall be limited to three (3) minutes.
To be entitled to comment on an agenda item persons must complete a "Request to Appear" Form and submit it to the Superintendent prior to convening of the meeting. The public may comment on any agenda item, including items appearing on the consent agenda.
Only discussion relevant to specific agenda items will be allowed. The Board will not allow discussion on previous actions of the Board or on an agenda item from a previous meeting.
The form may be picked up from and returned to the Secretary at the Board meeting.
See CPSB Policy: BCBI & BCBI-AP
Policy Manual
District Policy Manual
DISCLAIMER
The policies, laws, guidelines, or other material provided herein were adopted by the School Board. The policies and related information are for information purposes only. Forethought Consulting, Inc., its suppliers and licensors provide only the publication media for the policies and related information passed or accepted by the School Board. Nothing herein shall be construed to place liability on Forethought Consulting, Inc., its licensors and suppliers, for any and all liability or damage whatsoever caused by relying on the information on content contained in the Calcasieu Parish School Board website, and in particular the Computer Assisted Policy Service portion contained on the Board's website.
Board Members by Bonding District
#21: Damon Hardesty, Tony O’Banion
- DeQuincy Primary, DeQuincy Elementary, DeQuincy Middle, DeQuincy High
#23: Billy Breaux, Shawn Baumgarten, Damon Hardesty, Karen Hardy-McReynolds
- Maplewood Elementary, Maplewood Middle, S. P. Arnett Middle, Western Heights Elementary, Westwood Elementary, Westlake High
#24: Tony O’Banion
- Starks High/K-12
#25: Karen Hardy-McReynolds, Aaron Natali, Desmond Wallace
- Iowa High/Middle, J. I. Watson Elementary, LeBleu Settlement Elementary
#26: Phyllis Ayo, Tony O’Banion
- Vinton Elementary, Vinton Middle, Vinton High
#27: Shawn Baumgarten, Karen Hardy-McReynolds, Aaron Natali
- Gillis Elementary, Moss Bluff Elementary, Moss Bluff Middle, Sam Houston High
#28: Aaron Natali
- Bell City High/K-12
#30: Billy Breaux, Phyllis Ayo, Russell Castille, Damon Hardesty, Tony O’Banion
- Cypress Cove Elementary, E. K. Key Elementary, Frasch Elementary, LeBlanc Middle, R. W. Vincent Elementary, Sulphur High, Vincent Settlement Elementary, W. T. Henning Elementary, W. W. Lewis Middle
#31: Mary Fontenot, Betty Washington, Glenda Gay, Karen Hardy-McReynolds, Desmond Wallace
- Combre-Fondel Elementary, J. D. Clifton Elementary, J. J. Johnson, II Elementary, Lake Charles-Boston Academy of Learning, Pearl Watson Elementary, Ralph Wilson Elementary, Ray D. Molo Middle, Washington-Marion Magnet High
#33: ALL
- Brentwood Elementary, F. K. White Middle, Fairview Elementary, Henry Heights Elementary, John F. Kennedy Elementary, LaGrange High, M. J. Kaufman Elementary, Oak Park Elementary, Oak Park Middle, T. H. Watkins Elementary, T. S. Cooley Elementary
#34: Mary Fontenot, Patrick Pichon, Dean Roberts, Eric Tarver
- Barbe Elementary, Barbe High, College Oaks Elementary, Dolby Elementary, Nelson Elementary, Prien Lake Elementary, S. J. Welsh Middle, St. John Elementary