Thibodaux, Louisiana
July 3, 1996
The Parish School Board of the Parish of Lafourche, State of Louisiana, met in regular session at its regular meeting place, the Parish School Board Office, located at 805 East Seventh Street, Thibodaux, Louisiana, on Wednesday, July 3, 1996, at 7:00 p.m.
There were present for roll call: Ms. Constance Williams, Ms.
Martha Zeringue, Dennis Chiasson, Dr. Judy Theriot, Ms. Beryl
Kraemer, Ms. Velma Duet, Joseph P. Bilello, Dave J. DeFelice,
Jr., Eugene Gouaux, Jr., Ms. Margaret A. Naquin, Aubrey Orgeron,
Jessie Fabiano, Kenny Bollinger.
There was absent: Ms. Velma Rogers, Milton Gouaux.
Superintendent Duplantis noted that Ms. Rogers was absent because she was out of the country on vacation and that Mr. Gouaux was absent due to hip surgery.
The Parish School Board of the Parish of Lafourche, State of Louisiana, was duly convened as the governing authority of Consolidated School District No. 1 of the Parish of Lafourche, State of Louisiana, by Hon. Joseph P. Bilello, President. Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. read the opening prayer and led the board and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
On motion of Ms. Margaret Naquin, seconded by Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. and unanimously carried, the board approved minutes of school board meeting held June 5, 1996, as recorded.
President Bilello called on Dr. Verjanis Peoples of Southern University, College of Education, who addressed the board regarding the Preservice Education for the Recruitment of Teachers (PERT) Project, a partnership between Southern University College of Education and Lafourche Parish Public Schools. Dr. Peoples presented the objectives of the project, citing both the Lafourche Parish School System objectives as well as the Southern University College of Education objectives. She gave an overview of the Teacher Education Program at Southern University and then gave a complete overview of the project, as follows:
The Lafourche Parish Public Schools will select three schools
to serve as clinical/field-based sites for the PERT Project.
One school will be selected from each level: elementary, middle,
and high school. These schools will serve as sites for implementing
partnership functions. These schools will specifically provide
clinical/field experiences for selected teacher candidates to
connect their course instruction to classroom realities. At the
same time, the clinical/field-based sites for the PERT Project
will enable practicing teachers to observe innovative strategies
for teaching and learning and to dialogue with university professors
in exploring practices for improving instruction for all children.
A Partnership Training Cadre will be established to facilitate
development of activities for these sites. A cohort group of
teacher candidates will join partner schools' clinical faculty
for observation and participation during the pre-student teaching
semester. Students will spend at least four (4) weeks during
the semester prior to student teaching participating in a variety
of activities in the selected sites. Students will continue the
next semester within the selected schools in the student teaching
component.
Resources for professional development, travel and housing will be facilitated as the project is developed and refined.
At the conclusion of Dr. Peoples' presentation, Mr. Aubrey Orgeron offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Jessie Fabiano, to approve the Partnership Agreement between Southern University College of Education and Lafourche Parish Public Schools for the PERT Project. A brief discussion followed regarding funding for travel expenses and other expenses that may be incurred by the students. Superintendent Duplantis stated that they are looking into grant monies that may be available; he further assured the board members that there would be no additional expenses to the board. A vote was then taken on Mr. Orgeron's motion; the motion was unanimously carried. At this time, the agreement was officially signed by Dr. Verjanis Peoples and Mr. Patrick Bell, both representing Southern University, and by President Bilello and Superintendent Duplantis, both representing Lafourche Parish School Board.
President Bilello then called on Superintendent Duplantis to offer his recommendation on the appointment of someone to fill the vacancy in the position of Assistant Principal of Thibodaux Elementary School. The superintendent recommended Ms. Sandra Holloway for appointment to the position of Assistant Principal of Thibodaux Elementary School. Ms. Margaret Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Jessie Fabiano, to accept the superintendent's recommendation. A vote was then taken and the motion was carried, although not unanimously-one dissenting vote was cast by Ms. Constance Williams. Accordingly, Ms. Holloway was appointed to the position of Assistant Principal of Thibodaux Elementary School, effective August 1, 1996. President Bilello called on Ms. Holloway, who addressed the board members briefly, thanking them for the opportunity to serve as Assistant Principal at Thibodaux Elementary School.
Next, President Bilello called on Superintendent Duplantis to offer his recommendation on the appointment of someone to fill the vacancy in the position of Assistant Principal of Raceland Junior High School. Dr. Duplantis recommended Ms. Catherine Carter for appointment to the position. Dr. Judy Theriot offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr., and unanimously carried, to accept the superintendent's recommendation; accordingly, Ms. Carter was appointed to the position of Assistant Principal of Raceland Junior High School, effective August 1, 1996.
Next, President Bilello called on Superintendent Duplantis to offer his recommendation on the appointment of someone to fill the vacancy in the position of Principal of Lafourche Parish Alternative School. The superintendent recommended Mr. Barry Uzee for appointment to the position. Mr. Dennis Chiasson offered a motion, seconded by Dr. Judy Theriot, to accept the superintendent's recommendation. A vote was then taken and the motion was carried, although not unanimously-one dissenting vote was cast by Ms. Constance Williams. Accordingly, Mr. Uzee was appointed to the position of Principal of Lafourche Parish Alternative School, effective July 29, 1996. President Bilello called on Mr. Uzee, who addressed the board members briefly, thanking them for the vote of confidence in appointing him to the position.
As a result of Mr. Uzee's promotion
to the position of Principal, the superintendent then made the
following statement:
As superintendent, I would like to advise the board that I will consider requests for voluntary transfer to this vacant position and also that I reserve the right as superintendent to reassign present administrators. Furthermore, I am asking that the board allow me to declare a vacancy in the position that is vacant or the position resulting from a transfer and set the deadline for the receipt of applications in the superintendent's office at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 1996.
Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr. then offered the following motion:
Mr. President, I would like to move that we open the liaison position or make it available for a possible transfer of personnel according to the superintendent's wishes.
The motion, as offered by Mr. DeFelice, was seconded by Ms. Velma Duet and unanimously carried.
President Bilello then called on Superintendent Duplantis to offer his recommendation on the appointment of someone to fill the vacancy in the position of Principal of Chackbay Elementary School. The superintendent recommended Ms. Barbara Babin for appointment to the position. Ms. Beryl Kraemer offered a motion to accept the superintendent's recommendation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. and unanimously carried; accordingly, Ms. Babin was appointed to the position of Principal of Chackbay Elementary School, effective July 29, 1996. President Bilello called on Ms. Babin. She stated that it was an honor to have been chosen as the next Principal of Chackbay Elementary School and thanked everyone concerned.
Subsequent to Ms. Babin's promotion to Principal, the superintendent
made the following recommendation:
As superintendent, I would like to advise the board that I will
consider requests for voluntary transfers to the vacant position
of Assistant Principal of South Thibodaux Elementary School; and
that I reserve the right as superintendent to reassign present
administrators. Furthermore, I am asking that the board allow
me to declare a vacancy in that position or the position which
may result from a transfer and set the deadline for the receipt
of applications in the superintendent's office at 10:00 a.m. on
Monday, July 22, 1996.
On motion of Mr. Jessie Fabiano, seconded by Ms. Martha Zeringue and unanimously carried, the board accepted the superintendent's recommendation.
President Bilello then called on Superintendent Duplantis to offer his recommendation on the appointment of someone to fill the vacancy in the position of Supervisor of Middle School Education. The superintendent recommended Mr. Frank Pasqua for appointment to the position. Mr. Jessie Fabiano offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Margaret Naquin, to accept the superintendent's recommendation. A vote was then taken. The motion was carried by a vote of 9 to 4 (with two members absent). The four dissenting votes were cast by Ms. Constance Williams, Ms. Martha Zeringue, Mr. Dennis Chiasson, and Dr. Judy Theriot. Accordingly, Mr. Pasqua was appointed to the position of Supervisor of Middle School Education, effective July 8, 1996. President Bilello then called on Mr. Pasqua, who thanked the board for the vote of confidence and for the opportunity to serve as Supervisor of Middle School Education.
Following Mr. Pasqua's appointment, Ms. Constance Williams made the following statement:
Mr. President, I have a few comments to make. There were many
qualified applicants for the position of middle school supervisor,
some acceptable, some not so acceptable, some not acceptable nor
given consideration -- basically, because they don't fit your
mold. In conversation about hiring and promoting of minorities,
I was asked by someone: Should we hire just because, when they
are not qualified? No. Of course, we know that does happen.
I was told by someone that black students needed role models
in schools, but we can't find any or they are not certified nor
qualified. Well, we had five applicants certified, qualified
and highly recommended. So now, what is your reason? The system
does not allow black role models to come in or stay in because
of the practices of this board. We should be about the children,
and not about politics. Thank you.
In response to Ms. Williams' comments, Ms. Beryl Kraemer made the following statement:
I don't think you should condemn this whole board with those remarks. I think what I did - I looked at the applicants, I looked at the interviews, I looked at the resumes', and I voted for the most qualified person.
Ms. Williams then made the following remarks:
Again, I looked at the applicants, I looked at the resumes', I looked at the qualifications, I looked at the certifications, and I looked overall at the needs of the students here. Had the need not been that we need minority principals, assistant principals, teachers in Lafourche Parish, then I would not have anything to say. The whole board is not a part of this political arena that we have here in Lafourche Parish, but the majority is. If the shoe fit, wear it. I am speaking today because I am tired of hearing over and over again that we do not have black qualified teachers nor anyone to hold the seat of a middle school supervisor. I am tired of hearing when administrators in here already know who has a position. This cannot continue to go on, if we plan to move forward. Because, we are living in a diversified society, and the reality is, it is for real, and it is here to stay no matter how you want to take it. It is for real.
Subsequent to Mr. Pasqua's promotion to Supervisor, the superintendent
made the following recommendation:
As superintendent, I would like to advise the board that I will
consider requests for voluntary transfers to this vacant position
of Assistant Principal at Thibodaux High School and also that
I reserve the right to reassign present administrators. Furthermore,
I am requesting that the board allow me to declare a vacancy in
this position or the position resulting from a transfer and set
the deadline for the receipt of applications in the superintendent's
office at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 1996.
On motion of Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr., seconded by Ms. Margaret Naquin and unanimously carried, the board accepted the superintendent's recommendation.
On motion of Dr. Judy Theriot, seconded by Ms. Beryl Kraemer
and unanimously carried, the board approved the recommendation
of the Finance Committee as presented at the June 5 board meeting
for salary schedule changes for office personnel, including educational
enhancement, revised job descriptions, and revised evaluation
forms, said changes to be effective July 1, 1996; and amended
Policy Title 3:1.6, "Salary schedule for office personnel,"
as follows:
P. T. 3:1.6 Salary schedule for office personnel
There is established
a schedule of salaries to be paid office personnel as follows:
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EDUCATIONAL ENHANCEMENT:
Associate Degree: $ 500
Bachelor's Degree: $ 750
Master's Degree: $1000
This enhancement will be added to the
salary of employees in the clerical field for degrees earned beyond
the qualifications as stipulated in the job descriptions.
The salary schedule for office personnel
(including main office, branch office, and schools) is based on
a pay-grade level system. Full-time work for an office worker
is defined as 12 months' employment at 7 1/2
hours of work per day. An office worker employed for less than
full-time shall be hired on the basis of a fixed number of days
beyond the 180 days of a regular school year.
The pay-grade levels are designated below:
0- 1: Executive Secretary to the Superintendent
Head Accountant
0- 2: Executive Secretary to the Superintendent*
0- 3: Deputy Sales Tax Collector
Executive Secretary - Personnel
Internal Auditor
0- 4: Federal Funds Accountant
Payroll Accountant
0- 5: Accounts Payable Clerk
Assistant Payroll Accountant/Property Accounting Coordinator
EPSDT Secretary
Insurance Accountant
Pupil Appraisal Center Coordinator's Secretary
School Board Office Secretary
Staff Secretary
0 - 7: Bookkeeper
Secretary V (Sr. High School)
Guidance Secretary
0-10: Pupil Appraisal Secretary
Secretary III (Jr. High School)
0-11: Secretary I (Alternative School)
Secretary II (Elementary and Middle School)
*When the present Executive Secretary to the Superintendent (currently paid according
to the 0-1 pay-grade level) exits the system, the employee hired to replace her shall be
paid according to the 0-2 pay-grade level.
NOTES:
(1) An employee advanced to a higher pay-grade level
in a similar area of employment shall receive the pay grade for
the years of employment at the time of advancement.
(2) An employee advanced to a higher pay-grade level
in employment dissimilar to the one held at the time of advancement
shall begin at the "years experience" point that shall
produce the next greater salary above that received at the time
of advancement.
President Bilello called on Mr. Robert J. Theriot, who addressed the board regarding approval of the Pupil Progression Plan and the grading policy - specifically, whether students in grade levels 9 through 12 should automatically fail the subject if the last nine-weeks grade is an "F". Mr. Theriot stated that a high school student in Lafourche Parish can pass with a grade letter of D or better on all tests, homework, class participation, etc. and fail only the final exam of the last nine-weeks grading period, resulting in failure of the course; and noted that only Lafourche and 10 of the other 65 systems in Louisiana have the policy which makes it mandatory that a high school student will fail the course should the student fail the final grading period. He stated that the issue in question is Policy Title 2:1.4.a, "System of grading and reporting," which is included in the Pupil Progression Plan on page 15.6. Mr. Theriot noted that the policy clearly states that an "F" in the final grading period results in failure of the course and does not allow for excellent grades earned prior to that period nor for extenuating or excusable circumstances. Mr. Theriot stated that the aforementioned policy of mandatory failure is obsolete and is way too tough on an average student who may per chance score low on the final exam. Mr. Theriot recommended that Policy Title 2:1.4.a, Section D., paragraphs 1 and 2 be changed to:
Option A: DELETE "provided the grade in the second marking
period is not an "F".
Option B: TO READ "provided the grade average in the second
marking period (excluding the final exam) is not an "F"
and the final exam is not an "F".
He noted that Option B would allow for a student to go into the final exam with a "D" and still pass the course. A lengthy discussion followed regarding Mr. Theriot's presentation. Supervisor Francis Rodriguez then asked that the board table any action on this matter until the August meeting so that further study could be done with regard to the information presented by Mr. Theriot. Ms. Velma Duet offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Margaret Naquin, to refer action on this matter until the August meeting and to refer these issues back to the Pupil Progression Committee. President Bilello asked Ms. Duet to withdraw her motion until the board considered Agenda Item Nos. 15 and 16 dealing with the grading policy and approval of the Pupil Progression Plan. Ms. Duet agreed; accordingly, her motion was withdrawn at this time.
Next, President Bilello called on Mr. Rudolph D. Hargis, Jr., who addressed the board regarding the Honors Program and proposed revisions to P. T. 2:1.4.a, "System of grading and reporting." Mr. Hargis stated that given the choice between retaining the present 5.0 grade scale versus adopting the proposed 4.0 grade scale, he would urge the board to vote against the recommendation presently before them thereby retaining the present 5.0 grade scale for honors courses. He then presented his case against the proposed 4.0 grade scale, stating that the adoption and implementation of the proposed 4.0 grade scale will result in the unintended consequence of students enrolling in honors courses in fewer numbers than they are doing so under the present 5.0 grade scale. He stated that the 5.0 grade scale is not the root cause of problems; nor is the 4.0 grade scale the cure. He then presented the merits of the 5.0 grade scale. He urged the board to vote against the proposed adoption of the 4.0 grade scale for honors course. In conclusion, he stated that the board may wish to consider the Win/Win Alternative, which features the retention of the 5.0 grade scale for honors courses and the adoption of the numerical (percentile) grading standard proposed by the Honors Committee as the uniform grading scale for all students in the system. President Bilello thanked Mr. Hargis for his presentation.
President Bilello then called on Supervisor Francis Rodriguez. With regard to Agenda Item No. 15, regarding approval of the amendments to Policy Title 2:1.4.a, "System of grading and reporting," as it relates students in regular and honors classes, and Agenda Item No. 16, regarding approval of the revisions to the Pupil Progression Plan for the 1996-97 school session, Supervisor Rodriguez asked the board to allow him another month to meet with the committee and to study the information presented by Mr. Theriot and Mr. Hargis. On motion of Ms. Velma Duet, seconded by Ms. Margaret Naquin and unanimously carried, the board delayed action on these items until the August meeting; referred both items back to committee for further study; and directed Supervisor Rodriguez to report back to the board at the August meeting.
President Bilello called on Col. Arthur Rice, who presented the following changes to the parent/student grievance policy that was presented to the board for its review at the June 5 meeting:
On motion of Dr. Judy Theriot, seconded by Ms. Constance Williams and unanimously carried, the board adopted Policy Title 2:13.2, "Student/parent grievance procedure," with the changes as presented by Col. Rice.
President Bilello gave a report of the Executive Committee, as per meeting held July 1, 1996, as follows:
The Executive Committee of the Lafourche Parish
School Board met at its regular meeting place, the Parish School
Board Office, located at 805 East Seventh Street, Thibodaux, Louisiana,
on Monday, July 1, 1996, at three-thirty (3:30) o'clock p.m.
The following committee members were present: Joseph
P. Bilello, Dave DeFelice, Jr., Dennis Chiasson.
There was absent: Milton Gouaux.
The committee reviewed agenda items for the July 3, 1996, meeting of the Lafourche Parish School Board.
There being no other official business, on motion
of Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr., seconded by Mr. Dennis Chiasson and
unanimously carried, the committee meeting was adjourned at 3:50
p. m.
On motion of Mr. Dennis Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr. and unanimously carried, the board accepted the report of the Executive Committee as read by President Bilello.
Next, President Bilello called on Mr. Aubrey Orgeron, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, who gave the following report on a committee meeting held July 1, 1996:
The Finance Committee of the Lafourche Parish School
Board met in the boardroom of the Lafourche Parish School Board
Office at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 1996.
There were present: Aubrey Orgeron, Eugene Gouaux,
Jr., and Margaret Naquin
There were absent: Dr. Judy Theriot and Velma Rogers
Chairperson Aubrey Orgeron called upon Mr. Don Gaudet
for a report on the Comprehensive Amended Budget which incorporates
the changes that occurred during the fiscal year. He went through
each section of the budget and explained to the committee the
reasons for each of the major changes. The combined revenue changes
totaled $1,353,425 and the combined expenditure changes totaled
$2,541,562. He noted dramatic changes in expenditures were due
to the salary increases. The fiscal year began with an expected
ending fund balance of $1,484,278 and after the amendments, the
ending fund balance is $331,635. Mr. Gaudet pointed out he provided
for all of the expenditures that we can possibly incur and only
included revenue of which he was absolutely sure.
Also included in the budget is a ten-year summary
of revenues and expenditures. This showed a 1987 budget of $41,816,237
to a present budget of $76,345,841. The report also included
a Minimum Foundation Program Summary, which explains how the MFP
figure is determined, and what elements drive this formula. He
pointed out the formula will be changing due to the fact there
will be no more unweighted portions. A Bonded Debt Summary was
also included in this report. Mr. Gaudet explained we have two
fiscal years left of debt. After the 1998 fiscal year, we'll
only have about $30,000 left. The report shows we have a legal
debt margin of $65,634,830.
Mr. Gaudet announced that the Comprehensive Original
Budget should be ready for review at the August board meeting.
If agreed, it will then go before a Public Hearing, then to the
Finance Committee, and back to the board at its September meeting
for approval. Ms. Margaret Naquin offered a motion, seconded
by Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr., that the committee recommend to the
Board that it accept the Comprehensive Amended Budget. The motion
passed unanimously.
Mr. Gaudet then presented a report on millage rates
to be effective with the 1996 roll. He explained that every four
years, the Assessor has to take his current roll (1995) and take
into consideration what inflation has done to the values of those
items on that roll. They are then reassessed. The Assessor is
required to provide the Board with the information concerning
the effects of the reassessment on the taxable roll. Mr. Gaudet
explained that a system was devised to determine the minimum/maximum
amount of assessments. We are currently levying the minimum which
is 44.09 mills. If we adopt the minimum adjusted amount of 43.33
mills, there will be no increase in revenue caused by the reassessment.
The revenue from the various taxes can grow if new property is
added to the roll. Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. offered a motion,
seconded by Ms. Margaret Naquin, that the committee recommend
to the Board that it adopts the reassessments and that it accepts
the adjusted minimum millage of 43.33. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairperson Orgeron then called upon Superintendent
Malcolm Duplantis for his five year report on MFP increases.
The MFP formula adopted during the 1996 legislative session sets
the increases that Lafourche Parish will receive in the next four
years to be fully funded by the year 2000. Dr. Duplantis presented
a report showing the 1995-96 MFP increase and where this money
was spent, and projected MFP increases over the next four years
and where he and his staff believe there is a need for additional
funding. With the 1996-97 MFP increase of $1,620,662, Dr. Duplantis
recommends the following:
RECURRING
Salary Increase ($1,086) $120,000
Adv. Degree (361 x $500) 215,185
Ext. Employment 60,000
Health Insurance 300,000
School Allotments 250,000
Band Directors/Coaches 100,000
Administrators' Salaries 28,059
Clerical 76,000
Non-Instructional (2%) 225,000
PASS (Increase) 74,287
T O T A L $1,448,531
NON-RECURRING
Bus Replacements
Unbudgeted $176,131
He then explained his reasons for these recommendations
and asked for the committee's input. The committee members voiced
their concerns and consent for each item. There was strong disagreement
with the $300,000 budgeted for an increase in the parish contribution
for health insurance. They felt this would be unfair to those
employees who do not participate in our health insurance plan.
Dr. Duplantis also reported on the projected increases for 1997
through 2000 using the current MFP formula. No action was taken.
The next meeting of the Finance Committee will be
August 5, 1996, at 6:00 p.m.
On motion of Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr., seconded by
Ms. Margaret Naquin, and unanimously carried, the meeting was
adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
At this time, Chairperson Orgeron offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. and unanimously carried, to accept the June 30, 1996, Comprehensive Amended Budget.
Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. then offered the following comments regarding the part of the Finance Committee report dealing with the superintendent's recommendation to use $300,000 of the MFP increases for health insurance contributions:
My recommendation would be that we save $300,000 and put that
in a special fund. We spent quite a bit of money in the last
year or so - all on obviously necessary things; but, if there
is going to be some additional funds, I wish we would consider
that. I mentioned it to the Finance Committee, and I do want
to mention it to the full board. There was talk when we made
expenditures some time ago regarding the stadium repairs that
when money became available, if we did have some, we would try
to replace that fund. So, I did ask Superintendent Duplantis,
and he said he would look into that. I did mention it to the
committee. I didn't make it in the form of a motion, but I did
want to bring it to the board's attention and ask that we please
take that into consideration.
Chairperson Orgeron noted that the committee took no action regarding the superintendent's recommendation for the use of the 1996-97 MFP increases because the superintendent said he would report back to the committee with more definite figures.
Chairperson Orgeron then offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Margaret Naquin and unanimously carried, to adopt the reassessment report from the Assessor's Office and accept the adjusted minimum millage of 43.33.
Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr. offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr., to adopt the following resolutions:
BE IT RESOLVED that in accordance with Act 433
of the Regular Legislative Session of 1981, and using the information
furnished by the Assessor, the following millage rates are hereby
established as those necessary to produce the same amount of taxes
payable, when applied to the 1995 tax roll after reassessment,
as was actually produced on the 1995 tax roll as filed; or as
would have been produced had the maximum authorized rate been
levied.
Tax Millage
1995 Adjusted Rate
Authorized Levied Authorized Levied
(1) Constitutional 4.18 4.18 4.11 4.11
(2) Special Maintenance 7.47 7.47 7.34 7.34
(3) Air-Conditioning Maintenance 7.47 7.47 7.34 7.34
(4) Salary Supplement 7.47 7.47 7.34 7.34
BE IT RESOLVED that the following millages are
hereby levied on the 1996 tax roll, on all property subject
to taxation by the Lafourche Parish School Board:
Tax Adjusted Millage as per Resolution No. 1
Max. Levied Prior Levied
Authorized 1995 Yrs. Max. 1996
(1) Constitutional 4.26 4.18 4.19 4.11
(2) Special Maintenance 7.62 7.47 7.49 7.34
(3) Air-Conditioning Maintenance 7.62 7.47 7.49 7.34
(4) Salary Supplement 7.62 7.47 7.49 7.34
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Assessor of Lafourche
Parish is hereby requested to assess the taxes hereinabove levied.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of these resolutions
be sent to the State Legislative Auditor and to the Assessor of
Lafourche Parish.
A vote was then taken on Mr. DeFelice's motion,
resulting as follows:
YEAS: Ms. Constance Williams, Ms. Martha Zeringue, Dennis Chiasson, Dr. Judy
Theriot, Ms. Beryl Kraemer, Ms. Velma Duet, Joseph P. Bilello, Dave J.
DeFelice, Jr., Eugene Gouaux, Jr., Ms. Margaret A. Naquin, Aubrey
Orgeron, Jessie Fabiano, Kenny Bollinger;
NAYS: None;
ABSENT: Ms. Velma Rogers, Milton Gouaux.
President Bilello declared the motion carried; and directed that Policy Title 1:1.11, "Millage rates," be amended accordingly.
President Bilello then called on Ms. Velma Duet, Chairperson of the Insurance Committee, who gave the following report on a committee meeting held July 2, 1996:
The Insurance Committee of the Lafourche Parish
School Board met in the boardroom of the Lafourche Parish School
Board Office at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 1996.
There were present: Velma Duet, Beryl Kraemer, Constance
Williams, and Aubrey Orgeron
There were absent: Jessie Fabiano
Chairperson Velma Duet called upon Mr. John Norris,
the Board's property/casualty consultant, to give the report on
Errors and Omissions quotes received on June 27, 1996. After
receiving the report, Ms. Beryl Kraemer offered a motion, seconded
by Ms. Constance Williams, that the committee recommend to the
board that it accept the quote of Insurance Connection using Coregis
in the amount of $22,876 ($7,500 deductible) with a $5,000,000
limit. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairperson Duet called upon Superintendent Malcolm
Duplantis to report on the renewal of the contract with Bearden
and Guibault, the Board's group health and life consultants.
Superintendent Duplantis announced they have submitted the contract
for the period 7-1-96 to 7-1-97, with the appropriate fee per
quarter. He also announced he had been contacted by the company
of Besselman, Francinques, and Besselman who offered an alternative
approach for the committee to consider with the Board's group
health insurance. Chairperson Duet then called upon Mr. Wayne
Francinques, with Besselman, Francinques, and Besselman, to report
on their offer. He said that his firm would like to bring to
Lafourche Parish the reduced costs and improved benefits they
were able to obtain for other parishes. He offered to review
the Board's present group health package and to report on the
results in three weeks. He also noted there is no charge for
this service. Much discussion was held and some committee members
expressed their concerns about getting advice from a company that
is receiving a commission from a plan that they are recommending.
Also, there were concerns about terminating the Board's relationship
with Bearden and Guibault. Mr. Aubrey Orgeron felt the Board
should be given an opportunity to possibly save money without
spending money, and offered a motion, seconded by Mrs. Constance
Williams, to recommend to the board to allow Besselman, Francinques,
and Besselman to seek proposals for a fully insured group health
and life program. The motion passed with one dissenting vote
cast by Ms. Beryl Kraemer.
Mr. Ben Harang, with Insurance Connection, asked
of the committee the same opportunity as Besselman, Francinques,
and Besselman to seek proposals for a fully insured group health
and life program. At this time, Ms. Kraemer expressed her concerns
about tying up the market, and not opening up this opportunity
to other local insurance companies. Ms. Constance Williams offered
a motion, seconded by Mr. Aubrey Orgeron, to recommend to the
Board that it allow the Insurance Connection to seek a proposal
on a fully insured group health and life program. The motion
passed with one dissenting vote cast by Ms. Beryl Kraemer.
Superintendent Duplantis offered a recommendation
to proceed cautiously with the Besselman, Francinques, and Besselman
proposal and the option of opening it up to the market. He asked
for 30 days to study the report from Besselman, Francinques, and
Besselman and to consider the proposal from the Board's present
consultant. No action was taken.
Mr. Gaudet agreed to have available for these two
companies copies of the Board's master plan (life & health),
the Board's loss history, and the current employee information.
Dr. Duplantis summarized the actions of the committee by saying
that: 1) the two firms will analyze the Board's data; 2) make
recommendations concerning the Board's present coverage and premium
structure; 3) compare what is available in the market; 4) the
Board is not officially requesting proposals or obligating itself
to any course of action; and 5) after receiving the reports from
the two firms showing possible cost savings, the Board would officially
request proposals on group health and life insurance to be submitted
to all agents. Mr. Gaudet then suggested the Board renew its
contract with Bearden & Guibault because it still needs a
consulting firm. Mr. Aubrey Orgeron offered a motion, seconded
by Ms. Constance Williams, that the committee recommend to the
Board to renew the contract with Bearden & Guibault for one
quarter, 7-1-96 to 9-30-96. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairperson Duet called upon Mr. John Norris to
report on the progress made with the issues concerning the Cigna
package quote. He reported that he met with Mr. Tom Young, of
Barker Agency, Dr. Duplantis and Mr. Gaudet about two weeks ago.
Mr. Young had received figures from Cigna, but Mr. Norris still
wasn't able to bridge the gap between the quoted premiums and
the premiums as issued. Mr. Norris asked for a breakdown of the
quoted and actual premiums that contained more detail. Mr. Young
was able to provide the information a hour before the committee
met. Mr. Norris felt that he could make a determination concerning
the premium issues with the information that Mr. Young provided
but he also felt he needed a little more time to analyze. Mr.
Young and Mr. Norris will meet on Tuesday, July 9, using Mr. Young's
allocations as a starting point, to hopefully tell what the correlation
is between the quoted numbers and the issued numbers. Ms. Kraemer
expressed her concerns about Mr. Young coming up with these numbers
rather than Cigna's underwriter. It was also noted that since
the Board has paid up to the proposal amount, it is up to Cigna
to satisfy the Board's consultant before the Board pays the additional
disputed amount. Before discussing this any further, the committee
agreed that since it seems impossible to get figures from Cigna's
National office, they will postpone action until they review Mr.
Norris' report.
The next meeting of the Insurance Committee will
be on Tuesday, August 6, 1996, at 6:00 p.m.
On motion of Mr. Aubrey Orgeron, seconded by Ms.
Beryl Kraemer, and passing unanimously, the meeting was adjourned
at 6:25 p.m.
Chairperson Duet stated that the committee has approved
the following items and submits them to the board for consideration:
(1) to accept the quote of Insurance Connection using
Coregis in the amount of $22,876 ($7,500 deductible) with a $5,000,000
limit for Errors & Omissions Liability Insurance.
At this time, Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Beryl Kraemer and unanimously carried, to accept the quote of Insurance Connection using Coregis in the amount of $22,876 ($7,500 deductible) with a $5,000,000 limit for Errors & Omissions Liability Insurance.
Chairperson Duet continued with the reading of the committee's recommendations.
(2) to allow Besselman, Francinques, and Besselman
to seek proposals for a fully insured group health and life
program.
Ms. Constance Williams offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Aubrey Orgeron, to allow Besselman, Francinques, and Besselman to seek proposals for a fully insured group health and life program. A lengthy discussion followed, during which Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. expressed his concerns in this regard. He asked that the board not do this (seek proposals) at this time; that it be done in a timely fashion; and open it up to everyone at the appropriate time. Mr. Gouaux noted that his remarks applied to recommendation No. 3 also. Chairperson Duet then read recommendation No. 3.
3) to allow Insurance Connection to seek proposals
for a fully insured group health and life program.
Again, Mr. Gouaux stated that he felt it should be open to everyone interested in making a proposal at the same time. The discussion continued. President Bilello stated that he would not like to see the board vote on the committee recommendations 2, 3, or 4 at this time; and that when the board decides that they are ready to open this, the interested parties would be notified. Mr. Jessie Fabiano then noted that with regard to recommendation No. 4 of the committee (concerning renewal of the contract with Bearden & Guibault for one quarter), the contract has expired effective July 1, 1996, and that the motion is for one quarter period of time. Superintendent then recommended that the board vote against or refer to him Items 2 and 3 for further study and consideration. The superintendent further requested that the board renew the contract with Bearden and Guibault, reminding the board that it does have a thirty-day clause for termination. Ms. Williams then rescinded her motion to approve the committee's recommendation to allow Besselman, Francinques, and Besselman to seek proposals for a fully insured group health and life program; and Mr. Orgeron rescinded his second to the motion. Ms. Williams then offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Aubrey Orgeron, to accept the recommendation of the superintendent with regard to recommendation 2 and 3.
(Chairperson Duet then read Recommendation No. 4)
On motion of Chairperson Duet, seconded by Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. and unanimously carried, the board renewed the contract with Bearden & Guibault for one quarter, July 1, 1996, through September 30, 1996.
Next, President Bilello called on Ms. Beryl Kraemer, Chairperson of the Transportation Committee, who gave the following report on a committee meeting held July 2, 1996:
The Transportation Committee of the Lafourche Parish
School Board met at 6:30 PM on July 2, 1996. In attendance at
the meeting were the following committee members: Ms. Beryl Kraemer,
Chairperson, Mr. Kenny J. Bollinger, Mrs. Constance T. Williams,
and Mrs. Martha Zeringue. Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. was absent.
Ms. Margaret Naquin, Superintendent Malcolm Duplantis, Transportation
Manager Chris Bowman, and Lafourche Parish Bus Operators' Association
President Anne Crochet were in attendance along with other school
bus drivers.
Chris Bowman read the original proposal to the committee,
and a lengthy discussion followed. After a discussion involving
all parties, the following policy was adopted from the original
proposal submitted to the committee.
The committee agreed to submit this proposal to
the board for consideration at this meeting with possible adoption
at the August meeting. Dr. Duplantis stated that the new proposals
would be mailed to drivers for comments, and these comments would
be directed to Ms. Anne Crochet or Ms. Beryl Kraemer no later
than July 19, 1996.
Ms. Constance Williams reminded the committee that
something should be incorporated into the policy about getting
students home when a bus is out of service. Mr. Bowman, Ms. Crochet,
and Ms. Martha Zeringue agreed to meet at 9:00 AM on July 3rd
to draft that proposal, and it was included in the policy you
have before you.
Ms. Constance Williams asked the committee to discuss
a previous policy that has kept Ms. Elaine Trosclair from selling
her thirteen year old bus to Ms. Delores Fields. Dr. Duplantis
and Chris Bowman said that this was a violation of policy. Mr.
Bowman explained to the committee that for him to authorize this
purchase would be a violation of a policy unanimously adopted
a year ago by the board. Mr. Bowman explained that the policy
states that no bus purchased for use in this system can be older
than ten (10) years of age. After more discussion, Ms. Constance
Williams made a motion to bring this issue to the full board.
Mr. Kenny Bollinger seconded the motion, and the committee unanimously
adopted the motion.
The chair then entertained a motion from Ms. Constance
Williams with a second from Ms. Martha Zeringue to adjourn. It
was unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM, and
another meeting was scheduled for July 23, 1996 at 5:00 PM.
The Committee has approved the following items and
submit them to the board for consideration:
Chairperson Kraemer then offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Velma Duet, to receive the following proposed Policy Title 2:1.6.e, "Policies for school transportation," to be voted on at the August meeting:
PROPOSED POLICY
Policy Title 2:1.6.e Policies for school transportation
I. Mission Statement
The goal of the Transportation Department of the
Lafourche Parish School Board is to provide safe, reasonable,
and efficient transportation to all eligible students within the
appropriate school boundaries of this parish. School transportation
is recognized as an integral part of the educational process,
and it must be viewed as giving students the opportunity to develop
as responsible citizens in a democracy.
II. Safety
In compliance with federal and state motor vehicle
laws, no bus shall be operated without a proper inspection tag
certifying that a bus has met or exceeded minimum safety standards.
The Lafourche Parish School Board shall establish two group inspections
to be before August 1st and February 1st in order to comply with
state regulations for inspections. The inspections shall be done
by those individuals certified to review, examine, and inspect
buses according to state guidelines and regulations. Any driver
whose bus is rejected would have two (2) weeks to bring the bus
into total compliance. This inspection shall be at no cost to
the driver.
III. Breakdowns
Whenever a bus has incurred more than four (4) breakdowns per year or failed to run for ten (10) cumulative days, a meeting with the Transportation Manager will be held to review the problem with that driver and his or her bus. Documentation should substantiate that work was done by a mechanic capable of repair work. The principal of each school will develop an alternative method of delivery of students whenever a driver is not able to do his or her route for that day. The principal will meet with the drivers at his or her school and determine a way to assign students to other existing routes at his or her school. The driver taking the students will be able to claim reimbursement if he or she wishes to be compensated for the extra expense. The plan will be submitted to the Transportation Manager for approval by October 1st of each new school year.
Spare buses are usually available for rental purposes
whenever a bus is broken or out of service. The cost of the spare
bus is on a sliding scale. These days are cumulative per school
year. Two (2) days of usage per school year are available at
no cost to the driver. The Transportation Manager must approve
any spare bus usage past five (5) consecutive days.
Day of Usage |
|
| Day 1 | |
| Day 2 | |
| Day 3 | |
| Day 4 | |
| Day 5 | |
| Day 6 | |
| Day 7 | |
| Day 8 | |
| Day 9 | |
| Day 10 | |
| Day 11 | |
| Day 12 | |
| Day 13 | |
| Day 14 | |
| Day 15 or beyond |
All routes are developed in accordance with what
is best for the students transported. The Lafourche Parish School
Board through its Transportation Department will develop all routes.
These routes are composed of individual bus stops linked to bus
runs for each school. The assignment of stops and runs to routes
are the province of the Lafourche Parish School Board. Drivers
will review the route that serves a specific area avoiding or
eliminating duplication of service. All inquiries concerning
a route shall first be directed to the Transportation Manager.
Whenever a route is submitted for reimbursement, it will be honored
for the entire year at that mileage figure unless changes are
made by the Transportation Manager. All routes should be audited
annually, and the audit will be signed by the driver and the auditor
for verification with space for comments by the driver. Any route
found to be in discrepancy by five per cent (5%) or more will
be reviewed by the Transportation Manager to determine a possible
reason for this discrepancy. Written notification will be sent
to the driver to schedule a conference with the Transportation
Manager to review the audit so that a resolution to the variance
can be found or explained. The decision of the Transportation
Manager may be appealed to the superintendent in writing within
thirty (30) days of the initial conference. Money which has been
received based on inaccurate figures will be considered dishonestly
obtained and subject to disciplinary review and/or action. Money
paid in excess of that which is owed will be reimbursed to the
Lafourche Parish School Board.
A discussion followed, during which Mr. Kenny Bollinger stated that the proposed policy will be sent to the bus drivers for their input; and that the committee will meet again on July 23, at which time the drivers' input will be addressed; and, if any changes need to be made, they will be made at that point. A vote was then taken on Chairperson Kraemer's motion; the motion was unanimously carried.
(Chairperson Kraemer then continued with
the reading of the committee's recommendations.)
A lengthy discussion followed regarding the policy, during which Ms. Constance Williams recommended that the superintendent do further study on this matter. The discussion continued. Ms. Williams then offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Kenny Bollinger, directing the superintendent to do further research on committee recommendation No. 2 and report back to the board as soon as possible. A vote was taken on the motion. The motion was carried, although not unanimously-one dissenting vote was cast by Ms. Beryl Kraemer.
President Bilello called on Supervisor Faye Robichaux, who reported on bids opened on June 18, 1996, for janitorial and paper products to be used in the cafeterias for the 1996-97 school year. Responding to Supervisor Robichaux's recommendation, Ms. Velma Duet offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Margaret Naquin and unanimously carried, accepting the lowest bid meeting specifications in each instance. Bids are not itemized here because of the length of the list; however, they are on file in the office of the Lafourche Parish School Board School Food Service Department and are available for inspection by any interested parties.
Supervisor Robichaux then reported on bids received on June 20, 1996, for bread to be used for the 1996-97 school year, as follows:
|
Vendors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cotton Brothers Baking Co.
Baton Rouge, LA 70805 | ||||||
| Evangeline Maid
Lafayette, LA 70502 |
*Indicates Recommended Award For Low Bid.
Acting in line with Supervisor Robichaux's recommendation, Mr. Beryl Kraemer offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr. and unanimously carried, accepting the low bid of Cotton Brothers Baking Co. of Baton Rouge, LA as indicated above.
Supervisor Robichaux then reported on bids received on June 20,
1996, for milk and milk products to be used for the 1996-97 school
year, as follows:
|
Vendors |
|
|
|
|
|
| Brown's Velvet Dairy
New Orleans, LA 70113 | |||||
| LaFleur Dairy Products
Morgan City, LA 70381 |
*Indicates Recommended Award For Low Bid.
Acting in line with Supervisor Robichaux's recommendation, Mr. Dennis Chiasson offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Beryl Kraemer and unanimously carried, to accept the low bid of Brown's Velvet Dairy of New Orleans, LA as indicated above.
Next, Supervisor Robichaux reported on bids opened on June 20, 1996, for the cleaning of grease traps during the 1996-97 school year, as follows:
|
Vendor's Name |
|
|
| |
| Joe's Septic Contractor
Cut off, LA 70345 | ||||
| McDonald Well Service Inc.
Thibodaux, LA 70301 | ||||
| Greg Sanamo Sanitation Services
Larose, LA 70373 |
*Recommended Award For Lowest Bid Meeting
Specifications.
On motion of Ms. Martha Zeringue, seconded by Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. and unanimously carried, the board accepted the low bid of Joe's Septic Contractor of Cut Off, LA as recommended by Supervisor Robichaux.
On motion of Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr., seconded by Ms. Margaret Naquin and unanimously carried, the board authorized advertisement for bids during the 1996-97 school year to sell surplus equipment owned by the Lafourche Parish School food Service Department which is no longer used.
On motion of Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr., seconded by Ms. Martha Zeringue and unanimously carried, the board authorized advertisement for bids during the 1996-97 school year to purchase small and large equipment for the school cafeterias.
On motion of Ms. Martha Zeringue, seconded by Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. and unanimously carried, the board authorized advertisement for bids for the purchase of two (2) trucks to be used by the maintenance department.
Ms. Margaret Naquin offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr., to authorize the firm of Marrero, Couvillion & Associates, Inc. of Metairie, LA to develop a study and report on the intrusion and fire alarm systems for Lafourche Parish schools, acting in line with a request made by the Insurance Committee at the May board meeting. A brief discussion followed, at the end of which a vote was taken on the motion. Ms. Naquin's motion was unanimously carried.
On motion of Ms. Velma Duet, seconded by Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. and unanimously carried, the board authorized the following charges in the operation of the School Food Service Program during the 1996-97 session:
a. $.50 for lunches for students in grades Pre K - 4;
b. $.60 for lunches for students in grades 5 through 9;
c. $.70 for lunches for students in grades 10 through 12;
d. $.25 for lunches for students eligible for reduced-price meals;
e. $.45 for breakfast for students in grades Pre K through 9;
f. $.50 for breakfast for students in grades 10 through 12;
g. $.20 for breakfast for students eligible for reduced-price meals;
On motion of Mr. Dennis Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Aubrey Orgeron and unanimously carried, the board approved the Commingling Application from Forman Petroleum Corporation for Commingling Facility No. 1, which includes Lafourche Parish School Board Well No. 1.
On motion of Dr. Judy Theriot, seconded by Mr. Dennis Chiasson and unanimously carried, the board granted the request of Eagle Geophysical to conduct a 3D seismic survey on Section 16, Township 19 South, Range 20 East, for Fina Oil Company.
The board received the Superintendent's Quarterly Report for the period April-June, 1996, and Committee Assignments for the Lafourche Parish School System.
On motion of Ms. Velma Duet, seconded by Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. and unanimously carried, the board granted a general leave of absence to Ms. Liesl Guidry, teacher at Cut Off Elementary School, effective August 15, 1996, through October 17, 1996.
On motion of Ms. Velma Duet, seconded by Ms. Constance Williams and unanimously carried, the board granted a general leave of absence to Ms. Beth Cheramie, teacher at Larose Middle School, for the 1996-97 school session.
On motion of Mr. Aubrey Orgeron, the following memorial resolution was adopted by acclamation:
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom,
has seen fit to summon to eternal rest the spirit and soul of
Mrs. Alice Thomassie Mayet, a former teacher in the Lafourche
Parish school system; and
WHEREAS, her life was a record of service
faithfully performed, during which she taught for fifteen years
(two years at Galliano Elementary School and thirteen years at
Larose-Cut Off Elementary School), having first been employed
in 1955, and ending with her retirement on June 1, 1970; and
WHEREAS, her dedicated contributions in the
field of education to the people of this parish were greatly appreciated
by all who knew her; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the
members of the Lafourche Parish School Board express our sorrow
at the loss sustained by the death of a friend and former employee
and extend to the members of her family our deepest sympathy,
and bid them take consolation in the thought that her soul has
been taken unto the bosom of our Merciful Savior; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this tribute of respect to the memory of Mrs. Alice Thomassie Mayet be recorded on a special page of our minute book and that a copy thereof be presented to her family as evidence of our sympathy for them and as a reminder of our attachment to her in life and memory of her in death.
On motion of Ms. Margaret Naquin, the following
memorial resolution was adopted by acclamation:
WHEREAS, Almighty God,
in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to summon to eternal rest
the spirit and soul of Mr. Lloyd Doiron, Sr., retired janitor;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Doiron was
devoted and loyal to the school system, having faithfully and
efficiently performed his duties as a janitor at Thibodaux High
School for thirteen and one-half years and then at the Lafourche
Parish School Board Office for nine years - for a total of twenty-two
and one-half years, having resigned for the purpose of retirement
on August 31, 1984; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the members of the Lafourche
Parish School Board express our sorrow at the loss sustained by
the death of a friend and former employee and extend to the members
of his family our deepest sympathy, and bid them take consolation
in the thought that his soul has been taken unto the bosom of
our Merciful Savior; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this tribute of respect to the memory of Mr. Lloyd Doiron, Sr. be recorded on a special page of our minute book and that a copy thereof be presented to his family as evidence of our sympathy for them and as a reminder of our attachment to him in life and memory of him in death.
On motion of Ms. Velma Duet, the following
memorial resolution was adopted by acclamation:
WHEREAS, Almighty God,
in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to summon to eternal rest
the spirit and soul of Mr. Salvadore Galliano, retired janitor;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Galliano was devoted and loyal
to the school system, having faithfully and efficiently performed
his duties as a janitor at Galliano Elementary School for nine
and one-half years, having first been employed in 1958 and having
resigned for the purpose of retirement on February 1, 1968; now,
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the
members of the Lafourche Parish School Board express our sorrow
at the loss sustained by the death of a friend and former employee
and extend to the members of his family our deepest sympathy,
and bid them take consolation in the thought that his soul has
been taken unto the bosom of our Merciful Savior; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this tribute of respect to the memory of Mr. Salvadore Galliano be recorded on a special page of our minute book and that a copy thereof be presented to his family as evidence of our sympathy for them and as a reminder of our attachment to him in life and memory of him in death.
On motion of Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr., seconded by Mr. Aubrey Orgeron and unanimously carried, the board appointed Mr. Raymond Barrios as school janitor at Larose Lower Elementary School, effective July 1, 1996, through June 30, 1997.
In considering Agenda Item No. 40 regarding renewal of the contracts of certain administrators, Ms. Constance Williams requested that the board vote on each contract renewal individually (instead of as a group item). There being no objection to Ms. Williams' request, the board voted on the renewal of certain administrators' contracts on an individual basis.
Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr. offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Velma Duet, to renew the administrator contract of Ms. Jene DeCuir, Principal, Central Lafourche High School, effective August 1, 1996, through July 31, 1998. A vote was then taken, and the motion was carried, although not unanimously-one dissenting vote was cast by Ms. Constance Williams.
Ms. Williams then made the following comments:
It is very difficult when we are in this position because many
of us receive phone calls, we receive letters and I know not only
myself but others in here have received letters pertaining to
many individuals that are up for renewal of contracts tonight.
Why and how do we continue to allow principals' and assistant
principals' contracts to be renewed with the complaints that are
being brought against some of the principals -- of course, we
don't have most times any documentation to justify it, or to not
give a good evaluation. What message are we sending to the students
of Lafourche Parish when we as leaders are not leading, but we
want our students to be accountable. We penalize students, we
jail students, but we don't do anything to make certain that leaders
are accountable. Supervisors, I say to you, you need to get on
the ball, because we are going to hold the superintendent and
supervisors accountable for the actions of our leaders, which
are our principals and assistant leaders. Thank you.
On motion of Dr. Judy Theriot, seconded by Dennis Chiasson and unanimously carried, the board renewed the administrator contract of Mr. Blaine Degruise, Assistant Principal, Central Lafourche High School, effective August 1, 1996, through July 31, 1998.
On motion of Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr., seconded by Ms. Margaret Naquin and unanimously carried, the board renewed the administrator contract of Mr. Luke Ford, Supervisor, Lafourche Parish Schools, effective August 1, 1996, through July 31, 1998.
Ms. Velma Duet offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Beryl Kraemer, to renew the administrator contract of Mr. Ray Bernard, Supervisor, Lafourche Parish Schools, effective August 1, 1996, through July 31, 1998. A vote was then taken on Ms. Duet's motion. The motion was carried, although not unanimously-one dissenting vote was cast by Ms. Constance Williams.
On motion of Ms. Margaret Naquin, seconded by Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. and unanimously carried, the board renewed the administrator contract of Mr. Danny Landry, Assistant Principal, East Thibodaux Junior High School, effective August 2, 1996, through August 1, 1998.
Ms. Velma Duet then offered a motion to renew the administrator contract of Mr. Philip Malcolm, Assistant Principal of West Thibodaux Junior High School, effective August 2, 1996, through August 1, 1998. Mr. Kenny Bollinger seconded the motion. Before voting on the motion, Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr. asked the superintendent for his comments regarding any ramifications if the contract was not renewed without justification. The superintendent then made the following remarks:
I believe, according to state law, the renewal of contracts is
based upon the recommendation of the superintendent, which is
based upon the accountability package that you have adopted which
includes an evaluation along with a professional growth plan.
I have recommended to you that we renew all of the contracts
for all of the administrators listed there. If the board decides
to not renew the contract of a particular administrator - I am
not aware of any board that has not renewed the contract of an
administrator once recommended by the superintendent -- I think
it would be a very precarious situation. I think we have had
this discussion before concerning the legality of non-renewing
of a contract by the board based upon other issues other than
the superintendent's recommendation.
After a brief discussion, Ms. Constance Williams then made the following comments:
Dr. Duplantis, I think many of us have had some questions in regards
to renewal of contracts, and we are not exactly clear on some
of the ramifications. I spoke with Mr. Bertrand because I think
it is a need - that we too often have renewed contracts knowing
that there were so many faulty problems within that administrator.
I don't know what we will have to do to correct this, and
that is my reason for my remarks in regards to renewal of contracts
-- because we know that there is a problem at West Thibodaux
Junior High, and it is with both administrators Ken Delcambre
and Philip Malcolm; but at this time, if we have to do something,
I think we need to vote.
At this point, Mr. Elmo Broussard, Supervisor of Personnel, suggested to President Bilello that Ms. Williams should end her comments. Ms. Williams responded as follows:
I do not think I should be cut off. I have the right to voice
my opinion. I think if you all would do your job we would not
have to be in this situation.
At this point, Supervisor Broussard stated:
I must warn this board that she is discussing personnel at an
open meeting. We have not notified the individual that he or
she would be discussed. We are already in violation of their
personal rights.
President Bilello declared that the discussion was ended, and that the board would vote on the motion offered by Ms. Duet-specifically, to renew the administrator contract of Mr. Philip Malcolm, Assistant Principal of West Thibodaux Junior High School. A vote was then taken (by electronic board), resulting as follows:
YEAS: Ms. Martha Zeringue, Dennis Chiasson, Dr. Judy Theriot,
Joseph P. Bilello, Dave J. DeFelice, Jr., Eugene Gouaux, Jr.,
Ms. Margaret Naquin, Aubrey Orgeron, Kenny Bollinger;
NAYS: Ms. Constance Williams, Ms. Beryl Kraemer, Ms. Velma Duet,
Jessie Fabiano;
ABSENT: Ms. Velma Rogers, Milton Gouaux.
President Bilello declared the motion carried, the vote being 9 to 4 (with two members absent). The four dissenting votes were cast by Ms. Constance Williams, Ms. Beryl Kraemer, Ms. Velma Duet, and Mr. Jessie Fabiano.
On motion of Ms. Velma Duet, seconded by Dr. Judy Theriot and unanimously carried, the board renewed the administrator contract of Ms. Dixie Brunet, Principal, Larose Middle School, effective August 12, 1996, through August 11, 1998.
Dr. Judy Theriot offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Margaret Naquin, to renew the administrator contract of Mr. Guy Harvey, Principal of Thibodaux High School, effective August 12, 1996, through August 11, 1998. A vote was then taken. The motion was carried, although not unanimously-one dissenting vote was cast by Ms. Constance Williams.
On motion of Dr. Judy Theriot, seconded by Ms. Beryl Kraemer and unanimously carried, the board appointed the following personnel effective August 15, 1996, through May 30, 1997:
a. Ms. Catherine Ougel, special education teacher, Cut Off Elementary School;
b. Ms. Kathryn Bernard, special education teacher, St. Charles Elementary School;
On motion of Ms. Margaret Naquin, seconded by Mr. Jessie Fabiano and unanimously carried, the board entered executive session at 9:37 p.m. to discuss litigation-namely, Kathleen Jones vs. Lafourche Parish School Board, No. 027-051875.
On motion of Ms. Margaret Naquin, seconded by Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr. and unanimously carried, the board returned to regular session at 9:48 p.m.
Mr. Eugene Gouaux, Jr. then offered the following motion:
In the litigation of Kathleen Jones vs. Lafourche Parish School
Board, No. 027-051875, my motion is that we proceed upon the recommendation
of our attorney and ask that the superintendent deal with that
particular case pursuant to his recommendation.
Mr. Gouaux's motion was seconded by Mr. Dennis Chiasson and unanimously carried.
The superintendent then presented sales tax figures for the month of June.
Superintendent Duplantis then reminded board members that the Disciplinary Committee will meet on July 16, at 1:30 p.m. in the school board office.
On motion of Ms. Margaret Naquin, seconded by Ms. Beryl Kraemer and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
JOSEPH P. BILELLO MALCOLM M. DUPLANTIS, PH. D.
President
Secretary