PROCEEDINGS OF
LAFOURCHE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Thibodaux, Louisiana
December 1, 1999
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, at 805 East Seventh
Street, Thibodaux, Louisiana, on Wednesday, December 1, 1999, at 7:30 p.m.
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 The Honorable Judy G. Theriot, President.
Mr.
Dennis Jean’ Chiasson read the opening prayer.
President
Theriot led the board and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present for roll call were: Mr. Louis E. Thibodaux (District 1); Ms.
Rhoda Caldwell (District 2); Ms. Constance T. Williams (District 3); Ms. Martha
S. Zeringue (District 4); Mr. Jessie Fabiano (District 5); Mr. G. A. Rodrigue,
Jr. (District 6); Mr. Dave J. DeFelice, Jr. (District 8); Dr. Judy G. Theriot
(District 7); Mr. Aubrey J. Orgeron (District 12); Ms. Loretta Duplantis
(District 9); Mr. Dennis Jean’ Chiasson (District 10); Mr. Roy Landry (District
11); Mr. John Danos (District 13); Mr. Paul Chiquet (District 14); Ms. Rebecca
Duet (District 15).
Absent were: None.
In considering approval of the
minutes of the regular school board
meeting held November 3, 1999, President Theriot offered a revision to her
report (given during that meeting) regarding the superintendent’s observation/evaluation
process. She noted that she used the
word evaluation interchangeably with
the word observation, and that was
incorrect; accordingly, she asked that in six places in the paragraph where she
mentioned evaluation that it be changed to observation. On motion of Mr. Thibodaux, seconded by Ms.
Duplantis and unanimously carried, the board approved President Theriot’s
request and amended the minutes of the November 3 regular meeting, as follows:
“ President
Theriot presented information with regard to beginning the interim superintendent’s observation/evaluation process, in
compliance with Policy Title 1:1.5.b, Procedure
for superintendent’s evaluation.
The president stated that each board member should have a packet before
them containing the forms for observing the superintendent. She stated that the process will be the same
as in the past and asked that each board member complete the superintendent
observation form; schedule a meeting with Mr. Broussard prior to the Thanksgiving
holidays to discuss the observation; after completing the observation
form and discussing it with Mr. Broussard, translate the numbers and comments
(to be included in the overall observation) on the tally sheet; and
then place the observation form and the tally sheet in separate
envelopes. President Theriot stated
that the Superintendent Evaluation Committee would use the tally sheets to do
the formal observation -- which will be discussed at the December board
meeting.”
On motion of Mr. Thibodaux,
seconded by Ms. Duplantis and unanimously carried, the board approved minutes
of the regular school board meeting
held November 3, 1999, as amended; and of special
school board meeting held November 15, 1999, as recorded.
On motion of Mr. Orgeron,
seconded by Mr. Thibodaux and unanimously carried, the board appointed Mr. Elmo
Broussard to the position of Superintendent-Secretary-Treasurer for the
Lafourche Parish School Board, said appointment to be effective January 1,
2000.
Mr. Broussard thanked the board
for the opportunity to serve as Superintendent of Schools. He also thanked the board and employees of
the system for their help and cooperation during the interim period.
Dr. Theriot then appointed the
following board members to serve with her on a committee to determine the
superintendent’s contract: Ms.
Williams, Mr. Orgeron, and Ms. Duplantis.
On motion of Mr. Chiasson,
seconded by Mr. Danos and unanimously carried, the board waived the provisions
of Policy Title 1:2.1.f, “Public meetings,” for the month of January 2000, and
set the date for the regular meeting on January 12, the second Wednesday of the month.
The board recognized the
following students for being chosen as members of the Louisiana Music
Educator’s Association All State Honor Band:
Evan Gautreaux, South Lafourche High School, Symphonic Band; Billy
Geraci, South Lafourche High School, Concert Band; Lance Naquin, South
Lafourche High School, Concert Band; and Maegen Gaudin, Central Lafourche High
School, Alternate in Concert Band.
Next, the board recognized the
following students for being chosen to participate in the Louisiana Governor’s
Mansion Christmas Tree Ornament Project: Rachael Cantrelle, Central Lafourche
High School; and Jordan Falgoust, Bayou
Boeuf Elementary School.
The board recognized the
following recipients of the LEARN Individual Teacher subgrants for the
1999-2000 school year: Mr. Ena Brunet, Galliano Elementary School; Ms. Glenda
Curole, South Lafourche High School; and Ms. Louise Kupfer, Chackbay Elementary
School.
President Theriot then gave the following report of
the Advisory Committee, as per meeting held November 29, 1999:
The Advisory
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, November 29, 1999 at 5:00 p.m.
The following
committee members were present: Dr. Judy Theriot, Mr. Aubrey Orgeron, Ms.
Rebecca Duet, Mr. Dennis Chiasson and Ms. Martha Zeringue.
There were absent:
None.
Also present were
the following board members: Mr. Louis Thibodaux, Ms. Rhoda Caldwell, Mr. G. A.
Rodrigue, Jr., Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr., Ms. Loretta Duplantis, Mr. Roy Landry,
Mr. John Danos, Mr. Paul Chiquet and Ms. Constance Williams.
President Theriot called upon
Mr. Marcel Fournet, project manager, to report on Phase 1 of the 1997 bond
issue. Mr. Fournet told the committee
that there were two change orders for the Central Lafourche High School project
to consider. He explained that Change
Order #1 includes material, labor and equipment required to extend the fire
service (water service dedicated to the sprinkler system) across Dufrene
Drive. He reported that the
construction documents showed the tie-in on the school side of Dufrene Drive
but onsite investigations revealed the parish water main to be located across
the street. Mr. Fournet told the
committee that the work would cost $14,288.97.
He said that the architect and consulting engineers reviewed the change
and the fee is appropriate for the work involved.
Mr. Fournet further explained
that also included in Change Order #1 is a time extension of seven days for
inclement weather. He told the
committee that thirteen rain days were recorded on the job in June but the normal
anticipated number of rain days for June is six. He said the contractor is entitled to a time extension for the
difference but this would not result in additional cost for his contract.
Mr. Fournet next explained that
Change Order #2 includes material and labor to construct a fire rated enclosure
in the science labs. Mr. Fournet said
this is required by the fire marshal based on his review of the project
documents. Mr. Fournet told the
committee that the work would cost $5,554.52.
He said that the architect and consulting engineers reviewed the
project, and the fee is appropriate for the work involved.
Mr. Fournet further explained
that Change Order #2 includes a credit of $2,395.00 for deletion of expansion
joint assemblies associated with the tie-in of the new addition and existing
building. Redesign of the connection by
the architect allowed for the deletion of this work.
Mr. Fournet next explained that
final pricing and review of proposed Change Order #3 is ongoing. It includes labor and materials required to
create approximately 550 square feet of storage area under the cast-in-place
concrete main stairway in the new classroom area. The estimated cost is $5,470.
Mr. Fournet said that Change Order #3 will be forwarded for execution
upon completion of pricing and review.
After a short discussion, a
motion was offered by Mr. Chiasson, seconded by Ms. Zeringue, to recommend to
the board to accept Change Orders 1 & 2 for the Central Lafourche High
School project. Motion carried unanimously.
A discussion developed concerning
whom would be responsible for approving and signing the change orders. It was decided that the President of the
Board would sign approved change orders.
Mr.
Fournet next discussed the technology work for the Central Lafourche High
School project. With Mr. Broussard’s
approval, Meeks Technology Group was contacted to act as consultants for this
work. Mr. Fournet explained that Meeks
is a national consulting firm that specializes in school technology. Initial discussions with Meeks place the
service fees between 5% and 6% of the technology cost that includes design and
observation of the technology installation.
Mr. Fournet said that Meeks would send a formal proposal in the very
near future. He also said that project
information was forwarded to Meeks for an immediate start.
Mr. Fournet requested that the
committee consider seeking proposals of $100,000 or less for specific
technology work in order to meet a deadline of January 19, 2000. He explained that proposals would expedite
the process and allow the board to select products and services that best serve
the system. Mr. Fournet further
explained that recent advisories from the federal government set the deadline
for E-Rate requests at 1/19/2000 for work to be done in the fiscal year 7/2000
to 7/2001. The technology work at
Central Lafourche High School would be performed in this period. Mr. Fournet told the committee that
government participation in E-Rate grants will pay for approximately 80% of the
actual cost of the majority of the proposals and can result in grants between
$320,000 and $400,000. After a short
discussion, a motion was offered by Ms. Duet, seconded by Ms. Zeringue, to
recommend to the board to seek proposals for technology installation at Central
Lafourche High School. Motion passed
unanimously.
Mr. Fournet next brought to the
committee a request by Mr. Tom Whitney to use a streamlined bid receipt process
with provisions that will give the owner more control during the awarding of
the project. Mr. Fournet said that a discussion
with Mr. Pat Amedee on this issue revealed that a change in the bid form from
the previous bids would not prejudice the earlier decision of the board. However, the information required by the
previous bid forms is essential for the board to make an informed decision in
awarding the contract. Mr. Fournet
explained that if the board approved the streamlined bid form, he would direct
Cheramie and Whitney to require an immediate post-bid submittal with supplemental
contractor information that includes contractor’s qualification statement and
financial statement, proposed project personnel, roofing manufacturer project
certifications, and roofing subcontractor certifications. Mr. Fournet explained that with this
submittal, the board could evaluate the responsibility of the bidder and make
informed decisions. After a short
discussion, a motion was offered by Mr. Orgeron, seconded by Ms. Duet, to allow
the use of a streamlined bid form for the South Lafourche project and require
that pertinent information be included in post bid supplemental
information. Motion carried
unanimously.
Mr.
Fournet told the committee that they have not received the project files and
documents required by the termination agreement with Weimer &
Boudreaux. Previous submittals by
Weimer & Boudreaux have been unusable or incomplete. Mr. Fournet reported that Mr. Amedee would
meet with Weimer & Boudreaux on Wednesday to personally bring back the
documents. If the documents are not
available to him, he will report to the board at the board meeting and advise
the board of the next appropriate action.
The committee next reviewed the
agendas for the special and regular meetings of the Lafourche Parish School
Board to be held on December 1, 1999.
At President Theriot’s request, Mr. Broussard provided the committee
with background information concerning item 5 of the special meeting agenda.
The committee next asked Mr.
Leonard St. Pierre to provide them with information relative to the mid-term
graduation survey. A lengthy discussion
concerning the survey developed.
The committee next discussed
agenda item 17 concerning the French Immersion Program. Mr. Chiquet provided the committee with
background information about the results of a poll conducted by the French
Immersion Committee concerning implementation of the French Immersion Program
in the schools.
The committee next
discussed agenda item 21. Mr. Orgeron
requested that the words “and grounds” be removed. All committee members agreed with the change.
Mr. Broussard asked the
committee to consider moving the date of the January board meeting from January
5, 2000 to January 12, 2000. The
committee requested that the item be added to the agenda.
Mr. Broussard told the
committee that he had received a letter from Bearden and Guibault requesting a
change in their consulting fees. After
a short discussion, the topic was referred to the finance committee for consideration at the January
board meeting.
Short discussions concerning
balanced literacy and providing teachers with additional money for parent
conferences followed.
There being no other official
business, on motion of Mr. Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Orgeron and unanimously
carried, the committee meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
The
committee has approved the following items and submits them to the board for
consideration:
1. To accept Change Orders 1 & 2 for the Central Lafourche
High School project.
On motion of Mr. Orgeron, seconded by
Mr. Chiasson and unanimously carried, the board accepted Change Orders 1 &
2 for the Central Lafourche High School project.
(President
Theriot continued with the reading of the committee’s recommendations.)
2. To seek proposals for technology installation at Central
Lafourche High School.
Ms. Duplantis then offered a motion,
seconded by Mr. Chiquet, to seek proposals for technology installation at
Central Lafourche High School. The
motion was unanimously carried.
(President
Theriot continued with the reading of the committee’s recommendations.)
3. To allow the use of a streamlined bid form for the South
Lafourche project and require that pertinent information be included in post
bid supplemental information.
Ms. Williams then offered a motion,
seconded by Mr. DeFelice, to allow the use of a streamlined bid form for the
South Lafourche project and to require that pertinent information be included
in post bid supplemental information.
The motion was unanimously carried.
(This
concludes the report of the Advisory Committee and any action taken by the
board in connection therewith.)
Next, President Theriot called
on Ms. Zeringue, chairperson of the Transportation Committee, who gave the
following report of the committee as per meeting held November 29, 1999:
The
Transportation Committee of the Lafourche Parish School Board met on Monday,
November 29, 1999 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lafourche Parish School Board Office.
Members Present: Chairperson Martha Zeringue, Ms. Rhoda
Caldwell, Mr. Paul Chiquet, Mr. Roy Landry, and Ms. Constance Williams.
Others Present: Mr. Elmo
Broussard, Mr. John Danos, Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr., Ms. Loretta Duplantis, Ms.
Rebecca Duet, Mr. Jessie Fabiano, Mr. G. A. Rodrigue, Jr., Dr. Gregg Stall, Dr.
Judy Theriot, and Mr. Louis Thibodaux.
The
first order of business brought to the committee by Dr. Stall related to the
establishment of some type of on-board communication system for school
buses. Dr. Stall indicated that it is
often very difficult to get in touch with bus drivers due to the fact that
drivers are on route during a good portion of the day and many drivers hold
additional forms of employment.
Additionally, on board communications would aid drivers who were
experiencing bus breakdowns or problems.
Dr. Stall further indicated that he did hear of certain types of plans
where the parish could secure phones in exchange for certain types of
advertising. This advertising is
regulated by the state. Ms. Williams
indicated that during the previous year this idea was discussed. Mr. Broussard filled the committee in on
the progression of this issue. Mr.
Broussard agreed that further investigation into this issue was necessary.
The
next order of business concerned routing.
Dr. Stall indicated that there were numerous problems associated with
the new bus routes. In many instances,
routes have been altered to alleviate concerns over safety, overcrowding, and
time constraints.
Dr. Stall then proceeded to
discuss the issue of bus maintenance.
Mr. Chiquet raised concerns regarding the “lettering” and “numbering” of
parish buses. Dr. Stall informed the committee
that letters and numbers have been purchased and are currently being put onto
buses as they are serviced.
A
brief discussion was held regarding curricular and co-curricular travel. Ms. Duplantis raised the question of the use
of vans for school travel. Mr.
Broussard informed the committee that “seven passenger” vans were allowable,
however larger vans required specialized features (lights, stop arms, etc.) and
licenses. The committee discussed the
possibility of using vans larger than seven passenger vans. Ms. Duplantis emphasized that this issue
needs to be considered due to the beginning of basketball season.
Mr. Broussard led a discussion
regarding the future of the Transportation Department in light of the growing
demands on the department and the demands placed on principals to handle
transportation problems. Mr. Broussard
raised the possibility of looking into some alternatives (such as
privatization) to the manner in which transportation is currently handled. The committee directed the Transportation
Department and Mr. Broussard to study such alternatives.
Mr. Landry also asked that the
Transportation Department look into the costs of installing cameras on some of
the parish’s buses. The committee also
asked that the Transportation Department look into the possibility of putting
strobe lights and reflective tape on parish buses. Mr. Rodrigue requested that some consideration be given to
putting monitors on some of the school buses.
The meeting adjourned at 7:25
p.m.
(This
concludes the report of the Transportation Committee and any action taken by
the board in connection therewith.)
President Theriot called on Maintenance Manager
Francis Hubbell, who reported on bids received on November 11, 1999, on garbage
collection and disposal at schools in the South Lafourche area (with the
exception of those schools located in the Town of Golden Meadow), Central
Lafourche area, City of Thibodaux and the Sixth Ward area, to be effective for
the calendar year 2000, as follows:
BIDS--Garbage
Collection and Disposal
|
NAME OF
BIDDER |
AMOUNT OF BID |
|
SWDI, Inc., Larose, LA |
$4,485* |
|
Waste Management of South La.,
Raceland, LA |
$5,525 |
*Recommended low bid.
Acting in line
with Maintenance Manager Hubbell's recommendation, Ms. Zeringue offered a
motion, seconded by Mr. Thibodaux and unanimously carried, accepting the low
bid of SWDI, Inc. of Larose, LA in the amount of $4,485.
In considering approval of the
legal document prepared for the Cash Sale
of Lafourche Parish School Board property located at West Avenue D, Cut Off,
Louisiana (site on which The Center is presently located), to Special Education
District No. 1., Superintendent Broussard noted that Ms. Duet, in an earlier
discussion with him, questioned the last line of the first paragraph on Page 2
of the document – specifically:
“The property conveyed herein was previously the subject of
a Lease between the parties hereto, and the parties do hereby specifically
acknowledge that this transaction herein terminates all rights and obligations
of either party to or from the other arising from the aforementioned Lease, and
the Lease is hereby canceled with the stipulation that in the event vendor
herein should see the need in the future for use of the building of vendee
herein, located on the subject property for reasonable use as has been
exercised in the past, the same will be made available to vendor on a reasonable basis.”
Ms. Duet
stated that she would like to eliminate the last part of the statement and end
the sentence with the word past (leaving
off the words the same will be made available to
vendor on a reasonable basis).
The superintendent stated that he will have to consult with the board’s
attorney regarding such a change in the document. Ms. Duet then offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Chiquet and
unanimously carried, authorizing the superintendent to get further
clarification from the board’s attorney regarding the statement in the first
paragraph on Page 2 of the document; and, if necessary, to report back to the
board in January on revisions to Cash
Sale document.
In considering Agenda Item No.
14, “Receive superintendent’s report
regarding the request of Mr. Robert D. Gorman, executive director of Catholic
Social Services, for schools to provide lunches (free of charge) to those
individuals involved in the Foster Grandparent Program,” the superintendent
stated that the information obtained on volunteers in the schools is incomplete
and asked that he be allowed another month in order to get the total number of
volunteers at each school site, as well as the projected costs of volunteers at
each site. Superintendent Broussard
stated that he would be ready to give his report to the board at the January
meeting.
Before considering Agenda Item
No. 16 (pertaining to mid-term graduation), President Theriot called on Mr.
Louis Plaisance, principal of South Lafourche High School, who, in accordance
with Policy Title 1:2.1.g, “Meetings—public participation,” requested to speak
on the agenda item. Mr. Plaisance
spoke in opposition to a mid-term graduation.
President
Theriot then called on Supervisor Leonard St. Pierre, who presented the results
of a survey of all school districts in the state relative to mid-term
graduation, as follows:
Results of Mid-Term Graduation
Survey
Number of
Respondents 35 (13 of which are 4 x 4 schools)
1. Does your system conduct a mid year
graduation?
_______ Yes 35
No
2.
Are students who exit
the school setting at mid-term because they have met all requirements for
graduation allowed to:
a. take part in spring graduation? 23 Yes
10 No
b. take part in prom activities? 23 Yes 8 No
c. apply for school sponsored scholarships?
23 Yes 5 No
3a. If your system
has schools on a 4x4 plan, are students who meet all requirements for
graduation allowed to graduate early
a. at the end of the junior year (11th
grade)? 2 Yes
11 No
b. at mid term of their senior year?
9 Yes 4 No
3b. Are these students taking part in mid year
graduation allowed to take part in prom activities?
6
Yes 3 No
EMPLOYEE/RETIREE
2000 RENEWAL VS. ALTERNATIVE
PREFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE
DECEMBER
1999 (RECEIVED THROUGH 12/1/99 12:30 PM)
|
|
2000 Renewal |
Alternative |
TOTAL |
|
|
Active HMO |
234 |
22 |
256 |
32% |
|
Active PPO |
493 |
43 |
536 |
68% |
|
Active Total |
727 |
65 |
792 |
100% |
|
|
92% |
8% |
100% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retiree HMO |
35 |
2 |
37 |
8% |
|
Retiree PPO |
401 |
32 |
433 |
92% |
|
Retiree Total |
436 |
34 |
470 |
100% |
|
|
93% |
7% |
100% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All HMO |
269 |
24 |
293 |
23% |
|
All PPO |
894 |
75 |
969 |
77% |
|
All Total |
1163 |
99 |
1262 |
100% |
|
|
92% |
8% |
100% |
|
Based
on the results of the survey, Mr. Gaudet announced that the 2000 renewal (same
benefit structure at a higher premium) was the preference of the participants
(employees and retirees) in the insurance plan.
President Theriot called on Mr.
Mike Jambon, member of the French Immersion Committee, who addressed the board
regarding the progress made by the committee since its inception. Mr. Jambon stated that the French Immersion
Committee was formed approximately seven months ago and has met one time since
its inception. He asked if there was
anything that could be done to have committee meetings more often. The chairperson of the committee, Mr.
Chiquet, then reported on the status of the committee, citing the various
meetings that he, along with other members of the committee, have attended to
gather information to see the pros and cons of French Immersion. Mr. Chiquet stated that, after gathering all
of the information, he sent a letter to every elementary principal and faculty
in the system asking if they would be willing to help develop French Immersion
in this parish. He reported that no elementary principal or faculty wants
the challenge of offering French Immersion at this time. Mr. Jambon then addressed the importance of
the French Immersion Program to the students in Lafourche Parish. At the conclusion of Mr. Jambon’s presentation,
Mr. Landry offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Williams, to table consideration
of the French Immersion Program in Lafourche Parish at this time. A brief discussion followed, at the end of
which a vote was taken on Mr. Landry’s motion.
The motion was unanimously carried.
Next, the board received Mr. J.
Alvin Badeaux, P. E., Badeaux Engineers Incorporated, who gave a report on the
1999 structural maintenance inspection of the three high school stadiums. Mr. Badeaux reported that the stadiums are
in very good condition. He did,
however, recommend that the board do some preventive maintenance in that minor
cracks and spalls were observed during the November 3, 1999 inspection. Mr. Badeaux stated that, in his estimation,
the repairs could be accomplished for approximately $20,000 to $30,000, and
recommended that the original Contractor, Python, Inc. be hired to conduct the
minor repairs. Additionally, Mr.
Badeaux recommended that regular maintenance inspections be conducted at
two-year intervals to prevent minor problems from becoming large and expensive
repairs. On motion of Ms. Zeringue,
seconded by Mr. Thibodaux and unanimously carried, the board approval
additional maintenance repairs to the three senior high school stadiums – not
to exceed a limit of $30,000; and that these repairs be done by Python, Inc. of
Slidell, LA.
On motion of Mr. Chiasson,
seconded by Mr. Chiquet and unanimously carried, the board renewed the service
agreement with Unemployment Compensation Control Systems, Inc. (UCCS) for the
2000 calendar year under the same terms in effect at the present time.
Acting in line with the
recommendation of the superintendent, Mr. Danos offered a motion, seconded by
Mr. Landry and unanimously carried, to employ student teachers in Lafourche
Parish schools where they are assigned once they have completed all the
necessary hours of work as required by the university; and that these student
teachers be paid at the rate of pay for a non-degreed person.
Mr. Dave DeFelice, Jr. then
offered the following motion, seconded by Mr. Rodrigue:
That
the Lafourche Parish School Board provide signage that prohibits smoking on our
campuses and that they be displayed in a prominent place, including football
stadiums, and that designated smoking areas under the stadiums be lined off for
the general public.
After a brief
discussion, a vote was taken on Mr. DeFelice’s motion. The motion was carried, although not
unanimously – dissenting votes were cast by Ms. Zeringue and Mr. Orgeron.
On motion of Mr. Chiasson,
seconded by Ms. Duplantis and unanimously carried, the board appointed the
following members of the Lafourche Parish School Board Sex Education Parental
Review Committee: Mr. Perry Rodrigue
(Assistant Superintendent); Ms. Linda Dangerfield (Supervisor); Mr. Harold
Adams (Supervisor); Mr. Jessie Fabiano (Member, Lafourche Parish School Board);
Ms. JoAnn Matthews (Principal); Mrs. Kathy Mire (Teacher/Parent); Mrs. Sharon
Gauthe (Parent); Mrs. Rolanda Naquin (Parent); Mrs. Diane Pitre (Parent); and Mrs.
Martha Woods (Parent).
On motion of Mr. DeFelice,
seconded by Ms. Duplantis and unanimously carried, the board authorized
advertisement for bids for computer cable and connectors to support existing
and future classrooms and offices -- unless an acceptable source can be found
on state contract.
On motion of Mr. Chiquet,
seconded by Mr. Danos and unanimously carried, the board authorized
advertisement for bids for additional hubs and switches to support existing and
future classrooms and offices -- unless an acceptable source can be found on
state contract.
Mr. Danos then offered a
motion, seconded by Mr. Chiasson and unanimously carried, to request proposals
for services on network maintenance, including but not limited to monitoring
and coordination of network status.
On motion of Ms. Caldwell, the
board adopted the following memorial resolution by general consent:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to
summon to eternal rest the spirit and soul of Ms. Annie Culotta, a retired
school lunch employee; and
WHEREAS, she established a record of faithful, efficient service
during the fifteen and one-half years she was employed as a school lunch
employee in the Lafourche Parish School System, beginning on September 1, 1958,
and ending with her retirement on January 1, 1974; 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 Ms. Annie Culotta 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. Williams, the
board adopted the following memorial resolution by general consent:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to
summon to eternal rest the spirit and soul of Mr. Gerald Peltier, former
teacher; and
WHEREAS, his life was a record of
service faithfully performed, during which he was employed by the Lafourche
Parish School Board as a teacher for a total of eighteen years -- beginning in
August 1957, at Kent Hadley School, until 1968; and then at Raceland Junior
High School until the date of his resignation May 31, 1978; and
WHEREAS, he was also a prominent civic
leader in the Thibodaux community, currently being the senior member on the
City Council; and
WHEREAS, his dedicated contributions in
the field of education and to the people of this parish were greatly
appreciated by all who knew him; 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. Gerald
Peltier 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. Orgeron,
seconded by Mr. Landry and unanimously carried, the board granted a
professional improvement sabbatical leave to Ms. Sarah Boudreaux, special
education teacher, W. S. Lafargue Elementary School, effective January 12, 2000
through May 22, 2000.
On motion of Mr. Chiquet,
seconded by Mr. Danos and unanimously carried, the board granted extended sick
leave to Ms. Suzanne Hunter, teacher, Cut Off Elementary School, effective
October 11, 1999 through December 21, 1999.
On motion of Mr. Chiquet,
seconded by Mr. Danos and unanimously carried, the board granted a medical
sabbatical leave to Ms. Suzanne Hunter, teacher, Cut Off Elementary School,
effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000.
On motion of Mr. Orgeron,
seconded by Ms. Duet and unanimously carried, the board granted a general leave
of absence to Ms. Betty Jane Pierce, paraprofessional, Larose Lower Elementary
School, effective November 15, 1999 through May 22, 2000.
Ms. Duet offered a motion,
seconded by Mr. Chiquet, to grant a general leave of absence to Ms. Erin Danos,
teacher, Golden Meadow Lower Elementary School, effective March 27, 2000
through May 22, 2000. A vote was taken,
and the motion was carried. Mr. Danos
recused himself from voting on this agenda item.
On motion of Mr. Thibodaux,
seconded by Ms. Zeringue and unanimously carried, the board granted a general
leave of absence to Ms. Melinda McFarland, guidance counselor, Thibodaux
Elementary School, effective January 3, 2000 through January 2, 2001.
On motion of Ms. Duplantis,
seconded by Ms. Duet and unanimously carried, the board granted a general leave
of absence to Ms. Cheryl Gagneaux, teacher (kindergarten), Bayou Blue
Elementary School, effective December 6, 1999 through December 21, 1999.
On motion of Mr. Chiquet,
seconded by Ms. Duplantis and unanimously carried, the board granted a
professional improvement sabbatical leave to Ms. Cheryl Gagneaux, teacher
(kindergarten), Bayou Blue Elementary School, effective January 3, 2000 through
May 22, 2000.
On motion of Ms. Duplantis,
seconded by Mr. Chiquet and unanimously carried, the board appointed the
following personnel:
a. Ms. Lynn Braud, teacher, Bayou Blue
Elementary School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
b. Ms. Beulah-Faye Allemand, special
education teacher, Galliano Elementary School, effective January 3, 2000
through May 22, 2000
c. Ms. Celeste Dugan, teacher (Title I
Reading Recovery), Galliano Elementary School, effective November 8, 1999
through May 22, 2000
d. Ms. Kristy Colombel, teacher, Golden Meadow Lower Elementary School, effective January 10, 2000 through May 22, 2000
e. Ms. Courtney Curole, special education
teacher, Golden Meadow Middle School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22,
2000
f. Ms. Pamela Griffin, special education
teacher, Golden Meadow Middle School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22,
2000
g. Ms. Erica Tillery, teacher, W. S. Lafargue
Elementary School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
h. Ms. Claudia Babin, teacher, Lockport
Upper Elementary School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
i. Ms. Mary Perrillioux, teacher
(substituting for Cynthia Harvey), Lockport Upper Elementary School, effective
January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
j. Ms. Sharisse Goulas, teacher, Raceland
Lower Elementary School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
k. Ms. Michelle Guerrero, teacher, Raceland
Upper Elementary School, effective December 6, 1999 through May 22, 2000
l. Ms. Decina Hebert, teacher, Raceland
Upper Elementary School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
m. Ms. Jennifer Russell, teacher, Raceland
Upper Elementary School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
n. Ms. Frances Crochet, special education
teacher, Thibodaux Elementary School, effective August 9, 1999 through May 22,
2000
o. Ms. Hilary Barrilleaux, special education
teacher, Thibodaux High School, effective August 9, 1999 through May 22, 2000
p. Ms. Leigh Champagne, teacher (substituting
for Joseph Fakier), East Thibodaux Junior High School, effective November 15,
1999 through May 22, 2000
q. Mr. Aaron Robichaux, teacher, West
Thibodaux Junior High School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
r. Ms. Rebecca Adams, teacher, Golden Meadow
Junior High School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
s. Ms. Connie Breaux, teacher, Raceland
Junior High School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
t. Mr. Chad Michael Callais, teacher,
Raceland Junior High School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
u. Ms. Brandie Davis, teacher, Raceland
Junior High School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
v. Ms. Jessica Benoit, teacher, West
Thibodaux Junior High School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
w. Ms. Christine Pepper, special education
teacher, West Thibodaux Junior High School, effective November 15, 1999 through
May 22, 2000
x. Ms. Rebecca Trahan, teacher, West
Thibodaux Junior High School, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22, 2000
y. Mr. Michael Melancon, teacher, The
Opportunity Place – South Campus, effective January 3, 2000 through May 22,
2000
z. Ms. Ellen Swift, itinerant special
education teacher, Lafourche Parish schools, effective August 9, 1999 through
May 22, 2000
aa. Ms. Roxanne Savoie, paraprofessional, Bayou
Blue Elementary School, effective November 15, 1999 through May 22, 2000
bb. Ms. Ann Luent, paraprofessional
(substituting for Betty Pierce), Larose Lower Elementary School, effective
November 15, 1999 through May 22, 2000
cc. Ms. Judith Bergeron, paraprofessional,
Raceland Upper Elementary School, effective November 15, 1999 through May 22,
2000
dd. Ms. Suzanne Breaux, paraprofessional,
Thibodaux Elementary School, effective November 15, 1999 through May 22, 2000
ee. Ms. Debra Clement, paraprofessional
(Starting Point), Thibodaux Elementary School, effective November 15, 1999 through
May 22, 2000
ff. Ms. Roxanne Legendre, paraprofessional,
Thibodaux Elementary School, effective November 15, 1999 through May 22, 2000
gg. Ms.
Lesley Ellison, speech therapist (1/2 time), Lafourche Parish schools,
effective November 17, 1999 through May 22, 2000
hh. Ms.
Wendy Babin, paraprofessional, East Thibodaux Junior High School, effective
November 18, 1999 through May 22, 2000
On motion of Mr. Danos, seconded by Ms. Duet and unanimously carried, the board renewed the administrator contracts for the following:
a. Mr. Jeffrey LeBlanc, Jr., principal,
Lockport Lower Elementary School, effective January 3, 2000 through January 2,
2002
b. Mr. Michael Collins, principal, Galliano Elementary School, effective January 3, 2000 through January 2, 2002
c. Mr. Allen Bouvier, principal, Golden
Meadow Junior High School, effective January 11, 2000 through January 10, 2002
d. Ms. Bonnie Bychurch, assistant principal,
Cut Off Elementary School, effective January 11, 2000 through January 10, 2002
Mr. Chiquet asked that the superintendent look into the schedule of the members of the DAT Team – in particular, as to the amount of time they will be away from their schools helping those schools that need help. He expressed his concern that they will not be available to help those schools that are high performing, but still need improvement in some circumstances. The superintendent stated that he would check into the matter.
On motion of Ms. Duplantis, seconded by Mr. Thibodaux and unanimously carried, the board entered executive session at 9:30 p.m. to review the results of the fall observation regarding the superintendent’s performance, in accordance with Policy Title 1:1.5.b.
On motion of Mr. Landry, seconded by Mr. Chiquet and unanimously carried, the board returned to regular session at 9:49 p.m.
On motion of Mr. Rodrigue,
seconded by Mr. Fabiano and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at
9:50 p.m.
JUDY G. THERIOT, PH. D. ELMO BROUSSARD