PROCEEDINGS OF
LAFOURCHE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
The Parish School Board of the Parish of Lafourche, State of
The Parish School Board of the Parish of Lafourche, State of
Mr. Louis Thibodaux read the opening prayer.
President DeFelice 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); Dr. Judy G. Theriot (District 7); Mr. Dave J. DeFelice, Jr. (District 8); Ms. Loretta Duplantis (District 9); Mr. Dennis Jean’ Chiasson (District 10); Mr. Roy Landry (District 11); Mr. Aubrey J. Orgeron (District 12); Mr. John Danos (District 13); Mr. Paul Chiquet (District 14); Ms. Rebecca Duet (District 15).
Absent was: Mr. G. A. Rodrigue, Jr. (District 6).
On motion of Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Chiquet and unanimously carried, the
board approved minutes of school board meeting held
The board recognized Ms. Sally Webre and Ms. Iris Hymel for being awarded MERA
grants for their marketing programs at
President DeFelice called on Chairperson Orgeron, who gave a brief report on
the Finance Committee meeting held
A meeting of the Finance Committee was held on
Mr. Jessie Fabiano was not in attendance.
Also in attendance were: Mr. Elmo Broussard (Superintendent), Mr. Don Gaudet (Business Manager), Mr. Dave J. DeFelice, Jr. (Board President), Mr. Louis Thibodaux, Ms. Rebecca Duet, Ms. Rhoda Caldwell, Ms. Loretta Duplantis, and Mr. Paul Chiquet.
Chairperson Orgeron called the meeting to order at
Mr. Gaudet explained that on
Mr. Broussard also informed committee members that it appears that student enrollment may be down by as much as 300 students for the coming school year.
Chairperson Orgeron stated that the main objective of the committee at the present time was to establish the direction in which to proceed in regards to available revenue. He stated that he sensed a division among members concerning the 13th check. He proceeded to poll committee members regarding their opinion on maintaining the present policy of giving a 13th check to all employees on a yearly basis or incorporating the 13th check as a fixed and recurring increase in salary schedules. After polling the members present, results indicated that one-half supported continuing with the 13th check on a yearly basis, and one-half supported including the 13th check in the salary schedule, but also retain a portion to address insurance and other finance issues.
Mr. Gaudet continued with his presentation and explained that revenue generated through the sales tax collections for the past 10 years has basically increased each year.
Mr. Rodrigue asked Mr. Gaudet to explain the $1.4 million fund balance. Mr. Gaudet explained that this amount is the accumulated fund balance of the 1995 Sales Tax Referendum. This amount is derived by calculating the salaries in the salary schedule ($2,900 for certificated personnel and $1,900 for support personnel) and the 13th check and subtracting this amount from the total 1995 sales tax collections for a given year. Mr. Gaudet went on to explain that this balance is accumulated over several years and usually remains as a "cushion" in order to avoid depleting the fund resources.
Mr. Gaudet continued his presentation by discussing the proposed draft copy of a Lafourche Parish School Board salary schedule which now included the 13th check (3%) as part of the annual salary for all personnel as requested by committee members at the last meeting.
Mr. Rodrigue stated that the primary responsibility of the parish was to educate the children and provide qualified personnel to accomplish this task. The backbone of the entire system is the teacher. He questioned if there were other staffing areas where cuts could possibly be made in order to free revenue that could be added to raise teacher salaries.
Mr. Broussard stated that by increasing the pupil/teacher ratio, cutting the allotments provided to schools and cutting positions through attrition could assist in freeing revenue.
Mr. Landry stated that he felt the areas that indicate the largest turnover of personnel were the areas that needed to be addressed in terms of salary. He stated that he felt the salaries for support personnel were sufficient to fill the positions. However, teacher vacancies and turnovers were more difficult to fill and therefore salaries must be addressed in this area.
Mr. Broussard reminded committee members that attempting to keep the teacher salary schedule competitive with surrounding parishes in order to keep local college graduates in this parish was of the utmost importance. The parish could not depend on the state to provide additional funding in order to boost salaries, and therefore must rely on local avenues in order to provide revenues for additional money to add to the present salary schedules. He explained that we need to find ways to keep our local graduates in the immediate area, preferably employed as teachers in our parish.
Mr. Rodrigue asked Mr. Gaudet to factor the cost to the board if the $1.4 million accumulated fund balance were designated to salaries of teachers, and all other personnel would receive a 13th check. Mr. Gaudet requested clarification as to the exact definition of teacher. Several groups of individuals are paid on the teacher salary schedule; however, these individuals are not actual classroom teachers. Mr. Rodrigue clarified his request to include classroom teacher.
Mr. Thibodaux questioned the idea of pooling all of the money to classroom teachers only and giving the other individuals a lesser amount. Mr. Landry stated that he felt that the committee had to take care of the backbone or more important individuals. He explained to Mr. Thibodaux that he felt the teacher’s job of educating the children was more important than that of the support personnel in the school system, and therefore, there was a greater need to address the salary schedule issue for teachers first and at a larger piece of the pie.
Chairperson Orgeron called for a break at 9:22 a.m.
At 9:48 a.m. Chairperson Orgeron called the committee meeting back into session. At this time, Mr. Gaudet explained the revenue recap. Mr. Gaudet explained that the accumulated fund balance at the end of this year, June 30, 2001, would be approximately $1.4 million. Mr. Gaudet went on to explain the prepared handout indicating the number of employees in a designated area, the current salary and the comparison salary median. Also included in this handout were scenarios indicating increments of 75%, 50% and 25% for each salaried area.
Chairperson Orgeron suggested that the committee look at specific areas and amounts in an attempt to determine where the available revenue would be placed. It was suggested that the five classes of teachers (B.A.; M.A.; M+30; Specialist, and Ph.D) would receive the largest increments (50%) and all other individuals who earn below the salary study median would receive approximately 25% or not less than $300.00 -- whichever being the greater. Individuals who were equal to or above the salary study median would not receive any increment at this time. The total cost including salary and benefits would cost the board approximately $2.2 million.
Chairperson Orgeron indicated that he felt it would not be fair to increase only those individuals below the salary study median, as the 1995 sales tax proposal was written to include all individuals except administrative central office staff.
Mr. Gaudet also reminded committee members that the salaries of several categories of individuals were supplemented through other funds, such as federal funds and child nutrition funds.
After discussing several other options, Dr. Theriot stated that the committee only had basically two options, that being to raise all groups up to 25% of the salary study median or raise only teachers up to 40% of the salary study median. Both of the before mentioned proposals would eliminate the 13th check for all employees.
Dr. Theriot proposed the following motion: Giving individuals in the five teacher categories an increase equal up to 40% of the salary study median based on the salary schedule including related benefits at a cost of $1.5 million. Mr. Landry seconded the motion.
Chairperson Orgeron asked committee members if there were any questions on the motion presently on the floor. Mr. Chiasson asked Dr. Theriot if this motion meant that only teachers in the five categories would receive a salary increase. Dr. Theriot responded that she felt that it would be necessary to proceed in this way at this time due to the limited amount of revenue available. Mr. Chiasson reminded committee members that all individuals employed by the school system voted to pass the tax proposal and therefore should receive some part of the surplus in the form of salary increments. Mr. Landry stated that possibly individuals who do not receive a salary increase could receive a 13th check equal to 1% or 2% -- provided additional revenues were available.
Mr. DeFelice asked Mr. Gaudet to calculate the cost to the board if teachers were raised up to 30% of the salary study median and support personnel were given $300.00 and not including individuals who are equal to or over the salary study median. Mr. Gaudet reported that the cost to the board including benefits would be approximately $1.4 million.
There being no further discussion, Chairperson Orgeron called for a vote on Dr. Theriot's motion:
“Give individuals in the five categories classified as teacher an increase up to 40% of the median based on the salary schedule study, contingent upon verification of figures supplied by Mr. Gaudet which is equal to $1.5 million (approximately 1,200 employees) with no reduction in force."
The motion passed by a vote of 4 (in favor of) to 2 (against). Voting for the motion were: Mr. Landry, Mr. Rodrigue, Dr. Theriot, and Ms. Zeringue. Opposed were: Chairperson Orgeron and Mr. Chiasson. Members agreed to present the motion to the full board for approval at the July 11, 2001 meeting.
Chairperson Orgeron requested that Mr. Gaudet verify his figures and e-mail the information to all board members prior to the July 11, 2001 meeting.
Mr. Rodrigue requested that the committee members be notified and meet again in the event that the verification of the proposed increase and available revenues do not equal what was discussed in the present meeting. All members agreed with Mr. Rodrigue. Mr. Broussard also suggested that the committee should meet again in the event that other monies were to become available.
There being no other business to discuss, Ms. Zeringue made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Landry and unanimously carried. The meeting of the Finance Committee was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
The committee submits the following recommendation for the board’s consideration:
To give individuals in the five categories classified as teacher an increase up to 40% of the median based on the salary schedule study, contingent upon verification of figures supplied by Mr. Gaudet which is equal to $1.5 million (approximately 1,200 employees) with no reduction in force.
(This concludes the report of the Finance Committee and any action taken by the board in connection therewith.)
Next, President DeFelice called on Chairperson Williams, who read the minutes of the Insurance Committee meetings held June 26 and July 5, 2001, as follows:
A meeting of the Insurance Committee was held on Tuesday, June 26, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lafourche Parish School Board Office, located at 805 East Seventh Street, Thibodaux, LA.
Members present were: Mr. Paul Chiquet, Ms. Rebecca Duet, Ms. Loretta Duplantis, Mr. Jessie Fabiano, Mr. G. A. Rodrigue, Jr., and Ms. Constance Williams (Chairperson).
Others present included: Mr. Dave J. DeFelice, Jr. (Board President), Ms. Martha Zeringue, Ms. Rhoda Caldwell, Mr. Louis Thibodaux, and Mr. John Danos (School Board Members), Mr. Elmo Broussard (Superintendent), Mr. Don Gaudet (Business Manager), Mr. John Serigny (Insurance Advisory Committee member), and Mr. George Babin (Insurance Advisory Committee member).
Chairperson Williams called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present. Ms. Williams then asked the representatives of the various agencies to have a seat in the lobby so that they could make their presentations separately. The following were allowed to present:
|
AGENCY |
REPRESENTATIVE |
|
BENESYS |
Paul Waguespack of HSLI Agency |
|
Gary Johnson & Associates |
Gary and Grace Johnson |
|
Gulf Coast Insurance Agency/Sternfels Insurance Agency/Jim Stentz |
John Shaver, Byron Landry, Jim Stentz |
|
Laris Insurance Agency |
Ralph Laris |
|
Benefit Resources |
Donald Caserta |
|
Louisiana Companies |
Eric Pearson and “Chard” Richard |
|
Riviere Insurance Agency |
Robert Riviere |
|
Jones Insurance Agency |
Ben Jones, Carmel Breaux |
After the presentations, Ms. Williams told the committee members that they should take time to reflect on the presentations that were made and that the committee would convene again before the regular school board meeting in July to further discuss the presentations.
There being no further business, Mr. Chiquet offered a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rodrigue and passed without opposition. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
²²²²²²
A meeting of the Insurance Committee was held on Thursday, July 5, 2001, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lafourche Parish School Board Office, located at 805 East Seventh Street, Thibodaux, LA.
Members present were: Mr. Paul Chiquet, Ms. Rebecca Duet, Ms. Loretta Duplantis, Mr. Jessie Fabiano, and Ms. Constance Williams (Chairperson).
Absent was: Mr. G. A. Rodrigue, Jr.
Others present included: Mr. Dave J. DeFelice, Jr., (Board President), Ms. Martha Zeringue, Ms. Rhoda Caldwell, Mr. Louis Thibodaux, and Mr. John Danos (School Board Members), Mr. Elmo Broussard (Superintendent), Mr. Don Gaudet (Business Manager), Mr. Steven Stilts (Insurance Advisory Committee member) and Mr. George Babin (Insurance Advisory Committee member).
Chairperson Williams called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present.
On motion of Mr. Fabiano, seconded by Ms. Duplantis and unanimously carried, the committee went into executive session.
On motion of Mr. Fabiano, seconded by Ms. Duplantis and unanimously carried, the committee returned to regular session.
Ms. Duplantis then offered a motion to recommend to the board that it retain the Jones Agency as Agent of Record to further study the feasibility of a self-funded group health insurance program. The motion was seconded by Ms. Duet and passed without opposition.
There being no further business, Ms. Duplantis made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Ms. Duet and unanimously carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
The Committee offers the following recommendation for the board's consideration:
To retain the Jones Agency as Agent of Record to further study the feasibility of a self-funded group health insurance program.
Chairperson Williams asked that a correction be made to the minutes of the July 5 committee meeting – specifically, to reflect the word consultant instead of agent of record where applicable. There being no objection, the president stated that the correction would be duly noted. Ms. Williams then offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Landry, to approve the recommendation of the committee -- with the following amendment:
To choose the top four agents as consultants and proceed forward.
In terms of proceeding forward, Chairperson Williams stated that proposals would be brought back to the committee to review the various plans that would be feasible for the board -- working with Mr. Broussard, Mr. Gaudet, and whatever board members necessary who are willing to work with the committee. Ms. Williams stated that the committee would need to meet again next week and several times thereafter. A lengthy discussion followed regarding selection of the top four agents. After studying the tally of votes by board members for the top agents, it was determined that the top four agents were: Gary Johnson & Associates; Gulf Coast Insurance Services/Sternfels Insurance Agency/Jim Stentz; Riviere Insurance Agency; and Jones Insurance Agency. It was also decided that the committee would meet on Tuesday, July 17, 2001, beginning at 5:00 p.m. At the conclusion of the discussion, a vote was then taken on Ms. Williams amendment to choose the top four agents as consultants and proceed forward. The motion was carried, although not unanimously – dissenting votes were cast by Mr. Chiquet, Dr. Theriot, Mr. Danos, and Mr. Landry. A vote was then taken on the original motion as amended – specifically:
To choose the top four agents as consultants and proceed forward to further study the feasibility of a self-funded group health insurance program.
The motion was carried, although not unanimously – dissenting votes were cast by Mr. Danos and Mr. Landry. President DeFelice said that the four companies chosen -- Gary Johnson & Associates; Gulf Coast Insurance Services/Sternfels Insurance Agency/Jim Stentz; Riviere Insurance Agency; and Jones Insurance Agency -- would be notified and provided with the proper information and data so that they can come back to the committee with proposals on self-insurance. Ms. Duplantis then asked that a correction be made to the minutes of the June 26 meeting – specifically, that the name of the representative from the Laris Insurance Agency be changed from Ralph Laris to Ross Laris. There being no objections, the president stated that the correction would be duly noted. Ms. Duplantis then offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Caldwell, to approve the minutes of the Insurance Committee meetings held June 26 and July 5, including the corrections made to the minutes of both meetings as duly noted. A vote was then taken on Ms. Duplantis’ motion. The motion was carried, although not unanimously – one dissenting vote was cast by Mr. Chiquet.
(This concludes the report of the Insurance Committee and any action taken by the board in connection therewith.)
At this time, President DeFelice recognized Senator Reggie Dupre, who was present in the audience.
President DeFelice called on Chairperson Duet, who gave a brief report on the Transportation Committee meeting held June 27, 2001. At the conclusion of her report, Chairperson Duet offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Danos and unanimously carried, to approve the following minutes of the Transportation Committee meeting held June 7, 2001, as recorded:
The Transportation Committee of the Lafourche Parish School Board met on Wednesday, June 27, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. in the Lafourche Parish School Board Office. The members in attendance were Chairperson Rebecca Duet, Ms. Martha Zeringue, Mr. Roy Landry, Ms. Constance Williams, Mr. Paul Chiquet and Dr. Judy Theriot.
Others present were: Superintendent Elmo Broussard, Board President Dave J. DeFelice, Jr., Mr. John Danos, Mr. Louis Thibodaux, Ms. Loretta Duplantis, Transportation Manager Royce Doucet, and Staff Secretary Dawn Clement. Also present were several school bus operators.
Ms. Duet called on Mr. Doucet to discuss item number one -- specifically, to receive oral presentations from contractors that have submitted a proposal to the transportation department. Individuals presenting proposals included Billy Schwertz, with B & L Bus Transportation; Fred Smith, with Laidlaw; and Scott Falcon, with Sunshine Bus Sales. Each contractor presented an oral presentation of his proposal. Each contractor gave a brief history of his company and an overview of his submitted proposal for school bus lease, maintenance, etc. The committee members questioned contractors on their submitted proposals. Members in the audience also asked questions to contractors, as well as to the committee members.
After some discussion concerning each proposal, Ms. Williams made a motion that the committee recommends to the board that further study of each proposal is needed before a recommendation to the board is issued. Mr. Landry seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. Several board members requested additional information on current leasing and personnel data. A subsequent meeting will be held to further discuss the proposals and information requested.
Mr. Landry then made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Chiquet seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
The Transportation Committee submits the following recommendation for the board’s consideration:
The Transportation Committee recommends to the board that further study of each proposal is needed before a recommendation is issued.
(This concludes the report of the Transportation Committee and any action taken by the board in connection therewith.)
Next, the president called on Chairperson Fabiano, who read the minutes of the Communications Task Force meeting held July 2, 2001, as follows:
The Communications Task Force met at the Lafourche Parish School Board Office on Monday, July 2, 2001. Present for the meeting were Chairperson Jessie Fabiano and Committee Members Dave J. DeFelice, Jr., Roy Landry, Constance Williams, and Floyd Benoit. Absent were Mr. Britt Ledet and Mr. Louis Thibodaux. Also in attendance was Superintendent Elmo Broussard.
Mr. Fabiano stated a brief history of the task force’s work and informed the task force that 6 (six) vendors submitted proposals on June 25, 2001. He then listed the six vendors alphabetically. They were: Anlyn Systems (Cannon & Pitney Bowes) of Houma; Applied Business Systems (Sharp) of Metairie; Chauvin Business Systems (Minolta) of Donaldsonville; Classic Business Machines (Ricoh) of Morgan City; Computer Sales and Service (Xerox) of Houma; and Unicopy Corporation (Minolta) of Kenner.
Mr. Fabiano then informed task force members that on July 2, 2001, at 1:30 p.m. he, Mr. Broussard, and Mr. Benoit developed four criteria – pricing (45%), above & beyond specifications (25%), better response time (20%), and optional features (10%) – for rating the proposals. In addition, each vendor would be given corresponding number rating the 6 through 1, with 6 being the first in each category. Then the proposals were opened to verify minimum specifications had been attained.
Next the task force agreed upon the rating system and they proceeded to evaluate all six proposals based on the criteria set forth by the task force. The ratings were as follows:
|
|
|
|
VENDORS |
|
|
|
|
CRITERIA |
Anlyn Business |
Applied Business |
Chauvin Business |
Classic Business |
Computer Sales |
Unicopy Corp. |
|
Pricing |
1.8 |
.9 |
2.7 |
2.25 |
.45 |
1.35 |
|
Above & Beyond |
.75 |
1.25 |
1.5 |
1 |
.25 |
.5 |
|
Better Response |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
1.2 |
|
Optional Features |
.6 |
.6 |
.6 |
.6 |
.6 |
.6 |
|
TOTAL |
4.35 |
3.95 |
6.0 |
5.05 |
3.25 |
3.65 |
On a motion by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Landry, the committee unanimously approved submitting the top three vendors on the weighted scale table for consideration to the entire board at its July 11, 2001 school board meeting. The task force agreed to have Mr. Benoit, once the board approves, to inform the vendors of their selection and to have them schedule a tour for school board members before July 19, 2001.
The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
On motion of Chairperson Fabiano, seconded by Ms. Williams and unanimously carried, the board accepted the proposals of the top three vendors (in accordance with the weighted scale table) – namely, Anlyn Business, Chauvin Business and Classic Business -- to schedule visitations (by task force and board members) and for final consideration when selecting the vendor of choice at the August 1 board meeting. The chairperson then presented the following considerations:
1. To accept all proposals received that met specifications.
2. To accept the selected top three vendors by set criteria and schedule on-site visitations by the board, which should be completed prior to July 25; and to notify the remaining vendors that they were not accepted and mail back their RFP's.
3. To authorize the superintendent to notify all vendors with whom the board has rental, lease, supply or service contracts that such agreements shall be terminated/cancelled effective August 31, 2001.
4. To authorize the purchasing agent (Mr. Floyd Benoit) to contact copier resale wholesalers to begin process and submit quotes to purchase all owned equipment and arrange pickup prior to September 14, 2001.
5. To authorize legal counsel to review vendors' long-term agreements and arrange cancellation, if applicable, of such agreements by August 31, 2001.
6. To authorize the data processing and technology director (Mr. Britt Ledet) to inspect and prepare all sites for the installation of such equipment.
7. To authorize the superintendent to instruct management staff per individual location to prepare for installation of equipment.
Chairperson Fabiano offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Chiasson, to accept the above considerations as presented. A brief discussion followed, at the end of which a vote was taken. The motion was carried, although not unanimously -- one dissenting vote was cast by Mr. Danos. On motion of Mr. Fabiano, seconded by Ms. Caldwell and unanimously carried, the board approved the minutes of the Communications Task Force meeting held July 2, 2001, as recorded.
President DeFelice then gave a report on the Advisory Committee meeting held July 9, 2001; and, on behalf of the committee, presented the following recommendation:
To accept Change Order #3 for the South Lafourche project subject to approval of the pending pricing of items 6-8 and the funding of item 10 (food kiosk).
Before considering the recommendation of the committee, the president called on Mr. Ed Cheramie, architect for the project. Mr. Cheramie presented information on (1) Change Order No. 3, including five items of work for a total of $25,782.08; and on (2) the addition of Change Order No. 4, relative to the food kiosk for a total of $10,150.00 – both of which totaled $35,932.08. He asked that the board approve Change Order No. 3 and No. 4; and, in addition, allow the superintendent to execute a subsequent change order for Item 7 (provide labor and materials to prep and wax all 80,000 S.F. of newly installed VCT flooring in areas of new construction per C/WA PR.018), at an estimated cost of $9,000 to $12,000, and Item 8 (abate additional {288 SF} vinyl asbestos floor tile and mastic at demolished storerooms adjacent to Room 0246 and patch floor to match elevation at Room 0246 and install new VCT per C/WA PR.016), at an estimated cost of $1,500 -- pending review and verification of Contractor’s price proposals. On motion of Ms. Caldwell, seconded by Mr. Thibodaux and unanimously carried, the board approved the request of Mr. Cheramie, as stated above. Accordingly, the board approved Change Order No. 3 (in the amount of $25,782.08); Change Order No. 4 (in the amount of $10,150); and authorized the superintendent to execute a subsequent change order for Item 7 (at an estimated cost of $9,000 to $12,000) and Item 8, at an estimated cost of $1,500 -- pending review and verification of Contractor’s price proposals. On motion of Mr. Danos, seconded by Mr. Landry and unanimously carried, the board approved the following minutes of the Advisory Committee, as recorded.
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, July 9, 2001, at 5:30 p.m.
The following committee members were present: Chairman Dave J. DeFelice, Jr., Mr. Louis Thibodaux, Ms. Rhoda Caldwell, Mr. Dennis Chiasson, and Mr. John Danos.
There were absent: None.
Also present were the following school board members: Ms. Martha Zeringue, Ms. Loretta Duplantis, Ms. Rebecca Duet, Mr. G. A. Rodrigue, Jr., Mr. Paul Chiquet, and Dr. Judy Theriot. Staff members in attendance were Superintendent Elmo Broussard, Mr. Gary Babin, Mr. Leonard St. Pierre, Mr. Perry Rodrigue, Mr. Royce Doucet, and Mr. Francis Hubbell.
Chairman DeFelice called upon Mr. Marcel Fournet, project manager, to report on Phase 1 of the 1997 bond issue. Mr. Fournet told the committee that the Central Lafourche High School project is basically substantially complete and the contractor is working on punch list and warranty items. He reported that the contingency fund would have a balance of approximately $40,000.00. Mr. Fournet said that there are a few items that are being built for the project that will be funded through this contingency balance.
Next, Mr. Skipper Holloway provided the committee with a brief report about the progress of the Central Lafourche project. He reported that there is one change order that is outstanding and would result in a credit of $4,509.59. Mr. Holloway said that the contractor was instructed to schedule training sessions with Seimens for the school board’s personnel to be trained in the operation and maintenance of the control systems. He said that the logo at the entrance to the building has been resealed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. He reported that GCI presently has approximately 6 liens to address before the remainder of the money owed them is released.
Mr. E. A. Angelloz reported that the work on the field house at Central Lafourche High School is progressing well. He reported that he received a revised time schedule from the contractor that reflects the anticipated completion of the project to be the first week in August.
Next, Mr. Ed Cheramie reported on the progress of the South Lafourche High School project. He said the fire marshal inspection of the classroom areas and the library is scheduled for July 30, 2001. He reported that the contractor is working to install all items necessary for the fire marshal’s inspection. Mr. Cheramie reported that the projected occupancy date for the classrooms is August 1, 2001, and the occupancy date for the library is August 14, 2001. He reported that the contractors are working to resolve the drainage problem at the site.
Mr. Cheramie next presented for consideration Change Order No. 3 that included 10 items of work for the project. Items 1 & 3 reflected deducts to the project and items 2, 4, & 5 reflected additions to the project, resulting in a total add amount of $25,782.08. Items #6-9 were included in the change order for approval pending review of the contractor’s price proposals. Item #10 was presented as a separate change order item and included changes to the food kiosk area at a cost of $10,150.00. He reported that the total amount spent thus far from the $100,000.00 contingency fund for change orders 1 & 2 is $43,956.87.
Mr. Cheramie provided a comprehensive report about item #5 of the proposed change order which addressed problems encountered with the flooring material that was originally included in the specs for the science labs, science prep rooms, and the science storage rooms. He said that the contractor installed several mock-ups of the spec flooring material and none were acceptable. As a result, he recommended that the flooring material for the science labs be changed to a slip retardant sheet vinyl asbestos floor tile. After a lengthy discussion, a motion was offered by Ms. Rhoda Caldwell, seconded by Mr. Louis Thibodaux, to accept Change Order #3 for the South Lafourche project subject to approval of the pending pricing of items 6-8 and the funding of item 10 (food kiosk). Motion was unanimously carried.
Next, Mr. Daniel Bruce presented a lengthy report regarding the Thibodaux High School project. He said the work is progressing well and he reviewed the work in progress. He said the brickwork has not begun because the construction site is still too wet to do the work as a result of the recent flooding in the area.
Mr. Bruce presented the approved Change Order #4 for the Thibodaux project in the amount of $7,467.00. He said that presently there is a net credit to the project of approximately $35,000.00.
Mr. Bruce reported that there is still a great deal of water under the existing building resulting in delays to the project. He said some areas under the building still have 30” of water. He said pumps are needed to remove the water to maintain the work area. Mr. Fournet recommended that the contractor present a proposal to maintain the work area under the building. The committee directed Mr. Broussard to approve the contractor’s proposal if the cost and length of time to get the work done are reasonable.
Mr. Bruce also reported that the new insulation under the building was damaged as a result of the flooding and will have to be removed and replaced. He said a proposal is being developed to clad the insulation system with a PVC jacket and it will be presented to the committee at a later date for consideration.
Mr. Bruce next presented for the committee’s review a color palette for various surfaces for the Thibodaux project. He explained how the materials would be used throughout the building.
The committee next reviewed agenda items for the July 11, 2001 regular meeting of the Lafourche Parish School Board. The committee deleted from the agenda under “New Business” Item #24.
Mr. Broussard told the committee that he received a request from Ms. Robin Pitre to address the board. He explained that he received her letter on Friday, July 6, 2001 which was past the deadline to be placed on the agenda. The committee instructed Mr. Broussard to notify Ms. Pitre that she will not be on the agenda for the July 11th board meeting.
There being no other official business, on motion of Mr. John Danos, seconded by Mr. Louis Thibodaux, and unanimously carried, the committee meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
(This concludes the report of the Advisory Committee and any action taken by the board in connection therewith.)
President DeFelice then called on Superintendent Broussard to offer his recommendation on the appointment of someone to fill the vacancy for assistant principal at Raceland Upper Elementary School. Superintendent Broussard reported that no applications were received from certified applicants and that only one non-certified applicant applied for the position. The superintendent then recommended that the board appoint Ms. Bernita Deville, who is presently serving as an administrative assistant at South Thibodaux Elementary School, to the position on an interim basis for the 2001-2002 school session. Ms. Williams offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Landry, to accept the superintendent's recommendation. A vote was then taken; and the motion was unanimously carried. Accordingly, Ms. Deville was appointed interim assistant principal at Raceland Upper Elementary School for the 2001-2002 school session.
Next, President DeFelice called on Superintendent Broussard to offer his recommendation on the appointment of someone to fill the vacancy for assistant principal at Raceland Middle School. The superintendent recommended Mr. Craig Stephens for appointment to the position. Dr. Theriot then offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Duplantis, to accept the superintendent’s recommendation. A vote was taken; and the motion was unanimously carried. Accordingly, Mr. Stephens was appointed to the position of assistant principal at Raceland Middle School, effective with the beginning of the 2001-2002 school session. Mr. Stephens, who was present in the audience, thanked the members of the board, as well as the superintendent and staff, for their support and for giving him the opportunity to serve as assistant principal at Raceland Middle School.
By general consent, the board granted the request of the superintendent to allow him to look into the possibility of making an administrative transfer to fill the position of assistant principal at W. S. Lafargue Elementary School (replacing Mr. Stephens) and to report back to the board on this matter at the August meeting.
On motion of Mr. Thibodaux, seconded by Ms. Zeringue and unanimously carried, the board approved the following policy titled Dismissal of Non-Tenured Employees (as presented at the June meeting) for inclusion in Section G of the newly revised policy manual:
Dismissal of Non-Tenured Employees
Complying with the provisions of Act 631 of the 1987 Louisiana Legislature, the Lafourche Parish School Board adopts the following procedures for the dismissal of non-tenured personnel in the parish school system.
The dismissal of a non-tenured employee shall be initiated by the employee’s immediate supervisor (principal, supervisor, or superintendent) by a letter to the superintendent requesting dismissal and enumerating valid reasons therefor. The employee to be dismissed shall be notified by his/her immediate supervisor by copy of the letter mailed to the superintendent.
If the superintendent (or his designee) upholds the recommendation, he/she will notify the employee in writing of his/her dismissal, effective date of dismissal, reasons therefor, and of the employee’s right to a review. At the option of the superintendent, the employee may continue to perform his/her duties until a review has been held.
Upon request and within seven (7) days of the date of the superintendent’s letter, said employee shall be entitled to an administrative review with the Supervisor of Personnel or his/her designee.
Within seven (7) days of the administrative review, the Supervisor of Personnel or his/her designee shall submit his/her recommendation with a full report of his/her findings and any documentation provided by the employee to the superintendent. The recommendation may be for dismissal, reinstatement or a probationary reinstatement period with remediation and continued evaluation during this period.
The superintendent may reaffirm his/her initial dismissal decision or reinstatement of the employee by written notice to the employee.
Except as provided in Lafourche Parish School Board Substitute/Temporary Employment policy, the dismissal of a non-tenured employee under contract with the board shall follow the same procedure if the dismissal is effective at the expiration of the contractual term. However, the dismissal during the contractual term shall include additional procedures. In this case, the school board shall review the administrative procedures using the standard of review as that of seeing whether the administrative procedures were arbitrary and/or capricious, then the board shall act on the superintendent’s recommendation.
During any phase of this process, the employee shall have the opportunity of resigning his/her position.
In accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:442 and 17:492, probationary teachers and school bus operators shall be dismissed or discharged by the board upon the written recommendation of the superintendent accompanied by valid reasons therefor. The procedure prior to school board action shall follow in accordance with this non-tenured dismissal policy.
On motion of Mr. Thibodaux, seconded by Mr. Chiquet and unanimously carried, the board approved the following policy titled Substitute/Temporary Employment (as presented at the June meeting) for inclusion in Section G of the newly revised policy manual:
Substitute/Temporary Employment
In accordance with school board policy GBM, Transfer of Professional and Support Personnel, any employee assigned to a position that has become vacant after the last day of school of the preceding year is so assigned on a substitute/temporary basis for the term so stated in the executed contract or, in the absence of a contract, for the remainder of the school year only. All temporary employment of non-tenured, first year employees is presumed to be done on an emergency basis and is done without the benefit of the interview process unless there is more than one applicant. Non-tenured, first year employees hired to fill temporary positions shall not have an expectation of re-employment or continued employment to their temporary assignment or job position and must apply for permanent employment status and successfully complete the interview process in order to be re-employed with the system. In the event that the temporary employee is not selected to fill the position in a permanent capacity, the failure of the school board to rehire shall not be considered a dismissal of a non-tenured employee.
Mr. Danos then offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Chiquet, to approve revisions to Policy IKDB, Graduation Exercises, relative to mid-term graduation, as presented to the board at its June meeting. A discussion followed, during which Ms. Duplantis gave a brief history of the many discussions involving mid-term graduation, originating during a Graduation Committee meeting. She noted that the proposed change was brought up at another Graduation Committee meeting, a motion was made to approve the change, and the motion failed for lack of a second; it was then referred to the Policy and Procedure Committee, which, during a committee meeting, approved the motion (as duly offered and seconded). She stated that she would vote against the motion and just wanted to explain why she would be voting against the motion.
At the conclusion of the discussion, a vote was taken on Mr. Danos' motion. The motion was carried, although not unanimously -- dissenting votes were cast by Dr. Theriot, Ms. Zeringue, Ms. Duet, Ms. Caldwell, and Ms. Duplantis.
On motion of Mr. Thibodaux, seconded by Ms. Duplantis and unanimously carried, the board approved additions to Policy IKDB, Graduation Exercises (as originally recommended by the Graduation Committee to the Policy and Procedure Committee), as presented to the board at its June meeting.
Accordingly, the board approved revisions and additions to Policy IKDB, Graduation Exercises, as follows:
Additions: Indicated in Bold Italics
Deletions:
Indicated in Bold Strikethrough
GRADUATION EXERCISES
No students will be allowed to participate in commencement exercises until they have successfully completed all graduation requirements as prescribed by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and passed all required components of the state Graduation Exit Examination. Special Education students must meet all program requirements to receive a certificate of completion and participate in commencement exercises.
Beginning with the sophomore class of 2000-2001 (senior class of 2002-2003), all students must carry a full schedule of classes during their senior year, unless the student is attending a post secondary school (university or vocational technical college) or is involved in a curriculum related work program such as, but not limited to, COE, CAE, DECA or academy related apprenticeships/internships.
Students with extenuating circumstances will be referred to the superintendent or his designee for approval on a case-by-case basis.
After completing a half-day of scheduled classes, a senior may seek early dismissal by entering into a contract with the school stating he/she will re-enroll in a full schedule of classes if the job is terminated during the school year. The student must show proof of employment to the principal or his designee each pay period. The principal will contact the potential employer prior to issuance of a work permit to request that the employer notify the school immediately if the student's job is terminated for any reason.
Beginning with the senior class of 2001-2002, students must meet the state attendance requirements in all scheduled classes in order to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Effective with the 1975-76 school year, graduation exercises at all three senior high schools in the parish shall be held on different nights, and the practice of selecting a valedictorian and salutatorian for the graduating classes shall be discontinued.
A summer graduation ceremony shall be held for those students who, during the summer, complete all requirements necessary for graduation – specifically, successful completion of (1) all the required Carnegie units of credit necessary for graduation and (2) all sections of the Graduate Exit Examination.
MID-TERM GRADUATION
For at least the 20001-20012
school year, the School Board shall conduct a parish mid-term graduation
ceremony at one common site for students who have successfully completed at least three (3) years and one (1) semester of
high school and have met all requirements for graduation as set forth by the
Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Lafourche
Parish School Board, thereby bringing to an end their high school career. completed the state
requirements for earning a diploma and graduating from high school in this
state. At the end of the 2001-2002 school year, this policy will again be
reviewed.
On motion of Mr. Thibodaux, seconded by Ms. Caldwell and unanimously carried, the board approved Section I, Instruction, of the Draft of the Lafourche Parish School Board Policy Manual, as submitted by Forethought Consulting, Inc. and revised by the Policy and Procedure Committee, including the following policies:
Section I, Instruction
File: ID, Curriculum
File: IDA, Basic Instructional Program
File: IDAA, Educational Assessment Program
File: IDBA, Sex Education
File: IDBB, Alcohol, Tobacco, Drug, and Substance Abuse Education Program
File: IDCA, Summer Session
File: IDCH, Home Study Program
File: IDDC, Homebound Instruction
File: IDDF, Special Education
File: IDDFA, Technology Assistive Devices for Disabled Students
File: IDDG, Alternative Schools Education Program
File: IDE, Co-curricular Activities and Extracurricular Activities
File: IDFA, Interscholastic Athletics
File: IDFAA, Drug Screening of Student Athletes
File: IDFAB, Insurance Covering Athletes
File: IDG, Adult Education
File: IFA, Instructional Materials
File: IFAA, Textbook Selection and Adoption
File: IFAB, Supplementary Materials Selection & Adoption
File: IFBGA, Acceptable Use for Computers, Internet and Electronic Mail -- Pupils
File: IFCB, Field Trips and Excursions
File: IFCD, School Volunteers
File: IFD, Parental Involvement
File: IHA, Grading Systems
File: IHAB, Report Cards
File: IHAD, Parent Conferences
File: IHB, Homework
File: IHE, Promotion and Retention
File: IHF, Graduation Requirements
File: II, Test Security
File: IIC, Maintenance of Teacher Administered Tests
File: IKD, School Ceremonies and Observances
File: IKDB, Graduation Exercises
File: IKDC, Prayer in Schools
File: IKI, Lesson Plans
President DeFelice called on Supervisor Faye Robichaux, who presented a tally of bids received on June 5, 2001 for janitorial and paper products to be used in the schools for the 2001-2002 school year. Responding to Supervisor Robichaux's recommendation, Dr. Theriot offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Duplantis 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 Child Nutrition Office and are available for inspection by interested parties.
Next, Supervisor Robichaux presented a tally of bids received on June 6, 2001 for milk and milk products to be used for the 2001-2002 school year, as follows:
BIDS--CHILD NUTRITION MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS
|
Vendors Names and Addresses |
Item 201-1 Milk, Whole White |
Item 201-2 Milk, Low Fat White |
Item 201-3 Milk, Low Fat Chocolate |
Item 201-4 Milk, Skim White |
Item 202-1 Cream, Sour |
Item 202-2 Cheese, Cottage Creamed |
Item 203 Yogurt, Ind. 4 oz. Pack |
Item 203-1 Yogurt, Ind.6oz. Pack |
|
Brown's Dairy New Orleans, LA 70152
|
Brown's Dairy *.2149 |
Brown's Dairy *.2149 |
Brown's Dairy *.2149 |
Brown's Dairy *.2149 |
Meadow Gold *1.35 |
Meadow Gold *1.55 |
No Bid |
Sugar Buster *.51 |
|
Lafleur Dairy Products, Inc. Morgan City, LA 70381 |
.2350 |
.2350 |
.2350 |
.2350 |
1.40 |
**1.50 |
**.60 |
.60 |
*Lowest Bid Meeting Specifications
**Vendor declined award of items
Acting in line with Supervisor Robichaux’s recommendation, Dr. Theriot offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Thibodaux and unanimously carried, to accept the bid of Brown’s Dairy of New Orleans, Louisiana, for all milk items as indicated above.
Due to another commitment, Ms. Williams left the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Supervisor Robichaux then submitted a tally of bids received on June 6, 2001 for bread to be used for the 2001-2002 school year, as follows:
BIDS--CHILD NUTRITION BREAD AND BREAD PRODUCTS
|
Vendors Names and Address |
Item 101-1 Bread White |
Item 101-2 Bread Wheat |
Item 102-1 Buns Frankfurter |
Item 102-2 Buns Hamburger |
Item 102-3 Buns Split Steak |
Item 103 Rolls, Hoagie/Sub |
Total Unit Cost |
|
Flowers Evangeline Maid P. O. Box 2339 Lafayette, LA 70502 |
*Evan Maid .97 |
*Roman Meal .99 |
*Evan Maid 1.15 |
*Flowers 1.79 |
*Flowers 1.95 |
No Bid |
*6.85 |
|
Interstate Brands Corp. P. O. Box 5405 Alexandria, LA 71301 |
Holsum 1.47 |
Holsum 1.54 |
Cotton 1.55 |
Cotton 2.35 |
Cotton 2.90 |
No Bid |
9.81 |
*Lowest bid meeting specifications.
Acting in line with Supervisor Robichaux’s recommendation, Ms. Zeringue offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Duet and unanimously carried, accepting the low bid of Flowers Evangeline Maid of Lafayette, Louisiana, as indicated above.
President DeFelice called on Maintenance Manager Francis Hubbell to report on bids received June 19, 2001, for the replacement of the auditorium dimmer system at South Lafourche High School. Mr. Hubbell reported that only one bid was received, as follows:
BID TABULATION
REPLACEMENT OF AUDITORIUM DIMMER SYSTEM AT
SOUTH LAFOURCHE HIGH SCHOOL
|
CONTRACTOR
|
BASE BID |
ALTERNATE NO. 1 |
TOTAL BID |
COMPLETION DAYS |
|
Rex A. Hymel Co. #19530 St. Rose, LA |
$49,575.00 |
$24,750.00 |
$74,325.00 |
90 |
On motion of Ms. Duet, seconded by Mr. Orgeron and unanimously carried, the board accepted the Base Bid ($49,575.00) and Alternate No. 1 ($24,750.00) submitted by Rex A. Hymel Co., of St. Rose, Louisiana in the total amount of $74,325.00, as recommended by Maintenance Manager Hubbell.
Next, President DeFelice called on Business Manager Don Gaudet to report on bids received on July 11, 2001, for a hunting lease on Section 16, Township 19 South, Range 23 East. Mr. Gaudet reported that only one bid was received, as follows:
Bidder: Karl Senner, Inc.
Amount of bid per acre: $ 2.03
Total amount of bid: $1,280.00
On motion of Mr. Danos, seconded by Mr. Orgeron and unanimously carried, the board accepted the bid of Karl Senner, Inc. in the total amount of $1,280.00.
By general consent, the board adopted the following resolution authorizing that the history associated with the death of Seaman First Class Freddie John Falgout, the first American casualty of World War II, be taught in Lafourche Parish schools:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, American Legion Post 349 and VFW Post 3665 of Raceland are respectfully requesting that the Lafourche Parish School Board help honor one of our parish’s most distinguished veterans; and
WHEREAS, the Chinese and Japanese were engaged in a war in exotic Shanghai on Central China’s Whangpoo River; and
WHEREAS, American sailor Freddie John Falgout’s ship, The U.S.S. Augusta, flagship of the U. S. Asiatic Fleet, was dispatched to Shanghai as part of a flotilla to protect Americans; and
WHEREAS, on August 20, 1937, the eve of his 21st birthday, Seaman First Class Freddie John Falgout of Raceland was killed by shrapnel from an errant shell as he and his comrades were on deck preparing to view a movie; and nineteen other sailors were wounded; and
WHEREAS, Freddie John Falgout is recognized as the first American soldier killed in action in a war campaign that evolved into World War II; and
WHEREAS, the American Legion and VFW are asking that this tragic event be taught to all students of Lafourche Parish in American history classes to instill patriotism and pride to the memory of Seaman First Class Freddie John Falgout; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Lafourche Parish School Board does hereby authorize that the history associated with the death of Seaman First Class Freddie John Falgout, the first American casualty of World War II, be taught in American history classes in Lafourche Parish schools; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be recorded on a special page of our minute book and that a copy thereof be presented to his family and service organizations as a reminder of his supreme sacrifice and as evidence of our sympathy for them and our memory of him in death.
President DeFelice called on Mr. Greg Kleinpeter, project director of the Bayou Lafourche Marine Institute (BLMI), who addressed the board concerning an alternative program for at-risk students (to be held in conjunction with Associated Marine Institutes, Inc.). At the conclusion of Mr. Kleinpeter’s presentation, President DeFelice stated that the board would study the information presented on the program and would meet again in the very near future to further discuss various aspects of the program.
The president then called on Ms. Zuly Roe, representative of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., who addressed the board regarding the pre-paid legal benefit. Ms. Roe asked that the board consider offering pre-paid legal as a benefit of the school system. President DeFelice stated that her request would be taken under advisement and referred to the Insurance Committee for study and review, with a subsequent recommendation to be made by the committee to the full board.
President DeFelice then called on Assistant Superintendent Perry Rodrigue to give the report of the Dress Code Committee with regard to the amendments to Policy JCDB, Student Dress Code. On behalf of the Dress Code Committee, Assistant Superintendent Rodrigue recommended the following proposed amendments to Policy JCDB:
Additions: Bold italics (shaded)
STUDENT DRESS CODE
It is the policy of the Lafourche Parish School Board that students maintain their person and clothing in a modest, clean and orderly manner that reflects pride in self and school. To assist students in setting a standard for their personal appearance which should directly affect attitude and behavior and indirectly have a positive effect on the learning process, the Board has established the following guidelines on grooming and dress for students. Any other conditions of grooming or dress, as judged by the principal to be inappropriate, shall not be allowed. A teacher will be allowed to restrict manner of dress when it pertains to the health and/or safety of a student in that teacher's specific area.
A. Grooming
1.Hair must be reasonably trimmed and combed. Vision must not be obstructed.
B. Dress
1. Patches, symbols, writings, etc., which are vulgar or offensive will not be allowed. Words that advertise alcohol, cigarettes and drugs are prohibited.
2. Hats or caps will not be worn inside the school buildings.
3. Unless prescribed by a doctor, dark glasses will not be worn in the school buildings.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
All Lafourche Parish students shall be mandated to wear an official parish school uniform, which shall consist of the following:
1. The parish uniform shall consist of a collared white dress/oxford type shirt or polo/golf type shirt; either long or short sleeved.
2. Each school shall have the option of allowing students to wear up to two additional shirt colors consistent with their designated school colors.
3. The wearing of a logo is optional and shall be limited to an approved school logo located on the left pocket area.
4. Each school shall have one official school logo. The principal must approve school club or organization logos
5. Any shirt worn under the school uniform shall be a solid white undershirt or turtleneck.
6. Name tags are considered as part of the student uniform and shall be worn on the right collar of the uniform shirt. (The use of name tags will be phased in over a two-year period beginning with the fall of 2000.)
7. The uniform shall consist of khaki twill pants, skirts, or shorts/skorts (cotton or cotton blend). Pants and shorts must be of the traditional uniform style—no jeans, baggy or oversized clothes, pockets on lower or side legs, sagging pants, or drawstrings shall be allowed.
8. Logos shall not be allowed.
9. Shorts, jumpers, and skorts are allowable for students in all grade levels provided that they are of the same fabric as the approved pants described in #5 above. Overalls are not allowed. Shorts, skirts, skorts, and jumpers must have a finished hem and shall not be more than four inches above the back crease of the knee. Shorts/skorts shall not be worn more than one inch below the knee.
10. All pants, shorts, skorts, and skirts must be worn at the waistline with the shirts tucked in. If pants have belt loops, a blue, black or brown belt must be worn.
11. Socks/stockings shall be at least ankle length and of a solid color (white, khaki, or school colors). Logos shall not be allowed on socks.
12. Shoes shall be of a style consisting of a closed back and front. Slippers, beach shoes, sandals, or cleats are not allowed.
13. ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING MUST BE WORN AS INTENDED BY DESIGN.
14. Outerwear that falls below the knee or does not open the length of the front by snapping, buttoning or zipping shall not be allowed.
15. Earrings are allowed. Ornate or cumbersome jewelry is not permitted. Jewelry requiring body piercing, such as nose rings, eyebrow rings, lip rings, cheek rings, tongue rings, etc. is not permitted.
Spirit/Activity Dress-up Days
16. The designation of activity/spirit days, not to exceed one per week, is left up to the principal. Schools may also have spirit days where students are allowed to wear sanctioned shirts. Students must, however, adhere to all other aspects of the uniform policy.
17. Students belonging to school sponsored clubs or organizations may be given permission by the principal to wear approved organizational attire for specific activity days. Students not participating in such activities shall wear the school uniforms.
Schoolbags
18. All schoolbags (including bookbags, backpacks, satchels, etc.) shall be constructed of a clear plastic or mesh material in order that the contents of the bag are clearly visible.
Extenuating circumstances concerning cost or students with special needs will be addressed on a case by case basis. Parents should express these needs in writing to the school principal.
Violation of the Uniform Policy
Violations of the mandatory uniform policy shall be addressed as follows:
First Offense: Parents shall be contacted to bring the proper uniform to school for the child to change. While waiting for the arrival of parents/guardians, students shall remain in a designated area during any non-instructional periods of the school day.
Second Offense: Same as first offense.
Third Offense: Parent notification, student assigned to in-school suspension at school site.
Subsequent Offenses: Consequences for students violating the uniform policy on more than three occasions will be left to the discretion of the principal and may include assigning students to P.A.S.S. (Positive Action School Site).
*Students who do not qualify for P.A.S.S. due to age (nine and below) will remain in in-school suspension at their assigned school site, and shall be subject to referral to Truancy Court or the FINS (Family in Need of Services) committee for repeated failure to wear the mandatory school uniforms.
Mr. Thibodaux then offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Caldwell, asking for a two-thirds vote to waive the one-month waiting period for the adoption and/or amendment of policies in order to vote on amending Policy JCDB (tonight) so that the amendments can go into effect immediately. A vote was taken on Mr. Thibodaux’s motion; the motion was unanimously carried. On motion of Mr. Chiquet, seconded by Ms. Duplantis and unanimously carried, the board approved the above amendments to Policy JCDB, Student Dress Code, as recommended by the Dress Code Committee.
On motion of Dr. Theriot, seconded by Ms. Zeringue and unanimously carried, the board adopted the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Article VIII, Sec. 13 (B) of the Louisiana Constitution provides that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) shall annually develop a formula to determine the cost of a minimum foundation program (MFP) of education in all public elementary and secondary schools and requires the Louisiana Legislature to annually appropriate funds sufficient to fully fund the cost to the state of such a program, and
WHEREAS, State Superintendent of Education Cecil Picard has notified the State of Louisiana through the Commissioner of Administration that an additional appropriation of SEVENTEEN MILLION TWO HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS ($17,210,600.00) necessary to fully fund the MFP for fiscal year 2000-2001, and
WHEREAS, because of this failure on the part of the State of Louisiana, the State Superintendent of Education has been required to reduce the amount of MFP funds flowing to fifty (55) school districts in Louisiana by amounts totaling SEVENTEEN MILLION TWO HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS ($17,210,600.00), and
WHEREAS, those funds are vitally important for continuation of educational services to students and, in many instances, have already been budgeted and/or expended by school districts, and
WHEREAS, the issue of whether the State of Louisiana through the Commissioner of Administration can unilaterally reduce the level of funding provided by the state to the school districts through application of the MFP is one of importance to all public school systems in Louisiana, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED by the Lafourche Parish School Board in regular session duly convened that:
1. The Lafourche Parish School Board authorizes the special counsel listed below to name it as a party plaintiff in any litigation which may need to be filed against the State of Louisiana, Governor Mike Foster, Commissioner of Administration Mark Drennen or any other agency or individual with regard to the failure of the state to appropriate the SEVENTEEN MILLION TWO HUNDRED TEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS ($17,210,600.00) referenced above.
2. Subject to the approval of the Attorney General for the State of Louisiana, the Lafourche Parish School Board employs and retains Mr. Frank Endom, Jr. of the Law Firm of Polack, Rosenberg, Endom, and Ries, L.L.P. and Mr. Fred Sutherland of the Law Firm of Beard and Sutherland to serve as special counsel to represent it and other school systems throughout the State of Louisiana in such litigation. The School Board agrees to reimburse such counsel in accordance with the rate structure approved by the Attorney General for special counsel with the understanding that such fees and any expenses of litigation will be equitably assessed and paid pursuant to a formula to be agreed upon by all of the school systems participating in such litigation.
On motion of Ms. Caldwell, seconded by Ms. Duet and unanimously carried, the board adopted the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Louisiana Highway 1, a two-lane highway with sections which are impassable during inclement weather, is vital to the economic vitality and safety of the citizens of Lafourche Parish who live near and/or work in the region of LA 1 between Port Fourchon/Grand Isle and the region; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Lafourche Parish and Louisiana who live and/or work in the region, especially those in the vicinity of Grand Isle/Port Fourchon, are dependent on LA 1 and the Leeville Bridge remaining open and passable for safe and expeditious evacuations during the threat of a hurricane and/or a tropical storm; and
WHEREAS, the economic infrastructure of the region is dependent upon the integrity of LA 1 since the vast majority of the goods and services needed to support and sustain the region’s oil and gas industry (an industry that generates annual state mineral revenues in the range of $500 million -- and growing) are transported over LA 1; and
WHEREAS, revenues derived from Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas activities amount to between $3 and $4 billion annually, payable to the federal government, which is the ultimate source of the funding for the needed projects; and
WHEREAS, the LA 1 Coalition was formed to promote highway improvements between Grand Isle and U. S. 90 for the benefit of residents as well as workers of our region and the coalition has achieved significant success thus far in its efforts; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Lafourche Parish School Board wholeheartedly supports and applauds the endeavors of the LA 1 Coalition, and encourages all state and federal agencies charged with assisting in such matters to address these infrastructure concerns in an expeditious manner.
The board received the superintendent's Quarterly Report for the period April - June 2001.
On motion of Dr. Theriot, 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 Ariell Crosby, a fifth grade student at Raceland Upper Elementary School during the 2000-2001 school year; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the members of the Lafourche Parish School Board to express to Ariell’s family our sincere condolences; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the members of the Lafourche Parish School Board deeply deplore the untimely loss of this child and offer to her family our deepest sympathy in their hour of sorrow, 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 Ariell Crosby 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. Duplantis and Mr. Chiasson, the board adopted the following memorial resolution by general consent:
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to summon to eternal rest the spirit and soul of Ms. Antonia Hebert, a former teacher in the Lafourche Parish School System; and
WHEREAS, her life was a record of service faithfully performed, during which she taught in several Lafourche Parish schools (Raceland Elementary School for one and one-half years; Lockport High School for eleven and one-half years; and Central Lafourche High School for twenty-one years), beginning in January 1953 and ending with her retirement on June 3, 1987 -- having served the Lafourche Parish School System for a total of thirty-four years; 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 Ms. Antonia Hebert 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 Mr. Thibodaux, seconded by Mr. Fabiano and unanimously carried, the board granted general leaves of absence to the following personnel:
a. Ms. Cindy Sylvest, occupational therapist, Lafourche Parish schools, effective May 1, 2001 through May 25, 2001
b. Ms. JoAnn Rogers, child nutrition manager, Larose-Cut Off Junior High School, for the 2001-2002 school session
c. Ms. Desiree Dufrene, teacher, Lockport Upper Elementary School, for the 2001-2002 school session.
On motion of Mr. Danos, seconded by Mr. Chiquet and unanimously carried, the board granted a medical sabbatical leave to Ms. Patricia Glynn, teacher, Raceland Upper Elementary School, for the first semester of the 2001-2002 school session.
On motion of Ms. Duplantis, seconded by Mr. Thibodaux and unanimously carried, the board granted extended sick leave to the following:
a. Ms. Dianne Andras, teacher, South Thibodaux Elementary School, from May 1 through May 4 and from May 7 through May 11, 2001
b. Ms. Aleesha Bivens, teacher, Raceland Junior High School, on May 15, 16 and 25, 2001
c. Ms. Toni Eymard, teacher, Golden Meadow Lower Elementary School on May 29, 2001
d. Ms. Rebecca Hudspeth, computer lab facilitator, South Thibodaux Elementary School, from May 10 through June 1, 2001
e. Ms. JoAnn Kliebert, guidance counselor, W. S. Lafargue Elementary School, from May 16 through June 1, 2001
f. Ms. Marian Kaye McCann, teacher (kindergarten), W. S. Lafargue Elementary School, on May 2, May 3, May 7 (1/2 day), May 15 (1/2 day), and May 23 (1/2 day)
g. Ms. Barbara Meroney, teacher (Title I Reading Recovery), Bayou Blue Elementary School, on May 30 and 31, 2001
h. Mr. Dennis Reed, teacher, Golden Meadow Junior High School, from May 10 through June 1, 2001
i. Ms. Denise Plaisance, teacher, Golden Meadow Lower Elementary School, on May 23 and 24, 2001
j. Ms. Lisa Richard, teacher, Golden Meadow Lower Elementary School, on May 18, 2001
k. Mr. Dennis Duet, teacher, Golden Meadow Junior High School, from May 23, 2001 (1/2 day) through June 1, 2001
l. Ms. Ann Verdun, teacher, Lockport Upper Elementary School, from May 4, 2001 through June 1, 2001
On motion of Ms. Duplantis, seconded by Ms. Zeringue and unanimously carried, the board appointed the following personnel effective August 16, 2001 through May 31, 2002:
a. Ms. Belinda Louviere, teacher (CSR), Bayou Blue Elementary School
b. Ms. Debbie Adams, teacher (CSR), W. S. Lafargue Elementary School
c. Ms. Margaret Constant, teacher (kindergarten), W. S. Lafargue Elementary School
d. Ms. Michelle Cortez, teacher (substituting for Helen Tabor), W. S. Lafargue Elementary School
e. Ms. Heather Ordoyne, teacher (CSR), W. S. Lafargue Elementary School
f. Ms. Mandie Rivet, teacher, W. S. Lafargue Elementary School
g. Ms. Hailey Kiger, teacher, Larose Middle School
h. Ms. Marguerite Emerson, teacher (CSR), Raceland Lower Elementary School
i. Ms. Kim Boura, special education teacher, Galliano Elementary School
j. Ms. Collette Williams, teacher (substituting for Evelyn Anselmi), Golden Meadow Junior High School
k. Ms. Melanie Robichaux, teacher, Raceland Junior High School
l. Mr. David Malone, teacher, Central Lafourche High School
m. Ms. Pamela Sarmiento, teacher, Central Lafourche High School
n. Mr. Warren Hopkins, teacher, Thibodaux High School
o. Ms. Dawn Naquin, special education teacher, Thibodaux High School
p. Ms. Claire Pellegrin, special education teacher (structured learning center), Bayou Blue Elementary School
q. Ms. Ann Dupaty, special education teacher (structured learning center), W. S. Lafargue Elementary School
r. Ms. Kim Curole, teacher, Raceland Lower Elementary School
s. Ms. Mary Esteve, special education teacher (structured learning center), South Thibodaux Elementary School
t. Mr. Shane Landry, teacher, East Thibodaux Junior High School
u. Mr. Landon Aydell, teacher, West Thibodaux Junior High School
v. Ms. Mary Bergeron, special education teacher (structured learning center), Central Lafourche High School
w. Ms. Nikki Brignac, teacher, Central Lafourche High School
x. Mr. Thad Matherne, special education teacher, South Lafourche High School
y. Ms. Charlotte Taylor, special education teacher (structured learning center), Thibodaux High School
z. Ms. Etta Hart, itinerant special education teacher (DPI), Lafourche Parish schools
On motion of Mr. Chiasson, seconded by Mr. Orgeron and unanimously carried, the board appointed the following personnel:
a. Mr. Edgar Schiro, teacher (band), South Lafourche High School, effective July 30, 2001 through June 18, 2002
b. Ms. Schyvanda Phillips, sales tax auditor and field agent, Lafourche Parish schools, effective June 4, 2001 through June 30, 2001 and from July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002
c. Col. David Penland, Sr. Army ROTC instructor, South Lafourche High School, effective July 1, 2001
d. Mr. Scott Bellini, school psychologist intern (10 months) (4/5 time), Lafourche Parish Schools, effective August 2, 2001 through June 14, 2002
e. Ms. Claire Carmouche, school psychologist (10 months) (3/5 time), Lafourche Parish Schools, effective August 2, 2001 through June 14, 2002
f. Ms. Abby Jalbert, school psychologist intern (10 months) (4/5 time), Lafourche Parish Schools, effective August 2, 2001 through June 14, 2002
g. Mr. Jeffrey Tysinger, school psychologist intern (10 months) (4/5 time), Lafourche Parish Schools, effective August 2, 2001 through June 14, 2002
On motion of Mr. Danos, seconded by Ms. Duet and unanimously carried, the board renewed the administrator contracts for the following:
a. Mr. John Rabb, assistant principal, Larose-Cut Off Junior High School, effective August 2, 2001 through August 1, 2003
b. Mr. Louis Plaisance, principal, South Lafourche High School, effective August 3, 2001 through August 2, 2003
c. Mr. Perry Rodrigue, assistant superintendent, Lafourche Parish schools, effective August 5, 2001 through August 4, 2003
d. Ms. Ragan Lorraine, assistant principal, Galliano Elementary School, effective August 5, 2001 through August 4, 2003
e. Ms. Marissa Bagala, assistant principal, Lockport Lower Elementary School, effective August 5, 2001 through August 4, 2003
f. Ms. Gwendolyn Streams, assistant principal, West Thibodaux Junior High School, effective August 5, 2001 through August 4, 2003
g. Ms. Pamela Folse, principal, Raceland Upper Elementary School, effective August 7, 2001 through August 6, 2003
h. Ms. Mary G. Curole, assistant principal, South Lafourche High School, effective August 24, 2001 through August 23, 2003
On motion of Ms. Caldwell, seconded by Ms. Duplantis and unanimously carried, the board appointed child nutrition employees for the 2001-2002 school session and authorized the superintendent to notify these employees of their appointments.
On motion of Ms. Duet, seconded by Mr. Danos and unanimously carried, the board declared a vacancy in the position of principal, South Lafourche High School; and set the deadline for the receipt of applications in the superintendent’s office at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 27, 2001, with said appointment to be made at the next regular meeting of the board to be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2001.
On motion of Ms. Zeringue, seconded by Ms. Duet and unanimously carried, the board declared a vacancy in the position of transportation manager; and set the deadline for the receipt of applications in the superintendent’s office at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 27, 2001, with said appointment to be made at the next regular meeting of the board to be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2001.
Mr. Orgeron then offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Duplantis, asking for a two-thirds vote to present an item not included on the agenda – specifically, to allow Senator Reggie Dupre to address the board for informational purposes. A vote was taken on Mr. Orgeron’s motion; and the motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Dupre presented information on (1) teacher pay; (2) support personnel pay; and (3) the French Immersion Pilot Program. A discussion followed regarding the $50,000 allocated to Lafourche Parish specifically for a French Immersion Pilot Program. When asked for his comments, the superintendent responded that he was not prepared to make a presentation and recommendation at this time; and stated that, hopefully, he will be ready to offer a recommendation in August or in the very near future.
President DeFelice recognized Mr. Buddy Larose, candidate for District Judge, who was present in the audience.
The board members received a copy of the schedule for the adoption of the 2001-2002 Budget and a copy of the 2000-2001 Comprehensive Amended Budget for study and review.
On motion of Mr. Orgeron, seconded by Mr. Landry and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 9:21 p.m.
DAVE J. DEFELICE, JR. ELMO BROUSSARD
President Secretary