PROCEEDINGS OF
LAFOURCHE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Thibodaux, Louisiana
December 1, 2004
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, 2004, at 7:00 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 Dave J. DeFelice, Jr., President.
Ms. Constance T. Williams read the opening prayer.
President DeFelice then 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); Mr. Robert Naquin (District 4); Ms. Stella C. Lasseigne (District 5); Mr. G. A. Rodrigue, Jr. (District 6); Mr. Gary Foret (District 7); Mr. Dave J. DeFelice, Jr. (District 8); Ms. Loretta Duplantis (District 9); Ms. Melanie Boulet (District 10); Mr. Roy Landry (District 11); Mr. Jon C. Callais (District 12); Mr. Al Archer (District 13); Mr. Larry Pitre (District 14); Ms. Rebecca Duet (District 15).
Absent were: None.
On motion of Mr. Rodrigue, seconded by Ms. Boulet and unanimously carried, the board approved minutes of the regular school board meeting held November 3, 2004, as recorded.
In response to the superintendent’s request for a two-thirds vote to allow him to make a special presentation, the board voted unanimously to allow the two-thirds vote. On motion of Mr. Thibodaux, seconded by Mr. Foret and unanimously carried, the board allowed the superintendent to make a special presentation. The superintendent, on behalf of the board, then recognized and presented a plaque to Board President Dave J. DeFelice, Jr. in appreciation for his service to the board as president for the years 2001 through 2004.
President DeFelice then called on Chairperson Williams, who presented the following recommendations of the Insurance Committee, as per meeting held November 16, 2004.
To accept the following recommendations of Gallagher Benefit Services/Stentz and Associates to be effective with the 2005 Group Health and Life Plan Year:
1. Renew the specific reinsurance policy using a $175,000 specific deductible.
2. Change the basic group life coverage to $25,000 with the School Board paying the entire premium. Set the supplement group life limit at $100,000 and have the individual pay the premium.
3. Change the $50 physician office co-pay to a $25 co-pay for a visit to a Primary Care Physician and a $50 co-pay for a visit to a Specialist.
4. Change prescription drug coverage for generic brands from a $100 annual deductible plus a $5 co-pay to a $10 co-pay only.
5. Change the method of paying for physical, occupational, speech therapy services from a $50 co-pay for each visit to splitting the cost according to the current coinsurance terms of the plan while waiving the deductible. The 20 visits per calendar year limit would continue as is.
6. Change out-patient x-ray and lab from 100% to an office visit co-pay if performed in the doctor’s office or subject to a deductible and coinsurance if performed in an out-patient facility or hospital.
7. Pay $5 towards a basic dental plan that can provide prevention benefits (for example cleaning or x-rays) using any dentist in the parish.
8. Change smoking cessation from “covered if medically necessary” to “not covered”.
9. Change allergy serum and injections from covered 100% with the deductible waived to an office visit co-pay for serum and mixing of serum with injections being covered at 100%.
10. Change the way sleep study services are handled from no pre-certification requirement to a pre-certification requirement.
11. Implement a Specialty Drug Program for those individuals using Specialty Drugs.
12. Hire a third party to handle the School Board’s Cobra issues at an annual cost of $11,500.
13. Institute an expanded Wellness Program.
At this time, Ms. Williams called on Mr. Byron Landry of Gallagher Benefits Services to explain Recommendation No. 6. After a brief explanation, Mr. Landry suggested that, since this change will affect quite a few employees, the board may want to reconsider this committee recommendation. Ms. Williams offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Pitre and unanimously carried, to approve the above recommendations of the committee, with the exception of No. 6.
On motion of Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. Thibodaux and unanimously carried, the board approved the following minutes of the Insurance Committee, as per meeting held November 16, 2004, as recorded.
The Insurance Committee of the Lafourche Parish School Board met on Tuesday, November 16, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. in the boardroom of the central office in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
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Committee Members Present: |
Al Archer, Rebecca Duet, Gary Foret, Robert Naquin, and Constance T. Williams (Chairperson) |
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Committee Members Absent: |
Larry Pitre and G. A. Rodrigue, Jr. |
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Other Board Members Present: |
Louis E. Thibodaux, Rhoda Caldwell, Loretta Duplantis |
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Insurance Advisory Committee Members Present: |
Angela Woods, Melva Mayet, George Babin, Michael St. Pierre and Robert Rome |
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Others Present: |
Ernest Reed (Superintendent) and Don Gaudet (Business Manager) |
The committee met to discuss the benefit structure for the 2005 group health and life plan. Ms. Williams called on Byron Landry, Gallagher Benefits Services, and Jim Stentz, Stentz and Associates, to give the committee a report on possible changes. Greg Hanley, Vickie Steib, and Debby Smith of Benefit Management Services were also in attendance.
Mr. Landry started by introducing Ms. Claire Kelbaugh, president of Sterling Wellness Solutions, who spoke to the committee about an employee wellness program that could be provided through her company. The comprehensive wellness program could include group risk evaluations, onsite health screenings, preventive lab testing, individual consultations, health risk appraisals, health education programs, seminars, disease management, EAP, drug screenings, ergonomics, etc. Lab and screening services are offered at a significant discount (compared to physician office visit charges).
After Ms. Kelbaugh’s presentation, Mr. Landry went over the changes recommended by him and Mr. Stentz for the 2005 plan year. Each of the changes were discussed at length. The changes and the actions taken by the committee are summarized in the following section:
1. Renew the specific reinsurance policy using a $175,000 specific deductible instead of the current $150,000 for savings of $142,000. Mr. Naquin offered a motion to accept the recommendation. The motion, which was seconded by Ms. Duet, was passed without opposition.
2. Change the basic group life coverage to $25,000 with the School Board paying the entire premium. Set the supplement group life limit at $100,000 and have the individual pay the premium. Currently, the basic coverage is $8,000 and the supplement limit is $40,000, with the School Board paying half of the premiums. The change is expected to cost $100,000 per year. Mr. Naquin offered a motion to accept the recommendation. The motion, which was seconded by Mr. Foret, was passed without opposition.
3. Change the $50 physician office co-pay to a $25 co-pay for a visit to a Primary Care Physician and a $50 co-pay for a visit to a Specialist. Primary Care Physicians include pediatrician, internal medicine, family doctor, general practice physicians. The projected cost of this option is $125,000 per year. Mr. Archer offered a motion to accept the recommendation. The motion, which was seconded by Ms. Duet, was passed without opposition.
4. Change prescription drug coverage for generic brands from a $100 annual deductible plus a $5 co-pay to a $10 co-pay only. The projected savings for this option is $100,000. Mr. Naquin offered a motion to accept the recommendation. The motion, which was seconded by Mr. Foret, was passed without opposition.
5. Change the method of paying for physical, occupational, speech therapy services from a $50 co-pay for each visit to splitting the cost according to the current coinsurance terms of the plan while waiving the deductible. The 20 visits per calendar year limit would continue as is. Ms. Duet offered a motion to accept the recommendation. The motion, which was seconded by Mr. Archer, was passed without opposition.
6. Change out-patient x-ray and lab from 100% to an office visit co-pay if performed in the doctor’s office or subject to a deductible and coinsurance if performed in an out-patient facility or hospital. The recommendation has a projected savings of $125,000 per year. Mr. Naquin offered a motion to accept the recommendation. The motion, which was seconded by Mr. Archer, was passed without opposition.
7. Pay $5 towards a basic dental plan that can provide prevention benefits (for example cleaning or x-rays) using any dentist in the parish at a total projected cost of $102,000. Mr. Naquin offered a motion to accept the recommendation. The motion, which was seconded by Mr. Archer, was passed without opposition.
8. Change smoking cessation from “covered if medically necessary” to “not covered.” Mr. Naquin offered a motion to accept the recommendation. The motion, which was seconded by Ms. Duet, was passed without opposition.
9. Change allergy serum and injections from covered 100% with the deductible waived to an office visit co-pay for serum and mixing of serum with injections being covered at 100%. Ms. Duet offered a motion to accept the recommendation. The motion, which was seconded by Mr. Archer, was passed without opposition.
10. Change emergency room co-pay from $100 to $200 per visit (waived if admitted). This item was rejected by the Committee without a vote.
11. Change the way sleep study services are handled from no pre-certification requirement to a pre-certification requirement. Ms. Foret offered a motion to accept the recommendation. The motion, which was seconded by Ms. Duet, was passed without opposition.
12. Discuss gastric bypass surgery as a coverable expense. Ms. Williams asked Mr. Landry to get more information about the cost and benefits of the surgery and samples of additional restrictive language that can be used in the plan document.
13. Discussion of contribution amounts for employees (single and family) as it relates to employees on the family plan when both spouses work for the school board. Ms. Williams asked Mr. Gaudet to get additional information concerning this situation.
14. Implement a Specialty Drug Program for those individuals using specialty drugs at yearly savings to $20,000. Ms. Duet offered a motion to accept the recommendation. The motion, which was seconded by Mr. Archer, was passed without opposition.
15. Hire a third party to handle the school board’s Cobra issues at an annual cost of $11,500. Ms. Duet offered a motion to accept the recommendation. The motion, which was seconded by Mr. Foret, was passed without opposition.
16. Institute an expanded Wellness Program at an annual cost of $150,000. Mr. Archer offered a motion to accept the recommendation. The motion, which was seconded by Ms. Duet, was passed without opposition.
Since there was no further business, Mr. Archer offered a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Ms. Duet, and passed without opposition. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
The committee submits the following for the board’s consideration:
To accept the following recommendations of Gallagher Benefit Services/Stentz and Associates to be effective with the 2005 Group Health and Life Plan Year:
1. Renew the specific reinsurance policy using a $175,000 specific deductible.
2. Change the basic group life coverage to $25,000 with the School Board paying the entire premium. Set the supplement group life limit at $100,000 and have the individual pay the premium.
3. Change the $50 physician office co-pay to a $25 co-pay for a visit to a Primary Care Physician and a $50.00 co-pay for a visit to a Specialist.
4. Change prescription drug coverage for generic brands from a $100 annual deductible plus a $5 co-pay to a $10 co-pay only.
5. Change the method of paying for physical, occupational, speech therapy services from a $50 co-pay for each visit to splitting the cost according to the current coinsurance terms of the plan while waiving the deductible. The 20 visits per calendar year limit would continue as is.
6. Change out-patient x-ray and lab from 100% to an office visit co-pay if performed in the doctors office or subject to a deductible and coinsurance if performed in an out-patient facility or hospital.
7. Pay $5 towards a basic dental plan that can provide prevention benefits (for example cleaning or x-rays) using any dentist in the parish.
8. Change smoking cessation from “covered if medically necessary” to “not covered.”
9. Change allergy serum and injections from covered 100% with the deductible waived to an office visit co-pay for serum and mixing of serum with injections being covered at 100%.
10. Change the way sleep study services are handled from no pre-certification requirement to a pre-certification requirement.
11. Implement a Specialty Drug Program for those individuals using Specialty Drugs.
12. Hire a third party to handle the School Board’s Cobra issues at an annual cost of $11,500.
13. Institute an expanded Wellness Program.
/s/ Constance T. Williams, Chairperson
On motion of Ms. Duet, seconded by Mr. Foret and unanimously carried, the board approved the following minutes of the Transportation Committee, as per meeting held November 22, 2004, as recorded:
The Lafourche Parish School Board Transportation Committee met on Monday, November 22, 2004, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lafourche Parish School Board meeting room.
The members in attendance were: Chairperson Rebecca Duet, Ms. Melanie Boulet, Mr. Roy Landry, Mr. Jon Callais, and Mr. Gary Foret.
Ms. Constance Williams was absent.
Others present were: Superintendent Ernest Reed, Mr. Royce Doucet (Transportation Manager) and Ms. Loretta Duplantis (School Board Member). Also present were: Mr. Billy Schwertz and Ms. Leslie Schwertz and several bus operators. Ms. Eloria James represented the Daily Comet.
Chairperson Duet proceeded to item #3. Ms. Duet called on Mr. Doucet to discuss the information presented to the board members at the November 3, 2004, regular board meeting as requested. Mr. Doucet referenced the information previously requested by the committee and its distribution at the November regular board meeting to all members of the school board. Mr. Doucet indicated that as of this time there were no inquiries regarding this information addressed to him.
The next item on the agenda was the discussion on a cost comparison of private buses verses rented buses. Mr. Doucet explained the information sheet that was provided to each member stating the cost of leasing buses verses the cost of private buses. The information also provided the monthly cost for the lease of regular and special education buses per month and services that we are provided for by B & L Transportation.
Mr. Landry questioned how much we are paying a bus operator. A salary information sheet was provided to the committee members. Mr. Doucet explained the information sheet and the amount paid to private operators based on the 2004-2005 mileages. A lengthy discussion was held on mileage issues. Mr. Doucet indicated that he would address questions posed for the next committee meeting.
Mr. Landry suggested that Mr. Doucet submit to the committee the total expenditure cost for transportation from the vendors we were using back in the 2001-2002 school year and also include January of 2002 (which is when we started with B & L Transportation) compared to the total expenditure of B & L Transportation today. A discussion was held on the B & L, Inc. contract for the leasing of buses and the services that are provided to Lafourche Parish School Board. Ms. Boulet indicated that she would like the results of the expenditures divided by the number of students that we transported to school during that year.
Ms. Boulet provided to the committee a spreadsheet she prepared and briefly compared leased verses private buses. Mr. Doucet then provided the committee with a copy of the maintenance and operations schedule that is provided to school districts by the state for maintenance and operations allotments for regular school bus routes.
Mr. Billy Schwertz spoke briefly on the cost of the lease buses in comparison to the routes and special trips driven by the drivers.
Chairperson Duet questioned the recent proposal for additional bus leasing and extending the existing contract for leasing with B & L Transportation, Inc. After the additional information is provided to the committee, a decision on the proposal will be made at the next committee meeting. At this time, several operators questioned and shared their comments on this subject.
The next item on the agenda was an update on responses from transportation employees wishing to serve on the Transportation Advisory Committee. Mr. Doucet provided the members with names of the seven applicants that expressed interest in serving on the Transportation Advisory Committee. A motion was made by Mr. Landry and seconded by Mr. Callais to approve the entire list of applicants to serve on the Transportation Advisory Committee. The motion was passed unanimously. The committee will consist of the following bus operators: Rhonda Clement, Ruth Trosclair, J. D. Granier, Pam Granier, Wanda Goodroe, Marilyn Legendre, Lucy Orgeron and Monique Rose. New applicants who would express an interest in participating on the committee will be required to submit the request in writing to Mr. Doucet. A separate motion by Mr. Landry, and seconded by Mr. Callais, established the term of office for the advisory committee to be from January 1 until December 31 of each year. The motion was passed unanimously. The new Transportation Advisory Committee members will be invited to attend transportation meetings beginning with the January meeting.
The next item on the agenda was the discussion on the transportation component of strategic plan goals. Mr. Doucet explained the information that was provided to the committee members. Items mentioned were the installation of cameras on board school buses to enhance safety and passenger management issues. He also added that Title IV funds may be available to help with this component. The second component discussed was establishing a job description and creating a position to assist the transportation department with the following areas: route management, observation of operators, safety, and behavioral concerns.
Mr. Doucet briefly spoke of six transportation personnel in a neighboring parish as compared to only two people in our transportation department. Mr. Doucet further indicated that December 6 will be five years he began serving as transportation manager. Also, he mentioned that Diane Hebert, transportation secretary, will be transferring to the personnel department. Due to the increased demands and workload that was been put on the department, Mr. Doucet mentioned that certain things have to be prioritized on a daily basis. Mr. Doucet indicated that he has spoken to Superintendent Reed and Supervisor of Personnel JoAnn Matthews about the need for an additional person to assist with his duties in the transportation department. Mr. Jon Callais indicated that when a job description is designed consideration should be placed on someone with experience and knowledge in computer skills too.
Next, Ms. Duet called upon Mr. Doucet to explain item #8 on the Fall 2004 Pre-In-service Training for new substitutes. He mentioned that there were 42 people who showed interest in attending and these were sent a letter about the place, in-service dates and times. However, only 14 participants attended all of the classes. Now the participants will continue the process of the driving training and getting their CDL licenses.
The next item on the agenda was information on new CDL requirements for the “S” Endorsement as required by state law for all school bus operators. Mr. Doucet explained about the endorsement to the committee members. Information about the endorsement will be provided to all bus operators in January of 2005. By law, all bus operators will have to receive this endorsement by October, 2005. He further indicated that information will be given to operators to assist them in preparing for the test. Also, he will arrange for tests to be administered to operators.
The next item on the agenda was information about the Transportation Grant received from LA Department of Education for Non-Public School Transportation for the 2003-04 school year. Mr. Doucet stated that the Lafourche Parish School Board Transportation Department has received a grant for the total amount of $270,391.00 for transporting non-public students for the 2003-2004 school year.
Mr. Doucet requested that the committee add to the agenda a two-thirds vote for an item from a discussion held at the recent strategic planning sessions. The topic pertained to student transportation in private vehicles for the committee to review. Ms. Boulet made a motion, and it was seconded Mr. Foret, to add the two-thirds item. The motion unanimously carried. Mr. Doucet presented the current board policy to the committee and requested that they review this policy regarding student transportation in private vehicles. Mr. Doucet indicated that according to the policy operators of vehicles needed to be at least 25 years of age and the vehicle liability coverage required was at least $100,000 of liability insurance. Mr. Callais commented that a sign-off sheet be designed and given to be completed by each person responsible for transporting a group of school students to an event. Ms. Duet suggested that this item be placed as an item for the Policy and Procedure Committee meeting. A copy of this item will be made available to all board members for them to review. Superintendent Reed briefly spoke, stating that the student transportation in private vehicles information was emailed to all principals in the parish for them to review and follow.
Mr. Doucet mentioned that the fuel adjustment has been made for private bus operators for the months of January through May, 2004. He also stated that at this time there wasn’t any authorizations from the beginning of the 2004-05 school year from August until this point in time.
Mr. Landry offered a motion to add this discussion to the agenda, and Ms. Boulet seconded it. Motion carried unanimously. Afterwards, Mr. Landry offered a motion for Mr. Doucet to obtain fuel adjustment information for 3 cents, 4 cents and 5 cents per mile and provide this information at the next Finance Committee meeting to help supplement the private drivers for the months of August through October of 2004. The motion was seconded by Mr. Callais and was unanimously carried.
With no further business to be discussed, upon a motion by Mr. Landry and seconded by Ms. Boulet, the motion to adjourn was approved unanimously at 7:30 p.m.
The Transportation Committee offers the following recommendations to the board:
1. That the following applicants be appointed to the Transportation Advisory Committee from January 2005- December 2005:
Rhonda Clement, Ruth Trosclair, J. D. Granier, Pam Granier, Wanda Goodroe, Marilyn Legendre, Lucy Orgeron, and Monique Rose.
2. That Policy EDAE, “Student Transportation In Private Vehicles,” be forwarded to the Policy and Procedure Committee for review and amendments as deemed necessary. Furthermore, the Transportation Committee recommends that a section be added to include an authorization form that requires an authorization for someone to provide this service and administrative signature for approval identifying compliance of the Board policy.
3. That the Transportation Committee recommends information on 3, 4, and 5 cents per mile be provided to the Finance Committee for discussion and consideration for a fuel adjustment to private school bus operators for the period of August – October, 2004.
/s/ Rebecca Duet, Chairperson
On motion of Ms. Duet, seconded by Ms. Boulet and unanimously carried, the board took the following action concerning the recommendations of the Transportation Committee:
1. Appointed the following applicants to the Transportation Advisory Committee from January, 2005 – December, 2005: Rhonda Clement, Ruth Trosclair, J. D. Granier, Pam Granier, Wanda Goodroe, Marilyn Legendre, Lucy Orgeron, and Monique Rose.
2. Referred Policy EDAE, “Student Transportation In Private Vehicles,” to the Policy and Procedure Committee for review and amendments as deemed necessary, along with the recommendation of the Transportation Committee that a section be added to include an authorization form that requires an authorization for someone to provide this service and administrative signature for approval identifying compliance of the Board policy.
3. Authorized that information on 3, 4, and 5 cents per mile be provided to the Finance Committee for discussion and consideration for a fuel adjustment to private school bus operators for the period of August – October, 2004.
Next, President DeFelice presented the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, as per meeting held November 29, 2004, and the following action was taken:
1. To authorize receipt of proposals for professional services and to advertise for bids to (1) upgrade the electrical system at West Thibodaux Middle School, and (2) evaluate the exterior masonry finish at Larose-Cut Off Middle School.
On motion of Mr. Thibodaux, seconded by Ms. Boulet and unanimously carried, the board authorized receipt of proposals for professional services and authorized advertisement for bids to (1) upgrade the electrical system at West Thibodaux Middle School, and (2) evaluate the exterior masonry finish at Larose-Cut Off Middle School.
2. To accept the low bid from A & L Roofing in the amount of $339,700 for the re-roofing of Golden Meadow Lower Elementary School.
On motion of Ms. Duet, seconded by Mr. Archer and unanimously carried, the board accepted the low bid of A & L Roofing in the amount of $339,700 for the re-roofing of Golden Meadow Lower Elementary School.
3. To begin the design phase of the replacement of field lighting in the three high school stadiums, and present the probable cost of the project to the board for consideration once it has been determined.
Mr. Rodrigue offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Callais, to begin the design phase of the replacement of field lighting in the three high school stadiums, and to present the probable cost of the project to the board for consideration once it has been determined. A lengthy discussion followed regarding the design phase and the costs involved. Mr. Naquin offered an amendment to Mr. Rodrigue’s motion -- specifically, to defer the recommendation to the Finance Committee for review. After further discussion, Mr. Rodrigue withdrew his original motion. Mr. Naquin then offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Duplantis and unanimously carried, to defer the recommendation to the Finance Committee for review and to report back to the board with its findings.
4. To receive report on bids received for classroom expansion at Bayou Boeuf Elementary School and South Thibodaux Elementary School.
On motion of Mr. Thibodaux, seconded by Mr. Rodrigue and unanimously carried, the board voted to receive report on bids received for classroom expansion at Bayou Boeuf Elementary School and South Thibodaux Elementary School. President DeFelice then called on Physical Facilities Manager Deck Yates, who first presented the tally of bids for classroom expansion at Bayou Boeuf Elementary School. Mr. Yates reported that the low bid was submitted by Steib Construction Company, Inc.; however, the bid was over budget by $7,877.77. A discussion followed, during which Mr. Yates stated that he was still working with the contractor to possibly delete some items in order to bring the bid amount within budget. Ms. Duet offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Thibodaux, to postpone action on this item until a later date for further review. The discussion continued, at the end of which a vote was taken on Ms. Duet’s motion. The motion was unanimously carried.
N ext, Mr. Yates presented the tally of bids received for the classroom expansion at South Thibodaux Elementary School. Mr. Yates reported that two bids were received, and the low bid was submitted by Lamar Contractors, Inc. of Kenner, LA, in the Base Bid amount of $1,569,000, plus Alternate # 1 in the amount of $89,000 -- for a total of $1,658,000, which was well within the construction budget. On motion of Ms. Duet, seconded by Mr. Callais and unanimously carried, the board accepted the low bid of Lamar Contractors, Inc. of Kenner, LA, in the Base Bid amount of $1,569,000, plus Alternate #1 in the amount of $89,000.
On motion of Mr. Thibodaux, seconded by Mr. Rodrigue and unanimously carried, the board approved the following minutes of the Advisory Committee meeting held November 29, 2004, 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, on November 29, 2004, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Chairman DeFelice called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m., and requested that Mr. Reed proceed with roll call.
Committee members present were: Chairman Dave J. DeFelice, Jr., Mr. Louis Thibodaux, Ms. Rhoda Caldwell, and Ms. Loretta Duplantis
Absent was: Ms. Rebecca Duet
Other school board members present included: Mr. Jon Callais, Ms. Stella Lasseigne, Mr. Gary Foret, Mr. Robert Naquin, Mr. Larry Pitre, Mr. G.A. Rodrigue, Jr., and Ms. Melanie Boulet. Staff members in attendance included Superintendent Ernest Reed, Mr. Leonard St. Pierre, and Mr. Donald “Deck” Yates.
Chairman DeFelice called for a report on Phase II of construction (which will be funded through the 2003 Bond Issue). Mr. St. Pierre provided committee members with a report on the progress of each project. He next referred to a memo dated November 29, 2004 requesting authorization to obtain proposals for professional services and to advertise for bids to (1) upgrade the electrical system at West Thibodaux Middle School, and (2) evaluate the exterior masonry finish at Larose-Cut Off Middle School and make recommendations. Following a brief description of the projects, a motion was offered by Mr. Thibodaux, seconded by Ms. Duplantis, and unanimously carried to approve Mr. St. Pierre’s request.
Next, Mr. St. Pierre referenced bids received for re-roofing Golden Meadow Lower Elementary School, and recommended that the base bid from A & L Roofing in the amount of $339,700 is accepted. A motion was then offered by Ms. Duplantis, seconded by Mr. Thibodaux, and unanimously carried to accept Mr. St. Pierre’s recommendation. Mr. St. Pierre also noted that bids had been received for classroom expansion at Bayou Boeuf Elementary, but the low bid was higher than the money allocated for the project, and attempts will be made to bring the project within budget. Also, he mentioned that bids will be received on November 30, 2004 for classroom expansion at South Thibodaux Elementary, and recommendations on the bids received for both school expansions will be presented at the December 1, 2004 board meeting.
Next, Mr. St. Pierre referred to a letter from Castagnos, Goodwin & Associates regarding problems with field lighting in the three high school football stadiums. The letter indicated that the lighting fixtures are over thirty-five years old, and it is being recommended that they are replaced over a three-year period (one site per year), beginning with Central Lafourche High School. Mr. St. Pierre noted that the approximate cost of the project is $200,000 per site, and it would be necessary to fund the project with monies from operation and maintenance of the General Fund. Mr. Robert Naquin then suggested that the grant writer checks into possible funding from the Lorio Foundation. Following a brief discussion, a motion was offered by Mr. Thibodaux, seconded by Ms. Duplantis, to begin the design phase of the replacement project, and present the probable cost of the project to the board for consideration once it has been determined. Motion was unanimously carried.
Next, Mr. Deck Yates mentioned upgrades to several schools and reported on their drainage, drive/walkway, and fencing projects.
Ms. Duet entered the meeting at 5:45 p.m., and was recorded as being present for the remainder of the meeting.
The committee next reviewed agenda items for the regular meeting of the Lafourche Parish School Board to be held on December 1, 2004.
Following review of Item 13, Mr. St. Pierre provided the committee with an explanation of the chronology of events by South Central Planning which lead to the recommendation being made regarding the boundary between the Galliano and Golden Meadow schools and described the model being recommended. Next, Mr. St. Pierre provided an explanation of his report on grade level configurations at the Raceland, Lockport, Larose, Golden Meadow, and Galliano schools, and the reasoning for the recommendations being made. Following his presentation, Ms. Duet expressed concerns regarding the establishment of the PreK-5 grade level configurations in the northern area of the parish vs. the recommendations being made for the parish’s southern area. Mr. St. Pierre went on to explain that the research says not one configuration has been proven more effective than the other, and that the make-up of each school should reflect its community. Discussion then developed regarding construction costs, and Mr. St. Pierre described the formula (104.7 sq. ft. per student @ $127.43) used throughout to calculate construction costs to accommodate the projected enrollment. Mr. Jon Callais briefly voiced his concerns regarding the use of Larose Upper Elementary for lower elementary grades.
The agenda was approved as presented.
There being no further business, on motion of Ms. Caldwell, seconded by Ms. Duet and unanimously carried, the committee meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
The committee has approved the following items and submits them to the Board for consideration:
1. To authorize receipt of proposals for professional services and to advertise for bids to (1) upgrade the electrical system at West Thibodaux Middle School, and (2) evaluate the exterior masonry finish at Larose-Cut Off Middle School.
2. To accept the low bid from A & L Roofing in the amount of $339,700 for the re-roofing of Golden Meadow Lower Elementary School.
3. To begin the design phase of the replacement of field lighting in the three high school stadiums, and present the probable cost of the project to the board for consideration once it has been determined.
4. To receive report on bids received for classroom expansion at Bayou Boeuf Elementary School and South Thibodaux Elementary School.
/s/ Dave J. DeFelice, Jr., Chairperson
Next, President DeFelice called on Mr. Benoit, who submitted the following tally of bids received November 30, 2004, for the purchase of one van and three trucks for use by the Maintenance Department:
BIDS--1 Van
NAME OF BIDDER |
ITEM PRICE |
ITEM NET PRICE |
|
Lamarque Ford, Inc. 3101 Williams Blvd. Kenner, LA 70065 |
$19,251 |
$19,251 |
|
Lafourche Motor Co. ** 5878 Hwy 1 Lockport, LA 70374 |
$17,840 |
$17,840
|
|
Golden Motors, Inc. 15101 Hwy 3235 Cut Off, LA 70345 |
$20,997.95 |
$20,997.95
|
**Recommended Bid Award Shaded Area
BIDS--3 TRUCKS
|
NAME OF BIDDER |
ITEM#1 PRICE |
TRADE- IN |
ITEM #1 NET PRICE |
ITEM #2 PRICE |
TRADE- IN |
ITEM #2 NET PRICE |
ITEM #3 PRICE |
TRADE- IN |
ITEM #3 NET PRICE |
|
Lamarque Ford, Inc. 3101 Williams Blvd. Kenner, LA 70065 |
$28,803 |
|
$23,803 |
$23,803 |
|
$23,803 |
$23,803 |
|
$23,803 |
|
Lafourche Motor Co. 5878 Hwy. 1 Lockport, LA 70374 |
$24,030 |
|
$24,030 |
$24,030 |
|
$24,030 |
$24,030 |
|
$24,030 |
|
Golden Motors, Inc. 15101 Hwy. 3235 Cut Off, LA 70345 |
$24,284 |
|
$24,284 |
$24,284 |
|
$24,284 |
$24,284 |
|
$24,284 |
No Recommended Bid Award.
Acting in line with the recommendation of Mr. Benoit, a motion was offered by Ms. Lasseigne, seconded by Mr. Rodrigue and unanimously carried, to:
1. accept the low bid of Lafourche Motor Company of Lockport, LA in the amount of $17,840 for the one van; and
2. not to accept any of the bids that were submitted for the three trucks; and to buy the three trucks at the State Contract price from a local dealer.
The president then called on Superintendent Reed, who, in the absence of Supervisor Leonard St. Pierre (due to a family medical emergency), gave an overview of information provided by South Central Planning and Development Commission on the proposed boundary between the Galliano and Golden Meadow schools and presented a report titled Report on Grade Level Configurations and Boundaries (memo from Supervisor Leonard St. Pierre, dated November 19, 2004). At the conclusion of the report, the superintendent submitted the following recommendations (as enumerated in Mr. St. Pierre’s November 19 memo, Pages 17 and 18).
Ø Raceland Lower and Raceland Upper Elementary would remain PK-2 and 3-5 schools
Ø Lockport Lower and Lockport Upper Elementary would remain PK-2 and 3-5 schools
Ø In an effort to equalize enrollments within attendance enrollments, Larose Lower and Larose Upper would become PK-2 and 3-5 schools. This would require construction at Larose Upper of additional classroom space at a probable cost of 1.4 million dollars. The effect on enrollment would be:
Current Projected
Larose Lower PK-3 471 PK-2 368
Larose Upper 4-5 210 3-5 313
Ø Golden Meadow Lower and Golden Meadow Upper would become PK-2 and 3-5 schools respectively. With the implementation of an attendance zone between Golden Meadow and Galliano schools, the enrollments would be:
Current Projected
Golden Meadow Lower PK-3 372 PK-3 349
Golden Meadow Lower PK-3 372 PK-2 268
Golden Meadow Upper 4-5 205 4-5 190
Golden Meadow Upper 4-5 205 3-5 271
1 Golden Meadow School ---- ----- PK-5 539
Galliano Elementary PK-5 390 PK-5 415
Boundary – Airport Road
Current Projected
Golden Meadow Lower PK-3 372 PK-3 269
Golden Meadow Lower PK-3 372 PK-2 205
Golden Meadow Upper 4-5 205 4-5 156
Golden Meadow Upper 4-5 205 3-5 220
Galliano Elementary PK-5 390 PK-5 529
1 Golden Meadow School ---- ----- PK-5 425
Based on the large increase in enrollment at Galliano Elementary (from 390 to 539) that a boundary at Airport Road would bring, it is recommended that the attendance zone for Galliano Elementary be set as follows:
Galliano Elementary – Bully Camp Road South to St. Joseph Church on Hwy. 1, West to Hwy 3235, and E 121 St. on Hwy. 308
The attendance zone for Golden Meadow Lower (PK-2) and Golden Meadow Upper (3-5) would be as follows:
Golden Meadow Lower and Upper Elementary – St. Joseph Church on Hwy. 1 West to Hwy. 3235 and E 122nd St. on Hwy. 308 South to the southern boundary of the parish
This would require additional classroom space as follows:
66 additional students at Golden Meadow Upper Elementary
Probable cost: $907,250
Galliano Elementary – 25 additional students
This site will be evaluated with the input of administration and faculty to determine if any additional construction is necessary.
A total of $1,467,611 had been allocated for construction at Golden Meadow
Upper Elementary, with two PK-5 schools in Golden Meadow
Probable cost for other models listed
Boundary at St. Joseph Church:
One school in Golden Meadow – located at the Golden Meadow Lower site
167 additional students
Probable cost: $2,228,100
Airport Road Boundary
Galliano Elementary
139 additional students
Probable cost: $1,854,527
At the conclusion of the superintendent’s report, President DeFelice stated that the boundaries and the grade configurations would be considered separately. Ms. Boulet then offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Duplantis, to set the boundary for the Galliano/Golden Meadow Schools at the St. Joseph Church, as recommended by the superintendent. A brief discussion followed, during which Mr. Callais expressed his support of Airport Road as the boundary and stated that he could not vote for a boundary at the St. Joseph Church. The president then announced that he received witness (blue) cards from several individuals. Before recognizing these individuals, the president read the following excerpt from Policy BCBI, Public Participation:
The Lafourche Parish School Board has approved your request to address the board. Your comments, however, will be allowed under the rules and regulations of a non-public forum that governs the time, manner and place. Board policy states that you are allowed ten minutes. Additional time may be approved by a vote of the board. Finally, you are asked to not name, criticize, or question the professional competence of any employee publicly since this would violate his/her due process rights.
President DeFelice then read the names of the individuals who submitted blue cards and requested to speak on the agenda item, as follows: Angie Guidry, Melanie Eymard, Wade Fanguy, Gwen Theriot, and Rebecca Plaisance. The president announced that he received blue cards from the following individuals who did not wish to speak but expressed either support or opposition to the agenda item:
June Pinel (in support of Rebecca Plaisance and Gwen Theriot)
Michelle Melancon (in opposition--supports a Pre-K–5 school configuration in
Golden Meadow)
Mary Costello (in support of Rebecca Plaisance and Gwen Theriot)
Titania St. Pierre (in support of Rebecca Plaisance, Gwen Theriot, and Angie
Guidry--supports Pre-K-2 at Golden Meadow Lower and 3-5 at Golden
Meadow Upper)
Calvin Duet (in support of Rebecca Plaisance and Gwen Theriot
Jarad Walker (in support of Wade Fanguy--supports 2 Pre-K-5 schools in Larose)
Claudette LeBlanc (in support of Wade Fanguy--supports 2 Pre-K-5 schools in
Larose)
Andrea Hebert (in support of Wade Fanguy--supports 2 Pre-K-5 schools in Larose)
Melissa P. Fanguy (in support of Wade Fanguy--supports 2 Pre-K-5 schools in
Larose)
Teresa Simoneaux (in support of Gwen Theriot and Rebecca Plaisance)
Vickie Pitre (in support of Angie Guidry)
President DeFelice then called on the individuals who requested to speak on the boundary issue.
Ms. Melanie Eymard addressed the board regarding the boundary for the Golden Meadow/Galliano Schools and about “grand fathering” students currently at one school, but as a result of the boundary designation, would have to attend another school.
Discussion was then held on Ms. Boulet’s motion to set the boundary for the Galliano/Golden Meadow Schools at the St. Joseph Church. After a lengthy discussion, a vote was taken on the motion. The motion was carried, although not unanimously -- dissenting votes were cast by Mr. Pitre, Ms. Duet, Mr. Archer, Ms. Williams, and Mr. Callais.
A motion was then offered by Mr. Pitre, seconded by Mr. Archer, to approve the grade configuration of Pre-K – 2 for Golden Meadow Lower Elementary School and 3-5 for Golden Meadow Upper Elementary School, as recommended by the superintendent.
President DeFelice then called on the individuals who requested to speak on the grade configuration issue.
Ms. Rebecca Plaisance, Ms. Angie Guidry, and Ms. Gwen Theriot spoke in support of the Pre-K – 2 and 3-5 grade configuration for Golden Meadow Lower and Golden Meadow Upper Elementary Schools.
Discussion was then held on Mr. Pitre’s motion to approve the grade configuration of Pre-K – 2 for Golden Meadow Lower Elementary School and 3-5 for Golden Meadow Upper Elementary School. A lengthy discussion was held, at the end of which a vote was taken on Mr. Pitre’s motion. The motion was carried, although not unanimously -- dissenting votes were cast by Ms. Duet and Ms. Williams.
Next, Ms. Boulet offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Callais, to accept the recommendation as presented by the superintendent to adopt the grade configuration of Pre-K – 2 at Larose Lower Elementary School and 3-5 at Larose Upper Elementary School.
President DeFelice then called on Mr. Wade Fanguy, who spoke in favor of two Pre-K – 5 schools in the Larose area.
Discussion was then held on Ms. Boulet’s motion to approve the grade configuration of Pre-K – 2 at Larose Lower Elementary School and 3-5 for Larose Upper Elementary School. A lengthy discussion was held, at the end of which a vote was taken on the motion. The motion was carried, although not unanimously -- dissenting votes were cast by Mr. Archer, Ms. Duet, Mr. Landry, and Mr. Rodrigue.
President DeFelice called on Superintendent Reed, who reported on the Fair Labor Standards Act audit and payment of non-exempt employees in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Mr. Callais then offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Boulet, to authorize the overtime payment of overtime for certain non-exempt employees in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. A discussion followed, during which Mr. Landry asked that this item be presented to the Finance Committee before any action is taken by the full board. After some discussion, Mr. Callais withdrew his motion. Mr. Callais then offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Thibodaux, to refer the matter to the Finance Committee. A brief discussion followed, during which several board members stated that they wanted a full explanation of the law and asked that the board’s attorney be present at the Finance Committee meeting to discuss the board’s compliance with the law. A vote was then taken on Mr. Callais’ motion; the motion was unanimously carried.
On motion of Mr. Thibodaux, seconded by Mr. Naquin and unanimously carried, the board waived the provisions of Policy BC, “Meetings,” for the month of January, 2005, in order to set the date for the regular meeting on January 12, the second Wednesday of the month.
On motion of Ms. Duplantis, seconded by Mr. Landry and unanimously carried, the board renewed the service agreement with Unemployment Compensation Control Systems, Inc. (UCCS) for the 2005 calendar year under the same terms in effect at the present time.
On motion of Mr. DeFelice, 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. Diane Landry, a retired teacher; and
WHEREAS, her life was a record of service faithfully performed, during which time she was employed by the Lafourche Parish School Board as a teacher, beginning in 1969 at Raceland Lower Elementary School, for two years; after which time she left the school system and returned once again to Raceland Lower Elementary School in 1972, where she remained for nineteen years; then transferred to Bayou Blue Elementary School for one year, a position she held until her retirement on May 29, 1992, having served the Lafourche Parish School System for a total of 22 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. Diane Landry 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. Pitre, 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. George Hebert, a retired principal; and
WHEREAS, his life was a record of service faithfully performed, during which he was employed by the Lafourche Parish School Board, first as a teacher at Galliano Elementary School during the 1940-41 school session; after which time he served in the U. S. Army for five years; returned from the military in 1945 and was assigned to Cut Off High School, where he remained for five years; then served an additional two years in the military; and upon his return to the school system, he taught at Larose-Cut Off High School for six years before becoming principal of that school in 1958, a position he held for eight years; and then served as principal of South Lafourche High School for eighteen years, a position he held until his retirement on June 30, 1984, having served the Lafourche Parish School System for a total of thirty-eight years; and
WHEREAS, his dedicated contributions in the field of education 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. George Hebert 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. Thibodaux, 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. Murphy Rodrigue, a former school bus operator; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rodrigue was devoted and loyal to the school system, having faithfully and efficiently performed his duties as school bus operator for Lafourche Parish Schools for a period of seventeen years, beginning in August, 1971, and ending with his retirement on June 1, 1988; 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. Murphy Rodrigue be recorded on a special page of our minute book and that a copy thereof be presented to his family as evidence of our sympathy for them and as a reminder of our attachment to him in life and memory of him in death.
On motion of Ms. Duplantis, seconded by Mr. Callais and unanimously carried, the board granted professional improvement sabbatical leaves to:
a. Ms. Dianna Guidry, special education teacher, Raceland Upper Elementary School, for the second semester of the 2004-2005 school session
b. Ms. Renee Strander, teacher, East Thibodaux Middle School, for the second semester of 2004-2005 school session
On motion of Mr. Naquin, seconded by Mr. Archer and unanimously carried, the board granted a medical sabbatical leave of absence to Ms. Rebecca Morrell, teacher, Raceland Lower Elementary School, for the second semester of the 2004-2005 school session.
On motion of Mr. Pitre, seconded by Mr. Callais and unanimously carried, the board appointed the following personnel:
a. Ms. Erica Leray, teacher, Bayou Blue Elementary School, effective January 3, 2005, through May 27, 2005
b. Ms. Raven Martin, bookkeeper, Central Lafourche High School, effective November 15, 2004, through June 30, 2005
c. Ms. Mary Costello, janitor, Golden Meadow Upper Elementary School, effective November 1, 2004, through June 30, 2005
d. Mr. Norlet Porter, janitor, St. Charles Elementary School, effective November 2, 2004, through June 30, 2005
On motion of Ms. Lasseigne, seconded by Mr. Foret and unanimously carried, the board granted extended sick leave to the following:
a. Ms. Rebecca A. Comeaux, teacher, Golden Meadow Middle School, beginning on October 19, 2004
b. Mr. Russell Folse, school bus operator, Lafourche Parish Schools, October 29, 2004, through December 14, 2004
c. Ms. Janik Martin, teacher, Central Lafourche High School, beginning on November 15, 2004
d. Ms. Madonna Newill, school bus operator, Lafourche Parish Schools, September 29, 2004, through October 27, 2004
e. Ms. Trish Orgeron, teacher, Galliano Elementary School, October 13, 2004, through January 3, 2005
f. Ms. Phyllis Prince, special education teacher, South Thibodaux Elementary School, October 25 and 26, 2004
g. Ms. Martha South, special education curriculum coordinator, Pupil Appraisal Center, September 17, 2004, through November 29, 2004
On motion of Ms. Duplantis, seconded by Ms. Lasseigne and unanimously carried, the board entered executive session at 9:49 p.m. to review the results of the fall observation regarding the superintendent’s performance, in accordance with Policy CEI, Evaluation of the Superintendent.
On motion of Mr. Archer, seconded by Mr. Thibodaux and unanimously carried, the board returned to regular session at 11:30 p.m.
On motion of Mr. Archer, seconded by Mr. Landry and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 p.m.
DAVE J. DEFELICE, JR. ERNEST REED