ST. MARTIN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005
BREAUX BRIDGE, LOUISIANA
MINUTES
The St. Martin Parish School Board convened on this day at 5:00 P.M. at the Breaux Bridge Instructional Center with the following members present: Messrs.,
Mark Hebert, President, Floyd Knott, Steve Fuselier, Anthony Wiltz, James Blanchard, Richard Potier, Rodney Ledoux, and Mrs. Barbara Latiolais.
ABSENT: Mr. Frederic Stelly and Mr. Paulma Johnson
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Mark Hebert, President. Superintendent Haaga opened the meeting with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ms. Lottie Beebe, Director of Human Resources, presented the Outstanding Support Personnel winners with trophies:
- Mary Charles, Parks Primary
- Haywood James, Early Learning Center
- Nancy Latiolais, Breaux Bridge Primary
- Barbara Guidry, Cecilia Primary
- Percy Williams, Breaux Bridge Elementary
- Ethel Joseph, St. Martinville Elementary
- Kimberly Frederick, Parks Middle
- Brenda Dore, Cecilia Junior High
- Louis ”r;Jack” Davis, St. Martinville Primary – Elementary Level Outstanding Support Personnel of the Year
- Patsy Blanchard, Catahoula Elementary – Middle Outstanding Support Personnel of the Year
- Hilda Gordon, Cecilia High – High School Level Outstanding Support Personnel of the Year
On the motion of Mr. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board went into Executive Session.
ABSENT: Mr. Stelly and Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Wiltz, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board came out of Executive Session.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Blanchard, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and carried, the Board approved the minutes of the following meetings:
a) Regular Meeting of August 3, 2005
b) Special Meeting of August 17, 2005
c) Finance Committee Meeting of August 17, 2005
d) Finance Committee Meeting of August 24, 2005
ABSTAINED: Mr. Potier and Mr. Wiltz ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mrs. Latiolais, seconded by Mr. Knott, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the recommendation of the August 17, 2005 Finance Committee to adopt the Original Budgets for the Year Ending June 30, 2006 for the General Fund, and the Separate Special Revenue Funds (the Federal Grants, the Federal Titles, the State Grants, the Lunch Fund, and the Sales Tax Funds).
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Stelly, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the recommendations of the August 24, 2005 Finance Committee, as follows:
a) Tax millages for 2005 to be unchanged from 2004, and authorize the Superintendent to furnish the necessary affidavit to the tax assessor’s office.
b) Adopt $0.40 per mile reimbursement for employee travel effective September 1, 2005, with a revisit and reconsideration of this rate in January 2006.
c) Correct the salary schedule of the Chief Financial Officer to reflect, in addition to other currently scheduled amounts, and in addition to Director’s Pay, the CFO should receive $9,500, and correct the salary of the current CFO accordingly from date of hire, September 10, 2003 to current date in accordance with the Board’s intentions at that time.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mr. Blanchard, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the August Sales Tax Salary Supplement in the amount of $500 to professional employees and $357 to paraprofessional employees.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board approved disbursement of $530 in the September 2005 payroll to all certificated personnel.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Stelly, and unanimously carried, the Board approved amending the salary schedule(s) for all certificated personnel to include the $299 permanent raise from the State through MFP funding.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Wiltz, seconded by Mr. Blanchard, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following items presented by the 2002 Capital Improvements Program Committee:
a) Substantial Completion for Parks Middle Restroom Upgrade
(Contractor: Garden City Contractors)
b) Substantial Completion for St. Martinville Primary Restroom Upgrade
(Contractor: Garden City Contractors)
c) Substantial Completion for Breaux Bridge Jr. High Gym Restroom Upgrade (Contractor: CAFCO)
d) Recommendation for the acceptance of the 2002 Capital Improvements Program Progress Report as presented at the September 7, 2005 meeting.
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and carried, the Board approved the request of the Acadiana Citizens for Community Values Organization to hold after school meetings with school parents and students of grades 7-12 for the purpose of identifying ways to combat dangers of child pornography on television, cellular phones, and the internet.
OPPOSED: Mr. Wiltz
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
Mr. Olan Granger, Energy and Maintenance Manager, presented the Board with energy and incentive reports relative to the Energy Management Program.
On the motion of Mr. Knott, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board approved a lease transfer from Mr. & Mrs. Joseph B. Webre to Randall James Firmin and Linda Lemoine Firmin for the remaining eight (8) years left on the lease.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
A motion was made by Mr. Ledoux and seconded by Mr. Blanchard to approve the request to advertise for bids for three (3) passenger buses, one (1) wheelchair accessible bus, and one (1) mini bus.
Mr. Ledoux withdrew his motion.
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Wiltz, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the request to advertise for bids for four (4) passenger buses, one (1) wheelchair accessible bus, and one (1) mini bus.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Knott, and unanimously carried, the Board approved a policy for administration of Diastat.
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following developed or revised policies for inclusion in the St. Martin Parish School Board Policy Manual:
a) CB: School Superintendent
b) GBD: Employment of Personnel
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Wiltz, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the policy revision regarding Student Appearance for inclusion in the St. Martin Parish School Board Policy Manual.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Wiltz, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following proclamations:
a) Declaring September 12-17, 2005, as American Character Week
1. September 11, 2005 will be the fourth anniversary of unprecedented terrorist attacks resulting in a momentous loss of life and property.
2. The terrorist hope to bring Americans to their knees. Instead, they brought Americans to their feet. The terrorist hoped to demoralize and intimidate Americans and undermine their way of life. Instead, Americans became more resolute in their commitment to cherished democratic and humanitarian principles that form the moral foundation of this nation.
3. The anniversary of tragedy is also an anniversary of triumph, a triumph of character – courage over cowardice, kindness over cruelty, service over selfishness, responsibility over indifference, love over hate, hope over fear and freedom over repression.
4. We should demonstrate our respect for the victims of this terrible day by commemorating the lives lost and damaged, but we should also honor and celebrate the countless acts of courage, compassion, loyalty, responsibility and other qualities that represent the best in human nature and the American character.
5. September 11th should not only be remembered as a day of great misfortune, but as a reminder of the great fortune we possess in the character of our people and in living in a country where character counts.
6. It should be a day of reflections and education involving activities that strengthen appreciation of and dedication to the core ethical values that constitute the pillars of the American character such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, fairness and good citizenship.
7. It should also be a day of action devoted to community service, an element of good citizenship and an expression of good character. Community service improves neighborhoods, eases suffering and reduces injustice while enhancing the lives and strengthening the characters of those who render it.
8. Community service is also a matter of national policy expressed in President George W. Bush’s call for all Americans to give at least 4,000 hours of service and The Spirit of American Act seeking to assure that the lives lost on September 11th are commemorated by acts of volunteer service.
THEREFORE, Be it resolved that I, E. R. Valerie Haaga, Superintendent of St. Martin Parish Schools, proclaim the period commencing September 12, 2005 and ending September 17, 2005 as ”r;American Character Week” and call upon schools, youth organizations, community groups and government agencies to use this period to:
1) Discuss and study the lives of Americans of extraordinary character.
2) Recognize local individuals who have in the past year demonstrated the highest qualities of the American character.
3) Teach young people about and encourage them to consider careers in public service.
4) Provide service-learning opportunities to young people including at least one hour of service during this period as a first step in a commitment to a life of regular community service.
b) Declaring September 18-24, 2005, as Suicide Prevention Week
WHEREAS, youth suicide is one of the most disruptive and tragic events a family and a community can experience; and
WHEREAS, adolescent suicide cuts across ethnic, economic, social, and age boundaries and is a significant cause of death in Louisiana and the United States; and
WHEREAS, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15-24 in Louisiana and the United States, claiming over 5,000 lives a year; and
WHEREAS, public awareness of this terrible problem is the key to preventing further suffering and loss of life; and
WHEREAS, the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program is recognized as the symbol for awareness and prevention of youth suicide by suicide prevention groups, crisis centers, schools, churches, youth centers, hospitals, counselors, teachers, parents, and youth throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, statewide initiatives, such as the Louisiana Suicide Prevention Task Force chaired by the Louisiana Adolescent Health Initiative of the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, have dedicated themselves to work collaboratively with the suicide and suicidal behaviors in the State of Louisiana and is committed to developing the first Louisiana Adolescent Suicide Prevention Plan; and
WHEREAS, statistics reveal that 95 percent of all suicides are preventable with the proper prevention and awareness.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, E. R. Valerie Haaga, Superintendent, and the St. Martin Parish School Board, do hereby proclaim September 18,-24, 2005 as
YELLOW RIBBON YOUTH SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION WEEK
in St. Martin Parish, and do urge all citizens to work to prevent youth suicide, wear a yellow ribbon, and to raise awareness and tolerance around all people affected by this tragedy.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
The Board Member’s request relative to discussing an employee salary adjustment was removed from the agenda.
The Board discussed hiring employees without Board authorization and the duties of bus drivers.
Mr. Gregory Hardy, Board Attorney, summarized two items discussed in executive session:
a) Pending litigation entitled, ”r;Wayne Watkins vs. St. Martin Parish School Board” (No action was taken)
b) Request from E. L. Habetz Builders, Inc.
On the motion of Mr. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Wiltz, and carried, the Board refused to pay any funds to E. L. Habetz Builders, Inc. and authorized Attorney Paul McMahon to proceed with arbitration on behalf of the St. Martin Parish School Board vs. E. L. Habetz Builders, Inc. regarding the St. Martinville Junior High School.
OPPOSED: Mr. Potier ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mrs. Latiolais, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board went into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.
On the motion of Mrs. Latiolais, seconded by Mr. Stelly, and unanimously carried, the Board came out of Executive Session.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Stelly, seconded by Mr. Potier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following Professional Personnel Changes, excluding the Registered Nurse:
APPOINTMENTS:
Ainsworth, James, Mild/Moderate, Breaux Bridge Senior High; effective August 11, 2005. (PL)
Boudreaux, Mandy, Kindergarten, Cecilia Primary; effective August 11, 2005.
Centanni, Sera, Kindergarten, Parks Primary; effective August 11, 2005. (Certified)
Duplechin, Gay, 5th grade, Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective August 11, 2005 (Certified)
Friedman, Susan, English, Breaux Bridge Senior High; effective August 11, 2005. (Certified)
Gomez, Susan, Registered Nurse, Cecilia School Based Health Center; effective September 8, 2005.
Gordan, Alzina, Mild/Moderate, Cecilia Primary; effective August 26, 2005. (Certified)
Hislop, Kevin, Science, Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective August 11, 2005. (Certified)
Jean-Francois, Lesly, French, Catahoula Elementary; effective August 22, 2005. (TAT)
Kirkham, Tracy, Language Arts, St. Martinville Junior High; effective August 11, 2005. (PL)
Lasseigne, Anne, Mild/Moderate, St. Martinville Elementary; effective August 11, 2005. (OFAT)
Logan, Pamela, Mild/Moderate, Teche Elementary; effective August 18, 2005. (TAT)
Martin, Everson, Band Director, St. Martinville Senior High; effective August 11, 2005. (Certified)
Trahan, Korey, Social Studies, Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective August 11, 2005. (Certified)
Shelton, Elizabeth, Kindergarten, Breaux Bridge Primary; effective August 11, 2005. (Certified)
Trimble, Dawn, Family and Consumer Science, St. Martinville Senior High; effective August 11, 2005. (Certified)
ONE SEMESTER APPOINTMENTS:
Benoit, April, Social Studies, Breaux Bridge Senior High; effective August 11, 2005 through January 9, 2006, replacing John Sopko.(Certified)
Bodin, Laura, Kindergarten, Early Learning Center; effective August 11, 2005.
FOREIGN ASSOCIATE TEACHER:
Bamba, Faul, Foreign Associate, Cecilia Primary; effective August 24, 2005.
TRANSFERS:
Anglin, Mary, from the Behavioral Interventionist at St. Martinville Elementary to Mild/Moderate at Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective August 11, 2005.
Antoine, Theresa, from 2nd grade at Cecilia Primary to 5th grade at Teche Elementary; effective August 11, 2005.
Aubry, Jessica, from Math at St. Martinville Senior High to Math at St. Martinville Junior High; effective August 11, 2005.
Boudreaux, Sharon, from a Registered Nurse at the Cecilia School Based Health Center to a Registered Nurse at the St. Martinville School Based Health Center; effective August 11, 2005.
Cormier, Pam, from Mild/Moderate at Cecilia Primary to 2nd grade at St. Martinville Primary; effective August 11, 2005.
Hebert, Patricia, from Gifted at St. Martinville Primary to Gifted at St. Martinville Elementary; effective August 11, 2005.
Navarre, Andria, from Mild/Moderate to Parent Educator (Even Start) at Breaux Bridge Primary; effective August 11, 2005.
Sellers, Leslie, from 2nd grade at Breaux Bridge Primary to 4th grade at Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective August 11, 2005.
Wright, Levi, from Family & Consumer Science to Special Education at St. Martinville Junior High; effective August 11, 2005.
TEMPORARY TRANSFERS:
Breaux, Glen, from Principal at Breaux Bridge Primary to Interim Principal at Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective 2005/2006 school year.
Huval, Pennye, from Assistant Principal to Acting Principal at Breaux Bridge Primary; effective 2005/2006 school year.
SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Bonner, Ralph, Principal, Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective August 11, 2005 through May 27, 2005.
MEDICAL LEAVES:
Cormier, Shirley, Dean of Students, Cecilia Senior; effective August 18, 2005 through October 13, 2005.
Gautreaux, Bernice, 1st grade, Cecilia Primary; effective August 11, 2005 through September 7, 2005.
Nora, Savana, Foreign Language Coordinator, Parks Middle; effective August 1, 2005 through January 1, 2006.
Roberts, Lucille, 5th grade, St. Martinville Elementary; effective August 15, 2005 through September 7, 2005.
MATERNITY LEAVES:
Guidry, Callie, Mild/Moderate, Teche Elementary; effective January 7, 2006 through February 20, 2006.
Hulin, Khristy, Coordinator, JCEP/PAC; effective November 14, 2005 through January 16, 2006.
RESIGNATIONS:
Acouetey, Fafadji, Foreign Associate Teacher, Catahoula Elementary; effective May 27, 2005.
DeRouen, Bonnie, Kindergarten, Breaux Bridge Primary; effective May 27, 2005.
Guillory, Robert, Mild/Moderate, Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective May 27, 2005.
Hand, Michelle, Social Studies, Breaux Bridge Senior High; effective May 27, 2005.
Herrick, Julia, Mild/Moderate, Teche Elementary; effective August 15, 2005.
LeBlanc, Nikki, Social Studies, Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective May 27, 2005.
Lemoine, Jessica, Speech Therapist, St. Martinville Elementary; effective May 27, 2005.
Whitlow, James, Band, Breaux Bridge Senior High; effective August 9, 2005.
DROP/RETIREMENT PROGRAM:
Bonner, Ralph, Principal, Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective August 1, 2005.
Dauphine, Connie, English, Cecilia Senior High; effective January 9, 2006.
Dauphine, Elizabeth, Special Education, Parks Middle; effective January 10, 2006.
Walker, Candy, School Nurse, St. Martinville area; effective January 14, 2006.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Stelly, seconded by Mr. Blanchard, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following Paraprofessional Personnel Changes:
APPOINTMENTS:
Daigle, Lisa, Teacher Aide (LA-4), Parks Primary; effective August 11, 2005.
Dugas, Allen, Custodian, Teche Elementary; effective September 8, 2005.
Lagrange, Julie, Part-time Custodian, Cecilia Junior High; effective September 8, 2005.
Simon, Lucinda, Bus Attendant, St. Martinville area; effective September 8, 2005.
RESCINDING REQUEST FOR A LEAVE WITHOUT PAY:
Williams, Albert, Bus Driver, Breaux Bridge area; effective September 8, 2005.
MEDICAL LEAVES:
Calais, Patsy, Bus Attendant, Cecilia Area; effective August 15, 2005 through December 20, 2005.
Guidry, Barbara, Teacher Aide, Cecilia Primary; effective August 15, 2005.
Houston, Harold, Custodian, St. Martinville Elementary/Nature Trail; effective August 4, 2005.
Thibeaux, Mary Rose, Teacher Aide, Teche Elementary; effective August 30, 2005 through September 30, 2005.
TRANSFERS:
Colbert, Dianne, from a Teacher Aide (LA-4) at Parks Primary to a Teacher Aide at Early Learning Center; effective August 11, 2005.
Guidry, Lisa, from a Part-time Custodian at Cecilia Junior High to a Full-time Custodian at Cecilia Senior High; effective September 8, 2005.
Simon, Sandra, from Part-time Food Services Technician at St. Martinville Elementary to Part-time Food Services Technician at St. Martinville Primary; effective September 8, 2005.
DROP/RETIREMENT PROGRAM:
Aysenne, Gail, Teacher Aide, Stephensville Elementary; effective August 1, 2005.
RESIGNATION:
Goodyear, April, Bus Attendant, St. Martinville area; effective May 27, 2005.
RETIREMENT:
Roberts, Eula, Food Services Technician, Cecilia Senior High; effective August 1, 2005.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mr. Potier, and unanimously carried, consider and/or approve the appointment of Lucinda Simon as a bus attendant was added to the agenda.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mr. Blanchard, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the appointment of Lucinda Simon as a bus attendant.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Wiltz, seconded by Mr. Blanchard, and unanimously carried, the Board approved extra pay for the St. Martinville Senior High Football ticket sellers.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Wiltz, seconded by Mr. Potier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the request for extended employment pay for Kim Girouard, Regina Guidry, Morgan Guillory, Patricia Theriot, and Angela Toncrey, Parks Primary After-Care Program.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Potier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the appointment of Edward Boyd as a Title I contracted employee for the Juvenile Detention Center.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Knott, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the request of Jeanne Guidroz, 1st grade teacher at Cecilia Primary, to retire, sit out one day, and return to work.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
Superintendent Haaga informed the Board that her recommendation is to table the appointment of Special Services Supervisor II until further review of the requirements.
On the motion of Mr. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Stelly, and carried, the Board tabled the appointment of Special Services Supervisor II.
OPPOSED: Mr. Potier and Mr. Ledoux
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mrs. Latiolais, seconded by Mr. Ledoux, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the recommendation of the Superintendent and appointed Susan Gomez as the Registered Nurse at Cecilia School Based Health Center.
ABSENT: Mr. Johnson
On the motion of Mr. Wiltz, seconded by Mr. Blanchard, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
__________________________ _________________________________
SECRETARY PRESIDENT