ST. MARTIN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
APRIL 4, 2007
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., James Blanchard, President, Floyd Knott, Steve Fuselier, Aaron Flegeance, Mark Hebert, Richard Potier, Rodney Ledoux, and Mrs. Barbara Latiolais and Ms. Wanda Babin.
ABSENT: Mr. Frederic Stelly
The meeting was called to order by Mr. James Blanchard, President.
Superintendent Lavergne opened the meeting with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Board President James Blanchard removed the following items from the agenda:
a) Consider and/or approve correction on out of zone policy
b) Consider and/or approve partnering with Keep St. Martin Beautiful for a one time parish-wide litter clean-up
ABSENT: Mr. Stelly
On the motion of Mr. Knott, seconded by Mr. Potier, and unanimously carried, consider and/or approve Kids in Crisis Social Services Block Grant was added to the agenda.
ABSENT: Mr. Stelly
The Board honored the 2006-2007 Students of the Year. Parish winners were:
Maxlond Williams, Breaux Bridge Elementary, Grade 5
Maci Boudreaux, Cecilia Junior High, Grade 8
Chante Calais, Cecilia High, Grade 12
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and carried, the Board approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 7, 2007.
RECUSED: Mr. Fuselier
ABSENT: Mr. Stelly
On the motion of Mr. Flegeance, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board approved disbursement of the April Sales Tax Salary Supplement in the amount of $500 to professional employees and $357 to paraprofessional employees.
ABSENT: Mr. Stelly
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the request for permission to call for bids on the following:
a) Paper
b) Colored Paper
On the motion of Mr. Stelly, seconded by Mr. Knott, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the recommendation of the administration for the acceptance of bids on
A/C Air Filters (2007-2008) to Acadiana Filter Service, Inc. in the amount of $22,800.00 for a term of 1 year.
On the motion of Mr. Stelly, seconded by Mr. Knott, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the recommendation of the administration for the acceptance of bids on Janitorial Supplies to Economical Janitorial ($29,855.64) and Unisource ($1,928.64).
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following resolution regarding authorized signatures at the bank:
WHEREAS LSA-L.R. 17:97 A. except as otherwise provided, requires local school board checks to be signed by the president and the treasurer or by any two officers or persons designated by the board; and
WHEREAS LSA-L.R. 17:97 A. additionally provides that a local school board may authorize its president and treasurer to sign a master payroll check to be deposited in a special payroll account, in which case the signature of the treasurer or other such officer or person as is designated by the board shall be sufficient for the payment of the individual payroll checks drawn against the special payroll account; and
WHEREAS LSA-L.R. 17:97 B. provides that any parish school board may by resolution authorize its president and treasurer, or either of them, or such other officers or persons as it designates, to use a check signing machine or other similar mechanical device for facsimile signatures in signing any or all checks issued by the school board and requiring the signature of either or both of these officers or persons; and
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT the St. Martin Parish School Board designates its President, or in the absence of its President its Vice President, and its Superintendent/Treasurer, or in the absence its Superintendent/Treasurer its Chief Financial Officer, to sign checks drawn on the school board, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the St. Martin Parish School Board authorizes the use of facsimile signatures in signing any or all checks issued by the school board, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the St. Martin Parish School Board authorizes and requires two of the following signatures for its Master Checking Account, either its President, or in the absence of its President, its Vice President, and its Superintendent/Treasurer, or in the absence of its Superintendent/Treasurer its Chief Financial Officer; one or both which may be facsimile signatures, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the St. Martin Parish School Board authorizes and requires one of the following signatures for its Payroll Checking Account, either its
Superintendent/Treasurer or its Chief Financial Officer; either which may be facsimile signatures, and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT provided that whenever two facsimile signatures are being used, the St. Martin Parish School Board requires that either its President or in the absence of its President, its Vice President, and its Superintendent/Treasurer, or in the absence of its Superintendent/Treasurer its Chief Financial Officer will, using original signatures, sign (once) a check register reflecting all of checks that were signed using facsimile signatures.
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the 2007-2008 Insurance quotes on Property and Casualty, Liability and Workers’ Compensation.
On the motion of Mr. Knott, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the Kids in Crisis Social Services Block Grant and the advertisement of a project director.
A motion was made by Mr. Potier and seconded by Ms. Babin to approve the request for permission to use the JCEP gym in May and June for a dance and waiver the deposit and insurance for Community Action Agency.
Mr. Ledoux made a substitute motion to table the request and form a committee to revise the form including a statement for liability. The substitute motion died for lack of a second.
The original motion was then voted on and carried as follows:
FOR: Mr. Knott, Mr. Fuselier, Mr. Flegeance, Mrs. Latiolais, Mr. Potier, Mr. Stelly, and Ms. Babin
ABSTAINED: Mr. Hebert and Mr. Ledoux
On the motion of Ms. Babin, seconded by Mr. Knott, and carried, the Board approved to waive the deposit and insurance for use of the JCEP gym on Easter Sunday for Sheriff Duputy Fontenot.
FOR: Mr. Knott, Mr. Fuselier, Mr. Flegeance, Mrs. Latiolais, Mr. Potier, and Ms. Babin
ABSTAINED: Mr. Stelly
OPPOSED: Mr. Hebert and Mr. Ledoux
A motion was made by Mr. Knott and seconded by Mrs. Latiolais to authorize administration to meet and negotiate with the Sheriff’s Department to include the Junior High Schools in the upcoming contract renewal for School Resource Officers.
Mr. Stelly made a substitute motion, seconded by Mr. Hebert, to table contracting School Resource Officers at parish middle schools until the next Board meeting and authorize the administration to look at other avenues. The substitute motion was then voted on and carried as follows:
FOR: Mr. Fuselier, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Potier, Mr. Ledoux, and Mr. Stelly
OPPOSED: Mr. Knott, Mr. Flegeance, Mrs. Latiolais, and Ms. Babin
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and carried, the Board approved the proposed 2007-2008 School Calendar for St. Martin Parish Schools.
OPPOSED: Mr. Ledoux and Mr. Stelly
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the extension of the Adult Education Program at the Evangeline Technical College with expenses to be covered by the Youth Build Program.
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved rescinding the bid for the lot at 4-mile Bayou.
On the motion of Mr. Flegeance, seconded by Mr. Hebert, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following proclamations:
a) Declaring April 15-21, 2007 as National Library Week
WHEREAS, our nation’s public, academic, school and specialized libraries transform their communities;
WHEREAS, libraries play a vital role in supporting the quality of life in their communities;
WHEREAS, librarians are trained professionals, helping people of all ages and backgrounds find the resources they need to live, learn and work in the 21st century;
WHEREAS, libraries are part of the American Dream – places for opportunity, education, self-help and lifelong learning;
WHEREAS, libraries bring you a world of knowledge both in person and online;
WHEREAS, libraries are a key player in the national discourse on intellectual freedom, equity of access, and narrowing the ”r;digital divide;”
WHEREAS, libraries, librarians, library workers and supporters across America are celebrating National Library Week with The Campaign for America’s Libraries.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the St. Martin Parish School Board does hereby proclaim National Library Week, April 15-21, 2007. We encourage all residents to visit the library this week to take advantage of the wonderful library resources available and thank their librarians and library workers for making information accessible to all who walk through the library’s doors. Come see why now is the perfect time to come together @ your library.
b) Declaring April 23-27, 2007 as Violence Awareness Week
WHEREAS, St. Martin Parish School Board is dedicated to providing the children of the parish with a safe, healthy and Violence-Free environment to attend school; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana has implemented a successful Violence-Free program; and
WHEREAS, St. Martin Parish School Board has developed an exemplary program to steer children away from violence; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of St. Martin Parish want all students to succeed in a safe school; and
WHEREAS, business, government, law enforcement, religious institution, service organizations, medical, senior citizens, military, sports teams, and individuals have demonstrated their commitment to Violence-Free schools; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Martin Parish School Board urges continued support and funding for the successful Violence-Free School Program.
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board went into Executive Session.
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Knott, and unanimously carried, the Board came out of Executive Session.
On the motion of Mrs. Latiolais, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved to authorize Attorney Bob Rainer to continue with negotiations and settlement regarding outstanding tax issue.
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the settlement in the case of Julie Norris vs. Patrick Lavergne, St. Martin Parish School Board, and Coregis Insurance Company Docket No. 68430-B in the amount of $4,470.41.
On the motion of Mr. Flegeance, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the settlement in the case of Clovis Sylvester, Individually and on behalf of his minor child, Brittania Sylvester vs. St. Martin Parish School Board Docket No. 69320-B in the amount of $3,500.00 plus all court costs.
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved to allow Employees A and B to return to work.
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mr. Knott, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following Professional Personnel Changes:
APPOINTMENT:
Babin, Rowena, 4th grade, Parks Primary; effective April 14, 2007.
MATERNITY LEAVES:
Meaux, Kara, Assistant Principal, Breaux Bridge Senior High; effective July 26, 2007 through August 30, 2007.
Theriot, Charee, Principal, St. Martinville Primary; effective April 4, 2007 through May 21, 2007.
Thibodaux, Wendi, Business, St. Martinville Senior High; effective May 2, 2007 through May 25, 2007.
MEDICAL LEAVE:
Boudreaux, Janel, 2nd grade, Breaux Bridge Primary; effective March 19, 2007.
SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Doucet, Dawn, Kindergarten, Catahoula Elementary; effective Fall 07/08 semester.
RESIGNATIONS:
Leathwood, Gail, Exploratory Teacher, Cecilia Junior High; effective March 28, 2007.
Richard, Angel, 4th grade, Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective March 9, 2007.
DROP/RETIREMENT PROGRAM:
Hypolite, Sandra, Business, St. Martinville Senior High; effective April 29, 2007.
RETIREMENTS:
Babin, Rowena, 4th grade, Parks Primary; effective April 13, 2007.
Haaga, Valerie, Superintendent; effective April 1, 2007.
Huval, Camile, 5th grade, Teche Elementary; effective May 26, 2007.
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mr. Knott, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following Paraprofessional Personnel Changes:
APPOINTMENTS:
Barron, Anthony, Plumber, Maintenance; effective April 5, 2007.
Fournier, Patricia, part-time Food Services Technician, Breaux Bridge Primary; effective April 5, 2007.
TRANSFERS:
Calais, Katina, from part-time to full-time Food Services Technician at Breaux Bridge Senior High; effective February 8, 2007.
Hill, Reginald, from part-time to full-time Food Services Technician at Breaux Bridge Primary; effective April 5, 2007.
MEDICAL LEAVES:
Blanchard, Marshall, Custodian, Catahoula Elementary; effective March 12, 2007 through April 6, 2007.
Hayes, Terry, Bus Driver, St. Martinville area; effective March 7, 2007 through March 21, 2007.
Jacquet, Barbara, Custodian Early Learning Center; effective March 7, 2007 through April 10, 2007.
DROP/RETIREMENT PROGRAM:
Angelle, Geraldine, Teacher Aide, Cecilia Primary; effective June 19, 2007.
Johnson, Elaine T., Food Services Technician, Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective March 8, 2007.
Olivier, Virginia, Bus Driver, St. Martinville area; effective June 1, 2007.
RESIGNATION:
Barras, Jennifer, Teacher Aide/Even Start, Breaux Bridge Primary; effective March 19, 2007.
RETIREMENTS:
Williams, Daisy, Custodian, Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective June 15, 2007.
Wiltz, Shirley, Food Services Technician, Breaux Bridge Primary; effective September 16, 2006.
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Ledoux, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the coaching stipend for the girls’ assistant basketball coach at Cecilia Senior High.
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the request for extra employment pay for Sera Centanni, Kim Palomarez, Catherine Guidry, Kimberly Girouard, Angela Toncrey, and Kimberly LeBlanc for the Parks Primary After-Care Program for the month of February.
On the motion of Mr. Knott, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the request from the employee for a nine month unpaid leave.
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the request for permission to advertise for the Extended School Year
Program (ESYP) for Special Services, tentatively from May 31, 2007 through July 27, 2007 with a Fourth of July holiday break from July 02 through July 06, 2007.
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and carried, the Board approved the following two-year administrative contracts, effective July 1, 2007:
THOSE EXPIRING ON JUNE 18, 2007
SUPERVISORS – Two-year contract renewal:
Lottie P. Beebe, Director of Human Resources
Eddie Cormier, Title I Math Supervisor
Raymond Latiolais, Title I Reading Supervisor
THOSE EXPIRING ON JUNE 30, 2007
SUPERVISORS – Two-year contract renewal:
Clair Blanchard, Supervisor of School Food Services
Edmonia Jackson, Supervisor of Continuing Education
Bridget Lovvorn, Supervisor of Special Services
PRINCIPALS – Two-year contract renewal:
Ralph Bonner, Breaux Bridge Elementary
Ronnie Dore, Breaux Bridge Senior High
Patti Guidry, Teche Elementary
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS – Two-year contract renewal:
Rene Angelle, Breaux Bridge Senior High
Ginger Francis, St. Martinville Senior High
THOSE EXPIRING ON JULY 11, 2007
PRINCIPALS – Two-year contract renewal:
Michael Kreamer, St. Martinville Sr. High
Roger Wiltz, Parks Middle
THOSE EXPIRING ON AUGUST 8, 2007
SUPERVISORS – Two-year contract renewal:
Brenda Courville, Supervisor of LaTAAP
PRINCIPALS – Two-year contract renewal:
Jessica Landry, Early Learning Center
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS – Two-year contract renewal:
Wanda Phillips, Cecilia Primary
ABSTAINED: Mr. Ledoux
On the motion of Mrs. Latiolais, seconded by Mr. Ledoux, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
_____________________________ _______________________________
SECRETARY PRESIDENT