ST. MARTIN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
SEPTEMBER 5, 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.
Ms. Lottie Beebe, Director of Human Resources, presented the Outstanding Support Personnel winners with trophies:
- Nana Dore, Early Learning Center
- Lynette George, St. Martinville Primary
- Patsy Thibodeaux, Breaux Bridge Primary
- Brooke Richard, Cecilia Primary
- Rochelle Sylvester, Breaux Bridge Elementary
- Lillian Suire, Catahoula Elementary
- Velma Serrette, Teche Elementary
- Rachel Louviere, Breaux Bridge Junior High
- Terry Melancon, Cecilia Junior High
- Beckie Cole, St. Martinville Junior High
- Alice Filer, Parks Middle
- Mike Menard, St. Martinville Senior High
- Pam Angelle, Cecilia Senior High
- Allen Dore, Parks Primary – Elementary Level
Outstanding Support Personnel of the Year
- Samantha Miller, Stephensville Elementary – Middle School Level
Outstanding Support Personnel of the Year
- Bernadine Jones, Breaux Bridge Senior High – High School Level
Outstanding Support Personnel of the Year
The meeting was recessed for fifteen minutes for refreshments.
The Board Member’s request relative to reconsideration of students when released from JCEP immediate participation in extra-curricular activities was removed from the agenda.
ABSENT: None
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 1, 2007, with
corrections.
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved disbursement of the September Sales Tax Salary Supplement in the amount of $300 to professional employees and $250 to paraprofessional employees.
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the amendments to the Student Assignment Policy and appointed Mr. Knott as the spokesperson (attached as Exhibit A).
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Stelly, and unanimously carried, the Board approved no changes in the property tax millage rates for 2007, leaving them unchanged as compared to 2006, and authorized the Superintendent to furnish the necessary affidavit to the Tax Assessor of St. Martin Parish.
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Ms. Babin, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following bid recommendations:
a) Dishwashing Supplies – Ecolab, Inc. ($10,722.50)
b) Steamer – Alack Refrigeration ( $19,171.00)
c) Joint Fuel Bid – FleetCor Technologies Operating Company
d) Fast ForWord Products – Scientific Learning Corp. ($131,600.00)
e)
On the motion of Mr. Flegeance, seconded by Ms. Babin, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following year-end transfers from the general fund as of June 30, 2007:
a) $450,000 to the workers’ compensation fund to cover a fund balance deficit
b) $250,000 to the transportation fund to cover transportation purchases as approved by the Board
c) $1,685,000 to the capital projects fund to cover capital projects not funded by bond money, as approved by the Board
d) $250,000 to the group health fund
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mr. Ledoux, and unanimously carried, the Public Hearing was opened.
On the motion of Mr. Flegeance, seconded by Mr. Stelly, and unanimously carried, the Public Hearing was closed and the Board approved budgets for the general fund and the special revenue funds for the year ending June 30, 2008 (attached as Exhibit B), and the following resolution:
WHEREAS one of the specific duties of the School Board is to adopt the annual operating budget, as recommended by the Superintendent; and
WHEREAS the public notice was made by the St. Martin Parish School Board indicating that such preliminary annual budgets were available for public inspection; and
WHEREAS the public notice of the St. Martin Parish School Board also indicated that a public hearing (specifying the time, date and place) on the final adoption of this budget would be held on September 5, 2007, and
WHEREAS such noticed was published in the official journal on August 8, 2007; and
WHEREAS the public hearing regarding the final adoption of these budgets has been duly held and such hearing is now concluded; and
WHEREAS Mr. Richard Lavergne, in his capacity as Superintendent, and through his staff member Mr. Emile E. Soulier, III, in his capacity as Chief Financial Officer, have prepared the preliminary annual operating budget for the general fund and the separate revenue funds for the twelve months ending June 30, 2008, in accordance with the rules and regulations as prescribed by statutes and by the State Superintendent of Education; and do hereby recommend adoption of said budgets;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Preliminary Annual Operating Budget for the year ending June 30, 2008 is hereby adopted, which includes the general fund budget and the several special revenue fund budgets; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary-Treasurer of the St. Martin Parish School Board, Richard Lavergne, or his successor, is hereby authorized and in his sole discretion, to make such changes within the various budget classifications as he may deem necessary provided that any reallocation of funds affecting in excess of five percent (5%) of the revised budgeted revenues must be approved in advance by action of the School Board at a meeting duly noticed and convened, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby certifies completion of all action required and does hereby cause a notice to be published indicating the same.
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Ledoux, and carried, the Board approved to table action on the Business Office reorganization.
FOR: Mr. Knott, Mr. Fuselier, Mrs. Latiolais, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Ledoux, Mr. Stelly, Ms. Babin
OPPOSED: Mr. Flegeance and Mr. Potier
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved a change in the Expense Reimbursement Policy DJD.
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the revised policies for inclusion in the St. Martin Parish School Board Policy Manual:
a) JDD, Suspension
b) JDE, Expulsion
On the motion of Mr. Knott, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved placing a metal roof on Cecilia Junior High School.
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mr. Knott, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following proclamations:
a) Declaring September 10-14, 2007 as Accessibility Awareness Week
WHEREAS, mandates require that all students have access to and make progress in the general education curriculum; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana has been addressing accessibility through initiatives for universal design for learning, assistive technology, and various programs for students with a variety of learning styles, differences, and abilities; and
WHEREAS, advances in curriculum, new resources, and internet tools that promise greater opportunities to students can be a barrier to active learning if these resources are not accessible to some learners; and
WHEREAS, barriers for participation in the full range of educational activities need to be reduced so that all students can be active learners in Louisiana’s curriculum; and
WHEREAS, universal access to curriculum can be achieved by greater involvement by all participants in the educational process in order to ensure that accessibility is a component of the climate of teaching and learning; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this week is to increase awareness of the value and the necessity to provide accessible materials, formats, instruction, and curriculum so that to include all students are involved in the teaching and learning process.
NOW, THEREFORE, the St. Martin Parish School Board does hereby proclaim the week of September 10-14, 2007 as
ACCESSIBILITY AWARENESS WEEK in the State of Louisiana.
b) Declaring September 10-14, 2007 as American Character Week
1. September 10, 2007 will be the Sixth 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, Richard Lavergne, Superintendent of St. Martin Parish Schools, proclaim the period commencing September 10, 2007 and ending September 14, 2007 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.
c) Declaring September 15-21, 2007 as Suicide Awareness 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 Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program to prevent youth 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, Richard Lavergne, Superintendent, and the St. Martin Parish School board, do hereby proclaim September 15-21, 2007, 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.
Mrs. Denise Frederick, Principal, expressed concerns regarding benches for the gym, covered walk, and commons area at St. Martinville Junior High School. On the motion of Mr. Knott, seconded by Mr. Hebert, and unanimously carried, the Board approved to allow the administration to advertise for proposals and present a report at the next Finance Committee meeting.
Board Member Barbara Latiolais expressed concerns regarding the next school calendar year. No action was taken.
A motion was made by Mr. Hebert and seconded by Mr. Flegeance to terminate the contract for architectural services with Henry Boudreaux, effective January 1, 2008, and allow all architects in the parish to have equal opportunity.
Mr. Knott made a substitute motion, seconded by Mr. Potier, to renew the contract for architectural services with Henry Boudreaux; however, when there is major project, divide the work equally as done in the past. The substitute motion was then voted on and tied. The President exercised his right to vote and voted in opposition to the motion. The motion failed, as follows:
FOR: Mr. Knott, Mrs. Latiolais, Mr. Potier, Ms. Babin
OPPOSED: Mr. Fuselier, Mr. Flegeance, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Ledoux, and Mr. Blanchard
ABSTAINED: Mr. Stelly
The original motion was then voted on and failed, as follows:
FOR: Mr. Fuselier and Mr. Hebert
OPPOSED: Mr. Knott, Mr. Flegeance, Mrs. Latiolais, Mr. Potier, and Ms. Babin
ABSTAINED: Mr. Stelly
ABSENT: Mr. Ledoux
On the motion of Mr. Flegeance, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board went into Executive Session.
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board came out of Executive Session.
ABSENT: None
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and carried, the Board approved to follow the policy (Step 4), which involves a three (3) day suspension without
pay for the employee discussed in Executive Session.
OPPOSED: Mrs. Babin
On the motion of Mrs. Latiolais, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved to supplement the Plan Document as discussed in Executive Session.
On the motion of Mr. Flegeance, seconded by Ms. Babin, and unanimously carried, the Board approved not to enter into settlement negotiations in the case entitled Lafayette Bone and Joint Clinic vs. St. Martin Parish School Board, Docket No. 06-05679, Dist. 04 OWC.
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board approved settlement in the case entitled W.R. Grace & Co., U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware, Docket No. 01-1139.
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mr. Knott, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following Professional Personnel Changes, excluding the transfer of Patricia Charlot and the retirement of Wayne Watkins:
APPOINTMENTS:
Abel, Amariah, Language Arts, Cecilia Junior High; effective August 29, 2007.
Alis, Hasan, French, Cecilia Senior High; effective August 8, 2007.
Cappello, Agnes, French, Cecilia Junior High; effective August 9, 2007.
Devillier, Greg, GED, Breaux Bridge Senior High; effective August 9, 2007.
Huval, Dianne, Language, Teche Elementary; effective August 27, 2007.
Landry, Stacey, 1st grade, St. Martinville Primary; effective August 8, 2007.
Sloane, Grace, Kindergarten, Cecila Primary; effective; effective August 8, 2007.
Smith, Tonia, 3rd grade, Cecilia Primary; effective August 8, 2007.
ONE SEMESTER APPOINTMENTS:
Foti, Betty, ELA/Math, Catahoula Elementary; effective September 4, 2007 through December 21, 2007. (replacing Michelle Richard)
ONE YEAR APPOINTMENT:
Conner, Susan, Special Education, Catahoula Elementary; effective August 8, 2007 through May 23, 2008.
TRANSFERS:
Broussard, Belinda, from 2nd grade to part-time Tutor at Catahoula Elementary; effective August 8, 2007.
Comeaux, Charla, from Language Arts at St. Martinville Junior High to 4th grade at Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective August 8, 2007.
Cuplpepper, Richard, 5th grade at Breaux Bridge Elementary to 7th Exploratory at Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective August 28, 2007.
Knight, Cynthia, from 6th grade at Breaux Bridge Elementary to 6th grade at Teche Elementary; effective August 8, 2007.
Nabors, Joseph, from GED at Breaux Bridge Senior High to Band Director at Breaux Bridge Elementary/Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective September 6, 2007
Velazquez, Lois, from 5th grade at Breaux Bridge Elementary to 8th Exploratory at Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective August 28, 2007.
MEDICAL LEAVE:
Cormier, Pam, 3rd grade, Cecilia Primary; effective August 22, 2007.
FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE:
LeBlanc, Mildred, Curriculum Coordinator, St. Martinville Primary; effective August 16, 2007.
MATERNITY LEAVES:
Allemond, Holly, Special Education, Cecilia Senior High; effective December 20, 2007 through February 14, 2008.
Bertrand, Tiffany, Registered Nurse, Cecilia School Based Health Center; effective December 3, 2007 through January 7, 2008.
Allums, Arianne, Speech Pathologist, Early Learning Center; effective November 20, 2007 through January 6, 2008.
Hamilton, Nicole, 5th grade, Parks Middle; effective November 26, 2007 through February 6, 2008.
Landry, Cheryl, 6th grade, Parks Middle; effective September 19, 2007 through October 30, 2007.
RESIGNATIONS:
Fontenot, Agatha, French/English, Cecilia Junior High; effective August 8, 2007. (no exit – declined job offer)
Thibodeaux, Dwayne, Social Studies, Cecilia Senior High; effective July 31, 2007.
DROP/RETIREMENT PROGRAM:
Landry, Janet, Instructional Interventionist, Special Services; January 8, 2008.
Robertson, Deirdre, Homebound, Special Services; effective December 22, 2007.
RETIREMENTS:
Leblanc, Janelle Pangle, Math, Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective May 26, 2007.
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following Paraprofessional Personnel Changes:
PERMANENT FULL-TIME SUBSTITUTES:
Broussard, Ashley, Full-time Substitute Bus Operator; effective September 6, 2007.
Joseph, Elaine, Full-time Substitute Bus Operator; effective September 6, 2007.
TRANSFERS:
Carnell, Michelle, from Teacher Aide at Parks Primary to Early Learning Center; effective September 6, 2007.
Elaire, Cecile, from Special Education Aide at Breaux Bridge Elementary to Breaux Bridge Primary; effective September 6, 2007.
Menard, Michael, from Custodian at St. Martinville Senior High to Custodial/Delivery at the Instructional Center; effective September 6, 2007.
Thibodeaux, Herbert, from 10 1/2 month to 12 month Transportation Manager, Instructional Center; effective September 6, 2007.
RESIGNATION:
Miller, Lacy, Teacher Aide, Stephensville Elementary; effective May 25, 2007.
RETIREMENTS:
Latiolais, Bobby, Custodian, Instructional Center; effective August 20, 2007.
Latiolais, Malinda, Bus Operator, St. Martinville area; effective June 27, 2007.
On the motion of Mr. Flegeance, seconded by Mr. Stelly, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
________________________ ________________________
SECRETARY PRESIDENT