ST. MARTIN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
MAY 7, 2008
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, Mark Hebert, Floyd Knott, Steve Fuselier, Aaron Flegeance, Richard Potier, Rodney Ledoux, Frederic Stelly, and Ms. Wanda Babin and Mrs. Barbara Latiolais.
ABSENT: None
The meeting was called to order by Mr. James Blanchard, President. Superintendent Lavergne opened the meeting with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Board Member’s request relative to hiring three (3) teachers for in-school suspension at Cecilia Junior High, Breaux Bridge Junior High, and St. Martinville Junior High Schools was removed from the agenda.
The item relative to the appraisal of the Arnaudville School property located on the west side of the Bayou Teche, formerly the site of the Tiny Tot Daycare was postponed until the November Board meeting.
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mr. Stelly, and unanimously carried, the Board approved Minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 2, 2008.
A motion was made by Mr. Ledoux and seconded by Mr. Potier to add to the agenda discuss the process used to hire secretaries. The motion was then voted on and carried as follows:
FOR: Mr. Knott, Mr. Fuselier, Mr. Flegeance, Mrs. Latiolais, Mr. Potier, Mr. Ledoux, Mr. Stelly, and Mrs. Babin
OPPOSED: Mr. Hebert and Mr. Blanchard
A motion was made by Mr. Potier and seconded by Mr. Ledoux to approve the Professional Personnel Changes, excluding the resignation of Mr. Paul Vidrine. The motion was then voted on carried as follows:
FOR: Mr. Knott, Mr. Fuselier, Mr. Flegeance, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Potier, Mr. Ledoux, Mr. Stelly, and Ms. Babin
OPPOSED: Mrs. Latiolais
APPOINTMENTS:
Fauntleroy, Ivy, Vision Impaired/Homebound, Special Services; effective August 6, 2008.
Landry, Georgia Galloway, 1st grade, Stephensville Elementary; effective August 6, 2008.
Smith, Krissa, Art, Cecilia Senior High; effective August 6, 2008.
Taylor, Chase, GED/Coach, Cecilia Senior High; effective August 6, 2008.
TRANSFERS:
Boggs, Kily, from Kindergarten at Catahoula Elementary to Pre-kindergarten at the Early Learning Center; effective August 6, 2008.
Jones, Leah, from Special Education at St. Martinville Primary to Special Education at JCEP/PAC; effective March 31, 2008.
Kately, Jennifer, from Special Education at Parks Primary to Special Education at Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective August 6, 2008.
Louviere, Crystal, from 4th grade at St. Marttinville Primary to 6-8th at Catahoula Elementary; effective August 6, 2008.
SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Isaac, Brandi, Language Arts, Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective January 5, 2009 through May 26, 2009.
MATERNITY LEAVES:
Guagliardo, Allison, Pre-K, Stephensville Elementary; effective October 16, 2008 through December 1, 2008.
Hesse-Parham, Alexandra, 4th grade, Teche Elementary; effective March 31, 2008 through May 23, 2008.
Schexnaider, Leslie, Social Studies, St. Martinville Senior High; effective August 14, 2008 through September 25, 2008.
MEDICAL LEAVES:
Celestine, Ruby, English, Parks Middle; effective April 23, 2008 through May 23, 2008.
Domec, Cheryll, Language Arts, Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective April 1, 2008 through May 23, 2008.
Paddio, Audrey, Science, Cecilia Junior High; effective March 19, 2008 through April 11, 2008.
RESIGNATIONS:
Bonin, Jason, GED/Coach, Cecilia Senior High; effective May 23, 2008.
Dehrab, Rachelle, Special Education, St. Martinville Junior High; effective May 23, 2008.
Elliot, Marisa, English, Breaux Bridge Senior High; effective May 23, 2008.
Lemaire, Amy, 2nd grade, Breaux Bridge Primary; effective May 23, 2008.
Picard, Jill, 5th grade, Parks Middle; effective May 23, 2008.
Reed, Kristie, 1st grade, Stephensville Elementary; effective May 23, 2008.
A motion was made by Mr. Hebert and seconded by Mrs. Latiolais to table the appointment of the Secretary at Cecilia Junior High School until the June School Board meeting. The motion was then voted on and carried as follows:
FOR: Mr. Knott, Mr. Fuselier, Mr. Flegeance, Mrs. Latiolais, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Stelly, and Ms. Babin
OPPOSED: Mr. Potier and Mr. Ledoux
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following Paraprofessional Personnel Changes:
APPOINTMENTS:
Broussard, Rachelle, Teacher Aide (LA-4), Cecilia Primary; effective March 4, 2008.
LeBlanc, Jerry, Custodian, Parks Primary; effective May 8, 2008.
RETIREMENTS:
Calais, Willie Mae, Food Services Technician, Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective May 24, 2008.
Latiolais, Roland, Custodian, Teche Elementary; effective July 1, 2008.
DROP/RETIREMENT PROGRAM:
Alexander, Judy, Home School Coordinator, Breaux Bridge Primary; effective October 9, 2008.
RESIGNATIONS:
Belaire, Janice, Home School Coordinator, Parks Primary; effective April 4, 2008.
Charles, Mary Ray, Custodian, Parks Primary; effective April 10, 2008.
CHANGE FROM TERMINATION TO RESIGNATION:
Guidry, Chris, Custodian, Cecilia Primary; effective February 21, 2008.
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mr. Potier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the request for extra employment pay for Regina Guidry, Angela Toncrey, Catherine Guidry, and Theresa Blankenship for the Parks Primary After-Care Program for the month of March, 2008.
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mr. Ledoux, and unanimously carried, the Board approved extra pay for Peter George for assisting with sporting events for St. Martinville Senior High School.
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following appointments for the 2008 Extended School Year Program (ESYP):
Primary Teacher Kevin Dugas
Elementary Teacher Marc Broussard
Jr./Sr. High Teacher Todd Angelle
APE Teacher Elaine Huval
Speech Therapist Joy Castille
Teacher Assistant (3) Sharon Williams
Tina Frederick
Mary Filer
Bus Driver (2) Rebecca Guidry
Suzie Guidry
Bus Attendant (2) Monica Theriot
Yvonne Harrison
Superintendent Lavergne informed the Board Ronald LeBlanc was his recommendation for the position of Director of Operations and Administration. On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and carried, the Board appointed Mr. Ronald LeBlanc as the Director of Operations and Administration for a two-year term, effective July 1, 2008.
OPPOSED: Mrs. Latiolais
Superintendent Lavergne informed the Board Malcolm Calais was his recommendation for the position of Title I Math Supervisor.
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Potier, and unanimously carried, the Board appointed Mr. Malcolm Calais as the Title I Math Supervisor for a two-year term, effective July 1, 2008.
Superintendent Lavergne informed the Board Katrina Williams was his recommendation for the position of Principal of Breaux Bridge Elementary School.
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board appointed Ms. Katrina Williams as the Principal of Breaux Bridge Elementary School for a two-year term, effective July 1, 2008.
Superintendent Lavergne informed the Board Kara Meaux was his recommendation for the position of Principal of Breaux Bridge Senior High School. On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Ledoux, and unanimously carried, the Board appointed Ms. Kara Meaux as the Principal of Breaux Bridge Senior High School for a two-year term, effective July 1, 2008.
Superintendent Lavergne informed the Board Gerald Fontenot, Laura Turpeau, Dorothy Grimsley, and Eric Castille were his recommendations for the Hurricane Educator Assistance Program (HEAP).
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board appointed Mr. Gerald Fontenot, Ms. Laura Turpeau, Ms. Dorothy Grimsley, and Mr. Eric Castille as the Hurricane Educator Assiatance Program (HEAP) employees for three years working 15 hours per week at $40 per hour for 29 weeks.
On the motion of Mr. Flegeance, seconded by Mr. Potier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved disbursement of the May Sales Tax Salary Supplement in the amount of $750 to professional employees and $600 to paraprofessional employees.
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and carried, the Board approved the request for waiver of sales tax penalties, as recommended by administration, for CVS Corporation.
OPPOSED: Mr. Flegeance
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the rejection, change of scope, and re-bid on the flooring replacement at Cecilia High School and Breaux Bridge High School.
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Ms. Babin, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the request for permission to call for bids on Electrical Upgrades for Classroom Based Technology.
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the request for permission to call for bids on the following:
a) Library Books
b) Bid #1327: Bread & Related Products
c) Bid #1328: Mild & Related Products
d) Bid #1329: Milk & Related Products (Stephensville)
e) Bid#1330: SN Paper & Chemical Supplies
f) Bid#1331: SN Large Equipment
g) Bid #1332: SN Small Equipment & Supplies
On the motion of Mr. Flegeance, seconded by Mr. Potier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the request for permission to call for informal bids on meat and groceries for the School Nutrition Program.
A motion was made by Mr. Flegeance and seconded by Mr. Potier to approve the request for permission to implement JROTC at Breaux Bridge High School.
An amendment to the motion was made by Mrs. Latiolais and seconded by Mr. Knott to implement the JROTC Program at Cecilia High, Breaux Bridge High, and St. Martinville High Schools.
A second amendment to the motion was made by Mr. Knott and seconded by Mr. Hebert to allow Cecilia High School and St. Martinville High School to have the option of sending students to Breaux Bridge High School or, if feasible, hire an additional teacher in another field. The second amendment was then voted on and carried. OPPOSED: Mr. Potier
The original motion as amended was then voted on and unanimously carried.
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved a request to change the term of employment from 9.5 months to 9 months for Special Services Nurses.
A motion was made by Mr. Fuselier and seconded by Mr. Flegeance to approve the following developed or revised policies for inclusion in the St. Martin Parish School Board Policy Manual:
a) ED, Student Transportation Management
b) IFBGAA, Laptop Acceptable Use
c) IDFAA, Drug Screening of Student Athletes
d) JBCC, Student Assignment
e) EBCB, Video Monitoring of School Board Property
The motion failed as follows (2/3 vote needed to change a policy):
FOR: Mr. Fuselier, Mrs. Latiolais, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Ledoux, and Ms. Babin
OPPOSED: Mr. Knott, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Potier, and Mr. Stelly
ABSTAINED: Mr. Flegeance
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Knott, and carried, the Board approved the St. Martin Parish Personnel Evaluation Plan for the 2008-2009 school year. ABSTAINED: Mr. Stelly
A motion was made by Mr. Hebert and seconded by Mr. Ledoux to approve the Student and Parent Handbook/Discipline Policy for the 2008-2009 school year, with the exception of allowing the student a second chance to participate in extracurricular activities.
Mr. Potier made a substitute motion to follow the recommendation of the administration which involves allowing the student a second chance to participate in extracurricular activities. The substitute motion died for lack of a second.
The original motion was then voted on and carried as follows:
FOR: Mr. Knott, Mr. Fueslier, Mr. Flegeance, Mrs. Latiolais, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Ledoux, and Mr. Stelly
OPPOSED: Mr. Potier and Ms. Babin
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and carried, the Board approved the Pupil Progression Plan for the 2008-2009 school year.
OPPOSED: Mr. Potier and Mr. Ledoux
On the motion of Mrs. Latiolais, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following summer programs:
a) Summer School
b) Pre-K Summer Enrichment Program
A motion was made by Mr. Ledoux and seconded by Mrs. Latiolais approving the following resolutions:
a) Designating May 4-10, 2008 as Teacher Appreciation Week (unanimously carried)
WHEREAS, the National Parent Teacher Association has selected the week of May 4-10, 2008 for the observance of Teacher Appreciation Week to acknowledge the contributions made to society by the teaching profession and has made elaborate plans for the execution thereof, and
WHEREAS, Teacher Appreciation Week gives the general public the opportunity to acknowledge the fact that teaching is the mother of all professions as it trains young minds to study and to search out the areas of their greatest interest and best performance, thereby shaping their destiny, now
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the members of the St. Martin Parish School Board, in official session do hereby publicly announce to you, our teachers, that we are aware of and do appreciate the sincere devotion, great skill, and indefatigable patience with which you have dedicated yourselves to the educational development of the children of this parish, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we will do our utmost in assisting and supporting you in all your noble endeavors.
b) Designating May 7, 2008 as School Nurse Day (unanimously carried)
WHEREAS, the School Nurse, an invaluable member of the educational team and an experienced professional, is responsible for monitoring the overall well-being of each child and recognizing their health and safety needs that are crucial to their growth, development, and their educational success; and
WHEREAS, the School Nurse enhances the educational process by helping children to meet their individual healthcare needs through assessments, delivery of intervention services, providing emergency care, and by appropriately managing acute and chronic illnesses; and
WHEREAS, the School Nurse conducts health screenings, health education, prevention programs, environmental health and safety promotion, health counseling, and reviews and complies with state immunization requirements; and
WHEREAS, the School Nurse is a dedicated healthcare professional who works in collaboration with school personnel, families, and communities to establish a plan of action to ensure optimal health, academic success, and life-long achievements; and
WHEREAS, the efforts of the School Nurse are worthy of recognition for their compassion, dedicated service, and professional expertise in their contributions to the health of our children;
NOW, THEREFORE, the St. Martin Parish School Board does hereby proclaim May 7, 2008, as
SCHOOL NURSE DAY.
c) Expressing opposition to the Public Funding and/or Tax Credits for School Vouchers (carried, OPPOSED: Mr. Knott, Mr. Ledoux, Mr. Stelly, and Ms. Babin)
Whereas, citizens of St. Martin Parish, the State of Louisiana, and the United States of America have enjoyed the benefit of a set of successful public school systems unparalleled in any democratic society of record;
Whereas, these public school systems enroll and provide educational experiences for all students --- students with superior intellectual, creative, artistic, social, emotional, and physical talents as well as students who are challenged intellectually, creatively, socially, emotionally, and physically at levels almost beyond human comprehension;
Whereas, these public school systems have encountered and continue to face difficulties from social and family issues beyond the governance parameters of said schools;
Whereas, even with these social and family issues many schools continue to provide students with opportunities for academic achievement and successful learning experiences;
Whereas, the value of public school education continues to be held in high esteem by many families from countries around the world as evidenced by foreign born students being enrolled in said schools at a record pace;
Whereas, any public funds directed to school vouchers potentially deletes funding of public schools;
Whereas, any public funds directed to school vouchers that is expended in private and/or parochial schools decreases the freedom of operation of these schools; i.e., government control follows government money as evidenced by the case Grove City College v. Bell wherein the United States Supreme Court ruled that any college or university is to be considered a recipient of government funds --- and therefore subject to government regulation…;
Whereas, the St. Martin Parish School Board recognizes and appreciates the value and contribution of private and parochial school systems, the Board understands that government money and subsequent government control does not increase educational options;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the St. Martin Parish School Board urges Governor Bobby Jindal, members of the Louisiana House of Representatives and members of the Louisiana State Senate, and the various committees thereof, to reject any and all amendments and proposed bills to provide school vouchers in Louisiana;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the St. Martin Parish School Board send copies of this resolution to Governor Jindal, all representatives and senators, and to all public school boards through their superintendents; and further, ask all school boards to join the St. Martin Parish School Board in their opposition of school vouchers.
The Board discussed the placement of first graders at the Early Learning Center. No action was taken.
A discussion ensued regarding the development of a Pilot Program for janitorial services.
Mr. Hebert expressed concerns relative to workman’s compensation.
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board went into Executive Session.
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board came out of Executive Session.
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved to pursue suit against Mr. Ames Courville in connection with collecting reimbursement for amounts due for medical expenses.
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
_____________________ ___________________________
SECRETARY PRESIDENT