ST. MARTIN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
SEPTEMBER 10, 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, Aaron Flegeance, Richard Potier, Rodney Ledoux, Frederic Stelly, and Ms. Wanda Babin and Mrs. Barbara Latiolais.
ABSENT: Mr. Steve Fuselier
The meeting was called to order by Mr. James Blanchard, President. Superintendent Lavergne 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:
- Tammy Williams, Cecilia Primary
- Anna Mae Bourque, St. Martinville Primary
- Leroy Calais, Breaux Bridge Primary
- Cherie Foti, Parks Primary
- Georgie Roberts, Breaux Bridge Elementary
- Gayle Huval, Teche Elementary
- Gene Nezat, Stephensville Elementary
- Cheryl Dugas, Catahoula Elementary
- Leila Wiltz, Breaux Bridge Junior High
- Rebecca Broussard, Cecilia Junior High
- Calvin Wiltz, St. Martinville Junior High
- Verna Price, St. Martinville Senior High
- Hilda Gordon, Cecilia Senior High
- Dawn Prioux, Early Learning Center Elementary Level Outstanding Support Personnel of the Year
- Kimberly Frederick, Parks Middle Middle School Level Outstanding Support Personnel of the Year
- Delores Boudreaux, Breaux Bridge Senior High High School Level Outstanding Support Personnel of the Year
ABSENT: None
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the following items were added to the agenda:
a) Consider and/or approve the addendum for Personnel Changes
b) Consider and/or declare and certify an extreme public emergency
c) Consider and/or adopt declaration of Civil Leave for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th of September 2008, and extra pay for certain employees who were required to work
d) Consider and/or approve the adoption of September 15, 2008, instead of October 15, 2008 as the date of eligibility for $1,000 one-time supplement fund by State, payable on September 15, 2008 (weather permitting)
On the motion of Mr. Knott, seconded by Mr. Ledoux, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following by acclamation:
a) To declare and certify an extreme public emergency
b) To adopt declaration of Civil Leave for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th of September 2008, and extra pay for certain employees who were required to work
c) The adoption of September 15, 2008, instead of October 15, 2008 as the date of eligibility for $1,000 one-time supplement fund by State, payable on September 15, 2008 (weather permitting)
Ms. Lori Landry, a candidate for District Judge in Division H, introduced herself to the Board.
Ms. Lucretia Burton, a candidate for District Judge in Division H, introduced herself to the Board.
The meeting was recessed for ten minutes for refreshments.
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the minutes of the following meetings:
a) Regular Meeting of August 6, 2008
b) Finance Committee Meeting of August 13, 2008
c) Special Meeting of August 20, 2008
On the motion of Mr. Flegeance, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the recommendations of the Finance Committee of August 13, 2008, as follows:
a) Acceptance of reports on the following:
i. General Fund Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2008
1) After transfers to
a. Capital Projects GF $1,000,000
b. Workers Compensation Fund
ii. Group Health Insurance Fund Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2008
iii. Workers Compensation Fund Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2008
1) Inclusive of $700,000 transferred in from General Fund
iv. Debt Service Fund Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2008
v. Capital Projects Funds Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2008
1) Capital Projects GF
a. Inclusive of $1,000,000 transferred in from General Fund
2) 1996 Capital Projects
3) 2000 Capital Projects
b) Use of Millimans Actuarial Consulting Services for GASB 45 Analysis
c) Adoption of federal minimum wage as of the first day of the applicable month
d) Adoption of a schedule of hourly rates for part-time workers
e) Revision of payroll schedules to reflect BESE/State Department schedule of stipends for foreign associate teachers
f) Changes in disbursing Sales Tax Fund proceeds, as follows:
i. Operational transfers from sales tax (Fund 70) for the year ending June 30, 2009
ii. Rolling the current sales tax supplements of $6,500 (professionals) and $5,080 (paraprofessionals) into the current applicable salary schedule, and requiring that all future supplements be funded by sales tax proceeds and paid through the General Fund (no more impact to grants)
iii. Two new sales tax supplements of $1,000 and $715 for year ending June 30, 2009, to be paid through the General Fund
A motion was made by Mr. Hebert and seconded by Mr. Ledoux to renew the Superintendents Contract for three (3) years, effective July 1, 2009, allowing a 5% raise per year, 2 supplements, and $200 per month for travel.
Mr. Potier made a substitute, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, to postpone the renewal of the Superintendents contract until the October Board meeting. The substitute motion was then voted on and failed, as follows:
FOR: Mr. Knott, Mr. Flegeance, Mr. Potier, and Ms. Babin
OPPOSED: Mr. Fuselier, Mrs. Latiolais, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Ledoux, Mr. Stelly
The original motion was then voted on and carried, as follows:
FOR: Mr. Fuselier, Mr. Flegeance, Mrs. Latiolais, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Ledoux, Mr. Stelly, and Ms. Babin
OPPOSED: Mr. Knott and Mr. Potier
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, 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, 2009 (attached as Exhibit A), 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 3, 2008, and
WHEREAS such noticed was published in the official journal on July 30, 2008; 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, 2009, 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, 2009 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. Potier, seconded by Mr. Ledoux, and unanimously carried, the Board approved a request to call for formal bids on the following:
a) Refrigerated Van
b) Repair the Canopy at Breaux Bridge Primary
On the motion of Mr. Flegeance, seconded by Mr. Stelly, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following bid recommendations:
a) Library Books Follett Library Book Company ($33,500)
b) Alligator Tags Mr. Fred Laviolette (56.25%)
On the motion of Mr. Flegeance, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board approved entering into an Interagency Agreement with SMILE/Headstart.
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board approved SMILE lease renewals for:
a) 1720 Huron Road, Arnaudville
b) 306 S. Theatre Street, St. Martinville
c) 310 S. Theatre Street, St. Martinville
d) 109 Carver Street, Breaux Bridge
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Stelly, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the adoption of the millage rates for the tax year 2008 and authorized the Superintendent to furnish the necessary affidavit to the Tax Assessor of St. Martin Parish.
On the motion of Mrs. Latiolais, seconded by Mr. Ledoux, and unanimously carried, the Board approved that the December 3, 2008 School Board meeting be held in Stephensville beginning at 4:00 P.M.
On the motion of Mrs. Latiolais, seconded by Mr. Knott, and carried, the Board approved a request to send out a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Board Attorney.
ABSTAINED: Mr. Hebert and Mr. Flegeance
OPPOSED: Mr. Potier
On the motion of Ms. Babin, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the Flexible Pay Program.
On the motion of Mrs. Latiolais, seconded by Mr. Hebert, and unanimously carried, the Board approved revisions to Board Policy GBRIB, Sick Leave for inclusion in the St. Martin Parish School Board Policy Manual (attached as Exhibit B).
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mr. Hebert, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following proclamations:
a) Declaring September 8-12, 2008 as American Character Week
Our Nation was built on a foundation of sound moral principles. The heroes of American history responded to threats to their freedom by choosing to fight for these timeless principles, assuming duties that superseded their self-interest. The character of Americas founders was exemplified in their willingness to risk death in resisting tyranny and securing liberty and independence. From the frozen soil of Valley Forge to the beaches of Normandy and the deserts of the Persian Gulf region, American soldiers have answered the call of patriotic duty at great personal cost.
Our Nations character continues to define how we respond to those who threaten Americas core principles of liberty, justice, and equality. We saw that character when, in the face of the terrible terrorist attacks of September 11, American firefighters, police officers, and airline passengers sacrificed their lives to save others. We saw it when people across our land donated blood for the victims. And we see it as the children of America donate dollars to help suffering Afghan children. These acts reveal that enduring patriotism and faith are part of the fabric of America.
How our military is responding to these despicable attacks is also indicative of our national character. We are waging a war against terrorists who have hijacked their own peaceful religion in an attempt to justify their evil deeds. As we strike military targets, however, we also are dropping food, medicine, and supplies to relieve the suffering among the victims of the Taliban regime.
The manner in which we face these and other challenges in this war will continue to influence our country for generations to come. In fulfilling our mission with both compassion and courage, we show our children what putting American values into action means. Similarly, parents should teach their children by word and deed to understand and live out the moral values that we hold, such as honesty, accepting responsibility for our actions, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Places of worship, faith-based organizations, and other community groups also play an important role in helping to shape young hearts and minds. Government should cultivate a climate that supports families and organizations seek to instill sound moral principles in their children. My Administrations Faith-Based and community initiative proposed a program that will ensure that faith-based and community caregivers are welcomed as partners in these efforts. In addition, my budget triples the funds available for character education in public schools. I have also proposed to extend Federal after-school funding to programs run by faith-based and community-based organizations.
During this week, we should reflect on the national character we inherited from our forefathers and on the obligation we now have to stand for morality and virtue in the face of evil and terror. Since September 11, our Nation has shown that we are prepared to respond to the evildoers who have attacked the principles for which we stand. Our national character shall guide us as we wage this war, and in that we know that evil will not triumph.
I, Richard Lavergne, Superintendent of the St. Martin Parish School System, do declare the week of September 8-12, 2008, American Character Week.
c) Declaring September 15-19, 2008 as Yellow Ribbon 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
WHEREAS, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15-19 and is the second leading cause of death for young adults ages 20-24 in Louisiana, claiming over 5,000 lives each year; and
WHEREAS, statistics reveal that 95 percent of all suicides are preventable with the proper treatment and awareness; and
WHEREAS, statewide initiatives, such as the Department of Health and Hospitals Louisiana Partnership for Youth Suicide Prevention program, work jointly with the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program to prevent youth suicides and suicidal behavior in Louisiana.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Richard Lavergne, Superintendent, and the St. Martin Parish School Board, do hereby proclaim September 15-19, 2008, 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.
The Board discussed issues relating to school uniforms.
A motion was made by Mr. Flegeance and seconded by Ms. Babin to hire an additional aid at each school for a period of one year. The motion was then voted on and failed, as follows:
FOR: Mr. Flegeance and Ms. Babin
OPPOSED: Mr. Knott, Mr. Fuselier, Mrs. Latiolais, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Potier, Mr. Ledoux, and Mr. Stelly
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, 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.
A motion was made by Mr. Hebert to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent regarding the employees discussed in Executive Session. The motion died for lack of a second.
On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and unanimously carried, the Board approved to issue a letter of reprimand to both administrators.
No action was necessary for the following items:
a) Settlement negotiations and litigation update in the matter entitled Joyce Calais vs. St. Martin Parish School Board, Docket No. 06-08616 of the OWC
b) Settlement negotiations and litigation update in the matter entitled Gwendolyn Duplechien vs. Earl D. Mitchell, et al, Docket No. 71483 of the 16th JDC
c) Settlement negotiations and litigation update in the matter entitled Clarendon National vs. St. Martin Parish School Board, Docket No. 72669 of the 16th JDC
d) Threatened litigation involving the St. Martin Parish School Board and Park Place Surgical Center
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following Professional Personnel Changes and the Professional Personnel Changes on the Personnel Addendum:
APPOINTMENTS:
Dodge, Deborah, Talented Theatre/Homebound, Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective August 11, 2008 (Certified)
Glover, Kerra, Special Education, JCEP/PAC; effective August 6, 2008 (Certified)
Hall, Catherine, 5th grade, Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective August 25, 2008. (PL)
John, Mary Joyce, Exploratory, Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective August 18, 2008. (Certified)
ONE SEMESTER APPOINTMENT:
Anthony, Janise, Special Education, St. Martinville Junior High; effective August 6, 2008 through December 19, 2008.
MEDICAL LEAVES:
Celestine, Ruby, Language Arts, Parks Middle; effective August 6, 2008 through September 17, 2008.
Hinnekens, Margorie, French, Teche Elementary; effective August 27, 2008 through January 22, 2009.
Kately, Jennifer Thomas, Special Education, Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective August 12, 2008 through September 23, 2008.
Lovvorn, Bridget, Supervisor, Special Services; effective September 16, 2008 through October 31, 2008.
MATERNITY LEAVE:
Lemoine, Rachael, Special Education, Cecilia Primary; effective January 30, 2009 through March 13, 2009.
FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVES:
Hebert, Peggy, Computer Lab, Teche Elementary; effective August 13, 2008.
Mahogany, Cassandra, Special Education, St. Martinville Junior High; effective August 15, 2008.
Lovvorn, Bridget, Supervisor, Special Services; effective August 13, 2008 through September 15, 2008.
TRANSFERS:
Breaux, Alicia Wiltz, from Math at Breaux Bridge Senior High to 8th grade at Parks Middle; effective August 6, 2008.
Creek, Gwyn, from a Speech Therapist at Parks Middle to Breaux Bridge Senior High; effective August 6, 2008.
Harrington, Nicole, from a Speech Therapist at the Early Learning Center to St. Martinville Senior High; effective August 6, 2008.
McDaniel, Cheryl, from a Speech Therapist at Breaux Bridge Senior High to Parks Primary; effective August 6, 2008.
SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Stevens, Laura, Special Education, St. Martinville Junior High; effective August 6, 2008 through December 19, 2008.
RESIGNATIONS:
Ainsworth, James, Special Education, Breaux Bridge Senior High; effective August 6, 2008.
Comeaux, Charla, 5th grade, Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective August 25, 2008.
APPOINTMENT:
Dumatrait, Connie, Special Education, JCEP/PAC; effective September 17, 2008. (TAT)
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mr. Ledoux, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following Paraprofessional Personnel Changes:
APPOINTMENTS:
Boyd, Lisa, Home School Coordinator, Parks Primary; effective September 11, 2008.
Landry, Brenda, part-time Custodian, Breaux Bridge Junior High; effective September 11, 2008.
MEDICAL LEAVES:
Jones, Craig, Bus Driver, St. Martinville area; effective August 6, 2008 through August 25, 2008.
Joseph, Elaine, Bus Driver, St. Martinville area; effective August 25, 2008 through October 20, 2008.
Prade, Claudia, Secretary, St. Martinville Primary; effective May 1, 2008.
TRANSFERS:
Auzenne, Renella, from an LPN/Aide at Cecilia Junior High to Breaux Bridge Elementary; effective August 7, 2008.
Carnell, Michelle, from Home School Coordinator to Pre-K Title I Teacher Aide at Parks Primary; effective August August 7, 2008.
LaGrange, Julie, from a Special Education Teacher Aide at Teche Elementary to Cecilia Primary; effective August 7, 2008.
RETIREMENT:
Potier, Karen, Food Services Technician, Parks Middle; effective May 14, 2008.
DROP/RETIREMENT PROGRAM:
Calais, Delores, Food Services Technician, Breaux Bridge Primary; effective November 19, 2008.
Frederick, Judy, Bus Operator, Cecilia area; effective September 1, 2008.
Noel, Linton, Plumber, Maintenance; effective November 17, 2008.
On the motion of Mr. Fuselier, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously Carried, the Board approved extra pay for the St. Martinville Senior High Football Ticket
sellers.
On the motion of Mr. Potier, seconded by Mr. Ledoux, and unanimously carried, the Board approved extra pay for St. Martinville Junior High Summer Preparation.
Superintendent Lavergne informed the Board Bryan Staton was his recommendation for the position of Assistant Principal at St. Martinville Junior High School. On the motion of Mr. Ledoux, seconded by Mr. Fuselier, and carried, the Board appointed Bryan Staton as the Assistant Principal at St. Martinville Junior High School for a two-year term, effective October 1, 2008.
OPPOSED: Mr. Potier
On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mrs. Latiolais, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
_____________________________ _________________________________
SECRETARY PRESIDENT