ST. MARTIN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

SPECIAL MEETING

AUGUST 4, 2011 - 4:40 P.M.

BREAUX BRIDGE, LOUISIANA

M I N U T E S

The St. Martin Parish School Board met this day with the following members present: Messrs., James Blanchard, President, Floyd Knott, Mark Hebert, Aaron Flegeance, Russel C. Foti, Richard Potier, Robert E. Hollier, and Ms. Wanda Babin.

ABSENT:               Mr. Steve Fuselier and Mr. Frederic Stelly

Superintendent Lavergne opened the meeting with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board proceeded with a Tenure Hearing for a Teacher.   The attorney for the employee, Lois Velazquez, Roxson Welch, advised that it was the desire of Lois that the tenure hearing be conducted privately.

The President recognized its legal counsel, Bob Hammonds.  Lois Velazquez and her attorney, Roxson Welch of Zachary, Louisiana, were then recognized.  The Board Attorney, Mark Boyer, informed the Board of the procedures which would be followed during the hearing. 

On the motion of Mr. Hollier, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board went into Executive Session.

On the motion of Ms. Babin, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board came out of Executive Session.

After deliberation, the Board voted, by roll call vote, on each charge, as follows:

As to charge number 1 (Do you find that the Superintendent has proved by a preponderance of the evidence that the facts alleged are true?)

Voting yes were:  Mr. Knott, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Flegeance, Mr. Foti, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Hollier, and Ms. Babin 

Voting no was:  Mr. Potier

Absent:  Mr. Fuselier and Mr. Stelly

As to charge number 2 (Do you find that Charge 1, as proven, constitutes willful neglect of duty on the part of Ms. Velazquez?)

Voting yes were:  Mr. Hebert, Mr. Foti, Mr. Hollier, Mr. Blanchard, and Ms. Babin 

Voting no were:  Mr. Potier, Mr. Knott, and Mr. Flegeance

Absent:  Mr. Fuselier and Mr. Stelly

As to charge number 3 (Do you find that Charge 1, as proven, constitutes incompetency on the part of Ms. Velazquez?)

Voting yes were:  Mr. Knott, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Flegeance, Mr. Foti, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Hollier, and Ms. Babin

Voting no was:  Mr. Potier

Absent:  Mr. Fuselier and Mr. Stelly

As to charge number 4 (On the basis of the findings of fact and conclusions of law made above, do you feel that Ms. Velazquez should have disciplinary action taken against her?)

Voting yes were:  Mr. Knott, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Flegeance, Mr. Foti, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Hollier, and Ms. Babin

Voting no was:  Mr. Potier

Absent:  Mr. Fuselier and Mr. Stelly

As to charge number 5 (What disciplinary action do you feel is appropriate?)

                A motion was made by Mr. Flegeance and seconded by Mr. Potier to remove tenure for one semester (Fall 2011) and transfer to another position, if available.  The motion was then voted on and failed, as follows:

                FOR:                       Mr. Flegeance and Mr. Potier

                OPPOSED:             Mr. Knott, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Foti, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Hollier, and Ms. Babin

                ABSENT:               Mr. Fuselier and Mr. Stelly

A motion was made by Mr. Knott and seconded by Mr. Flegeance for a 10-day suspension without pay, loss of tenure for one school year (2011-12), and transfer to JCEP, if available.  The motion was then voted on and failed, as follows:

FOR:                       Mr. Knott, Mr. Flegeance, and Mr. Foti

OPPOSED:             Mr. Hebert, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Potier, Mr. Hollier, and Ms. Babin

ABSENT:               Mr. Fuselier and Mr. Stelly

On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Hollier, and carried, the Board approved the Superintendent’s recommendation for termination, effective immediately.

FOR:                       Mr. Knott, Mr. Hebert, Mr. Flegeance, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Hollier, and Ms. Babin

OPPOSED:             Mr. Foti and Mr. Potier

ABSENT:               Mr. Fuselier and Mr. Stelly

On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.

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SECRETARY                                                        PRESIDENT