ST. MARTIN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

SPECIAL MEETING

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 – 3:00 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., Burton Dupuis, President, Steve Fuselier, Aaron Flegeance, James Blanchard, Russel C. Foti, Richard Potier, Frederic Stelly, Floyd Knott, Mark Hebert, and Ms. Wanda B. Vital.

ABSENT:          None

The Board proceeded with a Tenure Hearing for a School Bus Operator.   The attorney for the employee, Ann Lamar Bertrand, Stan Gauthier, advised that it was the desire of Lamar that the tenure hearing be conducted publicly.

The President recognized its legal counsel, Tyrell “Ty” Manieri and Courtney T. Joiner.  Lamar Bertrand and her attorney, Stan Gauthier of Lafayette, 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. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Flegeance, and unanimously carried, the Board went into Executive Session.

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

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

As to charge number 1 (Do you find that the Superintendent has proven by a preponderance of the evidence that, on or about November 1, 2017, Ann Lamar Bertrand failed to comply with the School Board’s transportation policy concerning inclement weather?)

Voting yes were:  Mr. Flegeance, Mr. Dupuis, Mr. Potier, Mr. Stelly, Mr. Knott, and Mr. Hebert

Voting no were:  Mr. Fuselier, Ms. Vital, Mr. Blanchard, and Mr. Foti

Absent:  None

As to charge number 1 (If yes, do you find that her failure to comply with the School Board’s transportation policy concerning inclement weather violated St. Martin Parish School Board policy?)

Voting yes were:  Mr. Flegeance, Mr. Dupuis, Mr. Potier, Mr. Stelly, Mr. Knott, and Mr. Hebert

Voting no were:  Mr. Fuselier, Ms. Vital, Mr. Blanchard, and Mr. Foti

Absent:  None

As to charge number 1 (If yes, do you find that her failure to comply with the School Board’s transportation policy concerning inclement weather constituted willful neglect of duty on her part?)

Voting yes were:  Mr. Flegeance, Mr. Dupuis, Mr. Potier, Mr. Stelly, Mr. Knott, and Mr. Hebert

Voting no were:  Mr. Fuselier, Ms. Vital, Mr. Blanchard, and Mr. Foti

Absent:  None

Disciplinary Action (Based on the findings of fact and conclusions of law reached above, do you find that disciplinary action should be taken against Ann Lamar Bertrand?)

Voting yes were:  Mr. Fuselier, Ms. Vital, Mr. Flegeance, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Foti, Mr. Dupuis, Mr. Potier, Mr. Stelly, Mr. Knott, and Mr. Hebert

Voting no was:  None

Absent:  None

(What disciplinary action should be taken against her?)

On the motion of Mr. Hebert, seconded by Mr. Blanchard, and carried, the Board approved to remove tenure and dock one (1) months pay.

            FOR:    Mr. Fuselier, Ms. Vital, Mr. Flegeance, Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Foti, Mr. Dupuis, Mr. Potier, Mr. Knott, and Mr. Hebert

OPPOSED:       Mr. Stelly (Mr. Stelly stated he would have voted for termination)

ABSENT:          None

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

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SECRETARY                                                PRESIDENT