OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS ST. LANDRY PARISH SCHOOL BOARD March 9, 2015 Opelousas, Louisiana The St. Landry Parish School Board was called to order by the President and convened in regular session on Thursday, March 9, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. in the Office of the Board, Supplementary Resource Center, Opelousas, Louisiana. A roll call was taken and in attendance were the following members: Mrs. Candy Gerace, Mrs. Hazel Sias, Ms. Mary Ellen Donatto, Messrs. Anthony Standberry, Charles Ross, Milton Ambres, Raymond Cassimere, Donnie Perron, Huey Wyble, Kyle Boss, Randy Wagley, Roger Young and Albert Hayes. Also in attendance was Board Attorney Courtney Joiner. Mr. Charles Ross offered a prayer after which Mr. Huey Wyble led the Pledge of Allegiance. Item #5: It was moved by Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Ambres and carried with no objections to approve the minutes of the February 5, 2015 Board Meeting. Item #6: Ms. Mary Ellen Donatto read aloud the resolutions of sympathy, which was adopted by the full Board. ~ Willie Savoie, Retired Custodian at South Street Elementary ~ Barbara Thibodeaux, Retired Teacher at South Street Elementary ~ Judy Badeaux Peck, Retired Bus Driver ~ Emma Williams Comeaux, Retired Teacher ~ Sandra Edwards, Retired Cafeteria Manager at Central Middle and mother of Keristian Edwards, teacher at Highland Elementary ~ Emma Comeaux, Retired Teacher at East Jr. High School ~ Dalton Belson, Jr., Father of Vanessa Taylor, Teacher/Coach at North Central High School ~ James Raphael Lanclos, Father of Lisa Miller, teacher at Eunice High School ~ John Fontenot, Retired Teacher at Eunice Jr. High School Item #7: President Standberry addressed the Board and the audience. Item #8-A: Mr. Anthony Standberry read aloud the Executive Committee Report, as follows: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT The Executive Committee of the St. Landry Parish School Board met on Monday, March 2, 2015, at 4:00 P.M. at the St. Landry Parish School Board. In attendance were the following Members: Messrs. Anthony Standberry, Raymond Cassimere and Roger Young. Mrs. Candy Gerace was absent. Additional Board Members in attendance were Mrs. Hazel Sias, Ms. Mary Ellen Donatto, Messrs. Donnie Perron, Kyle Boss, Milton Ambres, Charles Ross, Randy Wagley and Albert Hayes. Staff members in attendance were Superintendent Edward Brown, Assistant Superintendent Joseph Cassimere, Ms. Claudia Blanchard, Mrs. Angela Cassimere, Ms. Therese Turnage, Mrs. Tressa Miller, Mr. William Thibodeaux, Mr. Matthew Scruggins and Mr. Jerome Robinson. Mr. Standberry called the meeting to order. A moment of silent meditation was held and thereafter Mr. Standberry led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Standberry requested to add an item to the agenda, which would be a request for funds received from PBHS FFA for national competition. It was moved by Mr. Cassimere, seconded by Mr. Young and carried with no objections to add this item onto agenda item #8. Item #5 - Item #6 - This item was tabled. Mrs. Angela Cassimere requested approval of the St. Landry Parish Testing Program Policy. It was moved by Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Cassimere and carried with no objections to Item #7 - Mr. Jerome Robinson requested approval on the following policies: a. Cash Management & Investments (DFL); b. Debt Limitation (DE); c. Purchasing (DJE); d. Tax and Bond Elections and Sales (DFD) It was moved by Mr. Cassimere, seconded by Mr. Young and carried with no objections to
Official Proceedings (2) March 9, 2015 Item #8 - Item #9: Superintendent Brown addressed the committee with regard to two schools requesting funding pursuant to policy DJD. Superintendent Brown then requested approval to assist Beau Chene High School FFA and Port Barre High School FFA by giving them $500.00 each for the National Competition they would be attending in May. It was moved by Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Cassimere and carried with no objections to Superintendent Brown addressed the committee with regard to changing the times for all Committee Meetings from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. It was moved by Mr. Cassimere, seconded by Mr. Standberry, with one opposition by Mr. Young that the committee meetings remain at 4:00 p.m. This matter will be brought before the full Board for approval. There being no further business pending before the Executive Committee for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 P.M. by motion of Mr. Cassimere and seconded by Mrs. Gerace. Respectfully submitted, Anthony Standberry, President Raymond Cassimere, Vice President Candy Gerace, Member Roger Young, Member EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Edward D. Brown, Secretary Board Action Taken on Executive Committee Report: It was moved by Mr. Perron, seconded by Mr. Cassimere and carried with no objections to approve the St. Landry Parish Testing Program Policy. It was moved by Mr. Perron, seconded by Mr. Boss and carried with no objections to approve the following policies. a. Cash Management & Investments (DFL); b. Debt Limitation (DE); c. Purchasing (DJE); d. Tax and Bond Elections and Sales (DFD) It was moved by Mr. Perron, seconded by Mr. Ambres and carried with no objections to approve Item #8 of the Executive Committee Report. A substitute motion was offered by Mr. Kyle Boss, seconded by Mr. Roger Young to change the committee meetings all on the same day and to begin them at 3:00 p.m. A roll call vote was taken as follows: YEAS: Gerace, Perron, Wyble, Boss, Young NAYS: Ross, Ambres, Cassimere, Wagley, Sias, Hayes, Donatto, Standberry ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ~Motion Failed. Item #8-B: Ms. Mary Ellen Donatto read aloud the BLS Committee Report, as follows: BUILDINGS, LANDS & SITES COMMITTEE REPORT The Buildings, Lands and Sites Committee met on Monday, March 2, 2015 at 4:50 P.M. in the office of the Board on Creswell Lane, Opelousas, Louisiana. In attendance were the following committee members, Mr. Milton Ambres, Mr. Donnie Perron, Mr. Albert Hayes and Ms. Mary Ellen Donatto. Mr. Huey Wyble was absent. Additional Board Members in attendance were: Mrs. Hazel Sias, Messrs. Anthony Standberry, Charles Ross, Raymond Cassimere, Kyle Boss, Randy Wagley and Roger Young. Staff members in attendance were Superintendent Edward Brown, Assistant Superintendent Joseph Cassimere, Ms. Claudia Blanchard, Ms. Therese Turnage, Mrs. Tressa Miller, Mrs. Angela Cassimere, Matthew Scruggins, Jerome Robinson and William Thibodeaux. The meeting was called to order by Ms. Donatto. Item #2: Mr. Joseph Cassimere addressed the committee with regard to the Morrow Elementary property. Mr. Cassimere stated that he has been in contact with the Board Attorney and that the attorney has requested information from the school system concerning
Official Proceedings (3) March 9, 2015 the history of the school. Mr. Cassimere stated that he is currently gathering all of the information requested. Item #3: Mr. Joseph Cassimere requested permission to sell the Southwest Elementary property that is located across from the campus. He stated that this is the property in which the house was located, that was previously purchased and moved. After some discussion, it was moved by Mr. Perron, seconded by Mr. Ambres and carried with no objections to Item #4: Mr. Cassimere stated to the committee that he will be meeting with our current insurance carrier, DCG and Philippe Prouet on Friday, March 6 th to discuss the statement of value on every building in St. Landry Parish as well as the replacement costs for the buildings. Item #5: Mr. Cassimere gave an update to the committee regarding the Olivier and Brinkahus property that surrounds Beau Chene. He stated that in speaking with the family, there is 76 plus acres for sale and the price is $15,000.00 per acre. He also stated that the entire 40 acres is currently being used at Beau Chene. Mr. Cassimere stated that he does not feel the system is financially sound enough to purchase this land at this time. With no further business pending before the Committee, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 5:15 p.m. by motion of Mr. Boss and seconded by Mrs. Sias. Mr. Edward D. Brown Board Action Taken on BLS Committee Report: Respectfully submitted, Mary Ellen Donatto, Chairman Milton Ambres, Member Donnie Perron, Member Huey Wyble, Member Albert Hayes, Member BUILDINGS, LANDS & SITES COMMITTEE It was moved by Mr. Boss, seconded by Mr. Ross and carried with no objections to approve Item #3 of the BLS Committee Report. Item #8-C: Mr. Raymond Cassimere read aloud the Finance Committee Report, as follows: FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT A meeting of the Finance Committee was held on Monday, March 2, 2015 in the Board Room of the Central Office. Committee Members present were Mrs. Hazel Sias, Messrs. Kyle Boss, Raymond Cassimere and Randy Wagley. Mrs. Candy Gerace was absent. Additional Board Members in attendance were Ms. Mary Ellen Donatto, Messrs. Anthony Standberry, Roger Young, Donnie Perron, Milton Ambres and Albert Hayes. Staff members in attendance were Superintendent Edward Brown, Assistant Superintendent Joseph Cassimere, Mrs. Tressa Miller Ms. Claudia Blanchard, Ms. Therese Turnage, Mr. Matthew Scruggins, Mr. Jerome Robinson and Mr. William Thibodeaux. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Raymond Cassimere. Item #3: Mr. William Thibodeaux requested permission to advertise for and accept the lowest bid for bus maintenance services. It was moved by Mr. Boss, seconded by Mrs. Sias and carried with no objections to bring this matter before the full Board for approval. Item #4: Mrs. Tressa Miller gave updated information on the bonds. She stated that the system has the opportunity to apply for up to $15 million dollars in bond money. She stated that a list is currently being compiled for projects by which the bond money could be used for as well as the cost for each project. She further stated that her plans are to submit this list with the application for the bond.
Official Proceedings (4) March 9, 2015 Item #5: Mrs. Tressa Miller reviewed the January 2015 financial statements with the committee. There being no further business before the Finance Committee for discussion, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 6:00 P.M. by motion of Mr. Boss and seconded by Mrs. Sias. Respectfully submitted, Raymond Cassimere, Chairman Hazel Sias, Member Kyle Boss, Member Candy Gerace, Member Randy Wagley, Member FINANCE COMMITTEE Attest: Edward D. Brown, Secretary Board Action Taken on Finance Committee Report: It was moved by Mr. Boss, seconded by Mr. Perron and carried with no objections to approve Item #3 of the Finance Committee Report. Item #9-D: Mr. Roger Young read aloud the Academic Committee Report, as follows: ACADEMIC, INSTRUCTIONAL, AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS COMMITTEE REPORT The Academic, Instructional and Federal Programs Committee of the St. Landry Parish School Board met on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 4:00 P.M. at the Opelousas High School Magnet Academy of Biomedical Sciences. In attendance were the following committee members, Mr. Charles Ross, Mr. Donnie Perron, Mrs. Hazel Sias, Ms. Mary Ellen Donatto and Mr. Roger Young. Other Board members in attendance were Mr. Anthony Standberry, Mr. Raymond Cassimere, Mr. Milton Ambres, Mr. Randy Wagley and Mr. Kyle Boss. Staff members present were Superintendent Edward Brown, Assistant Superintendent Joseph Cassimere, Mrs. Angela Cassimere, Ms. Claudia Blanchard, Mrs. Pauline Vidrine, Mrs. Tressa Miller, Mr. Jerome Robinson, Mr. Scott Moreau, Mr. Spencer Arnaud, Mr. Scott Champagne and Mr. Matthew Scruggins. Mr. Young called the meeting to order after which Mr. Charles Ross offered a prayer and Mr. Scott Champagne led the Pledge of Allegience. Item #5 Mr. Scott Champagne requested approval of the 2014 2015 Addendum to Pupil Progression Policies & Procedures. It was moved by Mr. Perron, seconded by Mrs. Sias and carried with no objections to Item #6 The committee, additional board members and staff members in attendance were given a tour of the Bio-Medical Academy by Ms. Claudia Blanchard, Director of Curriculum; Dr. Rodney Johnson, Principal at OHS Biomedical Academy; and Ms. Sondra Cormier, Facilitator at OHS Biomedical Academy as well as many students who attend the school. With no further business before the Academic, Instructional and Federal Programs Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m. by motion of Mr. Perron and seconded by Mrs. Sias. Respectfully submitted: /s/ Mr. Roger Young, Chairman /s/ Mr. Charles Ross, Member /s/ Mrs. Hazel Sias, Member /s/ Mr. Donnie Perron, Member /s/ Ms. Mary Ellen Donatto, Member Edward Brown, Secretary
Official Proceedings (5) March 9, 2015 Board Action Taken on Academic, Instructional and Federal Programs Committee Rpt.: It was moved by Mr. Ambres, seconded by Mrs. Sias and carried with no objections to approve the 2014 2015 Addendum to Pupil Progression Policies & Procedures. Item #9-E: Mr. Randy Wagley read aloud the Personnel Committee Report, as follows: PERSONNEL, EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT The Personnel, Employee Benefits and Transportation Committee of the St. Landry Parish School Board met on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at 5:30 p.m. at the OHS Magnet Academy of Biomedical Sciences, 1202 Linwood Drive, Opelousas, LA. Committee Members present were Messrs. Milton Ambres, Kyle Boss, Charles Ross, and Randy Wagley. Other board members present were Ms. Mary Ellen Donatto, Mrs. Hazel Sias, Messrs. Raymond Cassimere, Donnie Perron, Anthony Standberry, and Roger Young. Staff members present included Superintendent Edward D. Brown, Mr. Joe Cassimere, Ms. Claudia Blanchard, Mrs. Tressa Miller, Mr. Matthew Scruggins, Ms. Angela Cassimere, and Mr. Jerome Robinson. Mr. Wagley called the meeting to order. A moment of silent prayer was observed. ITEM NO. 1 ITEM NO. 2 ITEM NO. 3 ITEM NO. 4 ITEM NO. 5 Personnel Appointments and Transfers made by the Superintendent, pursuant to Act I of the 2012 Legislative Session, were presented to the committee. No action required. Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, and by motion of Mr. Boss, seconded by Mr. Ambres, and carried with no objections, the Leaves were recommended to the full board for approval. Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, and by motion of Mr. Boss, seconded by Mr. Ross, and carried with no objections, the Resignations and Retirements were recommended to the full board for acceptance. Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, and by motion of Mr. Boss, seconded by Mr. Ross, and carried with no objections, the Positions Available were recommended to the full board for approval. Upon recommendation of the Superintendent, and by motion of Mr. Ross, seconded by Mr. Ambres, and carried with no objections, the committee recommended approval to send letters of intent to employees for the 2015-2016 school session. With no further business for discussion, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 6:05 p.m. upon motion of Mr. Boss, seconded by Mr. Ross. Respectfully Submitted, /s/ Randy Wagley, Chairman /s/ Milton Ambres /s/ Kyle Boss /s/ Charles Ross PERSONNEL, EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Edward D. Brown, Secretary LISTED BELOW ARE PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS AND TRANSFERS MADE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT PURSUANT TO ACT I OF THE 2012 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: APPOINTMENTS CHACHERE, AIMEE - Title 1 Paraprofessional Port Barre Middle * BROUSSARD, ANGELE High School Teacher Opelousas High effective March 9, 2015 * JACKSON, ALEXIS Elementary Teacher Washington Elementary effective March 3, 2015 VIDRINE, KATIE Elementary Teacher Grolee Elementary effective January 27, 2015* TRANSFERS PAYNE, QUINTIN from High School Teacher at Opelousas High to Elementary Teacher at Grolee Elementary
Official Proceedings (6) March 9, 2015 It was moved by Mr. Boss, seconded by Mr. Young and carried with no objections to approve the following Leaves. LEAVES Sabbatical Leaves (Medical) OVILLE, STEPHANIE Teacher Northwest High effective for the 2 nd semester of the 2014-2015 school Year It was moved by Mr. Young, seconded by Mrs. Gerace and carried with no objections to approve the following Resignations and Retirements. RESIGNATIONS BASCO, IVY LYNN Computer Lab Facilitator Grand Prairie Elem. effective March 8, 2015 KIDDER, SARAH Teacher Port Barre High effective January 14, 2015 LEBLANC, CHRISTINE Sp. Ed. Paraprofessional Cankton Elementary effective January 24, 2015 PAYNE, QUINTIN resigning as Athletic Director/Head Football Coach only Opelousas High effective February 12, 2015. THIBODEAUX, JOEY Teacher Beau Chene High effective December 16, 2014 RETIREMENTS DUPUIS, DEBORAH Food Service Technician Leonville Elem. effective April 26, 2015 LAFLEUR, MARY JANELL Food Service Manager Grand Prairie Elementary effective June 4, 2015 RIVIERE, E. DEAN Sp. Ed. Teacher Park Vista Elementary effective May 29, 2015 YOUNG, PHYLLIS A. Sp. Ed. Teacher Lawtell Elementary effective August 1, 2015 It was moved by Mr. Boss, seconded by Mr. Perron to approve the following positions available. A roll call vote was taken as follows: YEAS: Gerace, Perron, Wyble, Boss, Wagley, Young, Donatto NAYS: Ross, Ambres, Cassimere, Sias, Hayes, Standberry ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ~ Motion Carried. The following positions available were approved. POSITIONS AVAILABLE Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Opelousas High Special Ed. Instructional Specialist (10 months) Pupil Appraisal Center Title 1 Paraprofessional Port Barre Elementary Accountant Central Office It was moved by Mr. Young, seconded by Mr. Ross and carried with no objections to approve letters of assurance for continued employment for the 2015 2016 school year. Item #9: Superintendent Brown addressed the Board and audience. Item #10: It was moved by Mr. Ross, seconded by Mr. Cassimere and carried with no objections to go into Executive Session at 5:30 p.m. Item #11: It was moved by Mr. Cassimere, seconded by Mrs. Sias and carried with no objections to return to Regular Session at 5:55 p.m. With there being no further business pending before the Board, the meeting was unanimously adjourned by motion of Mr. Ross and seconded by Mr. Ambres at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Anthony Standberry, Board President Edward D. Brown, Superintendent