LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 - 5:30 P. M., Board Room

Mark Babineaux, President, Presiding

The School Board of the Parish of Lafayette, State of Louisiana, met in regular session at its meeting place, the Lafayette Parish School Board Administrative Building, Board Room, Lafayette, Louisiana, on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 5:30 P.M. pursuant to notice given in writing to every member.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mark Babineaux, President; Shelton J. Cobb, Vice President; Tommy Angelle, Gregory Awbrey, Hunter Beasley, Kermit Bouillion, Tehmi Chassion, Mark Cockerham, and Rae Trahan, Board Members; Burnell Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer/Superintendent

MEMBERS ABSENT:  None

I.          MEETING OPENINGS

The meeting was called to order by Babineaux and opened with a prayer by Cockerham.  Trahan led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

OPENING COMMENTS

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

None

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion (Awbrey, Cobb) that the Board approve the agenda as presented.  Motion carried.

II.         RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATIONS

The Board recognized Paula Graffeo, Librarian at J.W. James Elementary School, winner of the James O. Modisette Award for Elementary Libraries.  The James O. Modisette Award for schools is presented annually to an Elementary School Library, to a Middle/Junior High School Library, and to a High School Library to recognize excellence in Louisiana school library programs.

The Board congratulated the winners of the 2011 Lafayette Parish School System Students of the Year:  FIFTH GRADE: Acadian Middle - Claudasha Watson; L J Alleman Middle - Brynne Tynes; Alice Boucher World Language Academy - Javontay Foreman; Broussard Middle - Skylar Joseph; Charles Burke Elementary - Briana Clement; Carencro Heights Elementary - Brian Vasquez; Duson Elementary - Ivana Setka; Evangeline Elementary - Ciara Broussard; J W Faulk Elementary - Keriana Portalis; Ernest Gallet Elementary - Bailey Davies; J Wallace James Elementary - Ja’Quan Monroe-Henderson; L Leo Judice Montessori - Dylan Stracener; Live Oak Elementary - Donald Auzenne; Edgar Martin Middle - Hollie Herrick; Milton Elementary - Reed Broussard; S J Montgomery Elementary - Marina Mikkelsen; Myrtle Place Elementary - Ariel Miller; Ossun Elementary - Kylie Rubin; Plantation Elementary - Casey Roach; Prairie Elementary - Almajane Champ; Ridge Elementary - Gabrielle Ketelers; Scott Middle - Jacqueline LeDoux; Youngsville Middle - Dylan Sapp;  EIGHTH GRADE: Acadian Middle - Martha Oviedo; L J Alleman Middle - Arden Lagrone; Paul Breaux Middle - Madelyn Smith; Broussard Middle - Bianca Broussard; Carencro Middle - Tyler Conner; Judice Middle - Claire Carriere; Lafayette Middle - Nicole Stinyard; Edgar Martin Middle - Derek Boutin; Milton Middle - Samuel Norman; N P Moss Middle - Abigail Mondy; Scott Middle - Jordan Chaisson; Youngsville Middle - Miranda Davis;  TWELFTH GRADE:  Acadiana High - Katie Stefan; Carencro High - Mariah Hukins; Comeaux High - Samantha Biddick; Lafayette High - Jonathan Thibeaux; Northside High - Gayla Williams;  PARISH WINNERS:  Fifth Grade - Edgar Martin Middle School - Hollie Herrick; Eighth Grade - Edgar Martin Middle School - Derek Boutin; Twelfth Grade - Comeaux High School - Samantha Biddick; and REGIONAL WINNER:  Twelfth Grade - Comeaux High School - Samantha Biddick

III.        CORRECTIONS AND/OR APPROVAL OF BOARD/COMMITTEE MINUTES

A.         CORRECTIONS ON THE MINUTES OF:

1.         Board Retreat of 2/11-12/11

Motion (Cobb, Awbrey) that the Board approve the minutes of the Board Retreat of February 11-12, 2011.  Motion carried.

2.         Board Workshop of 3/15/11

Motion (Awbrey, Bouillion) that the Board receive the minutes of the Board Workshop of March 15, 2011.  Motion carried.

3.         Regular Board Meeting of 3/16/11

Chassion informed the Board that because of human error or transmission error, his vote on the Action Agenda item- School Assignments for N.P. Moss Students should have recorded him as a NO vote.

Motion (Awbrey, Bouillion) that the Board approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of March 16, 2011.  Motion carried.

B.         APPROVAL OF THE COMMITTEE MINUTES OF:

1.         Special Committee Meeting on Expulsion Hearings of 4/6/11

Motion (Trahan, Cockerham) that the Board accept the minutes of the Special Committee Meeting on Expulsion Hearings of April 6, 2011.  Motion carried.

IV.        FINANCIAL INFORMATION/REPORTS

A.         APPROVAL OF BILLS

1.         Bills are presented at the second Board meeting of the month.

B.         OTHER Financial Reports

1.         Sales Tax Collection Report for February 2011

Motion (Trahan, Cockerham) that the Board receives the Sales Tax Collection Report for the month of February, 2011.  Motion carried.

V.         REPORTS/INFORMATION/INTRODUCTION ITEMS

A.         INFORMATION REPORT

1.         Report from the Citizens' Oversight Committee regarding action taken at their first meeting

Sara Walker, Chairperson of Citizens Oversight Committee, informed the Board that the Committee had met, and that they were recommending that the Lafayette Parish School Board take a portion and carve a separate millage specifically designated to small capital projects and ongoing maintenance projects to help maintain facilities.

Trahan requested that it be clearly defined as to what is a small capital project, capital improvements, etc., and would like the public to know specifically what the Board will be doing with every dollar.  Awbrey wants to see something that will ensure the school system will continue to support maintenance.

The Chief Financial Officer informed the Board that this could be addressed during the general fund budget process.

Walker concluded her presentation by reminding the Board that this process could take some time and she hoped the Board would begin working on it immediately.  

B.         INTRODUCTION ITEMS

1.         Davis-Bacon Labor Compliance Monitoring for 2011 QSCB Bond Projects.  Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

2.         Approval of the Substitute Letters of Assurance for 2011 - 2012 School Year.  Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

3.         Approval of the Employee Letters of Assurance for the 2011 - 2012 School Year.  Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

4.         Approval of the First-Year Teacher Contract for the 2011 - 2012 School Year.  Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

5.         Approval of the Continuing Teacher Contract for the 2011 - 2012 School Year.  Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

6.         Amendment to Continuing Local Services Agreement.  Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

7.         Redistricting of School Board.  Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

8.         Move Item(s) to Action Agenda

None

Beasley exited the meeting.

C.         Other Reports

1.         None

VI.        APPROVAL OF ACTION ITEMS

1.         Bids for Martin Middle Walkway Canopy & HVAC Piping Replacement

Bids were received from:  The Belltech Group, Inc., Bernhard Mechanical Contractors, Inc., Bulliard Construction Company, Inc., and JC Construction, LLC.

That the Board authorize staff to award the low bid to Bernhard Mechanical Contractors, Inc. for $444,000 for the Martin Middle Walkway Canopy & HVAC Piping Replacement in accordance with Louisiana Public Bid Law.

2.         Bids for School Food Service Parking Lot Repairs & Additions

Bids were received from: Glenn Lege’ Construction, Inc., Elliott Construction, LLC; Hub City Paving Contractors, LLC; M. Matt Durand, LLC; Mike Belfour Construction; C Core, Inc.; Fruge’ Lumber Company, Inc.; and JC Construction, LLC.

That the Board authorize staff to award the low bid to Glenn Lege' Construction, Inc. for $218,644 for the School Food Service Parking Lot Repairs & Additions in accordance with Louisiana Public Bid Law.

3.         Bid for Food, Produce, and Non-Food Supplies for the 2011-2012 School Year

That the Board authorize the advertisement and awarding of bids by Child Nutrition Services and the Purchasing Department for food, produce, and non-food supplies as specified for the 2011-2012 school year.

4.         Bids for Evangeline Elementary Portable Building Refurbishing

Bids were received from:  E. L. Habetz Builders, Inc.; Ducharme Brothers, Inc.; Fruge’ Lumber Company; Time Line Builders; and F. Phillips General Contractor.

That the Board authorize staff to award the low bid to E. L. Habetz Builders, Inc. for $137,900 for the Evangeline Elementary Portable Building Refurbishing in accordance with Louisiana Public Bid Law.

5.         Approval of the Personnel Changes for April 6, 2011

*Retiree Returning To Work

Number of Full-Time, Active Employees by Funding Source as of April 1, 2011

That the Board approve the Personnel Changes for April 6, 2011.

6.         Resolution 04-11-1721 National Library Week 2011

That the Board adopt Resolution 04-11-1721 National Library Week 2011.

RESOLUTION 04-11-1721

            WHEREAS, libraries provide free access to all – from books and online resources for families to library business centers that help support entrepreneurship and retraining; and,

            WHEREAS, our nation’s school, academic, public and special libraries make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans today, more than ever; and,

            WHEREAS, librarians are trained professionals, helping people of all ages and backgrounds find and interpret the information they need to live, learn and work in a challenging economy; and,

            WHEREAS, libraries are helping level the playing field for job seekers, with 88% of public libraries providing access to job databases and other online resources; and,

            WHEREAS, libraries are places of opportunity providing programs that teach all forms of literacy, promoting continuing education and encouraging lifelong learning; and,

            WHEREAS, in times of economic hardship, Americans turn to – and depend on – their libraries and librarians; and,

            WHEREAS, libraries, librarians, library workers and supporters across America are celebrating National Library Week; now,

            THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Lafayette Parish School Board proclaim the week of April 10-16, 2011

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

We encourage all residents to visit the library this week to take advantage of the wonderful library resources available @ your library.  Create your own story @ your library.

C E R T I F I C A T E

I, the undersigned Secretary-Treasurer of the Lafayette Parish School Board, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true copy of a resolution adopted at its Regular Board Meeting of April 6th, 2011, at which time a quorum was present and that same is in full force and effect.

Dated at Lafayette, Louisiana

this 6th day of April, 2011                                                                                       

                                                                                                /s/ Burnell Lemoine                   

                                                                                                _________________________ 

            Burnell Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer

            LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

GROUPED ACTION ITEMS

1.         Approval of All Action Item(s) with the Exception of Items Pulled

Motion (Awbrey, Trahan) that the Board approve All Action Items with the Exception of Items Pulled:  Bids for Comeaux High Fan Coil Units Replacement; and Resolution 04-11-1723 Legislative Request Regarding PreK-12 Educational Concerns.  Motion carried.

ITEMS PULLED FROM ACTION

1.         Bids for Comeaux High Fan Coil Units Replacement

Bids were received from:  Bernhard Mechanical; Calcasieu Mechanical; Air Plus, LLC; and Volute.

Motion (Chassion, Cockerham) that the Board authorize staff to award the low bid to Calcasieu Mechanical for $344,600 for the Comeaux High Fan Coil Units Replacement in accordance with Louisiana Public Bid Law.  Motion carried.

2.         Resolution 04-11-1723 Legislative Request Regarding PreK-12 Educational Concerns

RESOLUTION-04-11-1723

WHEREAS, PreK-12 public education has endured a series of continued budget cuts at the state and federal level that affect services to students; and,

WHEREAS, at the state level, the MFP (Minimum Foundation Program) will not be fully funded with the 2.75% growth factor for three consecutive budget cycles; and,

WHEREAS, at this time, Louisiana is involved with a pending transition to national, common educational standards and assessments that will affect accountability requirements; and,

WHEREAS, at this time, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (commonly referred to as No Child Left Behind) is pending reauthorization that will affect statewide accountability measures; and,

WHEREAS, the State’s ultimate and primary responsibility is to support and fund public education first in a way that is accountable to the tax payers, and, unless and until the State can meet this obligation, the proliferation of Type 1, 2, 3 & 5 Charter Schools is contrary to that purpose and goal; now,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Lafayette Parish School Board does hereby support legislation that would enact a moratorium regarding “Letter-Grade Labeling of Schools” and “Value-Added Employee Evaluations” and approval of any additional Charter Schools other than Type 4 charters; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Louisiana School Boards Association, to the Governor of Louisiana, members of the Lafayette Legislative Delegation, to the State Superintendent of Public Education, to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and all Superintendents throughout the state.

C E R T I F I C A T E

I, the undersigned Secretary-Treasurer of the Lafayette Parish School Board, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true copy of a resolution adopted at its Regular Board Meeting of April 6, 2011 at which time a quorum was present and that same is in full force and effect.

Dated at Lafayette, Louisiana,

this 6^th day of April, 2011.

                                                                                                /s/ Burnell Lemoine

            Burnell Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer

            LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Motion (Cobb, Awbrey) that the Board adopt Resolution 04-11-1723 Legislative Request Regarding PreK-12 Educational Concerns.  Motion carried.

VII.       REPORTS

A.         Public Comments

Concerned citizens encouraged the Board to consider the leadership before decisions made on millage; important to know the school system leader is to assist in long term decisions the school system will be making; and what should the public expect from the funds being raised from taxes.

B.         Board President/Members

Board members congratulated the Students of the Year; Cobb said that all are welcome to express their concerns; Bouillion said that he wanted it to be clear and concise that he was against any new taxes at this time.

C.         Superintendent

VIII.      EXECUTIVE SESSION

IX.        ADJOURN

There being no further business, it was moved by Awbrey, seconded by Cockerham and carried that the meeting adjourn.

SIGNED:                                                                      SIGNED:

            /s/ Mark Babineaux                                                       /s/ Burnell Lemoine

Mark Babineaux, President                                            Burnell Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer

LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD                         LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

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