LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Wednesday, January 21, 2015, 5:30 P. M., Board Room

Tommy Angelle, 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, January 21, 2015 at 5:30 P.M. pursuant to notice given in writing to every member.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Tommy Angelle, President;  Dawn Morris, Vice-President; Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais and Mary Morrison, Board Members; Burnell LeJeune, Interim Secretary-Treasurer/Superintendent

MEMBERS ABSENT:   None

I.          MEETING OPENINGS

The meeting was called to order by Angelle and he opened with a moment of silence.   Broussard led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

OPENING COMMENTS

Interim Superintendent Lejeune thanked the Board for their attendance and participation in Part 2 of the Board orientation; he thanked staff for facilitating and Hammonds & Sills for their presentation. Mr. LeJeune also indicated the need to have a couple of more workshops that concentrate on academics and curriculum, and support services. He said he would get together with Board President Angelle and look at a Saturday or alternate Wednesdays for about two to three hours.

Mr. LeJeune wished the best of luck to teachers attending the LEF awards. He said on January 29^th the school system will take part in Career Connections at the Cajundome.  Over 100 businesses will participate in providing 10^th graders with business opportunities.

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

None

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion (Broussard, Morris) That the Board approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried. Chassion was absent.

II.         RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATIONS

1.         Kirby Jambon - Recipient of the Henri de Régnier prize from The Académie Française

The Board congratulated Kirby Jambon - Recipient of the Henri de Régnier prize from The Académie Française.  The Académie Française was founded in 1634 and its mission is to normalize and perfect the French language. It awards a series of prestigious prizes annually which supports literary creation. Mr. Jambon has been teaching at Prairie Elementary for approximately 20 years, and is a very much beloved 5th grade French Immersion teacher.

2.         Recognition of Philip Ross Richard III, a graduate of Early College Academy/SLCC

The Board congratulated Philip Ross Richard III, a graduate of Early College Academy/SLCC. Philip thanked his parents, friends, family, current and past board members, teachers at ECA, Robin Olivier and Mr. Lejeune for support of the program. He said the program helped him find out what he wanted to major in, and adjust to the more academic side of college.

Dr. Lin said during her years of teaching she could not think of another student as motivated and studious as Philip. He arrived at the university with impressive AP course credits, quickly demonstrated himself to be quick thinker and became an important lab member. Philip received an international travel award and went to Berlin to present research findings.

3.         Early College Academy ranked among Top 500 high schools in Nation

Interim Superintendent LeJeune informed the Board that ECA was ranked 239 among 500 high schools on the America’s Top High Schools 2014 list; and number 110 among 500 high schools on the publication’s “Beating the Odds 2014 – Top Schools for Low-Income Students”. Mr. LeJeune presented the award to Anne Castille, Principal of Early College Academy (ECA) and Assistant Chancellor Dr. Michael Glisson.

4.         Recognition of the Kiwanis Club of Lafayette

Latikka Magee, Director of Federal Programs and Amy Fontenot, Coordinator of Homeless Services recognized the commitment and generosity of longtime supporters of homeless education program, the Kiwanis Club of Lafayette. She said for the past seven years through the Operation Magi project they have provided Christmas gifts for approximately 700 children. She presented David Wade, President and members in attendance a certificate of appreciation in recognition of their service to the children of the Lafayette Parish School System.

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

A.         CORRECTIONS ON THE MINUTES OF:

1.         Regular Board Meeting of 12/17/14

Motion (Morrison, Knezek) that the Board approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of December 17, 2014.  Motion carried.  Chassion was absent.

2.         Regular Board Meeting of 1/7/15

Motion (Latiolais, Morris) that the Board approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of January 7, 2015.  Motion carried.  Chassion was absent.

B.         APPROVAL OF THE COMMITTEE MINUTES OF:

None

IV.        FINANCIAL INFORMATION/REPORTS

A.         APPROVAL OF BILLS

1.         Ratification of Bills for November 2014

Motion (Morris, Morrison) That the Board approve the Ratification of Bills report for the month of November 2014.  Motion carried.  Chassion was absent. 

B.         OTHER FINANCIAL REPORTS

1.         Ratification of Purchases for December, 2014

Motion (Latiolais, Knezek) That the Board accept the Ratification of Purchases report for the month of December, 2014. Motion carried.  Chassion was absent.

2.         Budget-to-Actual Status Report

Motion (Centanni, Knezek) That the Board receive the Budget-to-Actual Report. Motion carried.  Chassion was absent.

3.         Summary of Grant Funding and Activity

Motion (Morrison, Broussard)  That the Board receive the Summary of Grant Funding and Activity Report. Motion carried.  Chassion was absent.

V.         REPORTS/INFORMATION/INTRODUCTION ITEMS

A.         INFORMATION REPORT

1.         Curriculum Update - Homeless Education Overview

Latikka Magee, Director of Federal Programs and Amy Fontenot, Coordinator of Homeless Services informed the Board the goal is to provide assistance to those children in homeless situations, enroll them  in schools and have them succeed academically. She said the program is funded by federal funds, some Title I funds, and McKinney-Vento grant.

Ms. Fontenot reported children in shelters are found living in vehicles and inhabitable dwellings, inadequate housing (no water, utilities), and there are unaccompanied youth (independent of guardian). The Homeless program serves about 1500 students and currently 909 are enrolled this year. She said 92% of children eligible to graduate last year, graduated. This year they are making sure it is 100% graduation. 

2.         Personnel Changes for January 21, 2015

RETIREE RETURNING TO WORK

3.         Status Report for Construction Fund 2012 Limited Tax Bond Fund

Kyle Bordelon, Acting Chief Operations Officer provided the Board with a Status Report for Construction Fund 2012 Limited Tax Bond Fund.

Chassion entered the meeting.

B.         INTRODUCTION ITEMS

1.         Self-Funded Insurance Activity Budget Revision # 1 - Fiscal Year 2014-2015. Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

2.         Capital Improvement Fund Budget Revision #2 Fiscal Year 2014-2015. Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

3.         Construction Fund 2012 Limited Tax Bond Fund Budget Revision #2 2014-2015. Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

4.         Debt Service Funds Budget Revision #1 for FY 2014-2015. Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

5.         General Fund Budget Revision #1 for Fiscal Year 2014-2015. Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

6.         2002 Half-Cent Sales Tax Fund Budget Revision #1 Fiscal Year 2014-2015. Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

7.         School Food Service Program Fund Budget Revision #1 for 2014-2015. Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

8.         Special Revenue Fund Budget Revision #2 - Fiscal Year 2014/2015. Action to be taken at subsequent meeting.

9.         Self-Funded Construction Fund Budget Revision # 2-Fiscal Year 2014-2015. Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

10.         E-Rate Bid Award. Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

11.         Public Information Coordinator. Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

12.         Approval of the Warehouse Worker I Job Description. Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

13.         Move Items to Action Agenda

Motion (Hidalgo, Knezek) that the Board approve moving #11 Public Information Coordinator; #12 Approval of the Warehouse Worker I Job Description and #13 Pugh Family Foundation – Capacity Building Advocacy Submission/Acceptance to the ActionAgenda.

Voting for were Hidalgo, Knezek, Latiolais, Morris, and Morrison. Voting against were Angelle, Broussard, Centanni and Chassion.  Motion failed because it lacked 2/3’s vote.

Motion (Centanni, Morris) that the Board move #13 Pugh Family Foundation- Capacity Building Advocacy - Submission/Acceptance to the Action Agenda.  Motion carried.  Chassion voted NO.

C.        Other Reports

1.         None

VI.        APPROVAL OF ACTION ITEMS

1.         Approval to Advertise & Accept Bids: Band Instrument Bid# 20-15

That the Board authorize staff to advertise and accept bids for Band Instruments Bid# 20-15.

2.         Approval to Advertise & Accept Proposals: RFP# 21-15 for Use of Section 16 Property (Ridge area)

That the Board authorize staff to advertise and accept proposals for Use of Section 16 property located in the Ridge area of the Lafayette Parish School System.

3.         Approval to Advertise & Accept Bids: Calculators Bid# 22-15

That the Board authorize staff to advertise and accept bids for Calculators Bid# 22-15.

4.         Approval to Advertise & Accept Proposals: RFP# 23-15 for Grant Writing and Technical Assistance Services

That the Board authorize staff to advertise and accept proposal responses for grant writing and technical assistance services for the Lafayette Parish School System.

5.         Approval to Advertise & Accept Proposals: RFP# 24-15 for Grant Evaluation Services

That the Board authorize staff to advertise and accept proposal responses for grant evaluation services for the Lafayette Parish School System.

6.         Approve Bid Award: Duplicator Ink & Masters Bid# 17-15

That the Board authorize staff's recommendation and award Duplicator Ink & Masters Bid# 17-15 to Copy & Camera.

7.         Approval of Quotes for Boucher Elementary Replace Toilet Partitions

That the Board authorize staff to award the low quote to AAA Signs, Inc. for $28,717 for the Boucher Elementary Replace Toilet Partitions project in accordance with Lafayette Parish School System Purchasing Dept. requirements.

8.         Approval to Advertise & Accept Bids: Food Service Delivery Truck Bid# 26-15

That the Board authorize staff to advertise and accept bids for School Food Service Delivery Truck Bid# 26-15.

9.         Approval to Advertise & Accept Bids: Electric Forklift Bid# 27-15

That the Board authorize staff to advertise and accept bids for Electric Forklift Bid# 27-15.

GROUPED ACTION ITEMS

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

Motion (Broussard, Morrison) that the Board approve All Action Item(s) with the exception of Items Pulled: #10 Ratification of resignations, retirements and suspension of non-tenurable employees; and #11 Pugh Family Foundation-Capacity Building Advocacy-Submission/Acceptance. Motion carried.

ITEMS PULLED FROM ACTION

1.         Ratification of resignations, retirements and suspension of non-tenurable employees

Exiting Employees in Non-Tenurable Positions

Employee Suspended without Pay

January 21, 2015

Motion (Centanni, Latiolais) That the Board ratify the resignations, retirements, and suspension of the employees. Motion carried.  Chassion abstained.

2.           Pugh Family Foundation- Capacity Building Advocacy - Submission/Acceptance

Motion (Centanni, Latiolais) that the Board approve the Pugh Family Foundation Grant.  Motion carried.

VII.       REPORTS

A.         Public Comments

Invitation to an upcoming event in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday was given to the Board members.  Also, they were asked what are their goals for the school system.

B.          Closing Comments

Centanni announced that a LHS student had recently passed away and offered condolences to the family. Mr. Centanni said he had had his first meeting at Lafayette High School and was planning on doing the right thing for the children of the parish.

Hidalgo congratulated honorees that were recognized, and he hopes that the school board can rearrange their business in order to be more effective.

Angelle announced the creation of three committees: Executive Committee consisting of Dawn Morris, Erick Knezek and Tommy Angelle (topic of discussion Board Agenda and Board Policy revisions); Facilities Committee consisting of Jeremy Hidalgo, Mary Morrison and Elroy Broussard (include Kyle Bordelon, Acting Chief Operations Officer); Finance Committee consisting of Justin Centanni, Britt Latiolais and Tehmi Chassion (topic of discussion 2002 ½ Cent Sales Tax).

Chassion spoke about having a  budget plan for low performing schools; finding out what our actual budget deficit is projected to be; giving people enough time to be hired by another school system and/or find another position within our school system; and getting with the original members of the 2002 ½ cent sales tax committee.

VIII.      EXECUTIVE SESSION

IX.        ADJOURN

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

SIGNED:                                                                     SIGNED:

            /s/ Tommy Angelle                                                      /s/ Burnell LeJeune         

Tommy Angelle, President                                          Burnell LeJeune, Interim Secretary-Treasurer

LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD                      LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

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