LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Wednesday, March 4, 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, March 4, 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 followed by a moment of silence.  Latiolais led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

OPENING COMMENTS

The Superintendent said the Read Across Louisiana Program held recently was a great success and thanked the parents, students, and volunteers for participating and attending and also thanked LPAE for sponsoring the event. 

He congratulated Early College Academy and Principal, Ann Castille, for being named one of the 4^th best high schools in LA as reported by the Daily Advertiser recognized by one of the highly regarded New York Based consumer resource organizations.

The Superintendent advised the Board President that he would need to appoint three Board Members to serve on the Insurance Committee and one Board Member to serve on the discipline committee.

He also asked everyone to keep in mind when the District is faced with making decisions regarding school closures for emergencies, weather conditions, or other reasons, that the most important thing is the safety of all our students and employees.  

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

None

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion (Morris, Morrison) That the Board approve the agenda. Motion carried. Chassion was absent.

Chassion entered the meeting.

II.         RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATIONS

The Board congratulated Justin Edwards, for being selected by the Louisiana Governor's Office of Disability Affairs of the Youth of the Year Award for the 2014 Governor's Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities Awards. The award recognizes service, leadership, and commitment to the disability community in the school and Louisiana. Justin Edwards is the President of the Senior Class at Lafayette High School.        

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

A.         CORRECTIONS ON THE MINUTES OF:

1.         Regular Board Meeting of 2/18/15

Motion (Latiolais/Morris) That the Board approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of February 18, 2015. Motion carried.

B.         APPROVAL OF THE COMMITTEE MINUTES OF:

1.         Revised Blue Ribbon Committee Meeting Minutes of 1/13/15

Motion (Morris/Morrison) That the Board receive the revised minutes of the Blue Ribbon Committee Meeting of January 13, 2015. Motion carried.

2.         Finance Committee Meeting of 2/24/15

Motion (Centanni, Hidalgo) That the Board receive the minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting of February 24, 2015. Motion carried.

3.         Board Executive Committee Meeting of 2/25/15

Motion (Morris, Knezek) That the Board receive the Board Executive Committee minutes of February 25, 2015. Motion carried.

IV.        FINANCIAL INFORMATION/REPORTS

A.         APPROVAL OF BILLS

None

B.         OTHER FINANCIAL REPORTS

1.         Sales Tax Collection Report for January 2015

Motion (Centanni, Hidalgo) That the Board approve the Sales Tax Collection report for the month of January 2015. Motion carried.

V.         REPORTS/INFORMATION/INTRODUCTION ITEMS

A.         INFORMATION REPORT

1.         Constitutional Quiz for Graduating Seniors

Ray Green, Patriot and World War II Veteran, provided the Board with a citizenship quiz and a newspaper article on citizenship tests. Mr. Green informed them that he would like high school students to take the citizenship quiz in order to graduate from high school.

2.         Curriculum Update - PBIS Carencro High

A Curriculum Update on PBIS at Carencro High School was made by Ken Roebuck, Principal at Carencro High School.

3.         Personnel Changes for March 4, 2015

RETIREE RETURNING TO WORK

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

Kyle Bordelon, Acting Chief Operations Officer provided a status report for Construction Fund 2012 Limited Tax Bond Fund.

5.         Resolution 02-15-1842 Support for Legislators to Collaborate with Education Stakeholders to Address Charter School Funding Issues and Dedicated Local Taxes

Billy Guidry, Chief Financial Officer, presented the resolution to the Board to initiate a collaboration with our local legislative delegation to identify the actions/efforts that will be necessary to address this matter.

B.         Introduction Items – Action to be taken at a subsequent meeting.

1.         Approval of Revisions to the Career Coordinator job description

2          Revisions to Policy IDDE-R: Summer Driver Education Program Regulations

3.         2002 1/2 Cent Sales Tax Blue Ribbon Committee Membership (Recommendation#1)

4.         2002 1/2 Cent Sales Tax Blue Ribbon Committee Membership (Recommendation #2)

5.         Definition of a Classroom Teacher

6.         Draft Amended Policy File: CCA Organizational Chart

7.         Move Items to Action Agenda – NONE

C.         Other Reports

1.         None

VI.        APPROVAL OF ACTION ITEMS

1.         Elimination of Policy JBCCA--Assignment of Schools

That the Board eliminate Policy JBCCA--Assignment of Schools.

2.         Elimination of Policy JBCCA-R--Assignment to Schools

That the Board eliminate Policy JBCCA-R--Assignment to Schools.

3.         Adoption of Policy JBCC--Student Assignment

That the Board adopt Policy JBCC--Student Assignment.

4.         Adoption of Policy JBCE--Public School Choice

That the Board adopt Policy JBCE--Public School Choice.

5.         Resolution 03-15-1844 - Permission to Enter into Listing Contract for Lease of Property - Section 16 Ambassador Caffery/Ridge Road

Resolution 03-15-1844

Permission to Enter Into Listing Contract For Lease of Property

Section 16 - Ambassador Caffery/Ridge Road

            BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to a public notice, a regularly scheduled meeting of the Lafayette Parish School Board was held on the 4^th day of March, 2015, at 5:30 o’clock P.M. at 113 Chaplin Drive, Lafayette Louisiana, where the following resolution, upon motion duly seconded and passed, was adopted, to-wit:

            BE IT RESOLVED, that the under the Federal Land Ordinance of 1785, the Lafayette Parish School Board (LPSB) has the usage of the surface rights of the Section 16 property located at the corner of Ambassador Caffery and Ridge Road.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that old gas station at the corner of the property as well as the 1.208 acres behind the gas station are currently not leased and all environmental issues and back rent disputes with the former lessee of the gas station have been settled and resolved.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that two requests for proposals (RFPs) issued by LPSB have not resulted in a successful lease of the property and multiple interested parties that have contacted LPSB has also not resulted in a successful lease of the property.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Charles Cornay with Sterling Properties has an extensive knowledge of the property and provided, without compensation, expert witness information to LPSB in relation to the lost rental value in the successful resolution of a dispute with the former lessee over lost rent.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by Lafayette Parish School Board, in legal session convened, does hereby approve and grant permission to enter into a listing contract for lease of property with Sterling Properties for the vacant Section 16 property located at the corner of Ambassador Caffery and Ridge Road, Lafayette Louisiana as described in attachments. 

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 foregoing is a true and exact copy of the resolution adopted at a regular board meeting held on March 4, 2015, at which a quorum was present and voting.

Dated at Lafayette, Louisiana

this 4th day of  March,  2015.                                                   

                                                                                                /s/ Burnell LeJeune

                                                                                    _________________________________

                                                                                    Burnell LeJeune, Secretary-Treasurer

                                                                                    LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

That the Board approve resolution 03-15-1844 - Permission to Enter into Listing Contract for Lease of Property - Section 16 Ambassador Caffery/Ridge Road.

6.         Resolution 03-15-1846: Louisiana Youth Art Month

RESOLUTION 03-15-1846

            WHEREAS, art education contributes powerful educational benefits to all elementary, middle and secondary students including the following:

• Art education develops students’ creative problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities;

• Art education teaches sensitivity to beauty, order, and other expressive qualities;

• Art gives students a deeper understanding of multi-cultural values and beliefs;

• Art reinforces and brings to life what students learn in other subjects;

• Art education interrelates student learning in art production, art history, art criticism, and aesthetics; and

            WHEREAS, these benefits of art education form the basis of “World Class Standards” developed by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Arts; and

            WHEREAS, our national leaders have acknowledged the necessity of including art experiences in all students’ education; and,

            THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that support should be given to art teachers as they attempt to strengthen art education in their schools and communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is proclaimed that March be observed as

LOUISIANA YOUTH ART MONTH

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 March 4, 2015 at which time a quorum was present and that same is in full force and effect.

Dated at Lafayette, Louisiana,

this 4^th day of March 2015.

                                                                                    /s/ Burnell LeJeune

Burnell LeJeune, Secretary-Treasurer

LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

That the Board observe March as Louisiana Youth Art Month and urge all citizens to take interest in and give full support to quality school art programs for children and youth.

7.         Approval to Advertise & Accept Bids: Library Books Bid# 29-15

That the Board authorize staff to advertise and accept bids for Library Books Bid# 29-15.

8.         Approval to Advertise & Accept Bids: Library Periodicals Bid# 30-15

That the Board authorize staff to advertise and accept bids for Library Periodicals Bid# 30-15.

9.         Approve Bid Award: Band Instrument Bid# 20-15

Bids received from: Lafayette Music

That the Board approve staff's recommendation and award Band Instruments Bid# 20-15 to Lafayette Music.

10.       Approve Bid Award: Calculators Bid# 22-15

Bids received from: AFP School Supply; Scantex Systems

That the Board authorize staff's recommendation and award Calculators Bid# 22-15 as follows:  Items# 2-4 and 9 to AFP School Supply - Division of AFP Industries, Inc. Items# 1, 5-8, and 10-17 to Scantex Business Systems.

GROUPED ACTION ITEMS

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

Motion (Centanni, Morris) That the Board approve all Action Items with the exception of Items Pulled.  Motion carried.

ITEMS PULLED FROM ACTION

1.         Cancellation of Policy GBRB - Professional Personnel Time Schedule

Motion (Morris, Knezek) That the Board defer Policy GBRB Professional Personnel Time Schedule until staff can get with Forethought Consulting.  Motion carried.

2.           Proposed Policy Change to Policy File: BBC Board Committees

Motion (Centanni, Hidalgo) That the Board approve amended Policy File:  BBC Board Committees.

A substitute motion was made by Morris, and seconded by Latiolais that the Board approve amended Policy File:  BBC Board Committees and delete: unless the Board by formal action grants the committee the right and responsibility to act on a specified matter.

The Chair called for a vote on the substitute motion.  Voting for were Angelle, Broussard, Centanni, Chassion, Hidalgo, Knezek, Latiolais, Morris and Morrison.  Motion carried.

3.         Router Switches/Wireless Access Points RFP Contract Award

Motion (Centanni, Knezek) That the Board approve awarding the Ethernet Router Switches and Wireless Access Point contract to Detel and move forward with the application process. Motion carried.

4.         Approval of Revisions to the Superintendent of Schools job description

Motion (Centanni, Latiolais) That the Board approve the revisions to the Superintendent of Schools job description. Motion carried.

5.         Resolution 03-15-1845 - Permission to Purchase Property behind STEM Academy

Resolution 03-15-1845

Grant Permission to Purchase Property behind STEM Academy

            BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to a public notice, a regularly scheduled meeting of the Lafayette Parish School Board was held on the 4^th day of March, 2015, at 5:30 o’clock P.M. at 113 Chaplin Drive, Lafayette Louisiana, where the following resolution, upon motion duly seconded and passed, was adopted, to-wit:

            BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lafayette Parish School Board (LPSB) is the owner of the STEM Academy property located at 805 Teurlings Drive in front of the property that is being considered for purchase.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that expansion of the site and the potential for future growth of this magnet site justifies the addition of adjacent vacant property that has been offered to LPSB at a substantial discount of the appraised value.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the current owner has offered to sell us Parcel B (2.298 acres) for $28,725 which is 50% of the 2011 appraised value and Parcel A (1.755 acres) for $30,200 which is 75% of the 2011 appraised value. In addition the original appraiser has confirmed that there have not been any substantial market events that would have caused the current appraised value to fall below the discounted offer price. 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that funding for the purchase of this property will be provided by the Capital Improvements contingency account and approval of this item will also approve an amendment to the corresponding budget for the purchase price, closing expenses, inspections and improvement costs estimated to be less than $65,000 in total.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the purchase of the property is contingent on the successful removal of subdivision restrictions and the abandonment of the road dedication of Parcel B by the current owner.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by Lafayette Parish School Board, in legal session convened, does hereby approve and grant permission to purchase the property located behind STEM Academy, Lafayette Louisiana as described in attachments. 

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 foregoing is a true and exact copy of the resolution adopted at a regular board meeting held on March 04, 2015, at which a quorum was present and voting.

Dated at Lafayette, Louisiana

this  4th day of    March, 2015. 

                                                                                                /s/ Burnell LeJeune                                  

                                                                                    _________________________________

                                                                                    Burnell LeJeune, Secretary-Treasurer

                                                                                    LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Motion (Hidalgo, Knezek) That the Board approve resolution 03-15-1845 - Permission to Purchase Property behind STEM Academy. Motion carried.

6.         Refurbishing the football fields at Acadiana High School, Carencro High School, and Comeaux High School

Motion (Latiolais, Knezek) That the Board approve the recommendation of the Facilities Committee to accept bids to refurbish the football fields at Acadiana High School, Carencro High School, and Comeaux High School.  Motion carried.

VII.       REPORTS

A.         Public Comments

Comments made.  No action taken.

B.         Closing Comments

Comments made.  No action taken.

VIII.      EXECUTIVE SESSION

IX.        ADJOURN

            There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

SIGNED:                                                                      SIGNED:

            /s/ Tommy Angelle                                                        /s/ Burnell LeJeune          

Tommy Angelle, President                                             Burnell LeJeune, Interim Secretary-Treasurer

LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD                         LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

mgp