Lafayette Parish School Board - Regular Board Meeting - REVISED (Wednesday, November 13, 2019). 

Meeting called to order at 5:30 PM

Members present

Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Members absent

None

1. MEETING OPENINGS

Procedural: 1.1 Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and Presentation of Colors- Comeaux High School Navy JROTC Magnet Academy

Students of the Comeaux High and Acadiana High Schools Navy JROTC presented a plaque to Erick Knezek, Board Member District 8 and thanked him for his assistance and support given to the JROTC program.

Procedural: 1.2 Moment of Silence

Procedural: 1.3 Opening Comments – Superintendent

Interim Superintendent, Irma Trosclair gave the Board information on the following:

District and School Accountability Results:  Last week's release of District and School accountability results indicate that Lafayette Parish School System has maintained its B letter grade and showed a slight gain in overall district performance score. Overall, 9 schools improved by an entire letter grade. Westside Elementary (11.6 points), Ernest Gallet Elementary (8.1 points), and Lafayette Middle (7.5 points) all made substantial improvement to earn a higher letter grade. LPSS had 5 Equity Honorees identified by the state and 16 labeled as Top Gains schools. Some notable gains for our High Schools include Acadiana High School whose Graduation Rate increased by 9.5% yielding a 26 point gain in Graduation Index. David Thibodeaux STEM Magnet Academy also made notable gains by improving 9 points in ACT and Workkeys measures.  Early College Academy, recently named a National Blue Ribbon School maintained the highest overall School Performance Score at 131.9.  Lafayette Parish also saw improvement in Transformation Zone Schools with 57 percent identified Zone schools demonstrating growth over the previous year. Early Childhood Performance improved.  The network as a whole achieved a High Proficient rating increasing from 5.22 to 5.28 overall.  

District Staff Leadership Institute:  District staff has developed a Leadership Institute in an effort to build a pipeline of strong school leaders.  Individuals from each campus who exhibit strong leadership traits have been nominated by school principals.  Of the nominations, district staff will select 25 individuals to be part of Cohort 1 of the Leadership Institute.  Beginning in December, these potential future leaders will take part in focused and intensive professional development opportunities that will build their capacity to lead Lafayette Parish schools in the future.  District staff is also working to create a student advisory board made up of representatives from each high school to discuss and come up with possible solutions for various student concerns including bullying.  Discussions will focus around incidents of bullying that are specific to particular groups of individuals.  

LPSS Homebound Services:   Recent feedback from parents regarding our homebound services to students has been very positive.  Parents report that children are receiving excellent instruction during the periods that students are unable to attend school.  Thank you to Ms. Gale Lear and her staff for doing an excellent job with students who are in our homebound program.

LPSS Magnet Academies:  The Superintendent reminded parents that the application process for magnet academies is currently open.  The deadline to apply is January 15, 2020 at 11:30 p.m.   Parents who want their child to be part of the lottery process for entry into a magnet academy must apply at lpssonline.com.  It is important that the application is completed in its entirety.

2. LITIGATION

Action: 2.1 Discussion and/or action concerning pending litigation in the matter of Azadeh Miriam Yazdi versus Lafayette Parish School Board, et al, Civil Action No. 6: 18-CV-00510-RRS-CBW, Western District of Louisiana

That the Board enter into Executive Session for consideration and/or action concerning pending litigation in the matter of Azadeh Miriam Yazdi versus Lafayette Parish School Board, et al, Civil Action No. 6: 18-CV-00510-RRS-CBW, Western District of Louisiana

Motion by Tommy Angelle, second by Britt Latiolais.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Mary Morrison

Absent: Dawn Morris

That the Board return to Regular Session.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Elroy Broussard.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Mary Morrison

Absent: Dawn Morris

3. INFORMATION ITEMS

Appearances: 3.1 BOARD: Recognition of Zhorie'l Tapo-5th grade student at L.J. Alleman-Chassion

Dr. Tehmi Chassion, Board Member District 4, recognized Zhorie'l Tapo, 5th grade student at L.J. Alleman, selected as Kid Reporter for Scholastic Kids Press.  She is one of 50 kids worldwide who were selected this year, and the only Kid Reporter in the state of Louisiana. 

Information: 3.2 BOARD: Presentation of the Benefits of Esports -Knezek

Ian Madray with Cajun E-Sports gave the Board a brief presentation on the benefits of Esports (electronic sports).

Information: 3.3 INFORMATION: Annual LSU AgCenter Report-Trosclair

Charles Hebert, County Agent/Parish Chairman with the LSU AgCenter, presented the annual report highlighting events and activities of the past school year.  He also thanked the Board for the partnership with LPSS, allowing the LSU AgCenter to continue their commitment of working with the schools to conduct educational programs, nutritional programs, and gardening programs.

Information: 3.4 HUMAN RESOURCES: Personnel Changes for November 13, 2019 - Gardner/Thibodeaux

New Employee

Employee Transfers

Exiting Employee

Other Action

Information: 3.5 FINANCE: List of Bids Approved to be Advertised by the Interim Superintendent - Guidry/Bordelon/Francis

As per Administrative Guidelines for Board Meetings effective January 12, 2017, Mrs. Trosclair approved advertisement of the following bids during the time frame of October 10, 2019–November 8, 2019: Bid# 44-20 Scott Middle Cafeteria; Bid# 45-20 AHS and OCHS JROTC Buildings; Bid# 46-20 All Weather Running Tracks.

4. CONSENT AGENDA

Action (Consent): 4.1 ACADEMICS: Discussion and/or Action concerning the Request for Approval of Head Start/Early Head Start Grant Submission - Rabalais/Duay

Resolution: That the Board approve the submission of the Head Start/Early Head Start Grant application as per attached in the public content section of this agenda item.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.2 ADMINISTRATION: Consideration and/or Action Concerning Revisions to Policy JS, Student Fees, Fines and Charges-Trosclair/Gardner

Resolution: That the Board approve the proposed revisions to Policy JS, Student Fees, Fines and Charges as attached in the public content section of this agenda item.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action: 4.3 BOARD: Discussion and/or action concerning the 2002 Half-Cent Sales Tax Fund Declaration of Excess Reserve - Knezek

That the Board approves for years that the 2002 Sales Tax Fund generates an annual Surplus, that at least 20% of the surplus be committed to fund an increase to the Teacher Salary Schedule for the subsequent fiscal year.

Motion by Erick Knezek, second by Britt Latiolais.  Motion  and second was withdrawn.

That the Board refer the 2002 Sales Tax Fund to be taken up by the Blue Ribbon Committee for recommendation to the Board

Motion by Erick Knezek, second by Britt Latiolais.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.4 BOARD: Discussion and/or action regarding Self-Funded Construction Fund Budget Revision to reflect transfer from Committed School Sites Renovations/Construction and Land/Building Acquisitions to Committed School Sites Renovations/Replacements: Prairie, Carencro Heights, Lafayette High – Centanni

Resolution: That the Board approves a Self-Funded Construction Fund Budget Revision to reflect a transfer of $13,000,000 from project line item, Committed School Sites Renovations/Construction and Land/Building Acquisitions to project line item, Committed School Sites Renovations/Replacements: Prairie, Carencro Heights, Lafayette High.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.5 BOARD - Discussion and/or action concerning General Fund Budget Revision - Staff Allocation Formula Assistant Principal – Centanni

Resolution: That the Board approves a budget revision to the General Fund in the amount of $180,000 to fund a total of two Assistant Principal slots - Discipline Referrals as allocated in the Public Content section of this agenda item.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.6 FACILITIES - Discussion and/or Action Concerning Approval of Quotes for Lafayette High Phase 1 Temporary Aggregate Driveway - Bordelon/Francis

Resolution: That the Board authorize staff to award the low bid to Southern Constructors, LLC for $59,930 for the Lafayette High Phase 1 Temporary Aggregate Driveway in accordance with purchasing procedures and guidelines.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.7 FACILITIES - Discussion and/or Action Concerning Approval of Quotes for Thibodaux STEM Cooling Tower Repairs - Bordelon/Francis

Resolution: That the Board authorizes staff to award the low quote to Gallo Mechanical Services, LLC for $47,092 for the Thibodaux STEM Cooling Tower Repairs in accordance with purchasing procedures and guidelines.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.8 FACILITIES: Discussion and/or action concerning ratification of Approval of Quotes for Judice Middle Matching Funds Project Digital Sign - Guidry/Bordelon

Resolution: That the Board awards the low quote of $21,340.22 to Golden Rule Signs for the Judice Middle Matching Funds Project Digital Sign in accordance with purchasing procedures and guidelines.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action: 4.9 FACILITIES - Discussion and/or Action Concerning Long Term Use/Rental of Facilities by Eta Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority - Bordelon/Guidry

That the Board approve the long term use/rental of Live Oak Elementary School by the Eta Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for several meetings from November 2019 through May 2020.

Motion by Tehmi Chassion, second by Mary Morrison.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.10 FACILITIES - Discussion and/or Action Concerning Long Term Use/Rental of Facilities by The Pentecostals of Youngsville - Bordelon/Guidry

Resolution: That the Board approves the long term use/rental of Gallet Elementary School by The Pentecostals of Lafayette for Sunday services from November 2019 through June 2020.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.11 FINANCE: Discussion and/or action concerning Budget to Actual Reports for October, 2019-Guidry/Richard

Resolution: That the Board approves the Budget-to-Actual reports for October, 2019 as attached in the public content section of this agenda item.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.12 FINANCE: Discussion and/or action concerning the Grant Fund Summary for October, 2019 - Guidry/Richard

Resolution: That the Board approves the Summary of Grant Funding and Activity for October, 2019 as attached in the public content section of this agenda item.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.13 FINANCE: Discussion and/or action concerning the Sales Tax Collection Report for September 2019 Guidry/Ashy

Resolution: That the Board approves the Sales Tax Collection report for the month of September 2019 as attached in the public content section of this agenda item.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.14 FINANCE: Discussion and/or action concerning Proposal Recommendation - Grant Evaluation RFP# 32-20 - Francis/Alexander

Resolution: That the Board award RFP# 32-20 to EGT, Inc. for Grant Evaluation Services.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.15 FINANCE: Discussion and/or action concerning Proposal Recommendation-Grant Writing & Technical Assistance Services RFP# 40-20 - Francis/Alexander

Resolution: That the Board award RFP# 40-20 to EGT, Inc. for Grant Writing & Technical Assistance Services.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.16 HUMAN RESOURCES: Discussion and/or Action regarding modification of pay for Substitute Assistant Principals and Principals - Gardner/Thibodeaux

Resolution: That the board approve revision of page 64 of the 2019-2020 Salary Schedule Booklet as shown in the attachment to this agenda item as it pertains to rate of pay for substitute Principals and Assistant Principals, beginning with the November paychecks.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.17 RISK MANAGEMENT: Discussion and/or Action Concerning Revisions to Policy DCF-Fund Balances-Trosclair/Guidry/Bernard

Resolution: That the Board approve the proposed revisions to Policy DCF-Fund Balances as attached in the public content section of this agenda item.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.18 RISK MANAGEMENT: Discussion and/or Action Concerning Revisions to Policy JGCF-Behavioral Health Services for Students-Trosclair/Guidry/Bernard

Resolution: That the Board approve the proposed revisions to Policy JGCF--Behavioral Health Services for Students as attached in the public content section of this agenda item.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.19 SUPERINTENDENT: Discussion and/or action concerning the Minutes of October 9, 2019

Resolution: That the Board approve the minutes of October 9, 2019.

That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Action (Consent): 4.20 Approval of All Action Consent Items

Resolution: That the Board approve all Action Consent Items with the exception of items pulled.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Erick Knezek, Board Member District 8, informed everyone that this would be his last meeting as Board Member and thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve the community and district as a member of the Lafayette Parish School Board.

 5. EXPULSION APPEAL

Action: 5.1 Student Expulsion Appeal

That the Board enter into executive session to discuss expulsion appeal.

Motion by Britt Latiolais, second by Erick Knezek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

That the Board return to regular session.

Motion by Erick Knezek, second by Tommy Angelle.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Absent: Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo

That the Board affirms the decision of the Superintendent in the Case of V.B.

Motion by Erick Knezek, second by Dawn Morris.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yes: Tommy Angelle, Elroy Broussard, Justin Centanni, Erick Knezek, Britt Latiolais, Dawn Morris, Mary Morrison

Absent: Tehmi Chassion, Jeremy Hidalgo

6. ADJOURN

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

           SIGNED:                                                                             SIGNED:

    /s/ Justin Centanni                                                                  /s/ Irma Trosclair

Justin Centanni, President                                             Irma Trosclair, Secretary-Treasurer

LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD                        LAFAYETTE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

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