2022-09-21

New Iberia, Louisiana

September 21, 2022

The Iberia Parish School Board met in Regular Session at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 in the Iberia Parish School Board Room, at the Administrative Building, located at 1500 Jane Street, New Iberia, Louisiana.

SECTION A – CALL TO ORDER

1. ROLL CALL

President, Dan L LeBlanc, Sr. called the meeting to order and asked Ms. Gwen Williams to call the roll.

Board Members Present:

Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc, Sr., President; Mr. Brad M. Norris; Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mr. Elvin D. Pradia; Mr. Jesse J. McDonald; Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis; Mrs. Debra A. Savoie; Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux; Mr. Dana P. Dugas; Mrs. Rachel L. Segura; Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond and Mr. Kenric P. Fremin

Board Members Absent: Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

2. MOMENT OF SILENCE

Mrs. Anita “Chris” Richardson Wiseman – 41 years with the Iberia Parish School Board; retired Principal North Lewis Elementary for 17 years, Principal at Grand Marais for 5 years and teacher at Hopkins Street Elementary and North Lewis Elementary

3. PRAYER

The Opening Prayer was given by Mrs. Nursey McNeal

4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was given by Mr. Elvin D. Pradia

5. PUBLIC COMMENT

The requirement regarding public comment for school board meetings is that a call for public comment must take place prior to each agenda item and vote by the board. If you wish to comment on an agenda item during this meeting, please proceed as follows: please fill out a card with your first and last name and the agenda item you wish to address. These requests to address the Board regarding an agenda item will be heard prior to each agenda item as it is taken up

SECTION B – PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/REPORTS

1. Monthly Sales Tax Report – Mr. Patrick Segura

2. Tax Salary Supplement Report – Mrs. Katie Bouillion

SECTION C – CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:

President LeBlanc called for Public Comment on the Consent Agenda, Hearing none.

1. Budget Revisions (Mrs. Katie Bouillion)

2. Financial Highlights (Mrs. Katie Bouillion)

3. Budget to Actual (Mrs. Katie Bouillion)

4. Physical Facilities Housekeeping Report (Mr. Harry Lopez)

President LeBlanc called for a Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Elvin D. Pradia moved, Mrs. Rachel L. Segura seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

FOR: Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc, Sr., President; Mr. Brad M. Norris; Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mr. Elvin D. Pradia; Mr. Jesse J. McDonald; Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis; Mrs. Debra A. Savoie; Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux; Mr. Dana P. Dugas; Mrs. Rachel L. Segura; Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond and Mr. Kenric P. Fremin

AGAINST: None

Board Members Absent: Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted.

SECTION D – AGENDA ITEMS

1. RECEIVE A PRESENTATION FROM AQUADRILL LLC AND THE PORT OF IBERIA REQUESTING SUPPORT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF 10.3 ACRE SUBZONE DESIGNATION WITHIN FOREIGN TRADE ZONE (FTZ) 124 AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Mr. Barry Smith)

President LeBlanc called for Public Comment, Hearing none.

Mr. Barry Smith informed the Board that Aquadrill Offshores is an international offshore drilling contractor. Mr. Smith informed the Board that Aquadrill operates rigs all over the world. Aquadrill LLC relocated to the port Iberia because they bring in equipment from all over the world and they need to have it repaired. Mr. Smith informed the Board that the Port of Iberia has a tremendous amount of machine shops and repair facilities. The Port of Iberia also has waterway access as well as trucking access and is an ideal place for Aquadrill. Mr. Smith state the company has 8 offshore drilling rigs located around the world. Mr. Smith informed the Board the rigs are in the following locations: 2 in US Gulf of Mexico; 1 in Indonesia; 1 on its way to India; 1 in Thailand and 2 in Vietnam. Mr. Smith informed the Board that Aquadrill ships in parts from all over the world to the warehouse located at the Port of Iberia. Aquadrill uses local vendors to repair their parts and ship/truck the parts back to the rigs out of the country.

President LeBlanc called for a Motion. Mrs. Rachel L. Segura moved, Mr. Danny D. Segura seconded the motion to approve Aquadrill LLC and the Port of Iberia requesting support for the establishment of 10.3-acre subzone designation within foreign trade zone (FTZ) 124 as presented by Mr. Barry Smith.

President, Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc called for Board Discussion, Hearing none. A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

AGAINST: None

Board Members Absent: Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted. (Letter of Support Attached)

SECTION D – AGENDA ITEMS

2. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION TO AMEND CHANGES TO THE LAWN CARE CONTRACT WITH ROBBY’S LAWN SERVICE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Mr. Harry Lopez)

President LeBlanc called for Public Comment, Hearing none.

Mr. Harry Lopez informed the Board that presently part of Robby’s Lawn Service contract is for the old Park Elementary. Mr. Lopez informed the Board that the property was sold to the City of New Iberia and an addendum is needed to the contract to remove the property.

President LeBlanc called for a Motion. Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis moved, Mr. Jesse J. McDonald seconded the motion to amend changes to the lawn care contract with Robby’s Lawn Service as presented by Mr. Harry Lopez. President LeBlanc called for Board Discussion, Hearing none. A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

AGAINST: None

Board Members Absent: Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted.

SECTION D – AGENDA ITEMS

3. CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION FROM STAFF REGARDING BID #1117 – CHILLER REPLACEMENT RECEIVED ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Mr. Harry Lopez and Mr. Paul Allain)

President LeBlanc called for Public Comment, Hearing none.

Mr. Harry Lopez informed the Board that bids were received and opened on September 15, 2022 for Bid #1117 – Chiller Replacement at various schools. Mr. Lopez informed the Board that a copy of the bidder information and a copy of the recommendation letter was placed at their desk. Mr. Lopez informed the Board that an apparent lowest base bid of $2,198,000 was received. The owner, the architect and the engineer reviewed the bid. Mr. Lopez informed the Board that it was determined that this was the lowest responsible bid. Also conversed with the apparent low bidder and determined it was the lowest responsible bid. Mr. Lopez recommended the bid of $2,198,000 with the alternate bid not being considered due to a time issue. ESSER changes have allowed us to reach the timeline and proceed with this project appropriately. Mr. Paul Allian informed the Board that the project came in $200,000 under budget. Mr. Allain informed the Board if they agree to accept this project the contract will be forwarded to Mr. Wayne Landry, Mr. Harry Lopez and the contractor on tomorrow for review. Mr. Allain informed the Board once the bid is awarded he will come back with a time schedule to share with the Board.

President LeBlanc called for Public Comment, Hearing none.

President LeBlanc called for a Motion. Mr. Elvin D. Pradia moved and Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal seconded, the Motion to approve a recommendation from staff regarding Bid #1117 – Chiller Replacement received on Thursday, September 15, 2022 as presented by Mr. Harry Lopez and Mr. Paul Allain. President LeBlanc called for Board Discussion.

Board discussion as follows: Mr. Kenric P. Fremin inquired what schools does this project involve? Mr. Lopez replied two (2) at Pesson Elementary, two (2) at Center Street Elementary, two (2) at Sugarland Elementary, one (1) at Coteau, one (1) ACE (old North Street), one (1) at Loreauville High and one (1) at Delcambre High. Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis inquired will we be dealing with a company that will get the equipment in an efficient amount of time (considering everything going on with shipping/receiving of products)? Mr. Lopez replied both companies that bid on the project are reputable and we have dealt with them in the past. Mr. Lopez replied that the bidder has some concerns about the delivery of the equipment. The preliminary delivery time is 45 weeks. The contractor does not have a lot of faith in the factory delivery time. And that’s why we had to make some changes in the ESSER program. Everyone around the United States are trying to get the same equipment (Carrier, Trane, etc.) and the companies are not giving preference to anyone – nursing homes, hospitals or schools. You get in line and when your number comes up they make your product. There are a lot of surrounding parishes that are concerned about receiving their equipment on time and time line is not less than 4 months. Mr. Lewis replied he would not mind paying $1 or $2 extra for more products to be made in the USA and bring jobs back to the United States. If this happened, maybe we would not be dealing with waiting on items from China, Taiwan and Mexico. Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal inquired what is the deduct panel system at Anderson Middle School? Mr. Lopez explained the obsolete panel system has to be replaced but it could not be done within the original timeframe for ESSER II Projects (September 30, 2023). Federal regulations then moved air quality control to ESSER III Projects with a deadline of September 30, 2024. The panel will now be re-included in the Anderson Chiller replacement project.

Receiving no further discussion, the roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

AGAINST: None

Board Members Absent: Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted.

SECTION D – AGENDA ITEMS

4. CONSIDER ELIMINATION OF POLICY JDA – CORPORAL PUNISHMENT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Mr. Wayne Landry)

Mr. Wayne Landry informed the Board that tonight he would be presenting several policies that are being revised. Mr. Wayne Landry informed the Board that in the last three (3) years there has been a push to get rid of corporal punishment. In Legislature in 2021, there was a bill to eliminate corporal punishment. In 2022, the bill was modified and failed to pass in both years by a close vote. In 2021, Congress introduced a stature that would eliminate corporal punishment in all states. Mr. Landry informed the Board that in our state twenty-six (26) of our seventy (70) public school districts have eliminated corporal punishment. Mr. Landry informed the Board if they voted to eliminate corporal punishment our parish would be number twenty-seven (27) in the state. Nationwide there are only nineteen (19) out of the fifty (50) states that allow corporal punishment. In our district, corporal punishment has not been used at the high school level for quite some time. In the last two (2) years, the administration has done away with its use completely. Prior to those two (2) years, corporal punishment was used at only seven (7) of the district’s fifteen (15) elementary schools. The percentage of the student body that corporal punishment is used on is less than 1%. Mr. Landry informed the Board that while they are considering the list of other revisions that might want to consider eliminating this policy.

President LeBlanc called for Public Comment, Hearing none.

President LeBlanc called for a Motion. Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis moved, Mrs. Rachel L. Segura seconded the motion to eliminate Policy JDA – Corporal Punishment as presented by Mr. Wayne Landry. President LeBlanc called for Board Discussion.

Board discussion as follows: Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis informed the Board that when his son was in school he signed the Corporal Punishment permission slip. However, the school called him and would address the issues with his son. Mr. Lewis stated if we are not using the policy we should remove it.

Mr. Brad M. Norris inquired if we remove this from schools what would be put in its place? Mr. Norris informed the Board that the world not just the school system has a problem with no consequences being enforced. Mr. Hulin responded that we have a list of alternative disciplinary consequences that can be used including the following: detention, in school suspension, out of school suspension, loss of privileges, and many other consequences principals can implement. Mr. Hulin explained that the principles at the seven (7) schools rarely use corporal punishment, maybe once or twice a year. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that the two (2) schools with the highest number of disciplinary referrals now have a paraprofessional on campus for an in school detention center. If this works for these schools, we may consider expanding this option. Mr. Landry informed the Board that another alternative would be to take student’s phone for a minimum of two (2) days with the parent’s consent. Mr. Norris stated if he had to choose between (1) paddling (2) detention or (3) missing a football; he’d choose to miss the football game. Mr. Norris informed the Board if we inconvenience the parents that would make a difference. Mr. Norris also stated take away “paddling” and do a three (3) day suspension (or something along those lines). Mr. Norris informed the Board that the consequence must inconvenience everyone (parent and student); not just missing a Friday night football game or in school detention. Mr. Norris informed the Board if we can do something along the lines of what he suggested, he would support the removal of the policy. But, if it will be removed and not replaced with anything strenuous he will not support it.

Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond informed the Board that she agrees 100% with Mr. Norris and we need to have a consequence in place. Mrs. Rosamond explained that teachers need to feel that there is some way they will get relief and get help for the student(s). Mrs. Rosamond stated that “paddling” is a threat but it did deter students. Mrs. Rosamond stated “paddling” has to be replaced with a meaningful consequence in order for her to vote to get rid of it. Mrs. Rosamond informed the Board that corporal punishment is no longer used by parents like it was used by parents when she was growing up. Mrs. Rosamond stated the only way she can support the removal of corporal punishment if it’s replaced with something meaningful to deter student behavior. She further stated the world is different now but students still need consequences and she’d like to see some consequences. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that we can bring principals together to look at consequences again and come up with consequences that will be consistent across the board. Mr. Hulin informed the Board we have ACE (old North Street) which houses students who are expelled (long term). ACE also houses the District’s short term discipline center. The students who attend the short term discipline center must be dropped off by their parents for two (2) or three (3) days. ACE operates for students in third to twelfth grade. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that we need to check into expanding these options to include lower grades. Mr. Hulin stated he would bring together a committee of principals, Mrs. Joseph, Mr. McFarland and Mr. Russell to review/discuss alternative discipline consequences that can be put in place District-Wide.

Mrs. Rachel L. Segura informed the Board that she also agrees with Mr. Norris. Mrs. Segura informed the Board that there is nothing given tonight to replace the policy, she cannot support the removal of the policy either. Mrs. Segura suggested that a substitute motion be made.

Mr. Elvin D. Pradia informed the Board that he made all the paddles for IPSB when he worked at Iberia Parish Career Center. Mr. Pradia informed the Board that he did not use a paddle when he was principal. He stated he let the parents come and take care of their own business when their child misbehaved. Mr. Pradia informed the Board that there must be a consensus with all the principals so they are all doing the same thing.

Mr. Wayne Landry asked the Board to consider this question “if your child brings a friend to your house and the child misbehaved would you “spank” this child without parental consent”? Mr. Landry informed the Board that is what we are asking principals to do. Mr. Landry informed the Board that principals feel uncomfortable “paddling” students. Mr. Landry stated that if a principal calls and says they do not feel comfortable “paddling” a student; he will consistently tell the principal don’t do it. Mr. Landry informed the Board that in today’s society the first words out of a disgruntled parent’s mouth is “don’t put your hands on my child”. And by giving principals a paddle this shows inconsistent behavior that will only lead to the court room. Mr. Landry informed the Board that he does not like the idea of our staff continuously taking responsibility for a parent’s duty. We will “paddle” a child at school but at home, the parent does not and will not “paddle” this same child?

Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux informed the Board that corporal punishment has not been used in the high schools in quite some time because we use the adjustment center. In the past two (2) years, corporal punishment has only been used in the lower grades. Mr. Mayeux inquired have discipline issues increased, decreased or remained the same? Mr. Hulin informed the Board that it’s been pretty much equal. Mr. Hulin stated there was increase referrals after all students returned to school after being out for a while due to COVID. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that in dealing with the rise in referrals principals are still not using corporal punishment. In 2021, the District only used corporal punishment on forty-six (46) students. In the preceding year, the District had 18,723 discipline referrals and corporal punishment was used on 125 students (approximately 0.6%). Mr. Hulin informed the Board that either corporal punishment is not effective and principals are choosing not to use this method or the principals are not comfortable using the method. Mr. Hulin stated corporal punishment is not a common practice in our schools so why should we continue to carry it in our policies if it’s not being used. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that there are other methods of consequences that can be used.

Mr. Pradia questioned how many repeat offenders were listed in Mr. Hulin’s data? Mr. Hulin informed Mr. Pradia that the data is per incident not per student. Mr. Pradia stated some students get “paddled” three (3) or four (4) times, so the numbers are actually lower because of repeat offenders are being “paddled” more than once.

Mrs. Debra A. Savoie questioned once Mr. Hulin and the principals meet and establish new disciplinary actions, will the information be brought back before the Board? Mr. Hulin responded that the consequences differ from school to school but each school has a discipline plan in place (i.e. what takes on the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd referral). Mr. Hulin informed the Board that they could come together and come up with some alternative consequences to replace “paddling” for lower elementary (K-3). Mr. Hulin stated that for older students suspension might be moved up on the list of consequences once “paddling” is no longer an option. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that this is Mrs. Jennifer Joseph’s area because she works with Child Welfare & Attendance and if she wanted to add anything to the conversation, she could. Mrs. Jennifer Joseph informed the Board that the principals that choose to use corporal punishment used this method in lieu of the suspending the child because they did not want the child to miss instruction. Mrs. Joseph informed the Board that when it comes to infractions where students can be suspended that disciplinary action is being given. Mrs. Joseph informed the Board that students are being disciplined and receiving consequences for their behavior. Mrs. Joseph informed the Board that she feels strongly like Mr. Landry and Mr. Hulin about the policy. Mrs. Joseph informed the Board that in the last year and half, we have been able to handle disciplinary referrals without a “paddle” so why keep a policy in the book that is not being used.

Mr. Norris informed the Board that he understands what Mr. Hulin, Mr. Landry and Mrs. Joseph are saying. Mr. Norris stated if the parents were doing their job we would not be having this conversation because it all starts in the home. Mr. Norris stated he’d like to look at disciplinary actions and meet to review the information and explore other options. Mr. Norris informed the Board he’d like to make an alternative motion to table the item, let the staff review and come back with alternative disciplinary options.

Mr. Pradia questioned what is the time line? Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc informed the Board the time line is forty-five (45) days.

President LeBlanc called for a Motion. Mr. Brad M. Norris moved, Mrs. Rachel L. Segura seconded to request the Superintendent to explore other forms of discipline to be used to replace Corporal Punishment as presented by Mr. Wayne Landry. President LeBlanc called for Board Discussion, Hearing None. A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

FOR: Mr. Brad M. Norris; Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mrs. Debra A. Savoie; Mr. Dana P. Dugas; Mrs. Rachel L. Segura; Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond and Mr. Kenric P. Fremin

AGAINST: Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc, Sr., President; Mr. Elvin D. Pradia; Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux; Mr. Jesse J. McDonald; and Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis

Board Members Absent: Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted.

SECTION D – AGENDA ITEMS

5. CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF POLICIES THAT REQUIRE REVISION BASED ON RECENT LEGISLATION AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Mr. Wayne Landry)

President LeBlanc called for Public Comment, Hearing none.

Mr. Wayne Landry informed the Board that this is the second to last group for the 2022 legislative

section. Mr. Landry informed the Board that the only notable policy was the one regarding sick leave. Mr. Landry informed the Board that the phrase “special circumstances” was added with no definition. Mr. Landry informed the Board the Special Education Advisory Council will be made up of the following: (1) four parents of special education students (2) two special education stakeholders (3) two school board staff members. Mr. Landry informed the Board that there was no definition give of a special education stakeholder. Mr. Landry informed the Board he is not sure where we are regarding the cameras in the self-contained classrooms. Mr. Landry stated in his opinion the 2022 amendment did not remove the condition of funding. However, the cameras are mandatory in self-contained classrooms if the school board has the funding. Mr. Landry informed the Board the only other amendment is the Louisiana Public School Trust. The Louisiana Public School Trust is for the two tracks in the high schools; one track is the regular curriculum for college bound students and the other track for the apprenticeship program. Mr. Landry stated the new amendment states that if the district has high schools that do not have the two tracks and a student wanted to attend a school within the District that had the two tracks that student would be allowed to attend regardless of zones and the District would have to make arrangements if there is room at that school.

President LeBlanc called for a Motion. Mr. Brad M. Norris moved, Mr. Jesse J. McDonald seconded the motion to adopt policies that require revision based on recent legislation as presented by Mr. Wayne Landry. President LeBlanc called for Board Discussion.

Board discussion as follows:

Mr. Kenric P. Fremin questioned regarding sick leave who decides what is considered “special circumstances”? Mr. Landry informed the Board there is no definition and it is a very subjective term.

Receiving no further discussion, the roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

AGAINST: None

Board Members Absent: Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted

6. RECEIVE A REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION FROM THE DRUG/ALCOHOL/HEALTH/SAFETY/INSURANCE COMMITTEE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Mr. Jesse McDonald)

President LeBlanc called for Public Comment, Hearing none.

President LeBlanc called for a Motion. Mr. Jesse J. McDonald moved, Mr. Elvin D. Pradia seconded the motion to accept the committee’s recommendation to renew the commercial group health plan with the changes proposed by the committee as presented by Mr. Jesse J. McDonald. President LeBlanc called for Board Discussion, Hearing none. A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

AGAINST: None

Board Members Absent: Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted

President LeBlanc called for Public Comment, Hearing none.

President LeBlanc called for a Motion. Mr. Jesse J. McDonald moved, Mr. Elvin D. Pradia seconded the motion to accept the committee’s recommendation to renew the Medicare retiree group health plan proposed by the committee as presented by Mr. Jesse J. McDonald. President LeBlanc called for Board Discussion, Hearing none. A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

AGAINST: None

Board Members Absent: Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted

SECTION E – ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Heath Hulin informed the Board that school will be closed on Friday, September 23, 2022 for students in observance of Sugar Cane Festival. The teachers and other staff will have a staff development day.

Mr. Hulin informed the Board that schools will be participating in the Sugar Cane Festival parades and 4-H clubs will be participating in livestock show and cooking events this weekend.

Mr. Hulin wished Mr. Dan P. Dugas “Happy Birthday”!

Mr. Hulin informed the Board that the power has been restored at Jeanerette High School. The power came back on after the students were dismissed. The staff was dismissed for lunch and used the rest of the day for planning.

SECTION F – EXECUTIVE SESSION – NONE

SECTION G – ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mr. Brad M. Norris moved, Mr. Elvin D. Pradia seconded, to adjourn the regular meeting of the Iberia Parish School Board. A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

AGAINST: None

Board Members Absent: Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The motion passed. The regular meeting of the Iberia Parish School Board adjourned at 6:27 P.M.

_____________________________________

Dan L. LeBlanc, Sr., President

_____________________________________

Heath Hulin, Secretary/Treasurer