JEFFERSON DAVIS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES
JUNE 17, 2004 Jennings, Louisiana
The Jefferson Davis Parish School Board met in regular session at 203 East Plaquemine Street, Jennings, Louisiana, on Thursday, June 17, 2004, at 6 p.m., with the following School Board members in attendance: President Jason J. Bouley, Vice-President Ronald L. Hayes, Charles R. Bruchhaus, Julius G. Caraway, David S. Capdeville, Malon U. Dobson, Michael J. Heinen, Robert W. Menard, and Joel C. Richert. Absent: Darryl W. Bertrand, Harry D. Gilbeaux, Richard R. McNabb and James E. Segura.
The meeting was opened with a prayer, followed by the pledge of allegiance to the U. S. Flag.
Upon motion by Mr. Capdeville, seconded by Mr. Menard and carried, the School Board minutes of the May 20, 2004 meeting were approved as submitted.
It was moved by Mr. Menard and seconded by Mr. Richert that the Board call for a 2/3 vote to take care of items of business not listed on the original agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
INFORMATION:
The Sales Tax Report was given by J. C. Blank, Tax Collector/Auditor, and accepted by the Board.
2004 HONOR GRADUATES
Elton High:
Valedictorians: CHASE DRONET, son of Lana Dronet; DERRICK GOEBEL, son of Curt & Tina Goebel; MORGAN BERTRAND, daughter of Wendell & Julia Bertrand.
Salutatorians: CAROLYN DAVID, daughter of James David; COURTNEY SOILEAU, daughter of Donna Soileau.
Jennings High: BETHANY ROYER, daughter of Terry & Lisa Royer; PATRICIA GREEN, daughter of Glenn & Mary Green; ELLIOTT CADE CASSIDY, son of Michael & Jan Cassidy; ROBERT STEWART, son of Linell Stewart & Renee Hawkins; ALEX RAY, son of Dr. Charles Ray & Shelly Ray; LEIGHTON MOORE, daughter of Ricky & Donna Moore
Hathaway High: Valedictorian: RYAN LANDRY, son of Tim & Laura Landry. Salutatorian: BROOKE MILLER, daughter of Keith & Liz Miller.
Lacassine High: Valedictorians: SAVANNA MAHAFFEY, daughter of Bryan & Cara Mahaffey; KEIRA DAIGLE, son of Tommy & Deidre Daigle; DANE CLAYTON, son of David & Linda Clayton.
Salutatorian: PAUL DUHON, son of Richard Duhon & Jennifer Miller;
Lake Arthur High: Valedictorians: CLIFF HARGRAVE, son of Cleveland & Jackie Vincent; RACHELLE DUHON, daughter of Jonathan & Carrie Duhon; CODY GUIDRY, son of Geralyn Chapman; CHRIS LAPOINT, son of Larry & Sharon LaPoint; MONICA KLUMPP, daughter of Michael & Lynn Klumpp; CHARITY LANDRY, daughter of Archille & Estella Landry.
Welsh High: Valedictorians: BENJAMIN BOUDREAUX, son of Brendan & Tina Boudreaux; LAUREN WATKINS, daughter of Claude & JoAnn Watkins; DANIEL CARTER, son of Fred & Patti Carter; LAURIE DAVIS, daughter of Tommy & Yvette Davis; TABITHA SHOATS, daughter of Tommy & Rachel Sonnier.
Salutatorian: JESSICA OWENS, daughter of Alex Owens & Pearly Stebbins.
Elton High FFA competed at the State FFA Career Development Contests at LSU in April. Four of the six teams from Elton placed, and one of those teams placed first. That team will represent Louisiana at the National FFA Contest in Louisville, Ky this fall.
1st Place - Dairy Cattle Evaluation: Thomas Buller, Morgan Bertrand, Adam Fruge, Allie Fruge.
3rd Place - Dairy Cattle Evaluation: Chase Dronet, Kelli Shuff, Chelsie Bertrand, Ashley Sylestine.
High Individual-Dairy Cattle Evaluation: Morgan Bertrand
2nd Place - Livestock Evaluation: Derrick Goebel, Alison Durio, Amber Guillory, Drew McClelland.
4th Place - Poultry Evaluation: Corey Guidry, Cade Johnson, Jared Bruchhaus, Lance Bishop.
NEW BUSINESS:
It was moved by Mr. Capdeville, seconded by Mr. Dobson and carried, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, C. A. FRIEDMAN has served the Jefferson Davis Public School System for thirty-six years, the last five of which were served as Superintendent,
and
WHEREAS, his loyalty, leadership, and dedication to the Jefferson Davis Parish School System in fulfilling his duties and responsibilities have brought credit to the system, and served as an example and inspiration to his colleagues.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Jefferson Davis Parish School Board in regular session on the 17th day of June, 2004, that said Board recognizes and commends C. A. FRIEDMAN for his faithful service and excellent record.
(To be recorded and filed in Minute Book 20 of the School Board.)
/s/President
ATTEST
/s/Superintendent-Elect
The Superintendent, C. A. Friedman, delegated his duties as Secretary of the School Board to the Superintendent-Elect, Thommy Lee Smith.
It was moved by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Bruchhaus and carried, to approve the following consent agenda items:
9. Out-of-State Travel:
a. Welsh FFA to attend the Chapter Officers' Retreat in Galveston, TX, on 7/22/04.
b. Hathaway Girls' Basketball Team to attend Team Camp in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, from 6/25-27/04.
c. Hathaway Boys' Basketball Team to attend Team Camp in Ft. Walton Beach, Fl, from 6/18-20/04.
d. Hathaway FCCLA to compete in Career Investigation at National Leadership Conference in Chicago, Ill, from 7/9-17/04. One student, Alicia Comeaux, will travel with the FCCLA Advisor from Oberlin and the State advisor.
10. A request from Fenton Elementary to accept a grant of $500.00 from Wal- Mart, Jennings, to purchase science lab supplies.
11. The 04-05 IDEA-Part B and Preschool Grant Application.
It was moved by Mr. Heinen, seconded by Mr. Bruchhaus and carried, to renew the two year performance contracts of J. C. Blank, Tax Collector/Auditor & Mona Miller, Hathaway High School Principal, from 1/1/05 to 12/31/06.
It was moved by Mr. Dobson, seconded by Mr. Richert and carried, that the Board adopt a resolution ordering and calling for a special election to be held in Lake Arthur School District #1 of the Parish of Jefferson Davis, State of Louisiana, on September 18, 2004, and to authorize the incurring of debt and issuance of bonds therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith, and providing for other matters in connection therewith. SUMMARY: Authority to issue $3,000,000 of 20 year General Obligation Bonds with the proceeds of the bonds to be used for the purpose of improving building sites and playgrounds, including construction of necessary sidewalks and streets adjacent thereto; purchasing, erecting and/or improving school buildings and other school related facilities within and for the District, and acquiring the necessary equipment and furnishings therefor, title to which shall be public. (Please refer to the addendum to these minutes in Minute Book 20, on file at the School Board Central Office.)
REQUESTS FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE: The following motions were made by Mr. Hayes, Chairman of this Committee and unanimously passed. That the School Board:
10. Accept General Fund Budget Revision #2, Maintenance Funds Budget Revision #2, and Federal Funds Budget Revision #1, for the 2003-2004 fiscal year, as presented by the Director of Finance. Motion seconded by Mr. Heinen.
11. Approve the quote of JPI Data Resource of $2,954.00 for a one-year continuation of the service contract on the digital imaging systems purchased by the School Board last year, as requested by the Director of Finance. The contract includes unlimited service and all updates on the Laserfiche computer program. Motion seconded by Mr. Menard.
12. Accept the best bid received for the Official Journal news carrier from the Jennings Daily News for the 2004-2005 fiscal year. The proposal on legal advertisements for the 04-05 fiscal year is $6.00 per 100 words, the same rate as last year, and public notices will be posted weekly on a nationwide public notice website. Motion seconded by Mr. Dobson.
13. Accept the bid of Public Phone Systems, Jennings, of $21,965.00, as low bidder for installation of the telephone system at the new Jennings High School. The cost is to be paid from new JHS Construction Funds. Motion seconded by Mr. Menard.
14. Because there were no bids received for the sale of the moveable residential structure on 320 Main Street, Lacassine, LA, the Finance Committee has asked that the Administration, with the Ward 8 Board member, be authorized to accept the best bid offered for its removal. Motion seconded by Mr. Caraway.
15. Approve a request from Fenton Elementary to install new lighting in the gymnasium, to cost approximately $3,000.00, and to paint the old special education building located north of the newly remodeled K-1 building, to cost approximately $1,500.00. The labor is to be completed by the School Board Maintenance Department. The expense to complete the project is to be paid from #5 Fenton Contingency Funds. Motion seconded by Mr. Caraway.
16. Accept the lowest/best quotes for the 04-05 repair of band instruments in the Parish band departments:
Northside Jr. High: Lake Charles Music Co.- $5,533.84
To be paid by Northside Jr. High Maintenance #2.
Jennings High: Lake Charles Music Co.-$5,177.70
To be paid by Jennings High Maintenance #2.
Lake Arthur High: Lafayette Music Co.-$3,886.66
To be paid by Lake Arthur High Maintenance #1.
Motion seconded by Mr. Richert.
17. Approve the purchase of ten Dell computers from the Northside Jr. High Maintenance #2 Fund. The units will replace outdated models that do not handle the system requirements in the Internet and Writing Lab in Room 9. The school is beginning a three-year phase-in of new units as part of the school-based technology replacement plan. The best quote offered on the state contract list was from Dell of $1,024.94 each, $10,249.40 being the total cost. Motion seconded by Mr. Menard.
18. Approve the purchase of three BCA Labs at Lake Arthur High, Lacassine High, and Elton High, to be installed prior to the start of school. The total cost for the three labs, including 69 student CPU=s, 3 teacher stations, 3 lab servers, 3 Laser printers, 3 projectors, and software is $96,606.18. Carl Perkins Funds are expected to pay approximately $75,000.00 of the cost when approved by the State. The labs will be purchased in July. The JDPSB General fund will pay the costs not funded by Carl Perkins. The project has been approved in the 2004-2005 Technology Plan and is done on a rotating basis to keep computer skills training for students on a current basis. It is planned next year to do Jennings High, Hathaway High, and Welsh High. Motion seconded by Mr. Capdeville.
19. Approve a School Food Service request to purchase a freezer compressor, to be installed at the SFS warehouse, to cost $3,773.17. The lowest quote was from Baker Distributing of Lake Charles, to be paid from School Food Service Funds. Motion seconded by Mr. Heinen.
It was moved by Mr. Dobson, seconded by Mr. Hayes and carried, to approve the recommendation of the School Board Administration and the Director of Finance concerning the quotes received for the Board=s 2004-2005 insurance policies, including property, boiler & machinery, general liability, fidelity, errors and omissions, and workers compensation:
1. WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE: We recommend that the School Board retain LWCC as our workers compensation insurance company for a total premium of $188,164. The final premium amount may be adjusted once a year-end payroll audit is conducted. The premium offered is less than the $201,001 paid last year, or a net reduction of approximately $13,000 in premium costs.
2. PROPERTY INSURANCE: We recommend the acceptance of the quote of Arthur J. Gallagher of LA for their quote of $150,000 for complete property coverage underwritten by AXIS Reinsurance Company (A XIII rating).
3. BOILER & MACHINERY: We recommend acceptance of the quote of Arthur J. Gallagher of LA of $7,091 underwritten by Hartford Steam Boiler (A+IX rating). Note: The premiums paid for this coverage must flow through Daly Williams Agency due to the fact that they had reserved the Hartford Steam Boiler Company for the purposes of obtaining a quote on this policy.
4. GENERAL LIABILITY: We recommend the acceptance of Arthur J. Gallagher of LA for their quote of $83,000 underwritten by Ace American Insurance Co. (A XIV rating).
5. ERRORS & OMISSIONS: We recommend the acceptance of Arthur J. Gallagher of LA for their quote of $12,899 underwritten by Illinois Union Insurance Co. (A XIV rating).
6. BLANKET FIDELITY & FORGERY: We recommend the acceptance of Arthur J. Gallagher of LA for their quote of $5,075 underwritten by National Union Insurance Co. (A++ XV rating).
TOTAL PREMIUM COST 2003-2004 2004-2005
Workers Compensation $ 201,001 $ 188,164
All Other Policies 309,009 258,065
Totals $ 510,010 $ 446,229
Other quotes were offered for these policies, predominately from insurance pools that are not rated for financial stability, nor are they backed by the LIGA fund. Although there were some advantages offered by the pool quotes, the administration strongly believes that the assets of the School Board are better protected by insurance companies that have been highly rated for financial stability and whose claims will be supported by the LIGA fund.
It was moved by Mr. Dobson, seconded by Mr. Hayes and carried to approve the recommendation of the Director of Finance, that Board retain 3-W Investigators, Inc., of Crowley, as the School Board's independent safety consultant for the 2004-2005 fiscal year at an annual cost of $5,000.
It was moved by Mr. Heinen, seconded by Mr. Dobson and carried, that the Board approve the Superintendent's recommendation for the secretary at Lake Arthur High, naming Rachel Dugas re: Chapman resignation, effective 7/27/04.
It was moved by Mr. Richert, seconded by Mr. Menard and carried, to grant permission to advertise for a special education bus aide for the bus that transports students in the GAP, BD, and Alternative Programs.
It was moved by Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Bruchhaus and carried, to approve the following personnel changes:
APPOINTMENTS:
1. Linda LeBlanc, Parenting Center Instructor, retiree returning to work, effective 8/1/04.
2. Margene Richard, Lake Arthur Elementary 7 hr. cafeteria tech., re: Cade resigned, effective 8/10/04.
3. Tyra Vincent, Ward Elementary special education teacher, re: Yates resigned, effective 8/10/04.
4. Kim Sonnier, Hathaway High math teacher, re: Avant retired, effective 8/10/04.
5. Sandra Simien, West End Elementary special education aide, re: Regan resigned, effective 8/10/04.
6. Pam Duplantis, Lake Arthur High special education aide, Ned transfer, effective 8/10/04.
7. Eric Cooley, Elton High physical education teacher/coach, re: Fuselier transfer, effective 8/10/04.
8. Dare Weekley, Lake Arthur High English teacher, re: Shuey resigned, effective 8/10/04.
9. Maynell Gilbeaux, Welsh High English teacher, re: Wright retired, effective 8/10/04.
10. Roma Bergereaux, Welsh Elementary infant/toddler teacher, re: Thompson transfer, effective 8/10/04.
11. Georgitte Ray, Lacassine High special education aide, new position, effective 8/10/04.
TRANSFERS:
1. Rosa Thompson, from infant-toddler program to non-categorical preschool class at Welsh Elementary.
2. Beverly Landry, Lacassine bus driver, from contract driver to Board-owned driver, effective 8/12/04.
LEAVES:
Extended Medical Leaves:
1. Suzanne Guillory, Northside teacher on 5/14/04.
2. Becky Zaunbrecher, Elton Elementary teacher on 5/13 & 14/04.
3. Ruby Haley, Welsh Elementary teacher, from 5/13-27/04.
Maternity Leave:
1. Rachel Abshire, Lake Arthur Elementary teacher, from 11/15-19 & 29/04 to 12/17/04.
RESIGNATIONS:
1. Kristy LeBlanc, Jennings High biology teacher, effective 6/1/04.
2. Rebecca Yates, Ward Elementary special education teacher, effective 6/1/04.
RETIREMENTS:
1. Judy Avant, Hathaway High teacher, effective 6/1/04, with 26 years of service.
There being no other business to come before the Board, the Board adjourned.
/s/Jason J. Bouley, President
ATTEST:
/s/Tommy Lee Smith, Superintendent-Elect