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PROCEEDINGS OF THE EVANGELINE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ville Platte, Louisiana

March 22, 2017

Members of the Evangeline Parish School Board met this day in a regular scheduled meeting at

the Media Center, 607 Harvey LeBas Drive, Ville Platte, Louisiana.

Members present were Mr. Darren Vidrine, Ms. Georgianna Wilson, Ms. Wanda Skinner, Mr.

Arthur Savoy, Mr. Michael Fontenot, President Wayne Dardeau, Vice-President Scott Limoges, Mrs.

Peggy Forman, Ms. Nancy Hamlin, and Mr. Ellis Guillory, Sr.

Members absent were Dr. Bobby Deshotel, Mr. Lonnie Sonnier, and Mr. Buck Dupuis.

Also in attendance were Superintendent Darwan Lazard, CFO Amy Lafleur, Board Attorney

Betsy Jackson, Child Nutrition Program Director Karen Soileau, Supervisors Philip Buller, Kelli Lafleur,

and Ted Soileau, and Technology Coordinator John Deranger. Principals in attendance were Mary

Christine Fontenot (BCES), Peggy Edwards, (CES), Liz Chatelain (MHS), Anita West (PPHS), and Sally

Moreaux (VPES). Assistant Principals Kim Manuel (CES), Jerry Bottley, (VPES), and Rebecca Fontenot

(VPES) were also in attendance.

President Wayne Dardeau declared a quorum and ordered members to proceed with the business

of the day at 6:00 p.m.

It was moved by Vice-President Scott Limoges, seconded by Ms. Nancy Hamlin, and

recommended by Superintendent Darwan Lazard to add new business Item #12, Item #13, and Item #14

to the agenda. There was no question, comment or objection from board members or the audience.

Voting for the motion were Mr. Darren Vidrine, Ms. Georgianna Wilson, Ms. Wanda Skinner,

Mr. Arthur Savoy, Mr. Mike Fontenot, President Wayne Dardeau, Vice-President Scott Limoges, Mrs.

Peggy Forman, Ms. Nancy Hamlin, and Mr. Ellis Guillory, Sr. Motion carried unanimously.

Item #1 – Minutes from the previous board meeting of March 8, 2017 were presented. There was

no comment from board members or audience in attendance.

It was moved by Mr. Ellis Guillory, Sr., seconded by Vice-President Scott Limoges and

recommended by Superintendent Darwan Lazard to approve minutes of the previous meeting dated

March 8, 2017, as presented. There was no question, comment or objection from board members or

audience in attendance.




Item #2 – Superintendent Lazard and Supervisor Ted Soileau recognized Pine Prairie

High School and Mamou High School for becoming accredited training and education facilities

for NCCER. Our district offers industry based courses, one of which is through NCCER

certification. Some of the NCCER courses offered in Evangeline Parish are welding, electricity

and carpentry. Superintendent Lazard and Supervisor Ted Soileau presented a tracker sign to

each school. Accepting the tracker sign for Mamou High School was Elizabeth Chatelain,

principal of Mamou High School, and Christina Lejeune, Mamou High School Agriculture

teacher. Accepting the tracker sign for Pine Prairie High school was Anita West, principal of

Pine Prairie High School. Supervisor Ted Soileau informed board members that all Evangeline

Parish School District High Schools and Evangeline Central are accredited facilities for NCCER.

Item #3 – Ville Platte Elementary Principal, Sally Moreaux and Ville Platte Elementary School

Assistant Principals, Jerry Bottley and Rebecca Fontenot, presented a slide show highlighting Ville Platte

Elementary School. A large majority of the Ville Platte Elementary School teachers were in attendance in

the audience. (03222017 RM Attachment #01)

Demographics of VPES reveal: 1) 459 students; 2) 70 faculty members; 3) Grade Configuration

of PreK-4th grade; 4) SPS of 74.4 “C”, which is a +15 point increase from 2015-2016; and 5) 98% poverty

status.

The major schoolwide focus for Ville Platte Elementary school for 2016-2017 is Response to

Intervention (RTI), Academics and Behavior (PBIS).

The administration of VPES realizes that teamwork is the key to success. All of the VPES staff

share the same vision, which is to create students with a love for learning, a love for oneself and a love for

others. The administration and staff at VPES understands that poverty affects behavior and academics.

They are fully aware that they are no stronger than their weakest link and, therefore, have to think

“outside of the box” to accomplish their goals. They truly identify with the fact that “One size does not

fit all”.

The school curriculum used is Core Knowledge, Guide Book 2.0 and Eureka Math. VPES has

received the largest number of Quality Math & Science (QSM) grants, from LSU, in our state. Twelve

VPES teachers have been awarded QSM grants from LSU totaling over $9,000.00. This money was used

to buy iPads, which will be used in the classroom to help individualize instruction of students. VPES

teachers have also received 13 REAP grant awards, was awarded a $5,000.00 grant from Lowes to

purchase playground equipment, which will be purchased this year, and three teachers from VPES

received Target grants for educational field trips.

VPES Principal Sally Moreaux explained that their students are successful because high

expectations are established for them. She feels that low expectations lead to a culture of despair. VPES

staff believes in their students, set high expectations and tries to give them a future of hope.

VPES uses a “Pullout Cycle” for their students. Some students are pulled out of PE for 45

minutes to an hour. They receive services from speech therapist, special education teachers, counselor,

librarian, computer lab for Fast Forward (Early Reading Intervention) and Computer Lab for Moby Max

(all subjects) and Zearn Math (average to high achievers). VPE also has classroom interventions.

During the Response to Intervention (RTI) cycle, each student is strategically assigned within the

six (6) intervention stations. It is possible that a low achieving student could attend stations more than

once a week, according to their need, or students who are experiencing problems could be assigned to the

counseling station multiple times during the week. The kindergarten cycle is for thirty (30) minutes and

1st – 4th grade cycle lasts fifty-five (55) minutes. During the time that the low achieving students are

funneled to the RTI cycle, teachers have the opportunity to do common grade level assessments and

common grade level PLC meetings. The administrative staff meets with the teachers biweekly to discuss

teaching strategies, weekly test data, tracking of low achieving students and ways to improve instruction.

VPES uses behavior intervention through PBIS, positive behavior intervention system, in an

attempt to increase positive behavior as well as extinguishing as much negative behavior as possible.

Some of the methods used are:

1) Monthly Activities;

2) Weekly Paw Dens (any faculty can distribute “paw bucks” to students exhibiting positive

behavior during the week and on Friday the students can purchase items from the “Paw Den” with their

“paw bucks”);

3) Fun Fridays;

4) Positive referrals;

5) Red Zone Kids (“Breakfast Club”) (VPE has a Mentor Teacher Program for the high

maintenance students. When these students get to school in the morning, they check into the office and a

teacher takes them to breakfast. The mentor will stay with the student after breakfast, involving the

student is different activities, until class begins. It has been noticed that there have been a lot less class

disruptions since implementation of this program.)

6) Student of the Month (one student from each grade is chosen); and

7) End of the Year Blast (students are given the opportunity to decide what to do for the End of

the Year Blast. This provides the students the opportunity to socialize and interact with their peers.).

Item #4 – CFO Amy Lafleur explained that in order to be in compliance with the recently

released Statewide Agreed-Upon Procedures, a report of budget to actual revenue/expenditures will be

submitted to the board monthly. CFO Amy Lafleur presented the monthly budget to actual

revenue/expenditures report, as of February 28, 2017, which showed an excess revenue over expenditures

of $5,284,406.50. (03222017 RM Attachment #02) CFO Amy Lafleur explained that this number looks

good right now, but it does not include the amounts withheld for the June, July and August payrolls.

Item # 5 – CNP Director Karen Soileau informed board members that the EPSB Child Nutrition

Program would be assuming the 2017 Summer Feeding Program in Ville Platte. She introduced Mr.

Terryl Jackson, VPH/VPE lunchroom manager, who would be running the program.

Mr. Terryl Jackson stated that the Superintendent asked each EPSB department leader to seek out

opportunities for additional funding resources, whenever possible. Hosting the Summer Feeding Program

would allow the Child Nutrition Program to capitalize on an additional revenue source. The excess funds

will increase profit margin of the CNP and will be earmarked for CNP equipment. Many of EPSB school

cafeterias have equipment 30 years old or older and the remodeling projects in Basile will require

additional lunchroom equipment. The goal is to not have to ask General Fund for assistance in the

purchase of such equipment.

Lunches will be served in the summer at the Ville Platte High School cafeteria. Any child 18

years of age and under may receive a lunch through the Summer Feeding Program. Child Nutrition

Program Director, Karen Soileau, has noticed attendance of the Summer Feeding Program has been going

down over the last several years. CNP cafeteria staff has developed a rapport with over 1,200 students at

Ville Platte High School and Ville Platte Elementary School and the hope is that this will help to increase

the participation. In an additional effort to get attendance up, the CNP will continue with “offer vs.

serve”, presently used in all Evangeline Parish School Board cafeterias. Students will be allowed to

choose what they want to eat from what is offered, allowing the children choices in the meal selection.

This helps reduce waste and increase profit.

In addition to providing nutrition meals in the summer, while school is out, employment

opportunities will be afforded to our CNP staff. This will be beneficial to employees for future retirement

benefits.

An advertising campaign will be utilized using local media sources, meeting with managers of the

local housing complexes, issuing fliers for parents, listing notification on the website, churches and

pastors. Transportation opportunities will be provided, as in previous years.

Superintendent Darwan Lazard stated CNP would work with the City of Ville Platte and employ

previous Summer Feeding Program employees, when possible.

Item #6 – Price quotes for School Library Books for 2016-2017, as requested by Supervisor

Penny McDaniel, were presented: (03222017 RM Attachment #03)

NAME OF VENDOR PRICE QUOTE NO. OF BOOKS

Follett Library Resource $ 18,943.15 1,788

Junior Library Guild NO BID

Perma-Bound $ 17,900.99 659

There was no comment from board members or audience in attendance.

It was moved by Mrs. Peggy Forman, seconded by Ms. Nancy Hamlin, and recommended by

Superintendent Darwan Lazard to approve the price quote from Follett Library Resources in the amount

of $18,943.15 for 1,788 books, as recommended by Supervisor Penny McDaniel.




Item #7 - The following requisition(s) were submitted for approval:

A. GILLETTE SCHOOL SERVICES -- $9,617.60 FOR PRE K – 4TH GRADE COOKIE

DOUGH FUNDRAISER USING SCHOOL FUNDS (REQUESTED BY PPHS

PRINCIPAL ANITA WEST)

B. #1 FUNDRAISING -- $8,445.00 FOR COOKIE DOUGH FUNDRAISER FOR JAMES

STEPHENS MONTESSORI SCHOOL USING SCHOOL FUNDS (REQUESTED BY

JSM PRINCIPAL MELANIE BORDELON)

There was no question or comment from board members or audience in attendance.

It was moved by Mr. Michael Fontenot, seconded by Mr. Ellis Guillory, Sr., and recommended

by Superintendent Darwan Lazard to approve requisitions, as submitted.




Item #8 – The following invoice was submitted for payment:

A. BAYOU RAPIDES CONSTRUCTION -- $49,041.23 FOR PAYMENT #3 FOR JOB #2014-15 A

NEW PARISH-WIDE TEACHER TRAINING & TECHNOLOGY ADDITION TO THE

CENTRAL OFFICE USING TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE BOND PROCEEDS (REQUESTED

BY CFO AMY LAFLEUR)


It was moved by Ms. Wanda Skinner, seconded by Mr. Arthur Savoy, and recommended by

Superintendent Darwan Lazard to approve payment of invoice, as submitted.




Item #9 – A copy of annual Tier 3 Personal Financial Disclosure Statement was provided in each

board member’s meeting packet. (03222017 RM Attachment #04) President Wayne Dardeau stated it was

important for board members and the Superintendent to complete the form(s) and submit them to the

Louisiana Board of Ethics before the May 15th deadline. Board members may submit completed form(s)

to the Superintendent’s secretary, who will keep a copy to be filed at the Central Office and forward the

original to the Board of Ethics. If any board member wishes to submit the forms directly, they are asked

to forward a copy to the Superintendent’s secretary to be filed at the Central Office.

Item #10 – Personnel matters were presented as information:

Item #10A – PERSONNEL CHANGES/RESIGNATIONS; RETIREMENTS;

REASSIGNMENTS; TERMINATIONS.

BAYOU CHICOT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Amanda Guillory, Title I paraprofessional, reclassified to special education paraprofessional (70% High

Cost/30% General Fund) effective 10/1/2016 (replacing Christina Alemand)

Christina Alemand, special education paraprofessional, reclassified to Title I paraprofessional (Title I

schoolwide funding) effective 10/1/2016 (replacing Amanda Guillory)

CHATAIGNIER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Delores Matt, lunchroom manager, submitted letter of retirement effective 5/27/2017

MAMOU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Melissa Gibson, regular education teacher, submitted letter of retirement effective 5/31/2017

VIDRINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Patricia Monier, librarian, submitted letter of retirement effective 5/31/2017

VILLE PLATTE HIGH SCHOOL

Wanda Verrette, special/adaptive physical education teacher, submitted letter of retirement effective

5/31/2017

George Richard, custodian, terminated effective 3/10/2017

Item #10B – APPOINTMENT OF PERSONNEL

W.W. STEWART ELEMENTRAY SCHOOL

Tiffany Bouttee, part time LEP tutor (20 hours per week; Title I administrative funding; hourly rate of

pay) effective 3/3/2017

Tiffany Bouttee, part time Response to Induction (RTI) tutor (7 hours per day/2 days per week; WWS

school funds; hourly rate of pay) effective 3/20/2017

Item #10C – LEAVE REQUESTS

BAYOU CHICOT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Nicole Johnson, regular education teacher, requested and granted maternity leave to begin 1/15/2017; date

expected to return to work is 3/9/2017

W.W. STEWART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Jade Doucet, regular education teacher, requested and granted maternity leave to begin approximately

4/3/2017; date expected to return to work is August 2017

Item #10D – CONTRACT RENEWALS

Anthony Bertrand, principal presently assigned to Basile High School, 2 years contract renewed effective

7/28/2017

Dexter Brown, principal presently assigned to Evangeline Central School, 2 year contract renewed

effective 7/31/2017

Anita West, principal presently assigned to Pine Prairie High School, 2 year contract renewed effective

7/28/2017

NEW BUSINESS Item #12 – The following requisition(s) were presented for approval:

A. MAC TO SCHOOL -- $7,960.00 FOR 40 IPADS FOR BAYOU CHICOT

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION USING TITLE

I SCHOOLWIDE FUNDS (REQUESTED BY PRINCIPAL MARY-CHRISTINE

FONTENOT)

B. #1 FUNDRAISING -- $ 8,862.00 FOR COOKIE DOUGH FUND RAISER FOR

VIDRINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL USING SCHOOL FUNDS (REQUESTED BY

PRINCIPAL SHERRAL TEZENO)


It was moved by Mrs. Peggy Forman, seconded by Mr. Scott Limoges, and recommended by

Superintendent Lazard to approve requisitions, as presented.




NEW BUSINESS Item # 13 – A revised job description for Detention/Clinic Teacher was

submitted for board approval. (03222017 RM Attachment #05) Submitted revision included: retitling job

description to Detention/Clinic Facilitator, revision of minimum qualifications and revision of assigned

duties.


It was moved by Mr. Arthur Savoy, seconded by Mr. Ellis Guillory, and recommended by

Superintendent Darwan Lazard to approve revision to the Personnel Evaluation Plan, as submitted.




NEW BUSINESS Item #14 – Superintendent Darwan Lazard informed board members he was

joining a majority of district/city superintendents from across the state in asking for adoption of a

resolution requesting delay of implementation of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). (03222017 RM

Attachment #06) Sixty-one out of sixty-nine superintendents wrote letters to BESE and Superintendent

White asking to delay ESSA implementation. In 2015-2016, 43% of schools in Louisiana were rated A or

B. It is projected that only 11% of Louisiana schools will be rated A or B for 2017-2018, if ESSA

implementation is not delayed. This would be devastating to public perception of public schools.

Superintendent Lazard stated he is not against high standards, accountability, and raising of the minimum

standard, but feels this is being rushed and implemented too quickly. Superintendents, throughout the

state, feel the need for implementation to be delayed until September, allowing more time for districts to

get ready and prepare. If approved, Superintendent Lazard will send a copy of the resolution to

Superintendent White and BESE board members Gary Jones and Jada Lewis, LASS President Hollis

Milton, State Representatives Bernard Lebas and Phillip Devillir, State Senator Eric Lafleur and LSBA

President Scott Richard. BESE is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Many

Superintendents plan to be at this meeting to express their desire to delay implementation of ESSA.


It was moved by Ms. Wanda Skinner, seconded by Ms. Nancy Hamlin, and recommended by

Superintendent Darwan Lazard to adopt resolution requesting delay of Every Student Succeeds Act

(ESSA).




Item #11 – Superintendent’s Comments:

Superintendent Darwan Lazard thanked Board President Wayne Dardeau for his invitation to tour

Pine Prairie Energy Center. Donald Fontenot, Pine Prairie Energy Center Manager, and Kyle

Fontenot guided the tour. Superintendent Lazard was very impressed with the facility and will be

talking with high school principals and counselors about possible field trips for Juniors and

Seniors to Pine Prairie Energy Center. Sixty percent (60%) of the work force at Pine Prairie

Energy Center live in Evangeline Parish and they are always looking for local people to employ.

On 3/24/2017 ACT was administered to students at the four Evangeline Parish high schools. It is

mandatory that all juniors, including special education students, take the ACT, whether they are

planning to attend college or not, or planning to attend Career Technical School. Seniors, scoring

less than 18, are allowed to retake the test, if they wish.

On Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Superintendent Darwan Lazard was invited to address the Ville

Platte Rotary Club. He was accompanied by Interim Assistant Superintendent Michael Lombas

and Supervisor Linda Lafleur.

On Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Superintendent Darwan Lazard and other members of the staff met

with Network “A” personnel to discuss curriculum and instruction and ways to make Evangeline

Parish teachers more successful and our students perform better.

Superintendent Darwan Lazard congratulated Ms. Sheila Lawson, a counselor at James Stephens

Montessori School and Pine Prairie High School, who was an Elementary Counselor of the Year

Nominee.

Superintendent Darwan Lazard congratulated the Bayou Chicot Elementary School baseball team

and its coach, Jeremy Jordan, for an undefeated season, making them Cenla Louisiana Middle

School Junior High Athletic League Champions.

Superintendent Darwan Lazard reminded board members that April 12th is the only regular board

meeting scheduled for April 2017, due to the Easter Break.

Superintendent Darwan Lazard thanked Special Education Director Roxane West, Special

Education Supervisor Kelli Lafleur and all who helped make for the Work-Based Learning

Program Appreciation Luncheon a success.

Superintendent Darwan Lazard informed board members the Morpho-Track System

(fingerprinting system) is scheduled to be installed next week and training for the staff will follow

in the next couple of weeks.

Superintendent Darwan Lazard congratulated Basile High School Band, who scored a 3 out of 4

rating at the ULL Music Festival.

Superintendent Darwan Lazard informed board members that earlier this week he had met with

State Representative Phillip Devillier. In the near future, Superintendent Lazard will be

informing the board of possible upcoming legislation. Superintendent Lazard also had

meetings/conversations with State Representative Lebas and State Senator Eric Lafleur, which he

will be informing the board about at the next meeting.

Superintendent Darwan Lazard informed board members the Executive Committee Meeting held

earlier tonight was not recorded, due to technical problems.

Board President Wayne Dardeau thanked Superintendent Lazard for his help in finding the origin of Pine

Prairie High School. Records were found at the St. Landry Courthouse and reveal the land for Pine

Prairie High School was purchased September 11, 1883.

It was moved by Mr. Ellis Guillory, Sr., seconded by Mr. Michael Fontenot, and recommended

by Superintendent Darwan Lazard to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 P.M.




___________________________

President

_______________________________

Secretary-Treasurer

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