PROCEEDINGS OF THE EVANGELINE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD Ville Platte, Louisiana March 22, 2017

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1 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. 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. ( RM Attachment #01)

2 Demographics of VPES reveal: 1) 459 students; 2) 70 faculty members; 3) Grade Configuration of PreK-4 th grade; 4) SPS of 74.4 C, which is a +15 point increase from ; and 5) 98% poverty status. The major schoolwide focus for Ville Platte Elementary school for 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, 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, 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 1 st 4 th 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

3 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, ( 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 , as requested by Supervisor Penny McDaniel, were presented: ( RM Attachment #03) NAME OF VENDOR PRICE QUOTE NO. OF BOOKS Follett Library Resource $ 18, ,788 Junior Library Guild NO BID Perma-Bound $ 17, 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, for 1,788 books, as recommended by Supervisor Penny McDaniel.

4 Item #7 - The following requisition(s) were submitted for approval: A. GILLETTE SCHOOL SERVICES -- $9, FOR PRE K 4 TH GRADE COOKIE DOUGH FUNDRAISER USING SCHOOL FUNDS (REQUESTED BY PPHS PRINCIPAL ANITA WEST) B. #1 FUNDRAISING -- $8, FOR COOKIE DOUGH FUNDRAISER FOR JAMES STEPHENS MONTESSORI SCHOOL USING SCHOOL FUNDS (REQUESTED BY JSM PRINCIPAL MELANIE BORDELON) 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, FOR PAYMENT #3 FOR JOB # 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. ( 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 15 th 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

5 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, 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, 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. ( 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). ( RM Attachment #06) Sixty-one out of sixty-nine superintendents wrote letters to BESE and Superintendent White asking to delay ESSA implementation. In , 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 , 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

6 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, 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 12 th 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

7 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, 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. Secretary-Treasurer President