TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
March 19, 2002
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at 6:30 p.m., in the School Board Meeting Room, School Board Office, 313 East Oak Street, Amite, Louisiana, with President Al Link, Presiding.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sandra Bailey, Tony P. Ardillo, Jr., Robert Caves, Al Link, Carl Bardwell, Maxine Dixon, Jimmy Richardson, Leroy Hart and Donnie Williams
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
Jeff Stokes, a student at Sumner High School, gave the invocation, and Clarence Robertson, also a student at Sumner High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were no requests for Public Input.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Williams, to approve the Board Minutes of March 5, 2002 as distributed. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
Dr. Leslie M. Mabry, Assistant Superintendent, recognized the Loranger High School Cheerleaders for placing 10th in the National High School Cheerleading Championship.
Ms. Denise Holly and Ms. Gina Anthon gave a presentation on “Youth Art Month” and “Music in our Schools Months”. In a joint motion and second by the Board, it was moved to adopt the resolution listed below. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
WHEREAS, the arts are a gift to our human spirit and enrich our lives in countless ways; and
WHEREAS, Arts education connects students with their communities and contributes to the social, emotional, and intellectual development of students, helping them realize their individual potential; and
WHEREAS, students studying the arts learn to solve problems and make decisions, analyze and evaluate, make connections between different pieces of information, and also learn responsibility and reliability – skills that are important in the job market. As traditional art forms become digital, students can rely on their natural fascination with technology to enhance artistic expression; and
WHEREAS, through meaningful arts activities, young people develop initiative, self-expression, communication skills, creative ability, understanding of themselves and others, and a heightened appreciation for beauty; and
WHEREAS, recognition of the importance of the arts for and by our youth builds a better foundation for our future. In this way, we celebrate the creativity and beauty that are so important to the quality of our lives in Tangipahoa Parish; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that for these significant reasons, we, the Tangipahoa Parish School Board, do hereby proclaim March 2002 to be ‘YOUTH ARTS MONTH” in Tangipahoa Parish, and urge all citizens to explore the Fine Arts, and encourage our young people to participate in arts activities.
I, the undersigned Secretary-Treasurer of the Tangipahoa Parish School Board, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true copy of a resolution adopted at its Regular Board Meeting
of March 19, 2002, at which time a quorum was present and that same is in full force and effect.
Dated at Amite, Louisiana
this 19th day of March 2002.
____________________________________
Virgil Allen, Secretary-Treasurer
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to approve the list of names of Committee Members recommended to serve on the 2002-2003 Pupil Progression Plan Committee. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
Mr. Ardillo read a letter that will be sent to all principals, teachers, and staff, thanking them for their dedication and diligence during the school year and especially during the assessment preparation.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Caves, to approve the Finance Committee Report of March 5, 2002 with the exception of Item#3 (Findings and Recommendations of the Special Committee to Study Coaches’ Supplements). Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Williams, to refer Item # 3 of the Finance Committee Report of March 5, 2002 (Findings and Recommendations of the Special Committee to Study Coaches’ Supplements), back to the Finance Committee for further study. A roll call vote yielded the following results: seven (7) yeas and two (2) nays. Voting yea were: Mr. Richardson, Mr. Hart, Mr. Ardillo, Mr. Williams, Ms. Dixon, Mrs. Bailey, and Mr. Bardwell. Voting nay were: Mr. Link and Mr. Caves. The motion was adopted. Following is the report as approved.
1. Approved the Accounts Payable Check Register dated 1/31/02-2/27/02.
2. Awarded to the low bidders, SFS Bid #02-12, Processing USDA Commodity Ground Beef, Chicken, and Turkey.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Williams, to approve the Personnel Committee Report of March 13, 2002, and Addenda #1, 2 and 3. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Support Personnel – New Hire
Marie Cieutat, Special Education Paraprofessional – 7 hours, Perrin Early Learning Center, effective March 1, 2002
Patricia Lyons, Child Specific Aide – 7 hours, Loranger Middle School, effective March 6, 2002
Pam Passman, Custodian – Loranger High 8 hours 12 months, effective March 1, 2002
Rosalyn Heider, School Secretary – 10 months, Hammond Westside Upper, effective March 1, 2002
2. Leaves, Resignations, Retirements
Leaves
Allison Williams, Paraprofessional – Woodland Park Early Learning Center , Straight leave without pay due to illness – May 31, 2002, effective March 4, 2002
Christie Atkins, Teacher – Ponchatoula High, Extended Sick leave due to maternity using sick days first – August 2002, effective March 25, 2002
Stephanie Sorbet, Teacher – D. C. Reeves Elementary, Extend Extended Sick leave due to maternity – May 31, 2002, effective February 25, 2002
Resignations
Belkey Quibley, Migrant Tutor, effective February 27, 2002
Joseph Giamalva, Custodian – Independence High, effective March 26, 2002
Lisa Schaubhut, Teacher – Natalbany Elementary, effective December 7, 2001
Lisa Dunn, Teacher – Midway Elementary, effective March 12, 2002
Rosella Walker, Food Service Worker, effective March 1, 2002
Retirements
Marilyn Greer, Teacher – Vinyard Elementary, effective June 1, 2002
Judy Fowler, Librarian – Kentwood High, effective June 1, 2002
Catherine Arnold, School Secretary – Champ Cooper, effective May 30, 2002
3. Substitute Teacher List
1. Teacher – Transfer/Reclassification
Dorothy Sledge, From: Teacher – D.C. Reeves Elementary, To: Title 1 Resource Teacher – 9 ½ months – Title 1 Resource Center, effective June 3, 2002
2. Support Personnel - Transfer
Vickie Blades, From: Office Assistant II/Receptionist, To: Office Assistant II/Accounting – Central Office, effective March 20, 2002
3. Leaves, Resignations, Retirements
Leaves
Rhonda Woodall, Teacher – Perrin Early Learning Center, Extended sick leave due to maternity – April 26, 2002, effective April 8, 2002
Phyllis Shirey, Teacher – Hammond High, Straight leave without pay due to family illness – May 2003, effective August 2002
Therisa Harper, Bus Aide, Straight leave without pay using sick days first due to illness – undetermined, effective January 31, 2002
Edith McLendon, Principal – Perrin Early Learning Center, Extended sick leave using sick days first due to illness – August 31, 2002, effective April 22, 2002
Resignations
Vincent Stassi, Jr., Maintenance – Trades Helper, effective February 18, 2002
Retirements
Alton “Mitch” Williams, Principal – Independence High School, effective June 28, 2002
Onia Morris, Teacher, Amite High School, effective June 1, 2002
Addendum #2
1. Leaves, Resignations, Retirements
Leaves
Cleo Bridges, Paraprofessional – Amite High School, Straight leave without pay due to illness – May 31, 2002, effective March 14, 2002
Mary Henderson, Teacher – Loranger Middle, Straight leave without pay due to illness – May 31, 2002, effective March 4, 2002
Paige Turpin, Speech Therapist – D.C. Reeves Elementary, Extended sick leave using sick days first due to maternity – May 31, 2002, effective April 29, 2002
Retirements
Edith James McLendon, Principal – Perrin Early Learning Center, effective October 7, 2002
Cora Morris, Principal – Loranger Middle School, effective August 1, 2002
Addendum #3
1. Advertise for Agriculture Position – Independence High School
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to approve the Amite Board
Delegation Report of March 13, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously
adopted. Following is the report as approved:
1. Amended the budget and transferred $500,000.00 from Fund 620 to Fund 642.
2. Set an estimated budget of $40,000.00 for parking lot work at the Amite High School Baseball field, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
3. The delegation requested that Mrs. Cindy Benitez coordinate a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Amite High School Auditorium on March 25, 2002 at 11:00 a.m.
It was moved by Ms. Dixon, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to approve the Hammond Board
Delegation Report of March 5, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously
adopted. Following is the report as approved:
1. Accepted Bid #02-11 of Craft Croswell in the amount of $175,000.00, for Hammond High School’s Carpet/Tile replacement, and approved an estimated $1,500.00 for the Technology Department to remove computers and reinstall after carpet is replaced, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
2. Approved the underground electrical wiring for a lighted sign at Hammond High School, in the amount of $1,500.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
3. Increased the budget an additional $1,500.00 for the sign at Woodland Park Early Learning Center, to be double-faced with brick columns instead of single-faced, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
4. Approved the request of Hammond Eastside Primary School for miscellaneous technology items at an estimated cost of $48,700.00, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
5. Set a budget of $30,000.00 for lockers for Hammond High School’s Athletic Building, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to approve the Independence Board Delegation report of March 13, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved:
1. Approved the low bid of EMC, Inc. in the amount of $429,000.00 for four (4) Classroom addition and renovations at Independence Elementary School, from Bond Fund 645.
2. Set an estimated budget of $8,000.00 from Bond Fund 645 for parent pick-up at Independence Elementary School.
3. Approved the low bid of EMC, Inc. in the amount of $467,000.00 for four (4) classroom addition and toilet addition at Midway Elementary School from Bond Fund 645.
4. Approved the low bid of Blount General Contractors in the amount of $296,000.00 for four (4) classroom addition at Nesom Middle School.
5. Approved Change Order #1 at an estimated cost of $1,200.00 from Bond Fund 645 for Midway Elementary Re-roofing Project.
6. Set an estimated budget of $450,000.00 for four (4) classroom addition at Natalbany Elementary School from Bond Fund 645.
7. Set an estimated budget of $3,000.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds for wiring of two (2) 25-second clocks at Independence High School.
8. Set an estimated budget of $150,000.00 from Bond Fund 645 for accessibility lift and Library/Computer Lab improvements at Independence High School.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to waive the rules to discuss
items from the Ponchatoula Board Delegation Meeting held on March 18, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to approve the Ponchatoula Board Delegation Report of March 18, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved:
1. Authorized Architect Michael Holly to advertise for bids for the Ponchatoula High School Track Facility at an estimated cost of $238,300.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds. Bids to be opened on April 3, 2002.
2. Authorized Architect Michael Holly to advertise for bids the Ceiling Renovations at Tucker Elementary School at an estimated cost of $42,915.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
3. Authorized Architect Michael Holly to advertise for bids to redo the classroom doors at Perrin Early Learning Center at an estimated cost of $44,096.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
4. Architect Michael Holly gave the delegation an update on a leaking window in the Library at Ponchatoula Jr. High. He stated that the contractor would be put on notice regarding the leak. Chairman Caves requested that this item remain on the agenda until the issue is resolved.
5. Approved the replacement of the carpet in the administrative area at Ponchatoula High School at an estimated cost of $14,800.00 from Fund 650.
6. Deferred the item regarding replacement computers for Ponchatoula Jr. High School. Chairman Caves requested that this item remain on the agenda and that Mr. Jake Ragusa conduct a needs assessment and report the cost estimate at the next meeting.
7. Approved reimbursing Ponchatoula High School $291.20 for a telephone for the new intercom system, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
8. Approved the site for a new Parenting Center for Special Education students. The building is to be located between the cooling tower and the Agriculture Building. Architect Holly is to send preliminary drawings to the delegation for final approval of the site. The building is to be funded by Special Education.
9. Approved the low quote of John Traylor in the amount of $6,732.00 for four (4) concrete play slabs at Vinyard Elementary School from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
10. Discussed expanding and remodeling the Athletic Department at Ponchatoula High School. Architect Holly is to meet with Principal Thompson and the athletic staff to determine the needs and return cost estimates and drawings to the delegation.
The item regarding the Update on the May 8, 2000 School Bus Accident and related
Acadian Ambulance Bills was moved to be discussed during Executive Session.
At this point, President Link passed the gavel to Vice-President Bardwell.
It was moved by Link, seconded by Mr. Ardillo, to add April 2, 2002, as an additional Easter Holiday for the Central Office Staff. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
President Link assumed the gavel.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Williams, to accept the staff recommendation to reject the Charter School Proposals of Green Fields Academy and Lumar Academy. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
Mr. Bardwell spoke in personal privilege and questioned whether there would be a Board Meeting held on April 2, 2002. President Link stated that a decision on this matter would be made later in the week.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Ardillo, to enter Executive Session to consider the cases of Jean Bennett v. TPSB, et al, Janelle Caulfield v. TPSB, et al, and Lillian (Curtis) Blankenship v. TPSB, et al, and Update on the May 8, 2000 School Bus Accident and related Acadian Ambulance Bills. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
The cases of Jean Bennett v. TPSB, et al, Lillian (Curtis) Blankenship v. TPSB, et al, and Janelle Caulfield v. TPSB, et al were deferred until the next Board Meeting.
No action was taken in the matter of the May 8, 2000 School Bus Accident and related Acadian Ambulance Bills.
It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mr. Hart, to adjourn (7:40 p.m.). Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart and Mr. Williams absent.
Respectfully submitted,
Al Link, President
Virgil Allen, Secretary-Treasurer
Recorded By: Jo-Ann L. Frazier (3/19/02)