TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
May 7, 2002
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, May 7, 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, Jimmy Richardson, Leroy Hart and Donnie Williams
MEMBERS ABSENT: Maxine Dixon
Dustin Earnest, a student at Hammond High School, gave the invocation and 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 April 16, 2002 as distributed. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent.
Mr. John Hogue of the Governor’s Program on Abstinence presented information on the Abstinence Curriculum currently being utilized by several school systems. He requested that Tangipahoa Parish consider making this 12-week program a part of the curriculum in the Tangipahoa Parish Schools. Superintendent Allen informed Mr. Hogue that this information would be referred to the Curriculum Committee for its consideration.
The Board recognized the Sumner High School 2001 Class AA Girls Cross Country State Champions.
The following students were recognized as winners in the State Title I Young Authors Contest for 2001-2002:
Sierra Ofkeffe – Third Place – Non-Fiction, Champ Cooper Elementary School
Tiffany Rehm, Third Place – Fiction, Perrin Early Learning Center
Katie Terry – Second Place – Non-Fiction, Loranger Elementary School
Nichole Murray – First Place – Fiction, Hammond Westside Primary School
Romeria Watkins – First Place – Poetry, Hammond Westside Primary School
Keith Hebert – First Place – Non-Fiction, Champ Cooper Elementary School
Marcus Anderson – Second Place – Fiction – Hammond Jr. High School
Sierra Miller – Second Place – Poetry, Kentwood High School
LaDonna Blount – First Place – Fiction, Kentwood High School
Dorothy Price – Second Place – Poetry, Kentwood High School
Willie Cyprian – Third Place – Poetry, Roseland Elementary
Karley Summers – First Place – Non-Fiction, Champ Cooper Elementary School
Deric Godholt – First Place – Fiction, Champ Cooper Elementary School
Colby Johnson - Second Place – Fiction, Champ Cooper Elementary School
Patrick Taylor – First Place – Non-Fiction, Champ Cooper Elementary School
Brian Powell – First Place – Poetry, Champ Cooper Elementary School
Donny Soel – First Place – Fiction – Champ Cooper Elementary School
Jarrell Johnson – Third Place – Non-Fiction – Kentwood High School
The Board recognized the Talented Theatre Students.
Mr. Link and Superintendent Allen presented Mr. Bret Schnadelbach an award for being selected as State Transportation Administrator of the Year.
Mr. Schnadelbach accepted his award and indicated that his award was a reflection of everyone that worked with transportation in Tangipahoa Parish.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Ardillo, to approve the Central Office/Maintenance Committee Report of May 1, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. Approved Change Order #1 as indicated below:
a. Add culverts and catch basins along Puleston Road – add $38,763.00
b. Add a door and frame separating Superintendent’s Suite from the corridor – add $1,993.00
c. Change from Kentwood Brick to Watsontown Brick – add $18,691.00
d. Add $1,848.00 for stump removal
2. Authorized the architect to proceed with written notification to the Westview Waterworks,
Company stating that if they are unable to provide the water flow and PSI as recommended for the new building, the School Board will not complete the transaction.
3. The committee discussed the capacity for adding additions to the Central Office Building. The architects stated that provisions had been included for future growth.
4. The committee discussed preliminary furnishings. The items listed below are included in a separate furnishings package:
a. Marker boards and tackboards
b. Appliances
c. Enclosed Display Cases
d. Mail Drop-off Boxes
e. Desks
f. Modular Office Units
g. Office and Modular Task Seating
h. Seating and Tables at Main Lobby
i. Seating and Tables at Department Lobbies
j. High Density File Storage Racks and Files
k. Conference Room Tables and Chairs
l. Window Blinds at Exterior Windows
m. Board Room Lectern and Staff Tables
n. Board Members Seating
o. Board Room Fixed Audience Seating
p. Board Room Curtain
q. Trash Cans and Urns
r. Individual Office Signage
s. Department Signage
t. Board Room Lobby Signage
u. Flags
v. Dumpster
w. Art-Parish Map, Framed Art, Past Board Members and Superintendent Photographs, Wall Graphics
Items to be furnished by the School System
a. Telephones
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to approve the Finance Committee Report of April 16, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. Approved the Accounts Payable Check Register dated 2/28/02 – 4/09/02.
2. Awarded to the low bidders– Bid #02-15, Copy Paper for 2002-2003.
3. Awarded to the low bidders– Bid #02-16, Toilet Tissue for 2002-2003.
4. Approved the adoption of a resolution regarding a School Support Personnel Salary Increase.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, School Support Personnel provide a valuable service to the local school system, and
WHEREAS, there is no State salary schedule providing regular increases in pay for these workers, and
WHEREAS, the local school systems MFP growth money was set aside for teacher pay raises and increased insurance costs,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Tangipahoa Parish School System, that the Louisiana School Boards Association make a support personnel pay raise a priority in the legislative session package and that every effort be made to provide a meaningful pay increase to school support personnel.
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 May 7, 2002, at which time a quorum was present and that same is in full force and effect.
Dated at Amite, Louisiana
this 7th day of May 2002.
____________________________________
Virgil Allen, Secretary-Treasurer
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
5. Accepted the staff recommendation to employ special counsel in the suit of Lloyd Patrick Larrieu etal v Wal-Mart Corporation etal (Sales Tax Fund) and that the proper resolution be adopted and published in the official journal.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AMITE, LOUISIANA
RESOLUTION EMPLOYING RAINER, ANDING & McLINDON
The following resolution was offered by Mr. Link, and seconded by Mr. Caves, at a meeting of the Tangipahoa Parish School Board held on the 7th day of May 2002, in Amite, Louisiana.
WHEREAS, the Tangipahoa Parish School Board ("School Board" hereafter) administers the sales and use tax ordinances in effect in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, and collects sales and use taxes for all local taxing authorities within the Parish, and WHEREAS, it is necessary that the School Board retain special counsel with expertise in sales and use tax law to represent the School Board in the defense of a class action suit which has been served on the School Board captioned Lloyd Patrick Larrieu, et al v. Wal-Mart, et al, Docket No. 480,150, Division H, 19th Judicial District Court, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, and for general legal advice, consultation and representation in other lawsuits and in other sales and use tax issues as the need may arise from time to time and as assigned by the School Board, and
WHEREAS, the District Attorney for Tangipahoa Parish has advised the School Board that because of the specialized nature of the above captioned ordinances, his limited staff and other heavy case load, a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel to represent the School Board, and, in turn, the other local taxing authorities within Tangipahoa Parish, and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the School Board to retain the law firm of Rainer, Anding & McLindon of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, ("Law Firm" hereafter) as a law firm that has special expertise and experience in prosecuting and defending sales and use tax cases and in providing local sales and use tax legal advice to local taxing authorities such as the School Board and the taxing authorities it represents, and to retain the services of the said Law Firm pursuant to the applicable provisions of the sales and use tax statutes of the State of Louisiana and the above referred to ordinances in effect in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, and
WHEREAS, the said Law Firm has represented that it will be representing several local taxing authorities in the specific litigation above named and that the legal fees and reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in association therewith will be divided equally among all local taxing authorities represented by Law Firm in said suit, and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Law Firm be and is hereby employed by the School Board as special counsel to the School Board with reference to the above cited sales and use tax ordinances to provide legal representation to the School Board in the law suit described hereinabove and to undertake the prosecution and/or defense of any other legal proceedings involving sales and use tax matters as may be brought from time to time in the future against the School Board, or any of the taxing authorities they represent, and to undertake the defense of any legal proceedings filed against any of the same, as may be required from time to time, and for providing general legal advice and consultation to the School Board in the administration of the above referred to ordinances as the need may arise from time to time as assigned by the School Board, and that the fee of said Law Firm is to be that as provided by the applicable provisions of the sales and use tax ordinances administered by the School Board, in accordance with law, or the sum of $150.00 per hour, to be paid monthly, together with all reasonable expenses incurred by said Law Firm in connection with the providing of such legal services, the specific fee arrangement to be decided on a case-by-case basis, jointly by the School Board and the Law Firm in advance of such legal services being rendered.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that neither the School Board nor the Law Firm shall have the authority to discontinue, dismiss, compromise, or otherwise dispose of a sales and use tax claim against a taxpayer doing business in Tangipahoa Parish, or a claim brought against the School Board by a taxpayer doing business in said Parish, without the concurrence of the School Board and the Law Firm.
THE FOREGOING having been submitted to a vote, and a quorum being present, and by majority vote in favor thereof, the foregoing resolution was declared adopted.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Amite, Louisiana, on this 7th day of May, 2002.
_______________________________
VIRGIL ALLEN, SECRETARY
ATTEST
________________________________
VIRGIL ALLEN, SUPERINTENDENT
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Hart, to approve the Personnel Committee Report of May 1, 2002, and Addendum #1 and Addendum #2. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. Support Personnel – New Hire
Martha Pea, Lunchroom Monitor – 3 hours, effective May 1, 2002
1. Support Personnel – Reclassification
Tamra Perise, From: Sales Tax Auditor I- Sales Tax Department, To: Sales Tax Audit Manager – Sales Tax Department, effective July 1, 2002
Carol Edwards, From: 10 month Office Assistant I – C.M. Fagan, To: 12 month Office Assistant I – C.M. Fagan, effective May 8, 2002
2. Administrative - Reclassification
Ron Genco, From: Assistant Principal – Independence High School, To: Principal – Independence High School, effective June 3, 2002
Melissa Stilley, From: Assistant Principal – Loranger Middle, To: Principal – Loranger Middle
3. Teacher - Reclassification
Elizabeth Covington, From: Special Education Teacher – Amite Elementary School, To: Principal – Amite Elementary School, effective June 3, 2002
4 Leaves, Resignations, Retirements
Leaves
Irma Evans, School Food Service Worker – Chesbrough Elementary School, Leave due to illness using sick days – May 30, 2002, effective April 12, 2002
Phillip Ainsworth, Teacher – Amite High School, Extended Sick Leave due to illness using sick days first – May 31, 2002, effective April 15, 2002
Pamela Whorton, Bus Driver – Champ Cooper Elementary School, Extended Sick Leave due to illness using sick days first – August 2002, effective March 20, 2002
Resignations
Cary Turner, Teacher – Hammond Eastside Upper, effective May 31, 2002
Sandy Giannobile, School Secretary, effective August 1, 2002
Erin Garetto, Teacher – Hammond Westside Primary, effective June 1, 2002
1 School Food Service Employee - Termination
George McGary, D.C. Reeves Elementary School
At this point, Mr. Ardillo introduced the new administrators: Mr. Ron Genco – Independence High School, Mrs. Melissa Stilley – Loranger Middle School, and Mrs. Elizabeth Covington – Amite Elementary School.
Mr. Genco thanked the Board for their support and gave a brief outline of his plans for the future at Independence High School.
Mrs. Stilley thanked Superintendent Allen and the Board Members for placing their trust and confidence in her and pledged to do a good job as Principal of Loranger Middle School.
Mrs. Covingon thanked the Board for giving her the opportunity to serve as principal and pledged to continue to strive for academic excellence.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to approve the Hammond Board Delegation Committee Report of April 24, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. Approved the low quote of Scott Fence Company in the amount of $5,570.00 for Crystal Street Academy Fence Modifications, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
2. Approved $800.00 for electrical, $400.00 for network cabling, and $1,568.00 for computer tables for Hammond High School, room 214 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
3. Approved Change Order #1 in the amount of $2,900.00 for Hammond High School’s carpet/tile project from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
4. Discussed item regarding dugout and temporary fence for Hammond High School Softball Field. Administrative Director Mark Kolwe to provide cost estimate at next delegation meeting.
5. Approved request of Hammond Eastside Primary School for fence with gate at cafeteria access driveway at an estimated cost of $12,600.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
Mr. Ardillo indicated that both he and Mrs. Bailey had the opportunity to attend the Loranger High School Spring Band Recital. He commended the principal and the students on their performance.
It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to approve the Independence
Board Delegation Report of April 25, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with
Ms. Dixon absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. Approved the low quote of Wainwright Construction in the amount of $16,670.00 for covered walkways at Independence Middle School from Bond Fund 645.
2. Approved Change Order #2 in the amount of $1,500.00 from Bond Fund 645 for re-roofing of Midway Elementary.
3. Approved Change Order #1 for Midway Elementary School’s 4-classroom addition project at an estimated cost of $20,930.00 from Bond Fund 645.
4. Director of Construction Bernie Shontell disseminated a handout with Pay-As-You-Go and Bond Fund expenditures and balances. A handout regarding Sales Tax Revenues was also disseminated at Mr. Kolwe’s request.
5. Approved a list of improvements for Independence High School. This list was provided by Architect Mark McDowell and will be paid for with $150,000.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds in addition to the $150,000.00 from Bond Fund 645, which was prior appropriated for the Accessibility Lift and the Library. Principal Ron Genco is to prioritize the list and return it to the delegation.
6. Authorize reimbursement of $5,095.70 to Independence High School for a fence around the gymnasium from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
7. Set a budget not to exceed $15,000.00 for renovations to the press box at Independence High School.
8. The committee reviewed drawings for Natalbany Elementary School’s 4-classroom addition. Architect Gasaway stated that the plans and specifications should be placed out for bid in the next thirty days.
It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to waive the rules to hear an item from the Independence Board Delegation. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent.
It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Ardillo, to approve the low quote of $15,000.00 from Tangi Construction for the Press box at Independence High School, and the low quote of $5,300.00 from Ferrara Electric to install the 25-second clocks at Independence High School, both to be funded from Pay-As-You-Go Funds. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to waive the rules to discuss an
item from the Ponchatoula Board Delegation. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to set a budget of $15,000.00 to install a sprinkler system and feed and fertilize the turf at Ponchatoula High School, from Maintenance Funds. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to approve the Ponchatoula Board Delegation Report of April 25, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. Adopted Option II regarding the Ponchatoula High School Girls’ Dressing/Weight Room. Architect to proceed with plans and bring budget figures back to next delegation meeting.
2. Amended the budget and approved the quote of Dennis Glass Construction Company in the amount of $278,612.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds, for the Ponchatoula High School Track Resurfacing.
3. Approved the low bid of Range Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $88,865.00 for Ceiling Renovations at Vinyard Elementary, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
4. Approved the low quote of Slidell Refrigeration in the amount of $17,400.00 for vent system in Ponchatoula High School Welding Shop, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
5. Architect Michael Holly stated that he spoke with Contractor Frank Anzalone, and Mr. Anzalone stated that the window leak in the Library had been corrected. Librarian Pam Lipscomb confirmed that it had. In a separate item, Architect Holly stated that he would contact Principal Vic Bender regarding the leak in the administrative office.
6. Approved the purchase of replacement computers for Ponchatoula Jr. High School. Set an estimated budget of $30,765.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
7. Mr. Bardwell explained problems and the letter he received from a parent regarding the parent pick-up/drop-off at D.C. Reeves Elementary School. Mr. Shontell is to assess the situation and bring recommendations to the next delegation meeting.
8. Mr. Caves explained concerns regarding the size of the lunchroom at D.C. Reeves Elementary School. He suggested pouring a slab and covering it for an outside eating area. Mr. Shontell is to explore options and provide a cost estimate at the next delegation meeting.
9. Mr. Kolwe gave an update on District Funds.
10. Mr. Caves asked Mr. Kolwe to provide a report regarding the property adjacent to Tucker Elementary School at the next meeting.
The Board heard a presentation from Mr. Daniel Keen on the Seven-Period Day. President Link indicated that the Board appreciated the excellent job that Mr. Keen had done on the presentation. The Board discussed their concerns regarding the Seven-Period Day and requested that the staff get feed-back from teachers regarding their concerns, and work on implementing the teacher recommendations. It was also stated that teachers should be informed not to overload students with homework. This program will be implemented for at least a two-year period.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Ardillo, to approve the Superintendent’s Report and/or Recommendations as listed below:
a. Accept low quote of Wainwright Construction, $8,440.00 for covered walkways at Spring Creek Elementary from Pay-As-You-Go Funds. (Local delegation in accord)
b. Accept low quote of Wainwright Construction, $37,539.00 for one new modular classroom building at Sumner High School from Pay-As-You-Go Funds. (Local delegation in accord)
c. Accept low quote of Wainwright Construction, $25,986.00 for one new modular toilet/changing facility for Special Education at Kentwood Elementary School from Special Education Funds. (Special Education Department in accord)
d. Accept low bid of Tangi Construction, $144,570.00 for three (3) speech therapy modular buildings for Special Education at D.C. Reeves Elementary, Loranger High, and Sumner High from Special Education Funds. (Special Education Department in accord)
e. Substantial completion of Re-roofing of Midway Elementary School
Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to enter Executive Session to discuss the cases listed below:
a. Consider Case of Johnnie B. Gros v. TPSB Office of Worker’s Compensation (Board Attorney)
b. Consider Case of Dorothy Alexander and Diane Bellazer v. TPSB (Mor-Tem)
c. Update on case of Johnny Santangelo v. TPSB (Board Attorney)
Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent.
The Board returned to Open Session.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to authorize the Board’s attorney to proceed as recommended on the cases listed below:
a. Consider Case of Johnnie B. Gros v. TPSB Office of Worker’s Compensation (Board Attorney)
b. Consider Case of Dorothy Alexander and Diane Bellazer v. TPSB (Mor-Tem)
c.
Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent
The update on the case of Johnny Santangelo v. TPSB was deferred until a later Board Meeting.
It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to adjourn (8:35 p.m.). Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Ms. Dixon absent.
Respectfully submitted,
Al Link, President
Virgil Allen, Secretary-Treasurer
Recorded By: Jo-Ann L. Frazier (5/07/02)