TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
May 21, 2002
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, May 21, 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, Maxine Dixon and Donnie Williams
MEMBERS ABSENT: Leroy Hart
Mrs. Pat Bender, teacher at Hammond High School and State Teacher Clinician of the Year, gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Jason Ard spoke in public input regarding religion in the schools. Mrs. Karen Bell, President of Tangipahoa Association of Educators (TAE), also addressed the Board during public input regarding coaches’ stipends.
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It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Caves, to approve the Board Minutes of May 7, 2002 as distributed. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent.
The Board recognized Kentwood High School Boys’ Track and Field Team for winning the 2002 Class “A” Boys Track and Field State Championship.
The Board recognized the Sumner High School Girls’ Track and Field Team for winning the 2002 Class “AA” Track and Field State Runner.
The following individuals were recognized for services rendered to the Tangipahoa Parish School System:
1. Mr. Gordon Burgess
2. Mr. Arthur Thompson
3. Mr. Tom Enmon
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to approve the 2002-2003 Pupil Progression Plan. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent.
It was moved by Mr. Richardson, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to approve the FY-2003 IDEA Application. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Ms. Dixon to approve administrative contracts as listed below:
Two-Year Contract:
Thomas Bellavia, Personnel Director – Central Office
Deborah Forshag, Supervisor – Central Office
Jo Fairburn, Principal – Westside Middle School
Eloise Williams Richmond, Principal - Woodland Park Early Learning Center
Ginger Daughdrill, Principal – Midway Elementary School
Orene Lea, Principal – Kentwood Elementary School
Anthony Sciortino, Assistant Principal – Champ Cooper Elementary School
Danette Ragusa, Assistant Principal – D. C. Reeves Elementary School
Linda Thomas, Assistant Principal, Hammond Westside Upper Elementary School
Charlotte Harris, Assistant Principal – Hammond High School
Rodney Lea, Assistant Principal – Sumner High School
Joseph “Mike” Currier, Assistant Principal – Westside Middle School
Victoria Candiotto, Assistant Principal – Nesom Elementary School
Jacqueline Fleet, Pupil Service Facilitator – Special Services Center
One-Year Contract:
Joan Guzzardo, Coordinator of Special Education – Special Education Department
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to approve the Finance Committee Report of May 7, 2002, with the exception of Items 6 and 8. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent.
It was moved by Mr. Richardson, seconded by Mr. Ardillo, to table Item 6 (Coaches’ Stipends) and Item #8 Consider Stipends for Other School System Employees. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. Approved the Accounts Payable Check Register dated 4/10/02 – 4/30/02.
2. Awarded to the low bidder (Tangi Exterminating Company) – Bid #02-18 – Lunchroom Pest Control.
3. Adjusted the hourly rates and retainage of the Board Attorneys.
4. Approved the requests of Mrs. Carol Knight, Mrs. Becky St. Cyr, Mr. Andy Anderson, and Mr. Bret Schnadelbach, to exceed their Out-Of-Parish Travel limit.
5. Approved the professional services contract renewal for Insurance Consultant John Norris for a three-year period, March 8, 2002 – March 8, 2004, at a cost of $15,332.00 per year, from General Funds. Mr. Norris was commended for his efforts to reduce the system’s cost for the self-funded insurance program.
6. Forwarded the item regarding Coaches’ Stipends to the full Board for its consideration.
7. Approved the 2001-2002 Budget Revisions.
8. Forwarded the item regarding considering stipends for other School System employees to the full Board for its consideration.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to approve the Personnel Committee Report of May 15, 2002, and Addendum #1. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. WIA Employees - Reclassification
Alberta Cooper, From: Intake Specialist 5, To: Intake Specialist 6, effective May 22, 2002
Michelle Woods, From: Intake Specialist 5, To: Intake Specialist 6, effective May 22, 2002
2. Summer School Employees
Ophelia Clark – Part-time, Donald Currier – Part-time, Sharon Sledge – Part-time, Gina Cadaronella – Part-time, Rosie Jackson – Full-time, David Currier – Full-time, Wash Edwards – Full-time, Charles Wall – Full-time, Myra Holden – Part-time, Ursula Sherman – Part-time, Dvosha Thomas-Henry – Part-time, Mike Young – Full-time, Ralph Garner – Full-time, John Lanoue – Part-time, Kathleen Dagro – Part-time, Angela Corkern – Part-time, Paige Fleming – Part-time
3. Leaves, Resignations, Retirements
Retirement
Louise Threeton, Paraprofessional – D. C. Reeves Elementary, effective June 1, 2002
1. Item for Discussion – David M. Griffith and Associate Study – WIA Employees
2. Leaves, Resignations, Retirements
Correction:
Maya Levy, Teacher – Westside Middle, extended sick leave due to surgery using sick leave first – January 19, 2002, effective January 7, 2002
Maya Levy, Teacher – Westside Middle, Sabbatical Leave 2nd Semester 2001-2002, Medical Leave
Elizabeth Hitchens, Teacher – Loranger Elementary School, effective May 31, 2002
Mr. Williams requested information regarding why the Agriculture Teacher position at Independence High School had not been filled. It was indicated that this position would be further discussed in Executive session.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to refer the policy regarding Sick Leave to the Policy Committee for revision. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to approve the Amite Board Delegation Committee Report of May 13, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. Architect Michael Holly gave an update on the Amite High School Auditorium project.
2. Purchasing Agent Buddy Pulliam explained to the Delegation that the time lines for sealed quotes made it impossible to get band uniforms before the 2002-2003 school year. The delegation declared an emergency to purchase band uniforms for Amite High School from the three current quotes, so the uniforms will be in place for the 2002-2003 school year - $10,000.00 has been raised by the Amite High School Band. The remainder will be paid from the General Fund and then reimbursed by the Amite District as funds are available.
3. Set a budget of $25,000.00 and authorized Architect Michael Holly to obtain quotes for increasing the seating area for the marching band on the east end of the football field at Amite High School, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
4. Set a budget of $10,000.00 and authorized Director Bernie Shontell to obtain quotes to repair a portion of the outfield at Amite High School baseball field, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
5. Accepted the low bid of Pro-Tech Environmental Services, Inc. in the amount of $9,800.00 for lead paint abatement on the windows at Roseland Elementary School from Bond Fund 642.
6. Mr. Jimmy Richardson asked that the architect conduct a study on the options for acoustics in the old gymnasium at Roseland Elementary School. Architect Holly to bring findings to the next delegation meeting.
It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mr. Ardillo, to approve the Loranger Board Delegation Report of May 13, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. Clerk of Court, John Dahmer, explained the new electronic computer voting machines. Mr. Dahmer stated that he will receive new machines on May 20, 2002 and that it is imperative that the constituents be educated on how to use the machines.
2. Mr. Jerry Esler volunteered to be trained to use the machines and to get with church groups and civic organizations to offer training.
3. Mr. Dahmer stated that his office would come to the school or anywhere requested and conduct training sessions. He stated that the July 20, 2002 election would be advertised on television, in the newspapers, radio, etc., because of the new machines.
4. Architect Andrew Gasaway stated that the Blue Book will be completed this week and Mr. Mark Kolwe agreed to have 2,500 copies printed for the schools. The principals will send the information home with report cards. Also, a poster will be developed with various points of information to include examples of the cost to homeowners upon passing the Bond Issue.
5. Principal Deborah Browning volunteered to organize a phone bank for election Day.
6. Ms. Anna Billot will get information to the parents at the ballpark regarding the Bond Issue and training for the voting machines.
7. A meeting will be scheduled at a later date between the delegation and the principals to prioritize a list of needs.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to waive the rules to discuss an item from the Independence Delegation. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to send an item to the Independence Board Delegation to establish the site of the 4-classroom addition for Natalbany Middle School. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent.
Mrs. Sandra Bailey and Mrs. Rene` Durio, 504 Coordinator, gave the Board a presentation on the Dyslexia Conference that they attended. The Board was also given an overview of what is being done for dyslexic students in Tangipahoa Parish Schools.
Mrs. Glenda Dufreche and Mrs. Joan Guzzardo, from the Special Education Department, gave the Board an overview on the services offered by the B`YON Program (Gifted Program) in the Tangipahoa Parish Schools.
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 Mr. Hart absent.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to approve the low quote of Tangi Construction, in the amount of $43,819.00 for Door and Hardware Replacement and Repairs at
Perrin Early Learning Center, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds. (prior appropriated $44,096.00). Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to approve the Superintendent’s Report and/or Recommendations as listed below:
a. Authorize engineer to advertise for replacement of PA System for Loranger High School Football Field, budget amount $7,700.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds
b. Consider Substantial Completion of the Re-roof Project at Natalbany Middle School
c. Authorize engineer to advertise for replacement of P.A. System for Ponchatoula High School Football Field, budget amount 7,700.00, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds
d. Consider low bid of Wainwright Construction & Maintenance Co., in the amount of $99,000.00, for Special Education Daily Living Classroom at Ponchatoula High School, from Special Education Funds
e. Consider computer wiring in Library at Sumner High School at an estimated cost of $800.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds
Mr. Bardwell spoke during personal privilege regarding the retirement program that was held for long-time Champ Cooper Elementary School Secretary, Mrs. Catherine Arnold.
Mr. Richardson gave the Board an update on the health of Mrs. Ora L. Finn, former principal of Amite High School.
Mrs. Bailey commended the superintendent on the letter he sent to the schools regarding junk mail and questionable materials being sent to the schools.
Superintendent Allen read a graduation invitation and a letter of appreciation from Eric Arnall, who did his doctorial thesis on information regarding curriculum research in the Tangipahoa Parish School System.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to waive the rules to Consider the case of Linda Kay Sanders Dickerson, et al vs TPSB consolidated with Michelle Palermo and Salvador Palermo vs Patrick Balisteri, et al consolidated with Cheryl Mack White vs Kim Notriano, et al consolidated with Synthia Jackson, et al vs Patrick Balisteri, et al consolidated with Lawanika Dokes, et al vs TPSB, et al consolidated with Betty Edmonson, et al, vs Patrick Balisteri, et al, during Executive Session. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to enter Executive Session to discuss an update on the case of Johnny Santangelo v. TPSB and to consider the case of Linda Kay Sanders Dickerson, et al vs TPSB consolidated with Michelle Palermo and Salvador Palermo vs Patrick Balisteri, et al consolidated with Cheryl Mack White vs Kim Notriano, et al consolidated with Synthia Jackson, et al vs Patrick Balisteri, et al consolidated with Lawanika Dokes, et al vs TPSB, et al consolidated with Betty Edmonson, et al, vs Patrick Balisteri, et al, during Executive Session. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent.
The Board returned to Open Session.
President Link announced that the items discussed in Executive Session required no action from the Board.
It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to adjourn (9:50 p.m.). Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart absent.
Respectfully submitted,
Al Link, President
Virgil Allen, Secretary-Treasurer
Recorded By: Jo-Ann L. Frazier (5/21/02)