TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
July 2, 2002
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, July 2, 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: Tony P. Ardillo, Jr., Al Link, Maxine Dixon, Leroy Hart, Carl Bardwell, Sandra Bailey, and Donnie Williams
MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert Caves and Jimmy Richardson
Mrs. Sandra Johnson, Assistant Principal – Vinyard Elementary School, gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Link gave a brief overview of why the United States celebrates the 4th of July (Independence Day).
Mrs. Rebecca St. Cyr, Payroll Coordinator, sang the National Anthem.
Mrs. Bailey thanked the Board Members and the Staff for all of the help and support that they extended to her during her first year as a Board Member.
There were no requests for public input.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Williams, to approve the Board Minutes of June 18, 2002, with corrections as indicated. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent.
It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to approve the Central Office/Maintenance Committee Report of June 25, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent. Following is the report as approved.
1. Approved the implementation of the Digital Imaging System in lieu of the High Density Files for the Central Office, at an estimated cost of $43,740.00 from General Funds.
2. Deferred the item regarding the mortar selection for the brick on the main building.
3. Mr. Mark McDowell explained to the delegation that the furniture companies are in the process of building some samples modulars of desks and chairs that will be placed on display to be viewed by the committee.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Caves, to approve the Personnel Committee Report of June 26, 2002, and Addendum #1 and #2. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. TEACHER -NEW HIRE
Amber Babin, Teacher -Hammond High, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Simone Ingram, Teacher -Champ Cooper, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
2. TEACHER -REHIRE
Selena Tolar, Special Education Teacher –Chesbrough, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
Dawn Peterson, Teacher – Chesbrough, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
Wendy Fowler , Title VI Teacher –Chesbrough Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
Siltanise Montgomery, Title I Teacher -Hammond Jr. High, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
Angelle Enriquez, Teacher, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
Helen Countryman,Teacher -Vinyard Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
Erin March, Teacher -Vinyard Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
Laura Brown, Title VI Teacher –Independence Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Michelle Hampton, Title VI Teacher – Independence Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Layla Milton, Teacher – Ponchatoula High, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Aimee Freeman, Teacher - Ponchatoula High, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
Brandy Tuminello, Title VI – Teacher – Kentwood Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Shannon Watts, Title VI – Teacher – Kentwood Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Judith Willis, Title VI – Kindergarten Teacher – Kentwood Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Lori Trahan, Pre-K Teacher – Kentwood Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Melissa Watkins, Title I – Teacher – Kentwood Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Lee Wheeler, Title I – Teacher – Kentwood High, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Mary McMahan, Teacher – Independence Middle, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Kathy Dagro, Title 1 Teacher – Independence Middle, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Evoice Sims, Title VI Teacher – Hammond Eastside Primary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Shana Puma, Title I Teacher – Hammond Eastside Primary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Cheri Morse, Pre-K Teacher – Loranger Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Phyllis Pitre, Title VI Teacher – Hammond Eastside Primary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Tiffany Bailey, Title VI Teacher – Hammond Eastside Primary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Corliss Svoboda, Title VI Teacher – Hammond Eastside Primary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Orlandiea Johnson, Title I Teacher – Hammond Eastside Primary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Iris Garner, Title VI Teacher – Hammond Eastside Primary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Rosia Varnado, Title I Teacher – Amite Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Ronald King, Teacher – Independence High, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
Thuyvan Bui, Teacher – Hammond Jr. High, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
Elizabeth Pourciau, Teacher – Hammond Jr. High, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
Marysa Vainqueur, Foreign Associate – Nesom Middle, effective August 14, 2002
Lisa Spriggs, Teacher – Vinyard Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Angela Corkern, Teacher – Loranger Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Charlotte Duhe, Kindergarten Teacher – Woodland Park Early Learning Center, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Tanya Kelly, Teacher – Hammond Eastside Upper, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
3. Teacher – Rehire/Transfer
Brandon Carter, From: Teacher -Hammond Eastside Upper To: Teacher -Independence High, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
4. Leaves, Resignations, Retirements
Resignations:
Rhonda Woodall, Teacher -Perrin Early Learning Center, effective June 20, 2002
Altheia Dufrene, Lunchroom Monitor -Champ Cooper, effective May 29, 2002
Sheila West, Custodian –Hammond Westside Primary, effective June 19, 2002
1. TEACHER-TRANSFER
Clara Grant, From: Special Education Teacher -Hammond Jr. High To: Special Education Teacher –Hammond Westside Upper, effective August 14, 2002, Tenured
Justin Adams, From: Teacher -Independence High To: Teacher -Ponchatoula High, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Maya Levy, From: Talented Teacher -(Homebase)Westside To: Talented Teacher -(Homebase) Vinyard, effective August 14, 2002 Tenured
2. Teacher – Rehire/Reclassification
Irene Brumfield, From: Title I Teacher -Amite Elementary To: Title I Pre-K Teacher -Amite Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Sandra Latino, From: Title I Teacher -Loranger Elementary To:Kindergarten Teacher -Loranger Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Tenured
Angela Saucier, From: Part-time Teacher –Hammond High To: Full time Teacher -Hammond High, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
Kimberly Clements, From: Regular Program Teacher -Loranger Elem. To: Title I Teacher -Loranger Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
3. Support Personnel - Rehire
Claire Bel, Title I Paraprofessional -7 hours - Westside Middle School, effective August 15, 2002
Nina McCarroll, Title I Paraprofessional -7 hours - Westside Middle School, effective August 15, 2002
Tracey Disher, Title1 ISSP Monitor -Westside Middle, effective August 15, 2002
Barbara Addison, Title I Nurse Assistant -7 hours - Hammond Eastside Primary, effective August 15, 2002
Julie Mercante, Title I Computer Proctor -7 hours - Hammond Eastside Primary, effective August 15, 2002
Jackie Tillis, Title I Physical Education Proctor –Hammond Eastside Primary (15 hours per week), effective September 5, 2002
Lamont Jackson, Title I Proctor - Hammond Eastside Primary (13 hours per week), effective September 3, 2002
Victoria Showers, Title IISSP Monitor –Hammond Eastside Upper ($7.00 per hour @165 days), effective August 26, 2002
Grace Embry, Title 1 ISSP Monitor -Hammond Eastside Primary, effective September 11, 2002
Sharon Schillace, Title I Computer Lab Monitor-7 hours - Hammond Eastside Upper, effective August 15, 2002
Elaine Walker, Title I Pre-K Paraprofessional –7 hours - Loranger Elementary, effective August 15, 2002
Gayle Currier, Title 1 Paraprofessional -Amite Elementary, effective August 15, 2002
Madeline McElveen, Title I Paraprofessional -Amite Elementary, effective August 15, 2002
4. Support Personnel – New Hire
Jacqueline Huff, Custodian -9 Months 4 hours Lunchroom Monitor -3 hours Spring Creek Elementary, effective August 15, 2002
5. Support Personnel - Transfer
Diane Holden, From: Title I Paraprofessional -Chesbrough To: Title I Paraprofessional - Amite Elementary, effective August 15, 2002
Judith Fresina, From: Special Education Paraprofessional -Hammond Jr. High To: Special Education Paraprofessional -Hammond Westside Upper, effective August 15, 2002
Carolyn Graham, From: Child Specific Attendant -Hammond Jr. High To: Child Specific Attendant -Hammond High, effective August 15, 2002
Deidre Brister, From: Child Specific Attendant -Nesom To: Child Specific Attendant -Independence High, effective August 15, 2002
Diane Griffin, From: Child Specific Attendant -Amite Elementary To: Child Specific Attendant –Westside Middle, effective August 15, 2002
Mary DiBendetto, From: Special Education Paraprofessional 5 ½ hours - Hammond Jr. High To: Special Education Paraprofessional 5 ½ hours - Tucker Elementary, effective August 15, 2002
Margaret Pittman, From: Special Education Paraprofessional 5 ½ hours - Kentwood High To: Child Specific Aide -7 hours -Kentwood Elementary, effective August 15, 2002
6. Support Personnel - Reclassification
Darlene Malborough, From: Child Specific Attendant, 7 hours Perrin Early Learning Center To: Special Education Paraprofessional -7 hours Perrin Early Learning Center, effective August 15, 2002
7. Administrative - Reclassification
8. Teacher - Rehire
Ashley Walker, Teacher -Kentwood Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Cindy Sears, Teacher -Loranger Middle, effective August 14, 2002, Tenured
9. Teacher – Transfer/Reclassification
Colette Taillon, From: Teacher – Hammond Westside Primary To: Title I Mentor Teacher - Title I Resource Center, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
10. Teacher – New Hire
Sharon Sledge, Special Education Talented Teacher - Westside Middle, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
11. Leaves, Resignations, Retirements
Retirements
Rinza Mumphrey, Teacher – Chesbrough Elementary, effective June 24, 2002
Edward Jordan, Janitor – Ponchatoula High, effective August 1, 2002
1. Teacher – New Hire
Jodie Thompson, Teacher – Vinyard Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Jolynn Perricone, Teacher – Tucker Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Mark Richardson, Teacher – Champ Cooper, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Chad Troxclair, Teacher – Ponchatoula Jr. High, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
2. Teacher - Rehire
Jacqueline Puls, Title 1 Teacher – Loranger Middle, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Sandra Duvic, Migrant Teacher – C.M. Fagan, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
Robin Brogan, Teacher – Natalbany Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
India Babin, Teacher – Natalbany Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Probationary
3. Teacher – Rehire/Reclassification
Susan Pray, From: Title 1 Teacher – Amite Elementary, To: Teacher Regular Program – Amite Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Tenured
4. Teacher – Transfer/Reclassification
Sarah Anderson, From: Title 1 Teacher – Amite Elementary, To: Teacher Regular Program – Hammond Westside Upper, effective August 14, 2002, Substitute
5. Teacher - Transfer
Sara Jenkins, From: Teacher – Midway Elementary, To: Teacher – Natalbany Elementary, effective August 14, 2002, Tenured
Andrew Edwards, From: Teacher – Loranger High, To: Assistant Principal – Loranger High, effective August 1, 2002, 2-year contract
6. Support Personnel – New Hire
Terrance Douglas, Janitor – 9 months, 8 hours – Kentwood Elementary, effective August 15, 2002
Judy Hookfin, Special Education Paraprofessional 5 ½ hours – Kentwood Elementary, effective August 15, 2002
7. Support Personnel – Rehire
Linda Bailey, Title 1 Paraprofessional – Loranger Middle, effective August 15, 2002
8. Leaves, Resignations, Retirements
Carolyn Roman, Principal – Roseland Elementary School
Susan Lee, Teacher – Ponchatoula Jr. High, 2 semesters – Medical Leave, 2002-2003
Marsha Prine, Teacher – Sumner High, 1st Semester – Medical Leave, 2002-2003
Diane Hughes, Teacher – Loranger High, 1st Semester – Medical Leave, 2002-2003
Emma McCoy, Teacher – Westside Middle, Leave of Absence under Charter School Options, effective July 25, 2002
Erma Frazier, Bus Driver – Hammond, effective September 3, 2002
Kathryn Stevenson, Teacher – Champ Cooper, effective June 19, 2002
Jessie Vernon, Custodian – Chesbrough Elementary, effective August 16, 2002
Melissa Baudier, Teacher – Nesom Middle, effective August 1, 2002
The Board recognized Mrs. Sandra Johnson, newly appointed Principal of Vinyard Elementary School.
Mrs. Johnson thanked the Board for its support and pledged to do her best for Vinyard Elementary School and its students.
There were two other new administrators appointed (Mrs. Patricia Foster – Principal – Perrin Early Learning Center and Mr. Andrew Edwards, Assistant Principal – Loranger High School. These administrators will be recognized at a later date.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Hart, to approve the Amite Board Delegation Report of June 18, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. Approved the low quote of J.D. Stevens in the amount of $33,800.00, for the new parking lot for Amite High School’s Baseball Field.
2. Architect Holly informed that committee that the Amite High School Classroom Addition project should be placed out for bid on Monday, June 24, 2002. Mr. Shontell indicated that there were items he would like to review with Mr. David Jones prior to the project being placed out for bid.
3. Architect Holly stated that the Amite High School Auditorium is 25% complete time-wise, and the production schedule is on track.
4. Chairman Ardillo stated that the $10,000.00 prior appropriated for the corrections to the outfield at Amite High School Baseball Field, will be used for Shademakers of Roseland, Louisiana, to make the necessary corrections.
5. Superintendent Allen requested that Mrs. Elizabeth Covington, Principal – Amite Elementary School, contact Purchasing Agent, Buddy Pulliam to obtain prices for office furniture requested (a desk and chair for the principal’s office).
6. Authorized the staff to remove the damaged brick wall adjacent to the parking lot and obtain quotes for a 6’ chain link fence to replace the brick wall at Amite Elementary School.
7. The delegation authorized Architect Michael Holly to do an assessment of expanding the cafeteria at Amite Elementary School and report back to the delegation options and cost estimates on relocating the partition and expanding the cafeteria. Superintendent Allen also asked Mrs. Covington to contact School Food Service Director, Mrs. Pat Hutchinson, to make a decision on adding folding tables for the dining area.
8. Approved the request of Roseland Elementary School for ten (10) tables and fifty (50) chairs at an estimated cost of $1,751.71.
9. Set a budget of $100,000.00 (to include architect’s fees), for Football Field lighting at Amite High School.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Hart, to amend Item #9 of the Amite Board Delegation Report to a budget of $200,000.00 for Football Field Lighting at Amite High School. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Hart, to waive the rules to consider an item from the Amite Delegation Meeting held prior to the Board Meeting. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Hart, to approve the low quote of Southern Bleacher Construction Company for the expansion of the Band Bleachers, in the amount of $16,150.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Hart, to authorize the purchase of Band equipment for Amite High School, set a budget of $20,000.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Hart, to authorize the purchase of office furniture for Amite Elementary School in the amount of $1,267.98 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent.
It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to approve the Champ Cooper Board Delegation Report of June 18, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. Approved obtaining water service from the Tangipahoa Water District to Champ Cooper Elementary School. The estimated cost is $9,800.00 (work to be done by the Maintenance Department).
Mr. Bardwell informed the Board that the custodian at Champ Cooper Elementary School had heart surgery and the grass at the school needed cutting. Superintendent Allen indicated that he would make provisions to have the grass cut.
It was moved by Ms. Dixon, seconded by Mr. Williams, to approve the Hammond Board Delegation Report of June 25, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. The delegation requested that Superintendent Allen have the Maintenance Department install a pilot unit to determine the probable cost for installation per unit to determine the total project cost of replacing the gas heaters with heating/AC units at Woodland Park Early Learning Center.
2. Approved the request of Hammond Westside Primary for Administrative Computers in the amount of $5,446.00, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
3. Approved the low quote of Lofton’s Fence in the amount of $10,233.00 for pipe fencing at Hammond Eastside Primary, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
4. Approved replacing broken and damaged concrete at Hammond Eastside (Bus Drive only) at an estimated cost of $15,000.00, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
5. Approved renovations to Hammond High School’s Softball Field (concrete slab extensions, dugout covers, dugout fence modifications, and portable outfield fencing), at an estimated cost of $19,900.00, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
6. Approved upgrading the intercom system at Hammond High School at an estimated cost of $15,000.00, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
7. Approved upgrading the intercom system at the Hammond Eastside Complex at an estimated cost of $15,000.00, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
8. Deferred request from Hammond Eastside Primary for resurfacing the courtyard until an assessment can be made and options are explored.
It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mr. Ardillo, to approve the Loranger Board Delegation Report of June 17, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. Approved the Blue Book as presented.
2. Tabled the item regarding employing a firm to provide information regarding the Loranger Bond Proposal.
3. Administrative Director Mark Kolwe stated that the Ponder Family had signed the purchase agreement and they have agreed to pay $5,000.00 toward closing costs and $2,000.00 per acre for up to two acres for wetlands.
4. Mrs. Bailey stated that flyers were sent home with every child and posters are being provided by each school in the district as a means of publicizing the Bond Election.
5. Approved the purchase of 128 student desks to furnish two (2) new portables and two (2) labs being converted into classrooms, at an estimated cost of $8,832.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
6. Approved the purchase of four (4) magnetic white boards to replace four (4) chalkboards, at an estimated cost of $2,868.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Ms. Dixon, to approve the Ponchatoula Board Delegation Report of June 25, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent. Following is the report as approved:
1. Regarding the request from Ponchatoula High School for an integrated PA System in the auditorium, Mr. Caves requested that the engineer provide a detailed description of how the system is to be installed with amenities, for the delegation review. This item will be brought back to the next delegation meeting.
2. Authorized the staff to seek quotes for a fire alarm system for the new welding shop at Ponchatoula High School, at an estimated cost of $3,000.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
3. Approved the request of D.C. Reeves Elementary School for a parent pick-up drive and a covered walkway, at an estimated cost of $8,500.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
4. Deferred item regarding request from D.C. Reeves for a covered eating area.
5. Approved request of Ponchatoula Jr. High School, to purchase Orchard Software, at an estimated cost of $6,840.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.
It was moved by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. Ardillo, to accept the staff recommendation to reject the proposal of Quad Area St. Amant for a charter school. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent.
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Williams, to approve the items listed below.
1. Substantial completion of Roseland Elementary School Lead Abatement.
2. Substantial completion of re-roofing of the main classroom building at Independence High School.
Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent.
Superintendent Allen discussed correspondence that he received from the Louisiana School Boards Association regarding the Amendment of Supplemental Appropriation (House Bill 243 – Act 26). The LSBA and LASS submitted resolutions to the Governor requesting a veto of the $17.4 million supplementary allocation to private and parochial schools. Their request was unsuccessful and will proceed with litigation measures.
Superintendent Allen requested that the Board support the Louisiana School Boards request to join in the lawsuit and acquire a preliminary injunction to prevent the distribution of the funds.
It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Ms. Dixon, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to support the Louisiana School Boards request and join the lawsuit against House Bill 243 – Act 26. Mr. Ardillo abstained from voting on this matter. The motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent.
It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to adjourn (7:20 p.m.). Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Caves and Mr. Richardson absent.
Respectfully submitted,
Al Link, President
Virgil Allen, Secretary-Treasurer
Recorded By: Jo-Ann L. Frazier (7/02/02)