TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

November 18, 2003

The Tangipahoa Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, November 18, 2003, at 6:30 p.m., in the School Board Meeting Room, School Board Office, 59656 Puleston Road, Amite, Louisiana, with President Robert Caves, Presiding.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Caves, Al Link, Carl Bardwell, Sandra Bailey-Simmons, Leonard Genco, Robert Potts, Donnie Williams, Jimmy A. Richardson, I and Maxine Dixon

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

Mrs. Sandra Bailey-Simmons, Board Member – District H, introduced the Veterans of the American Legion Post 255, who conducted the Posting of Colors.

Thaddeus Richardson, student at Kentwood High School gave the Invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Toi Burton, student, Kentwood High School, and Courtney Richardson, student, Kentwood High School, recited the Preamble to the Constitution.

Mrs. Bailey-Simmons introduced 1^st Sgt. Louis Ponticelli, Jr., U.S. Army (Veteran of World War II, Korean War and Viet Nam). Mr. Ponticelli recognized other veterans in the audience, and related some of his military experiences. He also read a poem entitled “The Rusty Old Gun” which ended with: “So the battle of the Flag this day was won by a tired OLD SOLDIER with a rusty Gun, who for one last time had to show to some, THIS FLAG MAY FADE, YET THESE COLORS DON’T RUN.”

Superintendent Joseph thanked Mr. Ponticelli for his show of patriotism and thanked others in the audience for doing an outstanding job.

It was moved by Mr. Genco, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to approve the Board Minutes of November 4, 2003 as distributed. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

Mr. Randy Meyers and Mr. James Stafford, representatives from the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries presented a plaque to the Tangipahoa Parish School System for its contributions to the Wildlife Program.

It was moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Mr. Potts, to adopt a resolution authorizing an Oil, Gas and Mineral Lease acquired by Penn Virginia per Bid #03-49. This resolution is required by the State Mineral Board. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

RESOLUTION

OIL, GAS AND MINERAL LEASE AGREEMENT

WHEREAS, interest has been expressed in the Tangipahoa Parish School System granting a Lease or Leases for Oil, Gas and Other Liquid or Gaseous Minerals (in a from similar to the Louisiana State Agency Lease Form, Revised 1981, with Approved Rider attached currently in use by the Stats Mineral Board) covering all of a portion of the following described tract of land located in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, to wit (the “Property”):

Township 3 South, Range 7 East

Section 16: That certain tract or parcel of land lying East of U.S. Highway 51 containing 110.0 acres, more or less, being bounded now or formerly as follows: on the North by the section line of said Section 16; on the East by the Tangipahoa River; on the South by lands of Adrian Manson and/or the section line of said Section 16; on the West by lands of Irvin Branch, et al and lands of Penny Louise Kent, et al.

WHEREAS, the Association has made an inspection of the Property and desires to offer for lease the Property;

WHEREAS, it was the desire of the Tangipahoa Parish School System to handle the advertising and subsequent letting of the Property on its own in lieu of directing the State Mineral Board to handle the same;

WHEREAS, the 16th Section Ad Hoc of the Tangipahoa Parish School System was authorized to pursuant to the provisions of Section 151, et seq. of the Title 30 of the 1950 Revised Statues of Louisiana, as amended, receive any applications; and

WHEREAS, the 16th Section Ad Hoc of the Tangipahoa Parish School System did direct Hopa Exploration Company, Inc. to advertise in the Hammond Daily Star and The Advocate for sealed bids to be received on or before September 25, 2003 at 2:00 P.M. at 59656 Puleston Road, Amite, Louisiana 70422, for a mineral lease (in a form similar to the Louisiana State Agency Lease Form, Revised 1981, with Approved Rider attached currently in use by the State Mineral Board) on the Property; and

WHEREAS, the 16th Section Ad Hoc of the Tangipahoa Parish School System was authorized to, and did, direct that the minimum bids will be considered by the School Board for the mineral lease(s) shall provide for an initial cash payment to be submitted with the bid (one-half (1/2) of which shall be bonus and one-half (1/2) of which shall be rental for the first year of the lease), rental of not less than half the initial cash payment, and a royalty of not less than one-sixth (1/6) for any three (3) year primary term lease covering all or a portion of the Property; and

WHEREAS, the 16th Section Ad Hoc of the Tangipahoa Parish School System was authorized to, and did, direct that the legal notice would reflect that the bid may be for the whole or any particularly described portion of the Property and shall reflect the initial cash payment, royalty and per acre rental actually bid and in no event less that the minimums set forth in said notice; and

WHEREAS, the 16th Section Ad Hoc of the Tangipahoa Parish School System was authorized to, and did, direct that the legal notice would reflect that a cashier’s check, certified check of bank money order payable to the Tangipahoa Parish School System in the amount of the initial cash payment times the number of acres covered by the bid shall accompany and be deposited with each bid and the Tangipahoa Parish School System reserves the right to reject any and all bids; and

WHEREAS, the 16th Section Ad Hoc of the Tangipahoa Parish School System we authorized to, and did, authorize and direct the purchasing agent of the School Board, to open publicly on September 25, 2003 at 2:00 P.M. at 59656 Puleston Road, Amite, Louisiana 70422 before that time, immediately after which, the Tangipahoa Parish School System (at its regularly scheduled meeting on October 21, 2003 at 6:30 P.M., which will be open to the public during the consideration of the bids) will consider all properly submitted bids that comply with the above-mentioned legal notice and determine if the acceptance of one of such bids is in the best interest of the School Board; and

NOT THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the above officers and any other officer and agent of the School Board designated by one of the above named officers or the 16th Section Ad Hoc be and each of them hereby is authorized to take or cause to be taken in the name of and on behalf of the Tangipahoa Parish School System all such further action that any one of them in his sole discretion deems advisable, necessary or proper to accomplish the foregoing purposes, and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the execution of any of the foregoing persons of any documents authorized by the foregoing resolutions, the resolutions of the 16th Section Ad Hoc or any document executed in accomplishment of any action or actions so authorized is (or shall become upon delivery) the enforceable binding act and obligation of the Tangipahoa Parish

School System without the necessity of the signature or attestation of any other officer of the Tangipahoa Parish School System; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that any and all actions described in the foregoing whereas clauses or resolutions heretofore taken on behalf of the Tangipahoa Parish School System by any of the foregoing persons or the 16th Section Ad Hoc be and they hereby are approved, ratified and confirmed as the acts of the Tangipahoa Parish School System, without the necessity of any further action by the Tangipahoa Parish School System.

___________________________________

Superintendent

It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Genco, to adopt a resolution authorizing an Oil, Gas and Mineral Lease acquired by Penn Virginia per Bid #03-50. This resolution is required by the State Mineral Board. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

RESOLUTION

OIL, GAS AND MINERAL LEASE AGREEMENT

Township 4 South, Range 8 East

Section 16: The entire section, containing 347.00 acres, more or less.

WHEREAS, the Association has made an inspection of the Property and desires to offer for lease the Property;

___________________________________

Superintendent

It was moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Mr. Genco, to send the item regarding Establishing a Standing Transportation Committee to the Policy Committee for further study. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to approve the Finance Committee Report of November 4, 2003, with the exception of Item #4 (One-time, Mid-Year Salary Supplement). Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

It was moved by Mr. Richardson, seconded by Mr. Genco, to approve Item #4 (One-time, Mid-Year Salary Supplement) of the Finance Committee Report of November 4, 2003. A roll call vote yielded the following results: 8 Yeas: Mr. Richardson, Mr. Genco, Mr. Caves, Mr. Bardwell, Mr. Link, Mr. Potts, Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, and Ms. Dixon; 1 Nay: Mr. Williams. The motion was adopted. Following is the report as approved.

1. Approved the Accounts Payable Check Register dated 9/30/03 – 10/29/03.

2. Accepted the low bids for Bid #03-51, Office and Classroom Furniture for 2004.

3. Accepted the low bids for Bid #03-52, Purchase Prices for Electronics Equipment.

4. The committee discussed the One-time, Mid-Year Salary Supplement. This item was referred to the full Board for its approval.

5. Accepted the staff recommendation to pay Trinity and additional $30,000.00 to take-over the existing Workers Compensation and Liability claims that were being handled by the previous Third Party Administrator. The committee directed legal counsel to make a formal demand that Mor-tem pay the costs involved for the take-over of their claims. It was also suggested that a periodic audit of the present company be conducted to ensure that all cases are being properly handled.

6. The committee discussed downgrading of the current Building & Contents Insurance Carrier. Accepted the staff recommendation to retain Landmark American Insurance Company for Building & Contents Insurance Carrier for the period of one (1) year.

Ms. Jane Blades, Mrs. Doris Flanagan, and Mr. Ron Genco, spoke in Public Input regarding the Salary Supplement.

It was moved by Mrs. Dixon, seconded by Mr. Genco, to approve the Personnel Committee Report of November 11, 2003 and Addendum #1. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

It was moved by Ms. Dixon, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, to approve Addendum #2 of the Personnel Report of November 12, 2003. Following is the report as approved.

1. Support Personnel – New Hire

Lois Jacob, Office Assistant 1 - WIA, effective December 1, 2003

2. Leaves, Resignations, Retirements

Sabbatical Leave:

Glenda Husser, Teacher – Loranger Middle, P. & I 2^nd Semester 2003-2004 school session

Leaves:

Ella Fanning, Paraprofessional – Independence Elementary (Straight Leave without pay due to illness – May 31, 2004), effective October 31, 2003

Shannon Babin, Teacher – Ponchatoula High (Extended Sick Leave due to maternity using sick days first – April 19, 2004), effective February 25, 2004

Raychelle Fields, Teacher - Hammond Westside Primary (Extended Sick Leave due to Maternity using sick days first – March 29, 2004), effective December 15, 2003

Michelle Mayberry, Teacher – D. C. Reeves Elementary (Extended Sick Leave due to Maternity using sick leave first – January 16, 2004), effective December 5, 2003

Josephine Harris, Food Service Worker – Independence Elementary (Straight Leave without pay due to illness – undetermined), effective September 22, 2003 Cheryl McCorkle, Paraprofessional – Independence Elementary (Straight Leave without pay due to illness – December 1, 2003), effective October 27, 2003

Resignations:

Audrey Perry, Food Service Worker – Hammond Jr. High, effective October 27, 2003

Retirements:

Bernard Melton, Custodian – Hammond Jr. High, effective January 24, 2004

Gloria Vinyard, Teacher – Loranger High School, effective January 15, 2004

Patricia Mabry, Teacher – Sumner High School, effective February 6, 2004

3. Substitute Teacher List

Addendum #1

1. Teacher – New Hire

Scarlett Smith, Teacher – Independence Middle, effective November 3, 2003

2. Teacher - Reclassification

Tina Anthony, From: Regular Program Teacher – Roseland Elementary, To: CSR “K” Teacher – Roseland Elementary, effective November 10, 2003

Felicia Harmon, From: CSR “K” Teacher – Roseland Elementary, To: Regular Program Teacher – Roseland Elementary, effective November 10, 2003

3. Support Personnel – New Hire

Debra Brister, Office Assistant – Sales Tax, effective November 3, 2003

4. Job Description for Receptionist Position

Title: Receptionist/Switchboard Operator

Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or GED

2. Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); maintain emotional control under stress

3. Ability to operate office equipment

4. Have receptionist/switchboard experience or background

5. Have experience related to working with the public

Reports to: Assigned Supervisor

Job Goal: To professionally greet visitors and receive and route all telephone calls in a courteous and pleasant manner.

Duties:

1. Receive and direct incoming calls, take reliable messages, and route to appropriate staff.

2. Greet and direct visitors to the appropriate personnel.

3. Assist public and staff as needed.

4. Maintain visitor log.

5. Maintain staff itineraries.

6. Sort and distribute messages and other documents.

7. Provide clerical assistance as needed.

8. Maintains positive and cooperative working relationships with staff and others.

9. Meets attendance standards and complies with notification procedures for absences.

10. Perform other duties as required.

Terms of Employment: 12 months

Evaluation: Criteria established by School Board Policy.

5. Leaves, Resignations, Retirements

Sabbatical Leave:

Angela Valley, Teacher – Ponchatoula High, P & I – 2^nd Semester 2003 – 2004 school session

Leaves:

Deborah Tillman, Food Service Worker – Ponchatoula Jr. High (Extended Sick Leave using sick days first then Straight Leave without pay – January 3, 2004), effective October 28, 2003

Agrea Hendrickson, Teacher – Westside Middle (Straight Leave without pay due to illness – January 21, 2004), effective November 3, 2003

Barbara English, Counselor – Kentwood High (Extended Sick Leave due to maternity using sick leave first – January 19, 2004), effective November 7, 2003

Ursula Campo, Teacher – Natalbany Elementary (Extended Sick Leave due to illness using sick days first – January 16, 2004), effective October 13, 2003

Resignations:

Christine Tadlock, ISSP Monitor – Champ Cooper, effective November 17, 2003

Linda Gagliano, Custodian – Loranger Middle, effective October 7, 2003

The Board recognized Ms. Alexa Hookfin, newly appointed Assistant Principal at Independence Middle School.

Ms. Hookfin thanked the Board for its support and the confidence they placed in her. She pledged to do her best in the position of Assistant Principal.

It was moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Mr. Genco, to approve the 16^th Section Ad Hoc Committee Report of November 4, 2003. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved.

1. Accepted the high bid of Hood Industries, Inc. Wiggins, MS in the amount of $150,317.25, for bid #03-53, Sale of Timber in Ponchatoula at Vinyard, and authorized the superintendent to sign all necessary paper work.

It was moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, to approve the Hammond Board Delegation Report of November 12, 2003. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved.

1. Approved $2,500.00 for the purchase of band uniforms for Hammond High School from Fund 661.

2. Agreed to loan Hammond High School Funds for purchasing band uniforms, not to exceed $13,000.00. Money to be paid back within four (4) years at the current interest rate

3. Deferred the item regarding Woodland Park Early Learning Center’s bus loading area until the architect can return a schematic proposal on project.

4. Approved $38,874.42 for technology equipment at Hammond Westside Upper.

5. Approved the request of Hammond Eastside Upper for twelve (12) television carts and eighteen (18) computers at a cost of $20,490.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

6. Deferred item regarding the Prostart Plan at Hammond High School until Mr. Kolwe and Mr. Gasaway can meet and explore options and cost estimates for installation of the Kitchen Hood for the project.

It was moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, to waive the rules to approve the Test Security Policy. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

It was moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Mr. Genco, to approve the Test Security Policy. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Genco, to approve the items listed below.

1. Purchase of security equipment for Sumner High School in the amount of $4,757.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

2. Installation of Internet wiring in temporary buildings at Sumner High School in the amount of $1,000.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

3. Purchase of three (3) computer for Chesbrough Elementary School in the amount of $3,000.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

President Caves stated that the second Board Meeting in December would be cancelled. The first meeting would be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2003.

It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, to waive the rules to place the item regarding the update on the status of the of the Carpenter School Bus Defect on the agenda. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

Mr. Bret Schnadelbach gave the Board an update on the status of the Carpenter School Bus Defect. He stated that the Tangipahoa Parish Bus fleet had twenty-one buses that were built by Carpenter and they would all be inspected for faulty welds. The inspections would cost $125.00 per bus, with a total cost of $2,700.00. The necessary repairs will be made on buses that are found to have a problem. Carpenter is no longer in the business of building buses.

President Caves passed the gavel to Vice-President Williams.

It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Link, to waive the rules to consider resolutions to be sent to the LSBA to be considered at the next legislative session. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, to ask the LSBA to sponsor legislation to pass a constitutional amendment that would eliminate unfounded mandates to all school districts. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

RESOLUTION

FULL FUNDING OF STATE AND FEDERAL MANDATES

WHEREAS, The federal and state governments are increasingly requiring school boards to perform services and implement programs, without providing funding to pay for the services, and;

WHEREAS, These mandates are placing a financial burden on the local school systems and causing limiting funding for academic necessities such as books, computers, etc.;

WHEREAS, The community and taxpayers are unaware of the impact of unfunded mandates on the school system, and;

WHEREAS, Many of these mandates are worthwhile, the federal and state governments must provide funding for the required programs, now;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Tangipahoa Parish School System requests that the Louisiana School Boards Association urge the State Legislature, Governor, Congress, and the administration to include full funding for any new mandate arising from either state or federal law, regulation, or policy, and;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be sent to the Governor, members of the Legislature, members of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the State Superintendent of Public Education.

CERTIFICATE

I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the Tangipahoa Parish School Board in regular session duly convened on November 18, 2003 and that the same has not been rescinded or repealed.

Amite, Louisiana, this eighteenth day of November 2003.

______________________________ ____________________________________

Louis L. Joseph Robert Caves

SUPERINTENDENT PRESIDENT

TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, to request that the state provide funds to the local school districts to help with rising insurance costs. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

RESOLUTION

INSURANCE COSTS

WHEREAS, Group Health Insurance is an important benefit to teachers and support staff in public education as well as school system retirees, and;

WHEREAS, The cost of medical services, including the cost of Group Health Insurance, continues to escalate drastically, and;

WHEREAS, The state’s contribution to local school boards for Group Health Insurance has been incorporated in to the Minimum Foundation Program, and;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Tangipahoa Parish School System petitions the Louisiana Legislature and the Governor to take any and all steps to equitably provide funds to local school boards for Group Health Insurance and;

CERTIFICATE

Amite, Louisiana, this eighteenth day of November 2003.

______________________________ ____________________________________

Louis L. Joseph Robert Caves

SUPERINTENDENT PRESIDENT

TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Genco, to adopt a resolution that the Tangipahoa Parish School System continues to oppose vouchers against public education. The motion was unanimously adopted.

RESOLUTION

Resolution to Oppose Vouchers

WHEREAS, the Constitution of the State of Louisiana establishes the obligation of the State to provide an appropriate public education for its children, and;

WHEREAS, through State statute and Board of Elementary and Secondary education policy Louisiana has established a system of public education, and;

WHEREAS, certain elements have announced their intent to approach the Louisiana Legislature with proposals that would divert public schools funds to private and religious schools, and;

WHEREAS, some types of school vouchers have been ruled constitutional by the United States Supreme Court in the case of Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, and;

WHEREAS, such validation by the Court does not demonstrate that vouchers are the best way or even an acceptable way to correct shortcomings of the public education system, and;

WHEREAS, no clear evidence exists that a system of vouchers would indeed result in improved educational achievement by Louisiana's children, and;

WHEREAS, Louisiana's public school accountability program is succeeding in raising the educational standards and academic performance for all children of the state, and;

WHEREAS, said public school accountability program is universally recognized as one of the nation's best examples of education reform, and;

WHEREAS, the state has dedicated hundreds of millions of dollars to the school accountability plan in an effort to raise educational standards and academic performance in all public schools, and;

WHEREAS, the continued success of the school accountability Plan depends upon a sustained commitment of resources to public education, and;

WHEREAS, any scheme to funnel money away from public schools and into private and religious schools would jeopardize the success of Louisiana' s school accountability plan, and;

WHEREAS, any attempt to sustain public education reform efforts and simultaneously fund a voucher scheme would impose an intolerable burden on the taxpayers of Louisiana,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tangipahoa Parish School Board does hereby declare its opposition to any proposal intended to allow the diversion of public education funds for the tuition of any student in a private or religious, and;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Tangipahoa Parish School Board promulgates this resolution to our legislative delegation, to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and to the Governor of the State.

CERTIFICATE

Amite, Louisiana, this eighteenth day of November 2003.

______________________________ ____________________________________

Louis L. Joseph Robert Caves

SUPERINTENDENT PRESIDENT

TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, to request that the LSBA sponsor legislation to fully fund the Minimum Foundation Program. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

RESOLUTION

Full Funding of Minimum Foundation Program

WHEREAS, The state has a constitutional requirement to fund a minimal education program for all children in public education in the state of Louisiana, and;

WHEREAS, The transfer of monetary responsibility, through the use of unfunded mandates, to the local school system is causing a serious problem of deficit spending in school districts, now;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Tangipahoa Parish School System petitions the Louisiana School Board Association to sponsor legislation to urge the Governor and the State Legislature to ensure that full funding at the state level will take place, and;

CERTIFICATE

Amite, Louisiana, this eighteenth day of November 2003.

______________________________ ____________________________________

Louis L. Joseph Robert Caves

SUPERINTENDENT PRESIDENT

TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to request that the LSBA sponsor legislation to raise teacher and support personnel salaries to the Southern Regional Average. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

RESOLUTION

Raising Teacher and Support Workers Salaries to the Southern Regional Average

WHEREAS, Inadequate salaries are costing the public school systems the loss of good personnel, and;

WHEREAS, Local school systems cannot of themselves supplement the pay of its teachers and support personnel to make that pay at least competitive with the Southern region, and;

WHEREAS, The school systems must not only provide teachers and support personnel with a pay raise, but make their salaries competitive in the Southern region, pay teachers for their experience and give them financial incentives to remain in the teaching profession, now;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Tangipahoa Parish School System urges the Governor, our legislature and our education officials to overhaul the teacher and support personnel salary system and make the pay scale competitive with the Southern region, and;

CERTIFICATE

Amite, Louisiana, this eighteenth day of November 2003.

______________________________ ____________________________________

Louis L. Joseph Robert Caves

SUPERINTENDENT PRESIDENT

TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to request that the LSBA sponsor legislation to constitutionally protect the Minimum Foundation Program in its entirety. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

RESOLUTION

Constitutional Protection of the Minimum Foundation Program

Whereas, The Minimum Foundation Program formula adopted by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and approved by the Legislature determines the cost of a minimum foundation program of education in all public elementary and secondary schools and helps to allocate the funds equitably to parish and city school systems, and;

Whereas, The formula provides for equalization of educational opportunities for all children in the state, and;

Whereas, Local governments have varying degrees of capacity and effort by which educational revenues are raised, now;

Therefore Be It Resolved, That the Tangipahoa Parish School System petitions the Louisiana School Boards Association to sponsor legislation to urge the Governor and the State Legislature to ensure Constitutional Protection of the Minimum Foundation Program, and;

CERTIFICATE

Amite, Louisiana, this eighteenth day of November 2003.

______________________________ ____________________________________

Louis L. Joseph Robert Caves

SUPERINTENDENT PRESIDENT

TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Ms. Dixon, to adopt a resolution regarding waiving tuition for any full-time high school students attending technical colleges. Hearing no objections, the motion was unanimously adopted.

RESOLUTION

Waiver of Tuition for High School Students who attend school in the Louisiana Technical College System

WHEREAS, There exist many students in need of an alternative program of education in the course of earning a high school diploma, and:

WHEREAS, These students are now able to attend local technical college campuses, during the course of their education and learn practical skills, positive work habits, and academic preparedness for transition to the next stage of occupational development, now;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Tangipahoa Parish School System does go on record and request that the Louisiana School Boards Association request of the Governor, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Louisiana Community and

Technical College System, and the State Board of Education, grant a waiver of all tuition fees for high school students who attend the Louisiana Technical College System, and;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be sent to Governor Mike Foster, members of the Legislature, members of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the State Superintendent of Public Education.

CERTIFICATE

Amite, Louisiana, this eighteenth day of November 2003.

______________________________ ____________________________________

Louis L. Joseph Robert Caves

SUPERINTENDENT PRESIDENT

TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, to request that the LSBA sponsor legislation regarding state pay raises for high-qualified persons with degrees that do not hold teaching certificates. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

RESOLUTION

Salary Increase for Highly Qualified Persons with Advanced Degrees

WHEREAS, Classroom Teachers in Louisiana have recently received a raise in pay from the State of Louisiana, and;

WHEREAS, Such raise in pay from the State of Louisiana was limited to classroom teachers, and did not include other degreed administrators, now;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Tangipahoa Parish School System urges the Governor, our legislature and our education officials to provide a salary increase for highly qualified persons with advanced degrees, and;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That copies of this resolution be sent to the Governor, members of the Legislature, members of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the State Superintendent of Public Education.

CERTIFICATE

Amite, Louisiana, this eighteenth day of November 2003.