Bogalusa School Board Office-Media Center

Bogalusa, Louisiana

Regular Board Meeting

December 13, 2012

5:30 P.M.

 

 

 

Proceedings of the Bogalusa School Board, Taken At A Regular Meeting That Was Held On Thursday, December 13, 2012

 

The Bogalusa School Board met in a Regular Board Meeting at the Bogalusa City School Board Office Media Center located at 1705 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, Louisiana on Thursday, December 13, 2012 beginning at 5:30 P.M. The purpose of the meeting was to address matters of operation of the district, for 2013 to include all schools. The agenda included two presentations regarding School Board Members Training, and Election of School Board Officers for 2013.

 

1.)        Call to Order

President Paul Kates called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

 

2.)        Pledge of Allegiance

Acting Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

3.)        Prayer

Reverend Raymond Mims delivered the opening prayer.

 

4.)        Roll Call

There were present:  President, Mr. Paul Kates; Vice President Mr. Adam Kemp; Members:  Mr. Curtis Creel, Mrs. Eleanor Duke, Mr. Calvin Hymel, Reverend Raymond Mims and Dr. Brad Williams

 

There was absent: None

 

Presentations-Acting Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux

 

In an inverted order, Acting Superintendent Breaux presented certificates to the Boards Members for their accomplishments for 2011-2012 calendar year regarding the LSBA School Board Members Training and 2012 Ethics Online One-Hour Training.   New, this year, this was a requirement for all Elected Officials and state employees, across the state of Louisiana.  Also, she presented the Board Members with the LSBA Act 705 School Board Members Training certificate for their credit hours for 2011-2012 calendar year.

 

Election of School Board Officers for 2013

It was motioned by Mr. Kemp, seconded by Dr. Williams to re-elect Mr. Paul Kates as President for 2013.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

Comment from President Kates- Mr. Kates gave his comments at this point. “Our goal is to get our community back on board with us.  I think we are beginning to get that.  We know we have a challenge with the Charter School coming in next year; but I feel we will keep our children, because we are working hard to keep all the children that we have today; next year; and the following years to come.  I know we’re getting ready to go through a reconstruction period.  I think it will be better for our system because of the lack of funds and what we are dealing with the state and the MFP.  They want to take money from us, but we have to provide a good quality education for our children.  I think everybody needs to get on board and the community. We will be working hard in the community to keep the children that we have in this community now; and we will do everything in our power to educate all of them with a good quality education,” says Mr. Kates.  At this point President Kates asked if anyone had any comments.

 

Statement from Mr. Hymel-“I like to say something.  I’d like to thank, not just you Paul; but this whole Board.  This Board has stuck their neck out and we’re willing to do things that we should have done thirty (30) years ago, but it wasn’t done.  This Board is willing to get up and do what’s best for our kids, and fight until we get them in the kind of school that they deserve.  We are fighting every day; and I want to thank every one of you; because we are moving forward.  I just want everybody to please get on the team.  If you’re not on the team, do us a favor,” says Mr. Hymel.

 

 

At this point, the floor was opened for nominations for Vice President. 

 

Reverend Raymond Mims nominated Mr. Calvin Hymel.  Mr. Hymel declined

Next, Reverend Raymond Mims then nominated Mr. Curtis Creel. Mr. Creel declined.

President Paul Kates nominated current Vice President Mr. Adam Kemp.  Mr. Kemp declined.

Next, President Paul Kates nominated Mrs. Eleanor Duke.  Mrs. Duke declined.

Reverend Raymond Mims nominated Dr. Hubert “Brad” Williams.  Dr. Williams declined.

President Paul Kates nominated Reverend Raymond Mims.  Reverend Mims accepted.

President Kates asked Reverend Mims if he wanted to say anything.

 

Statement from Reverend Mims-I appreciate the ….(The remainder of this statement was  incomplete).  I don’t know if this is an honor.  Again, I’ll do whatever is necessary to support this school system.  I am a strong and firm believer in public education; and certainly I’ll do whatever I need to do to make sure that we don’t lose students to the Charter School that is coming up.  We have that privilege and the responsibility to educate every child.  You know, we even have to educate, perhaps, and I hate to say this; some children that who may not even want to be educated, and that’s what public education is all about.  So, I am a firm believer in that, and I will do everything to support this system, and support our superintendent, Mr. President; and this Board.  Thank you very much,” says Vice President elect Reverend Mims.

 

It was motioned by President Kates, seconded by Dr. Williams to elect Reverend Raymond Mims as Vice President.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

5.)        Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting-November 14, 2012

It was motioned by Mr. Kemp, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve the minutes.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

6.)        Board Officers and Committee Reports

There were no reports at this time.

 

7.)        Recess to Public Session

There was no one to come forward to address the Board or public.

 

8.)        New Business

 

A.)        Approval of updated Bullying Policy for Bogalusa City Schools.

It was motioned by Dr. Williams seconded by Rev. Mims to approve the updates.  The motion was not carried unanimously at this point.

 

After addressing the public for comments, and there were none.  President Kates asked if any Board Member wanted to speak on this issue.  Mr. Hymel stated, “I like to thank you for what you have done. I asked for certain things to be done, and I appreciate it.  I think you are doing it.  You are on top of it and I appreciate it.”

 

The motion was carried unanimously at this point.

 

B.)        Grant permission for Bens Ford Christian School to travel to Purvis, MS on March 8, 2013.

It was motioned by Rev. Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke to grant permission for Bens Ford to travel.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

C.)        Grant permission to advertise for eRate Bids-Internal Connections, Telecommunications and Internet Access

It was motioned by Mr. Kemp, seconded by Mr. Creel to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

D.)        Approval of Financial Statements and Revised Budget for November, 2012, i.e. General Fund, Food Service, Special Revenue, Sinking Debt Service Fund, Capital Project Fund,  and School Activities.

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Rev. Mims to approve the statements, and revised budgets.  The motion was not carried unanimously, at this point.

 

After addressing the public for comments, and there were none, President Kates  asked if any Board Member wanted to speak on this issue, Dr. Williams stated, “Thank you again Mrs. Walker, for doing a good job keeping us in the black,” says Dr. Williams.  “That was a good report.  I can just remember the time when we went over to Baton Rouge.  We thought we were going over there a nice trip, and the people were talking about taking our insurance from the retirees.  I thought we were going to jail that day,” says Rev. Mims.  “Yes, we really appreciate that,” added President Kates.

 

E.)        Grant permission to revise prior approval, at Regular Board Meeting held November 14, 2012 regarding Incentive pay for all current employees who will retire by June 30, 2013. (NOTE: This statement will remain in effect. A letter stating the effective date of retirement MUST be received not later than January 31, 2013.  There are NO exceptions.) 

Per Mrs. Walker, for the record, there were no changes needed for line item E.  Therefore, no action was taken.

 

F.)        Grant permission to discard District Wide Fixed Assets, i.e., Title I, General Fund, and IDEA.

Mrs. Walker stated that no Fixed Assets were submitted for this meeting.  Therefore, no action was taken.

 

G.)        Approval of June 30, 2012 Audit

It was motioned by Rev. Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve the Audit.  The motion was not carried unanimously, at this point.

 

After addressing the public for comments, and there were none, President Kates asked if any Board Member wanted to speak on this issue, Mr. Hymel stated, “I’d just like to ask Deloris if she can get me that list I asked for on Monday,  just before we get out if you don’t mind.”  “That was on the description of the acting persons who’s taking the places of the people resigned,” asked Mrs. Walker?  “Yes, all the people who resigned, what their salaries were and, all the people that’s new,” says Mr. Hymel.  “We are working on that coach.  Payroll is due so we’re trying to get it ready for the bank.  We are computing those salaries right now, so hopefully I can have it ready for you on Wednesday,” replied Mrs. Walker.  “Thank you I appreciate it,” says, Mr. Hymel.

 

The motion was carried unanimously at this point.

 

H.)        Approval of a location on the Bogalusa High School Baseball Field to place a sign in honor of Coach Gary Dildy per the request of Mr. Angelo Pepe, on behalf of “past” Lumberjacks. 

It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve a location, for a sign on Bogalusa High School’s Baseball field. The motion was carried unanimously.

 

It was noted that the location would be inside the Baseball field, behind the backstop, but visible to the public.  Also, President Kates asked that Mr. Hymel and Mr. Creel contact Mr. Pepe, informing him of the decision.

 

 9.)      Acting Superintendent Comments/Personnel Report-Willie “Toni” Breaux

“Thank you President Kates.  First I’d like to say, and I was hoping that Mr. Branch was here tonight, I would like to give him an open apology.  Let me tell you, when I feel like I’ve done something wrong, I’m not too big to apologize; and he did come in and talk to me during the week.  We discussed certain things, and I still think that some things were not handled professionally and appropriately, and he agreed to that, because if I don’t know something, then what am I supposed to do, but I do want to apologize for that.” 

 

The second thing is, we had a person that had come in wanting to lease a bus to the school system.   We have had problems with this person over and over and over and over again.  In fact, he filed a suit against me and Mrs. Walker, as soon as I got here; a discrimination suit against us, but I can deal with that kind of stuff.  But, anyway he brought in some documents and Ms. Mingo noticed that they looked like they were fake, so, she got with Mrs. Walker and they went down to the Motor Vehicle, and they  were definitely fake.  I called the Chief of Police, Joe Culpepper and asked him if he could come in and help us with the case, and if there was any way he could be prosecuted and sent off.  He did come in at one-thirty, and he noticed that even on the paper….(Pausing and not completing this statement).  He had to go for himself even though we had verified everything; he had to do it, I guess as part of the law; but he told us he had to go back to the Motor Vehicle to see if it was falsified.  He did.  He came back and said that it was.  He had changed one number in the serial number.  He called the place where the bus had come from.  He called the Chief of Police there.  The Chief of Police knew the bus owner, and he was going to get back with Chief Culpepper and find out all the information on the bus.  I haven’t heard from him.  Another thing is they painted the bus completely and put Bogalusa City Schools and the person’s name on the bus. So, as soon as I hear something from Chief Culpepper, I’ll send it to you in my weekly newsletter.  He had his name on the paper as the owner, and he wasn’t the owner.  That’s all I’m saying.”

 

Before you look at my Personnel Report, I would just like to say; and this is not really calling anybody’s name out.  I would just like the Board to reconsider or withdraw or reconsider the thing about the supervisors, and I’m going to tell you why. We’ve already had to make changes with Ms. Mingo because of the state mandate.  Even though your stipulation was in place it’s been overridden by the state, so we made her…...(Pausing and not completing this statement), and if we don’t, then we have one coordinator.  A coordinator responsibilities and duties are totally different.  We have coordinators all out in the schools, and I think that if I need somebody to go in and supervise those schools and be able to have the authority to try and straighten out certain situations it makes my job a lot easier; because I tell all the supervisors and the principals, and I have both of them here that can attest to this, when you have a problem, you have to go to your supervisor first.  I am the last resort, because I have a whole lot of things that’s going on in my life, as far as the job is concerned; and if I am going to deal with those type of things it’s just going to take away a lot of time that I can be putting in trying to come up with solutions and ways of making our school better schools; better places for our kids and bringing our kids back into the system.  Now, I’m not saying hire additional supervisors, I’m not saying that; but the ones that were already in place that was strictly needed, and we only had one, because everybody else will be a supervisor and you have a coordinator, but her job description will be a job description of a supervisor.  She’s still going to have to go out there and supervise schools, and handle problem. This girl has worked her behind off since she’s been here, and she has handle problems.  It’s a major difference already; and you’re asking somebody to do something that other people have done, and they’ve gotten the title and recognition.  Now, if you were going to get rid of the position completely, and we were not going to have that person, then that would be a totally different thing, but if you’re replacing somebody; if Phlesher quit today, you would still have to get another supervisor, if Debbie Craig quit, because that’s state mandated, we will still have to get another supervisor.  I am pleading with you; this is not the solution right now.  There are a lot of things that needs to be done. This lady is going out there; she’s doing them.”  At this point Acting Superintendent Breaux gave an example of an email she had received from a teacher that stated the principal told the staff that if they wanted to leave on their planning period to go to the doctor, they had to ask her.  “Now, I don’t have time for that, straight-up.  I just don’t have time, and that’s not my job.  If  you are an administrator and you don’t know whether or not you can release your  teacher and you can’t tell them yes or no, you don’t have any kind of….(Pausing and not completing this statement),  nothing about yourself, then you don’t need to be here  in my situation.  I called the principal, and I told the principal that. These are the kind of things I have to deal with,” says Acting Superintendent Breaux.  Acting Superintendent Breaux gave another example of an individual that came in and she had to get secondary person to deal with, because the person was certified in all areas, but could not handle the children.  She went on to speak of incident she had witnessed at Bogalusa Middle School, regarding this individual.  “I really and truly don’t have time for this small stuff.  I know you all don’t want any supervisors.  I’m not asking you to create a job for a new supervisor, but this supervisor is very, very, very needed.  Now, we’ve talked about cuts, and we have made some cuts at this office, and I am planning on making some more.  That is going to be one of the things that I am going to bring up to you probably in January, getting some of these people out of here, I’m telling you right now.  That’s the next thing on the agenda.  People are already walking around not speaking and all of that, but I can deal with that.  I’ve got to do what’s best for our system and what’s best for our children.  We’ve got to improve in achievement, if we’re going to survive, and now we have competition coming in here, so we don’t have any room to play.  But, would you please consider that, that’s all I am asking.  It is for the benefit of the school; it is for the best for these schools; it is so this person can get out to these schools to supervise, help develop, and do things of that sort.  I am trying to salvage and save as many kids as we possibly can.  But Board Members I ask you to please, please go along with me on this; and I am going to do some cuts.  I have some that I have already figured out, just please don’t get rid of the supervisor.  A coordinator is not the person for a curriculum job; they’re just not the person, because you still have the same duties; the same responsibilities.  It’s just not fair.  It’s not fair to the system.  It’s not fair to the students.  It’s just not fair.  Just consider that for me; and I’m not asking you; I don’t even want you to create any more positions, I’m not asking that.  Just let this position…(Pausing and not completing this statement),  this person jumped up, and jumped ship in the middle of the stream, and we’re going to drown if we don’t get what we need.  I’m asking you to go along with me on this.   I don’t ask you for a lot now, I don’t ask you for a lot, but I’m asking, please, please, please don’t disappoint me on this.  I need that person.  I need that person in that position because it helps to stabilize everything.  It’ll make my work easier; I can go ahead on and do other things that need to be taken care of.  That’s it.  Thank you,” concluded Acting Superintendent Breaux.

 

Question from President Kates-“Do you want to address your personnel, because you do have that on there, or just want us to look over it?

 

Response from Acting Superintendent Breaux-“Well, you all can look over it, but I wanted to address this first, because this has to do with the personnel report.

 

ACTING SUPERINTENDENT PERSONNEL REPORT

 

APPOINTMENTS

1.)   Paula Fortenberry-Teacher-Bogalusa High School-Effective November 5, 2012.

2.)   Linda Pittman-Bogalusa High School-Transferred for classroom teacher to Acting Assistant Principal-Effective- November 27, 2012. *

3.)   Leslie Raborn-Transferred from Assistant Principal at Bogalusa High School to Acting Principal at Northside Tech Middle School-Effective-November 26, 2012. *

4.)   April Nobles-Transferred from Principal at Northside Tech Middle School to Acting Secondary Curriculum Supervisor-Effective-November 26, 2012.  *

5.)   Marie Goff-Transferred from Special Populations to Acting Principal at Bogalusa Middle School-Effective-November 26, 2012  *

6.)   Tami Richardson-Teacher-Northside Tech Middle School-Effective-October 29, 2012

7.)   Rachael Weary-Substitute Teacher-Effective-November19, 2012

8.)   Phlesher Mingo-Title change from Coordinator to Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance/ Transportation-Effective-December 14, 2012  *

9.)   Erica Ross-Substitute Teacher-Northside Tech Middle School-Effective-December 17, 2012  *

10.) Debbie Jenkins-Director of Coordinating School Support Services-Effective-January 7, 2013.  *

 

RESIGNATIONS

1.)   Tonja Varnado-Seal-Principal-Bogalusa Middle School-Effective-December 19, 2012

2.)   Melessa Walker-Petty-Assistant Principal-Bogalusa Middle School-Effective December 3, 2012

3.)   Tracy Gill-Teacher-Effective-December 19, 2012

4.)   Damena N. Maddox-Teacher-Effective-December3, 2012

5.)   Patricia Noto-Secondary Curriculum Supervisor-Effective November 27, 2012

6.)   Michael Thomas-Custodian-Effective-November 7, 2012

7.)   Kathyleen Landry-Teacher-Effective-December 19, 2012

8.)   Gabrielle Sicard-Teacher-Effective-December 19, 2012

 

RETIREMENT

1.)   Diane Mathews-Bookkeeper-Child Nutrition Programs-Effective-May 31, 2013

 

TERMINATION

1.)   Lemor James-Custodian-Byrd Avenue-Effective-November 2, 2012 *  (NOTE: This was listed as a Resignation on Monday, December 10, 2012 Committee Meeting agenda)

 

NOTE:  An asterisk and/or BOLD TYPE indicate changes, since Monday, December 10, 2012, Committee Meeting. Also, Mr. Kemp stated during the meeting on Monday night that the positions of Line Items 2, 3, 4 & 5 under Appointments be classified as, Acting positions.  Also, that the position of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, be classified as, Coordinator, instead of Supervisor.

 

At this point President Kates recognized.

 

Statement from Mr.  Kemp-“I’m just looking at number ten (10).  Since Monday, number (10) is new.

 

Response from Acting Superintendent Breaux-“What happen was, on Monday, with all of the confusion,  I was trying to explain it to you before I put it on there, and I think I was misunderstood.  I had it all ready.  I was misunderstood.”

 

Question from Mr. Kemp-“That’s not a new position though?”

 

Response from Acting Superintendent Breaux-“Well, it’s a new position….(Pausing and not completing this statement).    No, what it is, it’s going to give a person more responsibilities.  They are going to maintain their old position; and the reason for that Mr. Kemp, we’ve got to begin to blend our funds; and we’ve got to begin to work together as a single person.  We’ve got to bring in; and even though we have supervisors, certain positions shouldn’t be left up to supervisors alone, because those principals are the ones out there running those schools.  They need to have some say-so, and some voice into what’s going on.  I don’t think they need to be dictated to; and I wanted them brought to the table on a regular basis and we discuss what’s going on system wide. Everybody is given the opportunity to have input and make a decision, so when it gets to you all I’m hoping it would be less confusion.  I hope it won’t be any, because we’ll have a better understanding.  Also, it’ll give elementary the right to know what there’re going to need when they get to junior high.  These people can work together and they can say; your curriculum needs to consist of this, this, and this; because when you get to junior high, this is what you’re going to encounter; when you get to high school….(Pausing and not completing this statement).  And, see what happens is Mr. Kemp, and I know you’re an educator; high school says elementary didn’t do what they needed to do; junior high says…(pausing and not completing this statement), It’s just a….(Pausing and not completing this sentence).  You know the reason why, because we have not really worked together as one.  Elementary has always thought elementary is mine, you don’t mess with my stuff, this is me; but it’s not, these kids have got to go from PreK through high school, so it’s everybody business.  Every grade is everybody’s business.  Then if you got junior high; oh, this is my baby, you don’t mess with my baby; when you get to high school it’s the same thing, and that’s why we’ve had so much unsuccessful results, because people have not pooled their thoughts and their ideas and  how we can better benefit.  Everybody says, I do it this way; he does it this way; and she does it that way; and it does not work. It doesn’t work,  So, what this person would do is, she would maintain her same  position doing what she’s doing, but she would have an added position, and what she would be able to do is correlate and coordinate her efforts and work with the people and try to pull us together as one.  The front foot needs to know what the back foot is doing, and it is not happening,” says Acting Superintendent Breaux.

 

 Statement from Mr. Kemp-“I agree with most of what you’re saying, but my concern is it’s a new position, and we did vote at some point that we were not doing any.  My comment on that is we were given a recommendation by the state department… (Acting Superintendent Breaux interrupted stating), “And that’s where that came from.”  Mr. Kemp continued,” But, I would like, before we do anything…. (Acting Superintendent Breaux interrupted stating,) “Let’s look at it awhile.”   Mr. Kemp continued, “Let’s look at what the state is recommending”   Acting Superintendent Breaux added, “And, I brought you that last week.  I don’t have it, but you remember I brought it to you Monday.  That came from the state department and Mrs. Sloan, what was suggested. The other thing that she suggested; and I am working on that now; is we need a Parent Center for parents.  I am working on that for next year, but that was one of the things, and the reason I didn’t really want to wait until next year, but I will adhere to whatever the Board tells me.  The only thing that I am going to do is bring out things that I think you need, but it’s left up to you all.  The reason I didn’t want to wait until next year, is we’re talking about academics and student achievements, and we don’t have time to wait for next year.  This is something we need to really work on right now, and come together, and do the very best that we can for our children.  But, whatever your pleasure is, I will adhere to it,” says Acting Superintendent Breaux.

                                                                                                                                                      

Statement from Mr. Kemp-“I guess probably my request would be, could we… (Pausing and not completing this statement). To me this would be something that an Executive Session would be called for.  We could discuss the position in personnel. (Acting Superintendent Breaux interrupted stating), “Well see, I didn’t want to do that.  I didn’t want to hurt nobody anymore.”   Mr. Kemp continued, “I mean we don’t vote on personnel anymore, but for the position, we would need to recant our vote that allow for a newer position or new named positions.”

 

Question from Mr. Hymel-“But didn’t the state tell us three (3) supervisors?” Acting Superintendent Breaux replied, “Actually it was four (4) supervisors.  It was Child Welfare & Attendance, and I brought you all that last week.  It had Special Ed; it had Human Resource; and Finance.  President Kates added, “I think Mrs. Sloan said that, anything dealing with federal Programs, they could possibly fall under one.”  “Yes, she did,” says Acting Superintendent Breaux. “Is it possible that we could maybe ask Mrs. Sloan to come to that meeting, so she could give us first-hand information?  I’d like to hear from her.  She is knowledgeable,” says Mr. Kemp. “And she would be willing.  I invited her to the last thing that we had and she came.  She’s real good and she’s been coming on a regular basis.  She has other people on her committee, that’s been called District V Support.  They have been coming; and they have been very helpful to me, and to the system.  I don’t think it’s going to be a problem inviting her to come,” says Acting Superintendent Breaux. “I don’t have a problem with your recommendation; I just want to do it legally.  I want us to do it correctly,” says Mr. Kemp.

 

Statement from Mr. Creel-“Let me just clarify something in my own mind.  This person as far as the name change as far as the position, I think that’s basically kind of irrelevant to the fact other than this individual is taking on additional responsibilities.  So, I don’t see where the name change in the position is technically creating a new job.” “Is there is a difference between Supervisor and Director,” asked Mr. Kemp?  The response was, “Yes.”  Mr. Kemp continued, “If there is, then you are creating a new position.  I am not opposed to it, I’m just saying that we need to follow legal.”

 

When the question was posed by Acting Superintendent Breaux asking when Mrs. Sloan needed to be here.  The response was to try and get her here for our January meeting.  “Okay, okay.  Thank you, that’s all,” replied Acting Superintendent Breaux.

 

At this point President Kates asked if there were any more Board comments. 

 

Statement from Mr. Hymel-“I don’t mind having supervisors, but I believe that we are going to make sure by May, that something is changed, and we’re going in the right direction.  If they’re not going to be responsible, they need to make sure that whomever they’re over is made responsible.  We need to have it in writing.” Acting Superintendent Breaux interrupted stating, “You know what, I agree with you one hundred percent.  Mr. Hymel continued, “I don’t mind paying anybody anything as long as we know we’ve got the right people doing their job; but if we go down and  we don’t improve, we can’t sit here……(Pausing as Acting Superintendent Breaux interrupted), stating, “Mr. Hymel, I’m not going down I can tell you that.  I am not going down.  Let me tell you my philosophy with my people.  I tell them, even with the custodians; when Mr. Vic met with the custodians, and I go in on everything, I want them to know, and I’ve already emailed the custodians; if you can’t do what you need to do, and those schools can’t be clean; those bathrooms not smelling, then you need to go home, and I need to hire a service.” The conversation continued, to include a comment from Mrs. Lawrence, when Acting Superintendent Breaux asked her a question regarding the custodians at her school.  “I told the Principals, if those test scores don’t come up, you fail; and supervisors you fail.  Supervisors if you fail, I fail.  It’s not going to happen; and I am staying on my toes about that.  We meet about this religiously, about where we’re are; what we need to do, and I also told every principal in principal’s meeting if there is anything that you need, I don’t care what the cost is; and I meant that; if there’s anything that you need for your kids that’s going to improve achievement I said, you let me know; did I not tell you all that?  This is real, because my reputation and my life is at stake too; and I don’t need any failures on my team.   I think you all kind of know that because I think I’ve made some changes since this thing has happened.  And, every time you’ve seen a resignation, it’s not a resignation; believe me, okay; okay.  I’m going to continue to do what I need to do.  If we’ve got any negative people here, I don’t care who it is; and we still have some; I’ll tell you that.  I’m the first to tell you that… (Pausing, and not completing this statement).  Some of them I haven’t moved because of finding the right person to put in that position; and also I don’t want to upset my kids because it’s just too close to testing them.  It’s a lot of reasons, but don’t think I’m sitting here thinking that that person is doing what they need to be doing; because they are not, and they are not going to be here.  I am out for what’s right.  It’s like a chain reaction; you’re going to cause the next person to fail.  You can’t fail with me, because I’m not accepting it.  I am not accepting it.  I am going to do what you tell me, but I’m going to work extra hard.  My supervisors, I promise you, they’re working harder than they have ever worked.  They have got to get out there; they’ve got to roll those sleeves up and get into those schools to see what’s going on; and they have to come back and report to me.  I have to know what’s going on. They keep me abreast of what’s going on.  I promise you we’re doing everything humanly possible, in our power, to make a difference and make Bogalusa City Schools something that you all can be proud of,” says Acting Superintendent Breaux.  President Kates asked if there were any other Board comments.

 

10.)      Board Members Comments

Mr. Calvin Hymel- “One more thing, if the roof’s leaking, we’re not going to wait thirty (30) years to fix it.  If the classroom teachers are not doing their job, we’re not going to wait thirty (30) years, we’re going to do something right then, because that’s for our kids, and that’s what we’re about.”

 

Dr. Brad Williams-I’d like to say that there are several Vice Presidents on this Board that are doing extra, above- and- beyond the call, and  I’m honored to be with y’all.”

 

President Paul Kates-“We just want to thank everyone who’s present here tonight, and believe me, in my heart I believe everyone on this Board stands for what that sign says out there “Children First. We want our children to get a good quality education.  I do feel now that we have someone in the seat that we don’t have to worry, she do keep us informed with everything; and I do the best thing in my power to keep all the Board Members informed.  I try to call them.  Maybe sometime I can’t reach them, but I do leave them a message.  We are here for the children, and we’re going to move this system forward.  I’m like Mrs. Breaux, I don’t believe in failure.  Bogalusa City School System wasn’t a failure when I was in school forty (40) years ago, and I don’t believe it’s going to be a failure now.  I feel we are going to move forward.  I think we have the support of everyone in this room.  I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.”

 

At this point there was a discussion of holding a Special Board Meeting after we return from the Christmas Holidays for the swearing in of officers of School Board Re-elected-President-Mr. Paul Kates, and Newly elected-Vice President-Reverend Raymond Mims.  After discussing the possibility of several dates, City Prosecutor David Merlin Duke, who was sitting in for Attorney Dale Branch, suggested that he could perform the installation on that night.  It was agreed upon, and President Kates asked for a motion to amend the agenda to do so.  “This would be Line Item I,” says President Kates.

 

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Kemp to amend the agenda to add Line Item I.) Installation of 2013 School Board Officers.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

I.)         Installation of 2013 School Board Officers

 

At this point, City Prosecutor David Merlin Duke administered the “Oath of Office” to Re-elected President, Mr. Paul D. Kates, and Newly-elected Vice President, Reverend Raymond E. Mims.

 

Statement from President Kates-“Again we want to thank everyone for being with us tonight, and we wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New year.”

 

At this point President Kates asked if there were any more comments. There were none, and he adjourned.

 

11.)     Adjourn

There being no further business to address or comments, President Kates adjourned at 6:35PM

 

________________________________                                _________________________________

(Mrs.) Willie “Toni” Breaux                                                  Paul D. Kates

Secretary to the Board                                                       Board President