Bogalusa School Board Office-Media Center

Bogalusa, Louisiana

Regular Board Meeting

April 25, 2013

5:30 P.M.

 

 

Proceedings of the Bogalusa School Board, Taken At A Regular Meeting That Was Held On Thursday, April 25, 2013

 

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, April 25, 2013 beginning at 5:30 P.M. The purpose of the meeting was to address matters regarding the end of the 2012-2013 School Year, and plans for the start-up of the 2013-2014 School Year.  The agenda included presentations.

 

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, Rev. Raymond Mims; Members:  Mr. Curtis Creel, Mrs. Eleanor Duke, Mr. Calvin Hymel, and Mr. Adam Kemp

 

There was absent: Member:  Dr. Brad Williams

 

Presentations

 

Recognition of –Manager and Technician of the Year-Joannie Miller, CNP Director

 

 

Mrs. Miller came forward stating, “Thank you for this opportunity, Board Members, Superintendent, and welcome community and guests.   I have the pleasure of sharing with you Manager of the Year, and Technician of the Year.  I want you to know that our school system professionals are definitely true Super Heroes.  I’ve had several people tell me that I have some of the hardest working staff members in the district, and I believe that to be true, because they are always working.   So, I’m thankful for this opportunity to recognize those hard working professionals.” At this point Mrs. Miller made her presentations to Carmen Comans of Pleasant Hill K-4 School as Manager of the Year.  “Carmen has been in the Child Nutrition Programs for thirteen (13) years; and five (5) of those years as a Manager. She was also the Manager in 2008; and Technician of the Year in 2004, so she’s always been a dedicated employee.  Congratulations Carmen,” says Mrs. Miller.  Carmen’s family was not with her.  Mrs. Miller recognized her principal Mrs. Sheila Lawrence.

 

 Next, Mrs. Miller recognized Elaine Williams, of Superior Avenue K-4 School as Technician of the Year.  According to Mrs. Miller, Elaine has been with the Child Nutrition Programs for twenty-eight (28) years. “Now that’s a long time to be dedicated.  Her manager can count on her for anything; Elaine was also Technician of the Year in 2003, and in 2008, so here we are again.  Elaine is retiring this year, that’s not why we selected her; but she is retiring.  She has been dedicated and a hardworking employee.  I am extremely proud of her, and I know that she’s a Super Hero also.”  At this point Mrs. Miller recognized Superior Avenue’s Principal Mr. Raymond Morris.  

 

Recognition of-Teachers of the Year-Debbie Jenkins & April Nobles, Curriculum & Instruction Supervisors

 

“Good evening.  It gives me great pleasure to introduce someone who is more than deserving of this award.  Mr. Magee come on up. At sometimes you recognize teachers, and you wonder what they have done to deserve the award; well this is one gentleman that is well deserving of this award.  It’s not always a 7:45 to 3:00 job; it’s just an, until, until, and this is one of the greatest math teachers you ever what to meet.  Mr. Magee we do appreciate your services.  We’re not where we need to be, but we are headed in the right direction.  Mr. Magee, congratulations on being our “Teacher of the Year.”  Mr. McKinley recognized his wife.

 

“Good evening.  I am Marie Goff, Principal of Bogalusa Middle school, and I am very happy to introduce Bogalusa Middle School’s Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Carol Mitchell.  Mrs. Mitchell was nominated by her peers, and she is a wonderful asset to our school.  She is always willing to lend a helping hand.  She has thirty-one (31) years of teaching experience.  She has a true love for Science. I believe if you truly want to discover how good a teacher is, you ask a student.  So, I took a few minutes today to talk to several of her students, and these are some of the things they said about Mrs. Mitchell.”   Mrs. Goff then read some comments from the students that she had spoken to concerning Mrs. Mitchell.  The students that she had spoken to that day were Diamond Martin, Asia Nelson, Laster Hills, Javier Godbolt, Tramarcus Levi, Acelyn Robinson, Lucas Hancock, Michael Jordan, and Troy Cotton.  “Again I am very proud to introduce Mrs. Carol Mitchell, Bogalusa Middle School’s Teacher of the Year.  Congratulations Mrs. Mitchell and thank you for your hard work and dedication to our district, our school, and our students.”   Mrs. Mitchell’s husband and mother were also recognized.

 

“Good evening.  The teacher that I am getting ready to introduce to you has had the best of two worlds.  She has been a “Brilliant Byrd,” at first, then Mr. Morris took her and she is now a “Superior Star.” That’s the best of two worlds.  I’m honored to speak on behalf of a great teacher, Mrs. Mechelle Frazier.  Michelle is a professional teacher that has a great personality, and molds her students to dream big dreams.  She encourages each and every one of them, and tells them to aim for nothing but high.  Michelle is an awesome teacher, who has a passion for teaching.  She has great rapport with the children, the students, the teachers, and also the staff.  Michelle said working in the Bogalusa City School System is simply working with the best.  She is a wonderful fourth grade teacher.  Any school district would be glad to have her, but Bogalusa has captured you, and we hope you stay with us.  Again, I present to you a great teacher, Mrs. Mechelle Frazier.”  Mechelle’s family was not present.

 

“At Denhamtown School, the custodians the cooks, the paras, everybody votes for the Teacher of the Year; and this year they have selected Ms. Michelle Brown.  Ms. Brown has been a teacher in Bogalusa for four (4) years.  She has been a teacher for eight (8) years, but four (4) of those years have been in PreK, at Denhamtown Elementary School.  She’s a great teacher who communicates frequently with parents; Michelle does that whether it’s  through email; and  she’s not afraid to pick up the telephone when there is a concern; many letters; many conferences, because she really wants to keep in close contact with those parents.  They are our partners in education; so I appreciate you doing that.  Thank you.  Her favorite quote is ‘The expert in anything was once a beginner.’  So, I congratulate you for being our Teacher of the Year.”  Ms. Brown’s family was recognized.

 

“I’m Debbie Craig.  I’m Supervisor of Special Education. Mrs. Raborn the Principal at Northside Technology Middle School had an emergency, so I’m going to represent for her.  I have the privilege of recognizing Ms. Marianne Mixon.  She has been nominated this year. This is Ms. Mixon 43rd year.  Ms. Mixon is probably one of the hardest working teachers; not just because she is my friend, and I’ve known her for a long time, but anyone can tell you she’s there.  She opens the school at six o’clock.   I’m going to let Mrs. Nobles talk for a minute also,  because she was her Principal before she came over here.  She closes down the school.  If you have something that is due in six months, it will be done even before I can even get her what it is she has to do.  Ms. Mixon is well deserving of this reward. And, Mrs. Nobles may want to speak as her previous Principal.”  “You will never meet a more dedicated employee.  Marianne runs circles around the young folks, as she calls us.  It’s just such an inspiration to all of us, of her dedication, and what she does for her students; and for us on staff,   We would not make it without her," says Mrs. Nobles.

 

‘It’s a great pleasure that I introduce Ms. Jeanie Manton as our Teacher of the Year.  She is a great, great, wonderful, wonderful, Kindergarten teacher. We don’t know what we’d do without Ms. Manton; she’s kind-of like a little mother hen.  She really takes her children to heart.  For the last two (2) years/three (3) years; she had one hundred (100%) percent Benchmark.  She is one of those that stay after school.  She is going to make sure that everything is prepared and ready for teaching every child there.  She’s just a loving, loving person and it is with great pleasure that I give you this.  And, the gift I told her we’ve got something special for her at school.  I didn’t bring her gift here it’s all going to be there.”

 

“Good evening everyone.  I have the privilege of introducing Mrs. Nickie Leos.  Nickie is a resident of Bogalusa.  She has taught at Superior Avenue for the past five (5) years.  She have taught first grade, third grade, and is currently teaching fourth grade.  Nickie has been the SBLC Chairperson at Superior for the past three (3) years.  Nickie loves teaching her students and inspire them to soar, to reach their dreams.  Her motto is, ‘They don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.’  I present to you, Mrs. Nickie Leos.”  Her family was recognized.

 

Statement from President Kates- “Thank you.  That concludes our presentations.    We will move on to our other business.  If anyone needs to leave you may do so at this time.

 

5.)        Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting-March 19, 2013

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Reverend Mims, to approve the minutes.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

6.)        Board Officers and Committee Reports

There was no report from the Board Officers or Committee, but Mrs. Deloris Walker said, “Mrs. Breaux, Mr. Lesley had spoken to me the other day about getting on the agenda and I told him that he could do it under the Committee Report.  He had a report he had to submit from high school.”  President Kates stated, “Uh…, let me, uh, let me amend the agenda for that Committee Report.”  Mrs. Walker continued, “He can just say it under the Committee.  It’s not like a…. .(Pausing and not completing this statement).  Okay, under Committee, well that’s fine,” replied President Kates.  Mr. McKinley came forward with the report from high school.

 

Statement from Principal Lesley McKinley-“President Kates, Acting Superintendent Breaux, Board Members and community, I just want to share some good news with the community of Bogalusa.  A lot of time we are scrutinized about a lot of things that are not going on, on our campus.  About two (2) weeks ago, we received a letter from Grambling State University, and that letter informed us that we have five (5) students that are currently enrolled as freshman at Grambling State University, and the average GPA of those five (5) students were higher than the average GPA of the freshman class at Grambling State University.  The average GPA I think was a 3.76; and the lowest I think was 2.46.  I can’t remember what the average GPA of freshmen’s was, but it did strictly tell us that our freshmen’s were performing above that freshman class at Grambling State University.  We are, from that letter, trying to get information from the other schools where our students are enrolled at right now,  to get a comparison there too.  We are proud of our students,” says Mr. McKinley.

 

7.)        Recess to Public Session

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

 

At this point President Kates addressed the remaining items on the agenda.

 

8.)        New Business

 

A.)        Adoption of School Lunch Superhero Day Proclamation

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Hymel, to adopt the Proclamation.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

B.)        Grant permission for Sharon McGehee, Donna Blackwell and Maureen Gaddy from Bens Ford Christian School to travel to Orange Beach, Alabama, June 28-30, 2013 for a MAIS Conference.  This will be funded through their Title II allocations. 

It was motioned by Mr. Kemp, seconded by Mrs. Duke, to grant permission.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

C.)        Grant permission for Bens Ford Christian School teachers/administrators to attend the Ren Web Conference in Dallas, Texas, July 9-11, 2013.  This will be funded through their Title II allocations.  

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Hymel, to grant permission.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

Statement from President Kates-“If you all don’t understand about Bens Ford, we have to acknowledge them in our special programs, even though they’re not a part of our system.  We have to vouch for their travel and the things that they do.  So, I just wanted you all to understand why we have Bens Ford on our agenda.”

 

D.)        Grant permission for three (3) teachers from Bens Ford Christian School to travel to Pearl, Mississippi on July 11-12, 2013, for a PreK Conference.  This will be funded through their Title II allocations.

It was motioned by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Mrs. Duke, to grant permission.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

Statement from President Kates-“I’d like to amend the agenda to add Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux to attend the National Title I Conference in San Diego, California.”

 

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Creel, to amend the agenda to add Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux to attend the National Title I Conference with Shelley Gill on February 1-5, 2014.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

E.)        Grant permission for Shelley Gill and Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux, to attend the National Title I Conference in San Diego, California, February 1-5, 2014.  This will be funded through Title I Administrator Funds.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Kemp, to grant permission.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

F.)        Grant permission for Northside Technology Middle School PBS Team to take students with no disciplinary referrals for the school year to Gulf Islands Water Park in Gulfport, Mississippi on May 23, 2013. 

It was motioned by Mr. Kemp, seconded by Mr. Hymel, to grant permission.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

G.)        Approval of Financial Statements and Revised Budgets for March 2013, i.e., General Fund, Food Service, Special Revenue Funds, Capital Improvement Funds, and School Activities. 

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke, to approve the line items.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

H.)        Grant permission to discard additional District Wide Fixed Asset, i.e. Special Ed. 

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Mr. Hymel, to grant permission.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent. 

 

I.)         Grant permission to distribute Sales Tax Check to all full-time employees of Bogalusa City School District, on Friday, May 3, 2013. 

It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Reverend Mims, to grant permission.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent. 

 

J.)        Approval of Teachers Salary Schedule for 2013-2014 per Act I.  

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Kemp, to approve the Teachers Salary Schedule.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

K.)        Approval to freeze Teachers Salary at present level effective 2013-2014.  

It was motioned by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Mr. Creel, to approve the freeze of teachers’ salaries.  The motion was carried

6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

L.)        Grant permission to adjust May, 2013 Committee and Regular Board Meeting dates, due to the Memorial Day Holiday.  Committee Meeting-Tuesday, May 28, 2013; Regular Board Meeting-Thursday, May 30, 2013.  The meetings will convene at 5:30PM, in the School Board Office Media Center, located at 1705 Sullivan Drive in Bogalusa, Louisiana. 

It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mr. Hymel, to grant permission to adjust the May 2013 meetings dates.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

M.)       Approval to hire a Superintendent for the Bogalusa City School District. 

It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Reverend Mims, to approve the hiring of Willie “Toni” Breaux as Superintendent of Bogalusa City School District for two (2) years.  The motion resulted in a Roll Call Vote as follow:

 

YEAS:  Mr. Creel, Mrs. Duke, Mr. Hymel, Mr. Kemp, Vice President Mims, and President Kates   

 

NAYS:  None

 

ABSENT:   Member: Dr. Brad Williams        

 

The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.

 

Statement from President Kates-“Mrs. Breaux I’d like to congratulate you.  You have done a wonderful job as our Acting Superintendent, and I am so proud to recognize you as our new Superintendent of the Bogalusa City School System.  Now that we have our new Superintendent we will ask her for her remarks.”

                           

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

“To President Kates, Vice President Reverend Raymond Mims, Members, Dr. Brad Williams in his absence, Mr. Adam Kemp, Mr. Calvin Hymel, Mrs. Eleanor Duke, and Mr. Curtis Creel, it is just a humble spirit, and a deep and sincere attitude that I unequivocally accept the position of Superintendent of the Bogalusa City School System.  I pledge to each of you, before my God, my Savior and my Redeemer, honesty, loyalty and trust, for I truly believe that truth will be my salvation.  This day tells me that even the at-risk, like me can have dreams that can come true.  All that is required is hard work, determination, and never, ever give up on your dream.  Bogalusa City School Board Members, my motto is still the same, as it was when I was Acting Superintendent.  I will not accept failure as an option.  I am committed to ensuring that each of our students is empowered to achieve academic and personal goals. And, I want to reiterate to Bogalusa; sometimes life seems hard to bare, full of disappointment with test scores so low; but then we have to remember that it’s in the valley we grow.  If we stayed on the mountaintop and never experience pain, we would never appreciate our purpose for existence and living in vain.  We have so much to learn, and our growth is at times very slow, sometimes we need the mountaintop, but it’s in the valley we grow.  We do not always understand why things happen the way they do; but I am sure of one thing, we’re going to get through to each of our students; and that is true.  While down in the valley, we can’t see the floor.  The common core would, if implemented get us to our performance score.  It takes striving, and reaching for the mountaintop to see that it’s in the valley we grow.  Bogalusa City Schools will continue to strengthen each of our students in their education each day, to share with them our love that is not rare to help them find their way, to the top of education, and, yes I declare.  Thank you Bogalusa City School Board for entrusting me; for this is one thing I know, we  may now be in the valley so low; but in the mountaintop where we are headed, for I  know in my heart, Bogalusa City Schools will definitely grow.  Finally, I ask that each employee be a team player, and committed to helping each student reach their full potential.  We must be dedicated, and willing to give one hundred (100%) percent to improving our schools, by improving our state school performance scores.  We have the plan; you know what we need; we know what needs to be done; and now we must implement it.  Let us all remember that we are all in this together.  Thank you for your confidence in me, and my ability,” says Superintendent Breaux.

 

Superintendent’s Personnel Report

No report was submitted from the Human Resources Department.

 

Statement from Vice President Reverend Mims-“Mr. Kates, I’d like to ask a question, and I think we need to add an agenda item to authorize you to negotiate a contract with Mrs. Breaux.  I think that needs to be done.”

 

At this point, President Kates asked for a motion to amend the agenda to add an agenda item to negotiate a two (2) year contract with Mrs. Breaux.  That will be line item N.

 

It was motioned by Mr. Kemp, seconded by Mrs. Duke, to amend the agenda to add line item N.) Grant permission to authorize President Kates to negotiate a two (2) year contract with Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

N.)        Grant permission to authorize President Paul Kates to negotiate a two (2) year contract with Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Kemp, to grant permission.  The motion was carried 6-0, with (one) 1 absent.

 

At this point President Kates gave way to Mrs. Breaux, who introduced her family that was at the meeting, “I would be remiss if I did not introduce the love of my life, my family.  First of all, my aunt, the only living aunt that I have left my mother’s only living sister, Mrs. Geraldine Bennett.  She has been just like a mother to me.  Then I’d like for sons to stand, I have Chad Harry and Ryan Harry here.  You all keep Kyle Harry in your prayers; and hopefully one day he will come home.  I have my brother, my only living brother, Willie Elliott Jenkins, his wife Carla Jenkins; and then I have a host of other aunts, cousins, relatives and friends.  Will you please stand, the rest of my nieces, nephews, and the rest of my family.  (Pictures were taken at this point).

 

Statement from President Kates-“At this time I will ask the Board to announce that we will have a Special Meeting for Mrs. Breaux to announce her staff for the upcoming school year, because we will be closing down some schools, and there will be a few changes. She needs to announce that.  We will do that Monday, April 29, 2013 at 5:30PM.  We will have a Special Board Meeting.

 

Statement from Superintendent Breaux-“And Board Members you will get your copy, I’ll mail it to you tomorrow, so you’ll have time to look it over.  We may have to go into Executive Session.” 

 

Statement from President Kates- “And another thing; to all the Board Members you all know that May 15th is the deadline for your Financial Disclosure Statement.  You need to file it. I want to thank all of you for being present at our meeting tonight, and I do believe in my heart that our system is going to move forward.   I believe that each and every one of you out there will help the Bogalusa City School System, and spread the good news that we need our children back, and we’re going to move forward.  Mrs. Breaux will take charge of everything.  She is our new Superintendent, and I know in my heart that our system will move forward.   We can be proud of Bogalusa City School System.  Do we have any other Board comments?”

 

10.)    Board Members Comments

Mr. Calvin Hymel-“I’d like to say something, and I’m not trying to step on any toes, but I’m going to be honest with you.  For thirty-five (35) years this system has been under a clique.  If you weren’t in the clique, you weren’t there.  We don’t have any cliques any more.  Everybody is going to be treated fair, everybody, and I am proud of that.  If you do your job, you’ll be treated just like everybody else.”

 

Mr. Curtis Creel-“Again, I’d just like to congratulate Mrs. Breaux.  She’s done a very good job as our Acting Superintendent.  We’ve had a few conversations along the way; and we didn’t always agree on everything; we met in the middle some times; and I give her credit for that.  I think that she has expressed beyond words her desire to move this system forward.”

 

Mr. Adam Kemp-“I’m proud of the Board for making the choices they have made. I’m proud of Mrs. Breaux and the accomplishments she has made in this short time.  I look forward to more accomplishments.”

 

President Paul Kates-“I think all  of you have received this packet from School Richard from Louisiana School Boards Association, about all the Bills that has been going on in the Legislation this week.  I think we did get a victory on some of these.  You know the Jindal administration is still fighting public education, but I think we’re going to win.”

 

Mr. Curtis Creel-“Tied in to the beginning of school dates, I had a conversation with Mr. Combs today, who’s doing work at Bogalusa High School, he assured me that Phase 2 would be complete by May 24th.  We are looking at some other things, and Mrs. Walker is trying to work out the finances for Phase 3.  So, again hopefully in the near future we can have a community meeting and open house so that the community can see what we’re doing at Bogalusa High School, and additionally what’s going on at Bogalusa Middle School.  We are working very hard to provide a conducive learning environment for every student.   I just want to let the community know that this Board has worked really hard to provide that for our students.”

 

Mrs. Eleanor Duke-“I went to Bogalusa High and Bogalusa Middle School, Tuesday, and I was very impressed.  It’s been a couple of months since I’ve been over to Bogalusa High School, and I am amazed.  It is absolutely beautiful, absolutely beautiful.  Those windows have just opened it up; it’s just gorgeous.  And, Bogalusa Middle School, I am so impressed.  That’s where I spent a lot of my years teaching, and it doesn’t even look like the same place.  I am so thrilled.”

 

Reverend Raymond Mims-“I think that we are going to have a lot to offer; and I think that we are going to be a challenge to the Charter School.  We’ve got a lot going on in Bogalusa and we need to put that in the paper.  We’ve got a lot going on in Bogalusa.”

 

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 6:30PM.

 

_________________________________________            ______________________________________________

Willie “Toni” Breaux                                                        Paul D. Kates

Secretary                                                                      Board President