Bogalusa School Board
Bogalusa, Louisiana
Regular Board Meeting
February 27, 2014
5:30 P.M.
Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board, Taken AT A Regular Board Meeting That Was Held On Thursday, February 27, 2014
The Bogalusa School Board met in a Regular Board Meeting at the Bogalusa School Board Office Media Center, located at 1705 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, Louisiana, on Thursday, February 27, 2014, beginning at 5:35 P.M., for the purpose of addressing matters that were presented on Monday, February 24, 2014, at the Committee Meeting, from the receipt of updates presented by supervisors, regarding any, and all information for the remainder of the 2013-2014 School year; and plans for the possibility of implementing a new school, for the upcoming 2014-2015 School Year, headed by Bogalusa City School District. The agenda included a presentation, and an Executive Session.
1.) Call to Order
President Adam Kemp called the meeting to order at 5:35 P.M.
2.) Pledge of Allegiance
Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.) Prayer
Dr. Brad Williams delivered the opening prayer.
4.) Roll Call
There were present: President, Mr. Adam Kemp; Vice President, Mr. Curtis Creel; Members: Mrs. Eleanor Duke, Mr. Calvin Hymel, Mr. Paul Kates, Rev. Raymond Mims, and Dr. Brad Williams
There was absent: None
5.) Presentations: Louisiana School Board Association Artwork Winners-April Nobles, Supervisor
Artwork Contest Winners
“Good evening everybody. I’m glad to have such a great crowd tonight. We missed them last month because of the snowstorm.”
K-4th Grades Division
Ø Jalisia Jackson-4th Grade-Central Elementary School
Mrs. Nobles presented to Jalisia Jackson, 4th grader at Central Elementary School, a plaque and her original coloring that was presented, and won placement, at the LSBA Art Contest. Jalisia’s theme was “Louisiana Camellia.” Mrs. Nobles recognized her family members that were in attendance.
5th -8th Grades Division
Ø Gustavo Ramos- 8th Grade-Bogalusa High School Campus-Middle School Area
Mrs. Nobles presented to Gustavo Ramos, an 8th grader at Bogalusa High School Campus-Middle School area, a plaque and his original coloring that was presented, and won placement, at the LSBA Art Contest. Gustavo’s theme was “The Two Sides of Louisiana.” Mrs. Nobles recognized his family members that were in attendance.
9th-12th Grades Division
Ø Sierra Fland-12th Grade-Bogalusa High School (Recognized at the January 30, 2014 Regular Board Meeting)
(As indicated, Sierra Fland, a 12th grader at Bogalusa High School was recognized at the January 30, 2014 Regular Board Meeting).
At this point Mrs. Nobles stated, “At this time we have a special presentation; that’s not on the agenda, we’re going to kind-of tack that on. I’m going to introduce our Honorary School Board Members. There is a Resolution on the table tonight to adopt the Honorary School Board Members. Tonight we’re going to begin by having them give an introduction; introduce themselves to us; and at a later School Board Meeting, they will actually take the Oath of Office. Tonight they are going to introduce themselves and let us know a little bit of what’s going on at their school.” At this point Mrs. Nobles introduced the students by school divisions. They were: Central Elementary School-Asiah Tyrone 5th Grade; Bogalusa Middle School (Located on the Bogalusa High School Campus)-Substituting for Kelton Johnson, was Diamond Sampson-8th Grade; Bogalusa High School-Daphne Owens-12th Grade. Each student representative gave positive news from their school. President Kemp stated that he had gotten this idea from a neighboring parish.
6.) Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting-January 30, 2014
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Reverend Mims, to approve the minutes. The motion was carried unanimously.
7.) Board Officers and Committee Reports
Mr. Paul Kates-“Mr. Kemp I’d just like to report to you that I did authorize Mrs. Walker to look for a van; and I told her to make sure that she try to get it as soon as possible, because it is necessary for this system, because of the situation that we are in.” “We were having some travel issues of students to the parish line, and we felt like that was the safest, and best way to handle that; so we did as a group, decided we would purchase a van,” says President Kemp.
8.) Recess to Public Session
Mrs. Sheila Lawrence-Mrs. Lawrence stated her address as 62520 Roy Lawrence Road, Angie, Louisiana. “Good evening everyone. I just wanted to showcase a couple of my students. We had a Black History Program, and I just want them to come up here and show you what they did. It was great. Everyone thought they did a wonderful job.” The students were Christian Frazier, and Dyren Brown. The students recited the poem entitled “Mother to Son,” by Langston Hughes. Mrs. Lawrence recognized the parents of Christian Frazier, and Dyren Brown.
Grant Shreiner-“My name is Grant Shreiner. The address is 2023 Soniat Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70115. I am with the Louisiana Association of Educators. I am here to speak on behalf of the teachers at Central Elementary School. This is regarding the suspension of Mrs. Raborn. I’m speaking for the teachers partially to save time, and also because of the teachers’ fear of retaliation. The teachers are appearing as a show of support for the principal, and for what she has done. She has provided stability. She’s provided a positive attitude for the school; she’s very dedicated; and she has been working with the teachers to improve the students, and do what’s best for the school. The thoughts we heard and the work we saw from Jalisia Jackson, are examples of the great work that’s happening at Central Elementary; and a lot of that, is due to Mrs. Raborn. Suspending a principal in the middle of a school year; even under the best circumstances is a very, very difficult thing; especially as we’re heading into state testing. It really destabilizes the system for the teachers and the students. I don’t know what the allegations are against the Principal; but I am hoping that whatever they are; you balance them, and weigh them against the great work she’s done so far; and the fact that this destabilizes things so much right now. Literally, with a different Principal every single day at school; kids pick up on this stuff. So, like I said, I’m just here very simply to say, we support Mrs. Raborn, and we would like her back as a Principal, as soon as possible. Thank you,” said Mr. Shreiner.
April Bruns-“My name is April Bruns. I reside at 723 North Border Drive, here in Bogalusa. I’m coming tonight to address you as a parent with a student in the Bogalusa City School System, specifically at Central Elementary. I just want to encourage all that are here tonight to be objective and honest enough; because we do not know the evidence that is placed before the Board against Mrs. Raborn. I’ve never had the opportunity to be taught by her. I didn’t meet her until she was at the school; so we all have different experiences with her. But, as a parent, and also a person in the community I just want us to remember that the kids are first; and I think you all share in that. I applaud Mrs. Breaux for what she has done thus far, because it is very tough to manage such a school district. No matter what we’re facing, we know most of the problems; and as a parent, and member of the African–American community, I know we carry a lot of that weight. We have to support our children more; and the school system more. I think that will alleviate some of the issues. I’m going to keep an open mind, and wait for things to play out. I don’t want any of us to think too much of what goes into the media or conversation, that are outside from what’s going to be discussed here. I do want you all to know that I do support the decisions that are made, because we trust you; and I, just like anyone else out here is not happy with them, you have to be in the place to make sure that you can bring about the change. Thank you,” said Mrs. Bruns.
9.) New Business
A.) Grant permission to host the Summer Food Service Program for June and July 2014
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Mr. Hymel to grant permission. The motion was carried unanimously.
B.) Approval of E-Rate Bids, as presented, Internet Access, Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections, Telecommunications VOIP, and Telecommunications POTS will be provided by-Hunt Telecom; Student Email will be provided by Gaggle
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Creel to approve as presented. The motion was carried unanimously.
C.) Adoption of the 2014-2015 Bogalusa City School District Academic Calendar
Prior to any action, on this line item, Ms. Adams stated, “Let the record show that Traditional Calendar #1 was the calendar of choice, by poll of Bogalusa City School District employees.”
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Dr. Williams, to adopt Traditional Calendar #1 for 2014-2015. The motion was not carried unanimously, at this point.
Statement from Mr. Hymel-“On this calendar I just wish that if you’re going to present something to the teachers, don’t go up to them and tell them they’ve got to vote right then; give them a week or two to look at it; and think about it; and then say look, what do you all want to do? I heard that it was brought to them; a twelve month calendar, and they had to vote right then. That’s not fair. I appreciate the job. They did come up with a great calendar”
Statement from President Kemp-“I have one concern. When you’re looking forward to the Easter Break, it’s from March 30th through April 6th, which is a full week. The following Monday is the week before testing. So, my concern is, when it’s presented, it’s presented as though, that was because of people traveling trying to get back from their family vacation. I feel the time spent covering LEAP or PARCC, which is next year, is more valuable. That’s my opinion, and that day of the 6th can be moved somewhere else to get a full week. That’s my personal opinion. But, it’s whatever the Board wants to do,” says President Kemp
There was a discussion about what would be best concerning April 6th. President Kemp suggested that maybe it can be used as an emergency day, or a professional development day. “That was just my concern,” says President Kemp. “I share that concern. Is there any way you all can change that, or do you all want to vote on it?” asked Dr. Williams. “We can table it until the next meeting,” said President Kemp. “You know you have teachers here, but right now you want to table something that they voted on. I think they need input too; you know to give them another choice to choose what they want, don’t just table something without their input. They need input, because they’re the ones voted on this, and they feel that that was comfortable for them. I don’t know how prepared they will have their children ready for the test; but they still need a say in what you’re doing,” says Mr. Kates. “I agree with you on that. I think maybe it can go back to that Calendar Committee or whoever came up with the calendar proposal, to look at if there is a better option of where that day could be better utilized,” says President Kemp. Mrs. Nobles stated, “Are there specific options; as head of the Calendar Committee; are there specific options that you would like for us to present to them, about that day; or you want me to take it back to the committee and see what they come up with? “That would be up to the committee. My concern was strictly testing week. So it’s up to the Board whether or not we table it; bring it back to the teachers; and back to the committee and see if that day could be utilized in another way,” said President Kemp. The discussion continued, and another motion was made regarding the calendar being “Tabled.”
It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mrs. Duke, to table the Traditional #1 Calendar, of choice, and return it to the committee for consideration, concerning the date of April 6th. The motion was not carried unanimously, at this point.
There was a question of concern voiced that this calendar has already been voted on. President Kemp stated, “Y’all tell me if I’m wrong. There were options of calendars. This calendar was the majority of the votes; so that’s how it was selected? Is that correct? And, that’s presented to us to approve. There is a question on the particular date; to table it until the next Board Meeting…,” says President Kemp. This statement was interrupted by Mrs. Nobles stating, “We’ll have a Committee Meeting again, and we will come up with some options; two (2) or three (3) options; and those options will then go back to the schools; the schools will vote, then those votes will come back to us, and we’ll bring that back to you. Each school handles their own voting process, and how that Principal or how the Administrator chooses to handle the voting process is up to them,” says Mrs. Nobles.
The in-depth discussion regarding the calendar of choice Traditional Calendar #1 continued. When asked if this calendar would remain as one of the options. President Kemp replied, “I would think. The only thing that would be changed is that one day. So, when it is brought back, it would be this calendar, because this is what the teachers voted for, minus that day; and there would be an option where that day could be best utilized,” says President Kemp. “If it came from the committee, it needs to go back to the committee,” says Vice President Creel. At this point President Kemp asked for School Board Members Comments. The totality of this discussion can be heard by appointment through the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent’s office, via the taping of this meeting.
The motion to table the Traditional Calendar #1, calendar of choice, was carried unanimously, at this point.
D.) Approval of January 2014 Financial Statements, i.e., General Fund, Sinking Fund, Capital Projects, School Food Service, Special Revenue Funds, School Activities, and Revised Budgets.
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Williams, to approve the line items. The motion was carried unanimously.
E.) Grant permission to discard additional District-Wide Fixed Assets, i.e., General Fund & Schools
It was motioned by Duke, seconded by Mr. Hymel, to grant permission. The motion was carried unanimously.
F.) Grant permission to adjust Committee and Regular Board Meeting for the month of April 2014, due to Spring Break. The dates are as follow: Committee Meeting-Monday, April 14, 2014; Regular Board Meeting-Wednesday, April 16, 2014. All meetings will convene at 5:30PM, in the School Board Office Media Center, located at 1705 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, Louisiana
It was motioned by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Mr. Creel, to grant permission. The motion was carried unanimously.
G.) Adoption of 2014 School Board Members Committees, as requested and outlined at the January 27 & 30, 2014meetings. The committees are as follow: Personnel & Curriculum, Maintenance & Facilities, Child Welfare, Nutrition & Transportation, Finance, and Technology. *Note: The committees and members are outlined in the January 30, 2014, Regular Board Meeting minutes
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Duke, to adopt the 2014 School Board Members Committees. The motion was carried unanimously.
H.) Adoption of “Honorary” School Board Members composed of a selected student or students, from every school, that will attend the Board Meetings, to give a report on positive campus news
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Creel, to adopt Honorary School Board Members. The motion was carried unanimously.
I.) Adoption and Support of the 2014 LSBA Legislative Framework Resolution
It was motioned by Vice President Creel, seconded by Reverend Mims, to adopt the resolution. The motion was not carried unanimously, at this point. The motion resulted in a Roll Cal Vote as follow:
YEAS: Mrs. Duke, Mr. Hymel, Mr. Kates, reverend Mims. Dr. Williams, Vice President Creel and President Kemp
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None.
J.) Consideration of a Resolution scheduling a hearing for an employee.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Reverend Mims, to consider the Resolution. The motion was carried unanimously.
At this point folders were passed out to each Board member regarding this matter. Superintendent Breaux stated, “Before I pass out these packages, I need to mention a couple of things. This is not from me, it’s from the lawyer. We do have the lawyer here representing the Superintendent. Danyelle Boudreaux is here. This information should not have been discussed, by any Board Member, with anybody. If you have discussed it; you need to recuse yourself tonight from being involved in this process. Also, all we’re going to do is have the Board Members to look at this; and once they look at it; then they will vote. You can have no discussion. You can have no questions. You can have nothing. This is strictly to say whether or not the Board would like to have a hearing. Once this is finalized, if they vote not to, we will not have the hearing. If they vote to; we will have the hearing. At the hearing, is where we do all of our discussion about this. So this is just a vote. We can’t do any other thing but let them look at the Resolution; see if they approve of it; vote on it, and that’s the end of that. Thank you,” says Superintendent Breaux.
At this point Superintendent Breaux gave the packets with the information to the Board Members for their review. Time was allotted during the Board Meeting for them to review the information. “This is our first time seeing this so it will take time, so we can make a decision,” says President Kemp.
Resuming from reviewing the information, President Kemp stated,” We will do a Roll Call Vote, for this vote. The vote that we’re taking at this point is strictly whether or not we feel there is enough information to move forward to the next step. This will mean that we will hear both sides, from both parties; and be able to make an unbiased opinion. So, I ask again that all Board Members who have submitted did not commit yourselves, to any information prior to this, gets to vote. This is a vote to strictly move to the next level. That’s what our policy states; that’s what we’re going to follow. The Roll Call Vote was as follow:
YEAS: Mrs. Duke, Mr. Hymel, Mr. Kates, Reverend Mims, Dr. Williams, Vice President Creel and President Kemp
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
RECUSED: None
Question from Mr. Kates-“I have one question. Does Mrs. Raborn know anything about these charges; or does she know what she’s charged with? “She will get a copy tonight,” replied President Kemp.
Statement from Mrs. Raborn-“No sir Mr. Kates, I do not know what the chargers are. I’ve not seen anything.”
Statement from School Board Attorney Dale Branch-Actually, the Resolution says she will receive copies within twenty (20) days before the hearing.” “The Resolution states that she will receive a copy of all the information about the hearing, and so forth,” added President Kemp.
10.) Personnel-Karla McGehee
ADDITIONAL NEW HIRES
1) Stradford Goins-Math Teacher-Bogalusa High School-9th-12th Grade
2) John Landry-Substitute Bus Driver-District Wide
RESIGNATIONS 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR
1) Cherie Saramiento-Math Teacher-Bogalusa High School—9th-12th Grade
2) Nancy Gonzales-Physical Education Teacher-Byrd Avenue Primary School
JOB ADJUSTMENT 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR
1) Todd Kennedy-From Custodian at Central Elementary School to District Wide Maintenance Worker-Maintenance Shop
11.) Executive Session-Personnel
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Vice President Creel, to remove the Executive Session from the agenda. The motion was carried unanimously.
12.) Superintendent Comments-(Mrs.) Willie “Toni” Breaux
Superintendent Breaux stated that she had no comments.
13.) Board Members Comments
Vice President Curtis Creel-Mr. Creel congratulated the student of the Honorary School Board Members from the respective schools. “I think that’s a step in the right direction. As Board Members we need to know what’s going on; and to get it from the children themselves, just add to the importance of it. I’m glad we did that,” says Vice President Creel.
Mr. Paul Kates-“I just want to applaud the two (2) young men,” says Mr. Kates.
President Adam Kemp-“I’d like to close with this. It’s nice to have children come here. We can learn a lot from our children. They can learn from us, but we can also learn from them. You can’t tell me that Bogalusa is not educating our children. Those two (2) young men memorized beautifully, and eloquently presented in front of adults. So, I applaud their parents; their teachers; and their Principal for a job well done; and I ask the teachers to continue doing what you’re doing. We do appreciate all of the hard work. We do know what you’re going through; and we thank you for that.”
At this point President Kemp asked if there were any more comments. There were none, and he adjourned.
13.) Adjourn
There being no further business to address, or comments, President Kemp adjourned at 6:25PM.
_________________________________ ________________________________
(Mrs.) Willie “Toni” Breaux Adam B. Kemp
Secretary Board President