Bogalusa School Board
Bogalusa, Louisiana
Regular Board Meeting
June 26, 2014
5:30 P.M.
Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board, Taken AT A Regular Board Meeting That Was Held On Thursday, June 26, 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, June 26, 2014, beginning at 5:30 P.M., for the purpose of addressing information that was received from the department supervisors, on Monday, June 23, 2014, during the Committee Meeting, regarding needs looking in-depth at the district wide staffing, for the upcoming 2014-2015 School Year. The agenda included a presentation, and the Superintendent’s Evaluation, that was to be held in an open session to the public, at her request. However, Superintendent Breaux was given a copy of her evaluation, and the opportunity to discuss her evaluation results at her discretion.
1.) Call to Order
President Adam Kemp called the meeting to order at 5:30 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 and Dr. Brad Williams
There was absent: Board Member-Rev. Raymond Mims
Prior to addressing the agenda items, President Kemp asked for a motion to amend the agenda, to add several items.
It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mr. Hymel, to amend the agenda to add several items. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent. (NOTE:-The amended items were, Line Items G-K).
5.) Presentations-School Nutrition Association Of Louisiana Award-Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux
ü Child Nutrition Programs Director of the Year-Joannie Miller, Bogalusa City School District-CNP Director
Superintendent Breaux asked Mrs. Joannie Miller to come forward. She stated, “First of all I would like to say that, Joannie Miller was nominated and elected by her colleagues, directors and supervisors in the state. Our own Joannie Miller was selected in the state for her outstanding, dedication and contribution to Child Nutrition Programs as CNP Director of the Year 2014. The prestigious award was recently presented at the School Nutrition Association of Louisiana 61st Annual Conference, during the closing general session and banquet. Joannie is not only dedicated and passionate about her job here at Bogalusa City School; but actively promotes and contributes to the profession on the local, state and national level. I want to say, I wish all my supervisors could be like Joannie. She’s about her job. She’s about her business. She takes care of her employees. I just never had to collaborate with her a whole lot, because she always had everything in place. It made my life so much easier, and I’m truly going to miss you. I wrote this little poem for you today,” said Superintendent Breaux. At this point Superintendent Breaux read the poem to Joannie. After reading the poem, Superintendent Breaux presented her with the engraved platter that was presented to her at the conference. Her family members were recognized.
ü Bill McGehee Insurance, Inc.- Bill McGehee, Owner
Mr. McGehee presented the Board and Superintendent with a folder outlining the proposal that would be on the agenda for approval. “The other thing that we’ve done in the last couple of years is to remove three buildings that were not being occupied; Long Avenue, Columbia Street and Terrace. The only building that remaining insured causing your rate to be adjusted upward is the unoccupied building on Superior Avenue; and the partially occupied building on Avenue C, the old Pleasant Hill School. If I may, I want to brag on your administration, just a little bit if you don’t mind. We’ve been working for the last several years on your Workman’s Compensation. At one point, your experience was about 30% worse than the average. This year, you were 1% better than average. That didn’t happen over night. But you need to know that from 2010 when we were able to make some changes, and went with a new carrier, which was LUBA we have been able to bring the losses down and people have been aware of safety. If you walk down the halls you’ll see that there are posters talking about safety,” says Mr. McGehee. According to Mr. McGehee, there was a saving of $60,000 for the last two (2) years.
6.) Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting-April 16, 2014
It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mrs. Duke, to approve the minutes. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
7.) Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting-May 22, 2014
It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mr. Kates, to approve the minutes. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
8.) Board Officers and Committee Reports
Vice President Kempstated that a Finance Committee Meeting has been scheduled for Monday, June, 30, 2014. The meeting will convene at 3:45pm.
9.) Recess to Public Session
There was no one to come forward to address the Board or public.
10.) New Business
A.) Grant permission to award Child Nutrition Bids for Fiscal Year 2014-2015, for Milk, Bread, Frozen and Processed Foods, Kitchen Supplies and Small Equipment.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel, to grant permission to award the Child Nutrition Bids for the Fiscal Year 2014-2015. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
B.) Grant permission to travel for Bogalusa High School students who scored Mastery or Advanced on iLEAP and LEAP spring testing, also the Winning House class competition, to travel to Gulf Islands Water Park in Gulfport, Mississippi on Monday, July 14, 2014. The trip is being sponsored by the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) Team.
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Mr. Creel, to grant permission for the BHS Students to travel. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
C.) Grant permission to appoint recommendation from each Board Member, a parent to serve as his/her representative, on the Pupil Progression Plan Committee.
It was motioned by Vice President Creel, seconded by Mr. Hymel, to remove this line item from the agenda. No action was required, per Mrs. April Nobles.
D.) Approval of May 2014 Financial Statements, i.e, General Fund, School Food Service, Sinking Fund, Capital Project, Special Revenue Funds, and School Activities; and Revised Budgets.
It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mrs. Duke, to approve the line items. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
E.) Post approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Cooperative Initiative-Pediatric Rotation, by and between Northshore Technical Community College-Sullivan Campus and Bogalusa City School System.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Kates, to approve the Memorandum Of Understanding. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
F.) Adoption of the most recent 2014 Policy Updates: EE-Child Nutrition Program Management School Wellness; EGAA-Workers Compensation; IDFAB-Sports Injury Management and Concussion; IHF-Graduation Requirements; IKDB-Graduation Exercises. (NOTE: These Policies were mailed to all Board Members and Attorney Branch for review, on Friday, June 13, 2014).
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Dr. Williams, to adopt the most recent 2014 Policy Updates. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
G.) Approval of the Community Eligibility Prevision “No Cost Meals,” for all four school sites; Bogalusa High School (Grades 6th -12th); Byrd Avenue Primary School; Central Elementary School and Denhamtown PreK Center.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Creel, to approve the Community Eligibility Prevision “No Cost Meals,” for all Bogalusa City School District sites. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
H.) Approval of Property Insurance Premium for 2014-2015 Fiscal School Year.
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Mr. Hymel, for the approval of the Property Insurance Premium for 2014-2015 Fiscal School Year, as presented. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
I.) Grant permission to adopt a new Resolution for the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) Litigation for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 as received from Bob Hammonds' office.
It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mrs. Duke, to adopt the new Resolution for the Minimum Foundation Program Litigation for fiscal year 2012-2013. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
J.) Grant permission to adopt a new Resolution for the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) litigation for Fiscal Year 2013-2014, as received from Bob Hammonds' office.
It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mrs. Duke, to adopt the new Resolution for the MFP Litigation for fiscal year 2013-2014. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
K.) Grant permission to accept the Contingent Fee Agreement and Power of Attorney, as received from Bob Hammonds' office.
It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mr. Kates, to accept the Contingent Fee Agreement and Power of Attorney. The motion was carried 6-0 with one absent.
11.) Personnel-Karla McGehee
2014-2015 New Hires
1.) Quondra Bridges-Perry, Special Ed. Teacher-Central Elementary School- Effective, August 4, 2014
2.) Kimberly Carriere, P.E. Teacher-Bogalusa High School 6th-8th-Effective, July 25, 2014
3.) Eric Greely. Principal-Central Elementary-Effective, July 1, 2014
4.) Purvis Mel Hall-Science Teacher-Bogalusa High School 9th-12th-Effective, August 4, 2014
5.) Megan Hebert-ELA Teacher-Bogalusa High School 9th-12th -Effective, August 4, 2014
6.) Shannon James-PreK3 Teacher-Denhamtown PreK Center-Effective, August 4, 2014
7.) Amy Lowery-Math Teacher-Bogalusa High School 6th-8th-Effective, August 4, 2014
8.) Lisa Miles-Guidance Counselor-Bogalusa High School 6th-12th-Effective July 1, 2014
9.) Deborah Miongo-PreK3 Teacher-Denhamtown PreK Center-Effective, August 4, 2014
10.)Joan Parker-Paraprofessional-Central Elementary School-Effective, August 4, 2014
11.)Marlon Peters-Paraprofessional-Bogalusa High School 9th-12th-Effective, July 25, 2014
12.)Lauren Ritchie-Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent-Central Office-Effective, July 1, 2014
13.)Joy Stevenson-Nursing Instructor-Bogalusa High School-Effective, August 4, 2014
14.)Eddie Walker-P.E. Teacher-Bogalusa High School 9th-12th-Effective, July 25, 2014
15.)Milton Wall-Agriculture Teacher-Bogalusa High School 9th-12th-Effective, July 1, 2014
2013-2014 Resignations
1.) Heather Boyet-ELA Teacher-Bogalusa High School 9th-12th-Effective, May 27, 2014
2.) Sherri Breland-Science Teacher-Bogalusa High School 9th-12th-Effective, May 27, 2014
3.) Danielle Dixon-Social Studies Teacher-Bogalusa High School 6th-8th-Effective May 27, 2014
4.) Iris Giordano-Teacher-Byrd Avenue Primary School-Effective May 27, 2014
2013-2014 Retirement
1.) Catherine Mitchell-Secretary-Byrd Avenue Primary School-Effective, June 30, 2014
2014-2015 Retirement
1.) Joan Rushing-Bookkeeper-Central Elementary School
Statements from Karla McGehee- We are going to make some savings on that one retirement. We don’t think that needs to be replaced at this time. It can be consolidated with someone that’s already there, so…. (Pausing and not completing the statement).
Question from President Adam Kemp-“A quick question. We don’t approve hires, because of Act 1; when it’s presented is it possible that we can have what salary these people are starting at? “How about if I just give you the Salary Schedule, that way I won’t have to put it on there for everybody to know everybody’s salary? The Board can look it up if they want to. I have a copy of the Salary Schedule. Will that be okay,” replied Mrs. McGehee? “That’ll be fine with me. So, if anyone has a question about a position or whatever, they can come see you,” asked President Kemp? “Yes, they can; or Mrs. Walker, about salaries” replied Mrs. McGehee.
NOTE: All updated 2014-2015 New Hires are an attachment to these minutes and on file with the Human Resources Department.
12.) Superintendent’s Evaluation
Statement from President Kemp-“I would like the record to show that Mrs. Breaux was presented a copy of her formal evaluation, prior to this meeting. She had requested that it be a public meeting. She can have the results made public, by her own accord; at this meeting; a special meeting; or an executive session. That’s up to her to make that decision. Do you have any comments,” says President Kemp?
Statement from Superintendent Willie E. Breaux-“I really like time to look at it, and decide if I want to make a statement or not. I’m not sure, but I don’t want to do it spontaneously,” says Superintendent Breaux.
Statement from President Kemp-“So, at some point when the Superintendent decides she would like to have this thing published, she will do so,” says President Kemp.
13.) Superintendent Comments-(Mrs.) Willie “Toni” Breaux
“First of all, I would like to thank the Board for evaluating me. I feel like that this is the only way that I can grow. I know that I’m not perfect, and I have some faults, and I appreciate any and all help that you could provide me to become a better person. I want you to know that this is not an easy job; it’s not easy at all. I’ve worked hard, and I’ve tried to do my very best. I’ve seen some of my mistakes, and some of my faults, so I’m going to learn from those, and I’m going to get better. All I can say is, I thank you for trusting me, and I hope that everything that has been done, because I’m the kind of person, I might get mad and everything, but once it’s out, I’m through, it’s over I like to move on. I’m not a person to hold a grudge. I just hope that if I have offended anybody, Board or whomever, I’m asking for your forgiveness. I’m going to do better. I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I will also appreciate, if Board Members; and not to be nosey; and not to micromanage anything like that, but I feel like you are my boss; and you know this is sad when you don’t ever see your boss. I would like for you all to stop in, I’m talking about all Board Members, I’m not saying every week, every month, but stop in some time and talk to me. Let’s just have a conversation. A lot of times, the only time I hear is when somebody has said something, and you call, and contact me. But, just stop and hear some of the good stuff, and some of the things you think; like this evaluation, if I need to work on it, let’s talk about it. I want to be a better person. I want Bogalusa City Schools to succeed. And, I know I haven’t done everything right, but I can tell you from the bottom of my heart it has all been honest and upfront. I’ve done the very best that I can. So, I’m going to work harder. I’ve talked with the President and the Vice President today. I’m going to work harder and smarter, and hopefully things can be a whole, whole lot better. I just want to say again, I appreciate you all for the opportunity, and I’m going to try to make you proud of me. Thank you,” said Superintendent Breaux.
14) Board Members Comments
Vice President Curtis Creel-“I would just like to say that with this evaluation process, it was something that was required in the contract; and I feel like each individual Board Member, given the circumstance and the amount of information that they have, in order to present; and it is their opinion, based on the criteria listed in the evaluation. Sometime you know it’s been my experience, that if didn’t have the factual black and white information in front of me to make an informed decision, then the evaluation process again was just an opinion. But I think we, as a Board, have been on the same page; not all the time in the same paragraph. This Board voted to put you here, and I think that was a consensus of the Board we’re with you. I told you earlier today, that we all know that we have problems and issues; this is something that you inherited, not something that you brought. These issues just didn’t show up yesterday, and we can’t fix them today; it’s a process, and we all from the Superintendent, administrators, supervisors, teachers, support staff, Board Members; we all have to come together as one in order to move this system forward. And, I ask you as Superintendent, not to take this evaluation as a negative. I know in a form it is obtrusive, but it is not critical, criticism,” said Vice President Creel. Superintendent Breaux interrupted stating, “I take it as constructive criticism.” Vice President Creel continued, “It’s a tool to look at areas of weakness, or areas that may need special attention, and like I said, speaking from my own evaluation, I had very little information to operate from, other than what I’ve seen from my own eyes. But, it’s not critical. It was just a way for us to identify areas and moves forward, so let’s do that,” concluded Vice President Creel.
Mr. Paul Kates- “I just want to say Mrs. Breaux; I know it’s been a hard task for you. This was here when you got here, and not only you can change it, it takes some of the people that work under you, your administration. As long as I’ve been on this Board, it’s always having been inward fights with adults; and it’s time out for it. In order to turn this system around, they’re going to have to work with you. They’re going to have to abide by your rules. In order to put the children first, if children are in their hearts, they’re going to work for children, they’re not going to think about themselves, not only just you, it takes them too. I feel that you have been doing good, and without your administrative staff and supervisors, principals and teachers, until they start being accountable too, that’s when this system is going to move forward. And, you’ve got to realize you have competition now, we’re losing children, and it’s going to take everybody. It takes unity to make a system move forward, and everybody is going to have to be on the same page, and until we get that unity, and everybody is accountable for what they do, that’s when this system will move forward. I just want to thank you for taking on the task. I just want to see everybody work together, and let’s move Bogalusa School System forward. Thank you,” said Mr. Kates.
Mr. Calvin Hymel-“Mrs. Breaux, I hate to say it, the way I’m going to say it, but I’m going to be truthful. Until the Superintendent does what she’s got to do at this Board Office, we’ll never move forward. That’s the only way. It makes you look bad, and not your fault at times, but is your responsibility to make those people do what they’re supposed to do, and I don’t think we’re doing that, and it’s got to be changed. And, I’m sorry if I talking about you, I’m sorry, you’ve got to make changes; and we’ve got to start at this Board Office. Thank you,” says Mr. Hymel.
Statement from Superintendent Breaux-“Mr. Hymel, I know you’re down right now, but when you feel a little better can you come and sIt down with me so we can talk to me? I’d appreciate it. Thank you.” Mr. Hymel did agree to do so.
At this point Superintendent Breaux mentioned the two (2) flyers that were in the Board Members folders. One was a Registration Flyer, for PreK through twelfth grade. “We are going to have a Registration Drive at Central Elementary on Monday, July 7th, from 4:00pm-6:00pm. We’re going to have rides and games. We’re going to give away prizes, like laptop, flat screen TV, and a cell phone. Parents and students will be able to meet their principal. We’re going to have a Waterslide, and a Jumping Jupiter, so we can make it a fun day. This is also an effort to try and get people in our system, to come and kind of see what our system is really about,” says Superintendent Breaux. The Board and everyone present were invited to attend. They thanked Superintendent Breaux For the effort. “They have teachers going out passing these out to businesses. I had some teachers come in my Po-Boy place; and I put some on the wall. I appreciate your effort. That’s what it’s going to take,” said Mr. Hymel. “Thank you,” said Superintendent Breaux. “Thank you everybody,” added Mrs. Walker.
President Adam Kemp-“I do agree with the comments that were made. Unity has got to be our number one priority, our second priority. Our children are our first priority, let me restate that. But, from the Board down, we’ve got to unite for the interest of our children. We’ve got to model correct behavior. We’ve got to model respect. And, we’ve got to model good behavior. Evaluation is never easy, but it serves to find out that we’re not perfect, and where we can change; and nobody is perfect. I met with Mrs. Breaux yesterday, and I went home and evaluated myself; and I’ve got a lot of things I’ve got to change about the way I sit in this chair. We have got to do some self reflection. We’ve got to identify what we can do to solve the problem, not be the problem. So, we’ve got this year. We’ve got competition. We’ve got this year to make it better; and not just better, make it the best. We have the right schools. We have the right programs. We have the right people; and if we don’t have the right people, then we find the right people, but we’ve got to do better for our children. They deserve better; we’ve got to give better. We can do more with less; there’s ways around it; we’ve got to do it. There’s no if, and, buts or maybes; as my grandmother used to say; you just do it. I do commend Mrs. Breaux for the job she does. We have worked on our communication skills in the last few days and straightened out some misunderstanding; miscommunications, and we’re going to work better as a team, and not just me, but this entire Board work, so that we can move forward, we can make a difference in every child’s life. For those out there; the principals, teachers, secretaries, everyone out there, we appreciate the job you’re doing. It’s not easy; it’s not going to be easy. We’re going to have to do more. We’re going to have to expect more; but we can do it, and it won’t take failure as an option. I appreciate you,” says President Kemp.
Statement from Mrs. Deloris Walker-“I have one more thing. Don’t forget if you all are interested in going to the Legislative Session, you need to register with Ms. Adams, to let her know you want to attend. It’s the updates. It’s on August 1st and 2nd in New Orleans,” says Mrs. Walker
15.) Adjourn
There being no further comments, or business to address, President Kemp adjourned at 6:15 pm.
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(Mrs.) Willie “Toni” Breaux
Secretary
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Adam B. Kemp
Board President