MINUTES
POINTE COUPEE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
337 Napoleon Street
New Roads, LA 70760
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Thursday, June 24, 2021
The Pointe Coupee Parish School Board met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at 337 Napoleon Street in New Roads, Louisiana 70760. President Thomas A. Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
President Nelson offered the invocation and Superintendent Canezaro lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.
School Board members in attendance at the meeting were: Frank R. Aguillard, Jr., Chad Aguillard, Lisa Loupe D’Aquila, Walter Grezaffi, Aubry Hendricks, Anita LeJeune, Jason Lemoine and Thomas A. Nelson.
Central Office Administrative Staff in attendance: Kim Canezaro, Superintendent; Natalie Aguillard, Director of Human Capital; Andrew Duhe’, Supervisor of Maintenance and Operations; Karla Jack, Federal Programs Supervisor/Assistant Superintendent; Stephen Langlois, Chief Financial Officer; Kristy LaCoste, Supervisor of Early Childhood Education; Tabitha Ransom, 21st CCLS Supervisor; Kate Roy, Supervisor of Child Nutrition and Dr. LaShonda Victorian, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.
Aiman Bayoumi, Principal of Rougon Elementary; Carolyn Wells, Principal of UPCE, and Sara Taylor, Assistant Principal of Valverda Elementary was also in attendance.
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Expression of Sympathy. On a motion by the entire Board and seconded by the entire Board, condolences were offered to the families of:
· Condolences to the family of Russell Armand, Sr., the father of Kristy LaCoste, Supervisor of Early Childhood Education.
· Condolences to the family of Cleotha Johnigan, Sr., the father of Cleotha Johnigan, Jr., Principal of Livonia High School.
· Condolences to the family of Cynthia Morgan, a retiree of the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board.
· Condolences to the family of Helen Sutton, a retiree of the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board.
Remarks from the Superintendent- Superintendent Canezaro requested that Mr. Will Love, with First Student, introduce the new manager for the Hospital Road First Student Transportation location. Mr. Love stated that Mr. Brad Darensburg has more than twenty years of logistic experience. Mr. Darensburg will assume his location manager duties as he has been promoted to district manager for the state of Louisiana, a position formerly held by Tony Vidrine.
Superintendent Canezaro stated on Monday, June 28, 2021, she will greet Dr. Jenna Chiasson, the State Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Teaching and Learning, and Em Cooper, Deputy Assistant Superintendent, as they will be visit childcare centers in our parish; Ms. Kristy LaCoste will lead the tour.
Superintendent Canezaro stated that although the Board has been previously notified, she would like to take this time to formally announce two new principals to our administrative team. Mrs. Carolyn Wells will be principal of UPCE. Mrs. Wells has been in the district for 25 years and has proven leadership abilities. Ms. Canezaro stated that she is confident that she is the right person to lead UPCE. The next person she recognized was Mr. Aiman Bayoumi. She announced that Mr. Bayoumi has been working in the school district for 9 years and she has no doubt that he will be a successful leader and that Rougon is in good hands under his leadership. She asked that everyone help her welcome them to their new positions.
Ms. Canezaro announced the Central Office will be closed on Monday, July 5, 2021, in observance of the July 4th holiday, opening July 6th – July 9th from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; the four-day summer schedule will resume the week of Monday July 12th – Thursday, July 15, 2021. She mentioned that she will attend a Region 2 Superintendent’s meeting on Monday, July 12, 2021.
Superintendent Canezaro stated that she has been invited to serve on the advisory group for the Capital Area STEM Regional Network. The initiative was started by the legislature in hopes of improving STEM education and opportunities for students. She stated that she is honored to have been invited and will keep the Board posted on the resources this will bring to our district. She mentioned that copies of the LaSTEM Region 2’s vision and mission, along with her responsibilities for serving on the Council, was placed in the Board members’ update folders for their review.
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Consent Agenda -On a motion by Ms. Lisa Loupe D’Aquila, seconded by Mr. Jason Lemoine, the following consent agenda items were approved for adoption by a unanimous vote of the eight members of the Board present and voting.
· Approval of the minutes from the regular School Board meeting of Thursday, May 27, 2021.
· Approval of minutes from the Executive Committee meeting of Monday, June 21, 2021
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Receive the Head Start Supervisor’s Monthly Report- The Head Start Monthly Report has been on BoardDocs for review. Mrs. Amanda Craighead was unable to attend the meeting; therefore, Mrs. Kristy LaCoste presented the agenda item and asked if there were any questions. Having no questions, President Nelson requested a motion to approve.
Ms. Lisa Loupe D’Aquila made a motion to approve the monthly Head Start Supervisor’s Report. The motion was seconded by Mr. Walter Grezaffi, and the report was approved by a unanimous vote of the eight members of the Board present and voting.
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Louisiana Teacher Public Interest Fellowship Program. Mrs. Bridget Berry provided information regarding the Louisiana Teacher Public Interest Fellowship Program sponsored by the Department of Education in partnership with the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The fellowship allows recipients to spend the upcoming school year advocating for a key education initiative of their choosing. The initiatives are aligned to the Department’s priorities and winners are chosen from the previous year’s list of Louisiana Teacher of the Year Finalists. Mrs. Berry stated that she had an opportunity to complete a grant proposal in March regarding a teacher mentoring program, Pointe Coupee Pass It On. At the Teacher Leader Summit in May, it was announced that she was one of two recipients awarded the proposal. The program is supported by a stipend of state funding utilized to offset the costs incurred while conducting the work of the fellowship. Mrs. Berry explained the program focuses on a teacher mentoring program to supplement existing teacher mentoring programs at all schools by including extra support for new teachers in our district. Principals and instructional supervisors are allowed to give their input throughout the school year in areas that new teachers need extra support (through needs assessment and input through Microsoft Teams). New teachers will also give input with the areas in which they need extra support. Eighteen (18) after school Zoom sessions throughout the school year will reflect these areas. Guest speakers for the sessions will include teachers across our district who are recommended as teaching stars in the area in which extra support Is needed who will “pass on” their knowledge and guidance during the sessions. Teachers from outside the district can also serve as guest speakers if needed. Other instruction supports will be given, and if time is available, they will also have a book study. The goal is to provide a wide range of knowledge, guidance, instructional supports, and encouragement to new teachers and retain them in the teaching profession since 44% of are lost in the first five years!
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Approval of the 2020-2021 Child Nutrition Program Budget Revision. Mrs. Kate Roy placed a copy of the proposed budget revision on BoardDocs, as there is a surplus and is having to revise the numbers so that she can submit everything to the state. Mrs. Roy is requesting that the Board approve the revision for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
Mr. Water Grezaffi made a motion, seconded by Ms. Lisa Loupe D’Aquila, to approve the 2020-2021 Child Nutrition Program Budget Revision. The motion carried by a unanimous vote of 8-0.
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Approval of the 2021-2022 School Year Bids for Child Nutrition Program. Mrs. Roy mentioned that it is standard operating procedure each year to advertise and award bids for bread & bread products, food items, non-food item/supplies and milk for the child nutrition program; the bid award report is on BoardDocs.
Board Member Frank Aguillard stated although the company he works for did not submit a bid, some of his competitors did; therefore, he would like the records to reflect that he is recusing himself from voting on this agenda item.
Ms. Lisa Loupe D’Aquila made a motion, seconded by Mr. Aubry Hendricks, to approve the 2021-2022 school year bids for bread & bread products, food items, non-food item/supplies and milk for the child nutrition program. The motion carried by a vote of 7 yeas and 1 recusal.
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Discussion and/or Action Regarding Monthly Financial Information- Mr. Stephen Langlois reviewed the monthly financial information that was placed on BoardDocs. He mentioned the school system is in a good financial position through the month of May. Mr. Langlois stated that he had asked the Louisiana Department of Education for an MFP simulation. He stated that he used 2525 as enrollment count and is expecting a decrease since there has been an increase in sales tax/property collections in 2021.
President Nelson mentioned the more money generated in local taxes the less money you receive from the State because the parish is considered a whole harmless (wealthy) parish. Board Member Frank Aguillard mentioned it is not right of the state to penalize our parish by decreasing MFP funding because it is classified as whole harmless; we passed a tax to try to help teachers.
Mr. Jason Lemoine questioned where the 1.3 million will be subtracted from and Mr. Langlois explained the 1.3 million decrease is from the current MFP totals.
Mr. Chad Aguillard made a motion to accept the monthly financial information prepared by Mr. Stephen Langlois. The motion was seconded by Mr. Walter Grezaffi, and carried by a unanimous vote of the eight members of the Board present and voting.
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Adoption of Sales Tax Fund Budget Revision for 2020-2021 Fiscal Year. Mr. Langlois announced the sales tax fund budget revision for fiscal year 2020-2021 is on BoardDocs. It has been a good year with an increase of more than $700,000 collected in sales taxes than last year at this point again. Since there is an estimated increase of 6.5% in sales tax revenue, a budget revision is necessary (a revision is required for anything over 5%); There will be an estimated $265,618 surplus in the sales tax fund for 2021.
Mr. Jason Lemoine made a motion to adopt the sales tax fund budget revision for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The motion was seconded by Mr. Walter Grezaffi, and carried by a unanimous vote of the eight members of the Board present and voting.
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Support of the Families in Need of Services’ Program. Board President Thomas Nelson was approached by Judge Kimball regarding the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board participating with other entities from several parishes in a Families in Need of Services (FINS) intervention program. The FINS program is designed to help troubled youth and their families remedy self-destructive behavior or pre-delinquent juvenile behaviors. Superintendent Canezaro mentioned at the Executive Committee meeting on Monday, June 21st, Board Member Aubry Hendricks made a request to have Judge Kimball attend tonight’s regular School Board meeting. Ms. Canezaro contacted Judge Kimball and he sent his apologies for regretfully not being able to attend the June 24th meeting because of a scheduling conflict regarding his involvement in a trial but is willing to attend the meeting in July. Board Member Hendricks stated that he thinks it would be good if the Board participates in the FINS program; however, he would like to ask Judge Kimball a few questions regarding the application process for employees; school referrals; repeat offenders, etc. Ms. Canezaro stated the investment from our school district would be $12,000 per year and she recommends that the Board make a pledge to participate in the FINS program. Attorney Larry Bossier interjected that the program helps tremendously with truancy issues.
Mr. Frank Aguillard made a motion, seconded by Mr. Water Grezaffi, to support the FINS’ program with a $12,000 contribution pledge. The motion carried by a unanimous vote of the eight members of the Board present and voting.
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Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for SRO for the 2021-2022 School Year. Superintendent Canezaro announced the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between Sheriff Rene’ Thibodeaux and the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board for school resource officers for the 2021-2022 school year is on BoardDocs. The term of the agreement is from August 1, 2021, until June 30, 2022, for services provided at every campus. Superintendent Canezaro stated that she recommends the Board approve the CEA with the Sheriff’s office for the same services as last school year at a $26,000 reduction in price (the cost this year is $163,000 and was $189,000 last year).
Mr. Frank Aguillard made motion, seconded by Mrs. Anita LeJeune, for the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Office for School Resource Officers for the 2021-2022 school year, effective August 1, 2021, until June 30, 2022, at a cost of $163,000. The motion carried by a unanimous vote of the eight members of the Board present and voting.
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Approval of Workers’ Compensation Insurance Proposal for 2021-2022 Coverage Year. Mr. Stephen Langlois announced the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Proposal from LWCC is on BoardDocs. Mr. Langlois mentioned the school system has been receiving dividends for the last six years; with a dividend amount of $131,066.26 in 2021. The recommendation by Mr. Langlois is that the Board approve the proposal for $201,318.00; he mentioned that Scott and Charles were in attendance if there are any questions.
Mr. Jason Lemoine made a motion, seconded by Mr. Aubry Hendricks, to approve the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Proposal for $201,318.00 from LWCC, effective July 1, 2021, with an expiration date of July 1, 2022. The motion carried by a unanimous vote of the eight members of the Board present and voting.
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Adoption of 2021-2022 School System Salary Schedules. An item is on the agenda to adopt the 2021-2022 school system salary schedules (effective July 1, 2021); Mr. Langlois placed the information on BoardDocs for members of the Board to review. He mentioned that a few cosmetic changes were made in comparison to the last few years. Mr. Langlois announced that he included a footnote on the bottom of each schedule describing the salary increases generated from the parish 9.5 mill property tax approval (August 2020), as well as the pay increase funded by the State of Louisiana for the 2021-2022 year. Mr. Langlois stated that he streamlined the schedule for teachers.
On a motion by Mr. Aubry Hendricks, seconded by Mr. Jason Lemoine, the School Board adopted the 2021-2022 School System Salary Schedules presented by Mr. Stephen Langlois, effective July 1, 2021. The motion carried by a unanimous vote of the eight members of the Board present and voting.
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Adoption of Resolution Regarding Millage Rates for 2021. On a motion by Mr. Chad Aguillard, seconded by Mr. Jason Lemoine, the following Resolution was adopted:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the following millage(s) are hereby levied on the 2021 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by School Board:
MILLAGE
Constitutional 4.54 mills
Special Parishwide Schools 11.96 mills
Special Parishwide Schools 2 9.5 mills
Bond and Interest District 10 0.0 mills
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of Pointe Coupee, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2021, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.
The foregoing resolution was read in full; the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:
YEAS: Chad Aguillard, Frank R. Aguillard, Jr., Lisa Loupe D’Aquila, Walter Grezaffi, Aubry Hendricks, Anita LeJeune, Jason Lemoine and Thomas Nelson
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: None
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Adoption of the 2021-2022 Student Rights & Responsibilities and Code of Conduct Handbook. Dr. LaShonda Victorian prepared a draft of the 2021-2022 student handbook and placed it on BoardDocs, along with a quote from Emprint/Moran Printing, Inc. for 125 printed copies. Dr. Victorian informed the Board that guidance was received from the law firm of Hammonds & Sills urging school districts to hold off printing new handbooks for a few weeks considering the imminent enactment of HB 411 of the 2021 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature; HB 411 makes multiple and significant changes to the main Louisiana discipline statute: La. R.S. 17:416. President Nelson recommended tabling the item until next month.
On a motion by Ms. Lisa Loupe D’Aquila, seconded by Mr. Walter Grezaffi, the Board voted unanimously to table the adoption of the 2021-2022 Student Rights & Responsibilities and Code of Conduct Handbook.
Prior to adjournment, Board Member Walter Grezaffi inquired about changes in bus capacity. Superintendent Canezaro stated that she had a 3:00 p.m. conference call today regarding guidance pertaining to the opening of school facilities to serve students in the 21-22 school year based on current medical knowledge regarding COVID-19. Ms. Canezaro announced that 100% capacity will be allowed on buses and students will be required to wear masks.
Superintendent Canezaro stated that four teachers were requested (by Rebecca Stephenson, who is on vacation) to attend tonight’s meeting for their participation in the parish Leadership Academy, a program that fosters a succession plan for future leaders in our school district. Dawn Richard, Yolanda Jones, April DosRamos and Tonya Burgess, were recognized with a round of applause for being a part of the Leadership Academy.
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Adjournment - On a motion by Ms. Lisa Loupe D’Aquila, seconded by Mr. Walter Grezaffi, the meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m.
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Thomas A. Nelson, President
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Kim Canezaro, Superintendent