Keywords:
MAY 12, 2026
The Calcasieu Parish School Board meeting was held at 3310 Broad Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Aaron Natali, President. The prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were led by Karen Hardy-McReynolds.
ROLL CALL
The roll was called by Superintendent VanMetre and the following members were present: Aaron Natali, Karen Hardy-McReynolds, Shawn Baumgarten, Dean Roberts, Patrick Pichon, Mary Fontenot, Dr. Betty Washington, Damon Hardesty, Tony OBanion, Phyllis Ayo, Russell Castille, Billy Breaux, Rev. Desmond Wallace.
Absent: Eric Tarver, Glenda Gay.
Mr. Natali recognized BESE Member Kevin Berken in the audience.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On a motion to approve by Mr. Breaux and a second by Dr. Washington, the Minutes of April 14, 2026 were approved on a unanimous vote.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Jamey Rasberry/Quarterly Report/Director of LCMH Sports Medicine
B. Robotics VEX Worlds qualifiers/Michael Hardy, Daren Dotson/STEM Center Robotics Coordinators
T. S. Cooley Elementary 19901A (Cooley Tigers) Coach Mike Wrobel
Miles Andrus
Graham Comer
Stephen Wang
Johan Wang
W. W. Lewis Middle 19140A (Rebels-Gone-Rogue) Coach Sarah StCyr
Amelia Oliver
Skylar Savoie
Jayson Liu
Carter Stanley
Max Oviedo
F. K. White Middle School Coaches Sandra Hayes & Levina Swanson
70699A
Cameron Baggett
Daniel Hong
Rad Welch
Martin Garzon
70699D
Cruz Watson
Grayson Carlisle
Audrina Lubin
Aahan Chopade
Julia Fusilier
70699C
Ian Peoples
Muhammad Ali
Jack Pardue
Hamda Usman
Sulphur High 3184A (Torquers) Coach Stephanie Jackson Leo Lin
Thomas Wright
Jimmy Chen
Kevin Manuel
Barbe High Coach Ellen Bradley
43146K (Kraken)
Roseline Bandela
Nathan Funderburgh
Bailee Gabbard
Isaiah Holman
Aidan Louviere
43146R (RipTide)
James Courville
Athena Dugas
Robert McCauley
Lucas Thibodeaux
Addison Victorian
Buccaneers
Henry Courville
Ryan Fontenot
Addyson LeDoux
Bryan McDonough
Mariah Miller
Efren Parra
Ruth Rohrbeck
C. Louisiana Junior Beta/ Kerri Broussard/F.K. White/6th grade math teacher
Noah Blackwell, F.K. White Middle School State President
J.P. LeDoux, S.J. Welsh Middle School State Vice President
Tucker Patton, S.J. Welsh Middle School State Leadership Representative
D. Math Association of America (AMC 8) competition/Outstanding Achievement/Linda Jaycox, Renae Broussard/MSU
Student Grade School
Math Teacher Award
Aahan Chopade 7 FK White Middle School Rebekah Coleman First Place Locally
Top 25% Nationally
Minh Do 8 SJ Welsh Middle School Elizabeth Fruge First Place Locally
Top 25% Nationally
Mason Murnane 8 Maplewood Middle School Pamela Smith First Place Locally
Top 25% Nationally
Maddox Bordelon 7 FK White Middle School Rebekah Coleman Top 25% Nationally
Wei-en Tsao 7 SJ Welsh Middle School Janel Hummel Top 25% Nationally
E. Accelerated Reader/1000 Points/Beth Ferguson, Library Consultant
Valentina Peoples Dougnac/Frasch Elementary
F. Elementary Support Staff Person of the Year/Christa Foolkes, Supervisor of Direct and Related Services
Krista OQuain/Vincent Settlement Elementary
G. Lead Council students/Washington-Marion High School and Sulphur High School/Heather Hohensee, Woodside LNG
Washington-Marion:
Jaidyn Jones
Kyra Guice
Jordan Jones
Iyannah Sterling
Faculty advisor: Shantel Viltz
Sulphur High:
Charley Benny
Ha Bui
Mylie Leach
Aubrey White
Avaree Strenth
Madison Boudreaux
Faculty advisor: Trish Trejo
EXECUTIVE SESSION
A.Claim
#4A2412K1V67-000/Attorney Kyle Beasley
On a motion by Mr. OBanion and a second by Mrs. Fontenot, the Board adjourned into Executive Session on a unanimous vote at 5:42 p.m.
TAKE ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Claim
#4A2412K1V67-000/Attorney Kyle Beasley
On a motion by return to Regular Session by Mrs. Fontenot and a second by Dr. Washington, the Board returned at 6:09 p.m. on a unanimous vote.
Mr. Breaux offered a motion to settle Claim #4A2412K1V67-000, with a second by Dr. Washington. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT
Dr. VanMetre gave the following report:
Superintendents Report -May 12, 2026
1. Program Governance
No Policy Council Meeting was held in April 2026
April Program Highlights - Calcasieu Parish Head Start
During the month of April, Calcasieu Parish Head Start programs provided a variety of engaging and meaningful experiences for students and families, reflecting a strong commitment to whole-child development and family engagement.
Programs hosted several family -centered events, including Easter Egg Hunts, parent meetings, literacy nights, and parent-teacher conferences that encouraged active participation and strengthened the connection between home and school.
In addition to classroom learning, students benefited from field trips and special visits, including trips to McNeese State University and Region 5 STEM Center, as well as a Book Bus visit that allowed each child to select a book to take home, further promoting literacy beyond the classroom.
Programs also prioritized health and wellness, with Dental Bus visits providing essential oral health service es and classroom instruction reinforcing proper hygiene and healthy habits.
Staff also engaged in professional development and safety training, including emergency response drills and ongoing instructional support, ensuring high-quality learning environments for all students.
Overall, April was a month filled with meaningful engagement, enriching educational experiences, and collaborative efforts that supported both student success and family involvement across the Calcasieu Parish Head Start programs.
2. You have each received the school population report that reflects the ending numbers in March and the ending numbers in April.
3. I would like to report our April 2026 sales tax numbers which show collections at $18,896,288, which is $2,663,294 above budget for the month and $1,565,979 or 9.0% above collections for the same month in 2025.
4. The latest hurricane report was in your packet.
5. Tier 2 Financial Report - Just a final remember that all board members are required to complete a Tier 2 Financial Report (Leaders PFD efile system) by May 15th.
This process is now required to be completed online by the state. The disclosure will now no longer be allowed via upload, email, fax, hand delivery or by mail.
6. Literacy Day - Our final Literacy Day events for the year were held at St. John Elementary and Pearl Watson Elementary. Students were able to participate in literacy games and fun as well as reading a book with district staff. Thank you to Dr. Anderson for helping to organize these and all the Literacy Day events this year.
7. MCI Drill -A Mass Casualty Incident drill was held for our EMT students this month. Students were able to practice responding to a Mass Casualty Event and triaging their patients. Thank you to Ms. White and Mr. Fontaine for organizing this event.
8. Special Olympics - Our students participated in the Special Olympics event this month. Students from all over the parish were able to meet at McNeese State University and compete against other students in a variety of events. Mrs. Hill and our Special Education Department helped with this event and we thank them for their efforts.
9. LaGrange NJROTC - The LaGrange Navy JROTC competed in the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station Championship Competition this month. They were named Second Place Grand Champions. Congratulations to these students and First Sergeant Bland and Chief Hamilton for their hard work.
10. Our BESE Board Member, Mr. Kevin Berken is in attendance tonight. Thank you for attending, Mr. Berken.
11. Condolences to the family of former Superintendent Jude Theriot who passed away this week. Details of the service arrangements are forthcoming.
This concludes the Superintendents Report
COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. A&P Committee/April 28, 2026/Shawn Baumgarten, Chair
Mr. Baumgarten gave the following report:
The Calcasieu Parish School Board Administration and Personnel Committee meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in the Board Room at 3310 Broad Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana. A quorum was present.
Shawn Baumgarten called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. The prayer and Pledge of Allegiance was led by Rev. Wallace.
Present: Rev. Desmond Wallace, Shawn Baumgarten, Dr. Betty Washington, Tony OBanion, Patrick Pichon, Karen Hardy McReynolds, Aaron Natali, Russell Castille, and Glenda Gay.
Mr. Barrentine presented revisions to the Calcasieu Parish School Board Policies: There were minor revisions to the language with these policies. Dismissal of Employees (GBN) Employee Conduct (GBRA), Behavioral Health Support for Students (JGCF), Notification of School Board Meetings (BCBB), Sale of Surplus Equipment, Furniture and Supplies (DFM), Purchasing (DJE), Recruitment (GBC), Administration of Medication (JGCD), Emergency/Crisis Management (EBBC), Cameras in SPED Classrooms (IDDFC), Employee & Student use of Artificial Intelligence (EFAB)
On a motion by Russell Castille and seconded by Aaron Natali, it was recommended to approve the policies: GBN, GBRA, JGCF, BCBB, DFM, DJE, GBC, JGCD, EBBC, IDDFC, and EFAB.
On behalf of the committee, Mr. Baumgarten offered a motion to approve; a second was not needed and the motion passed on a unanimous vote.
Mr. Barrentine submitted changes to the Disposition Regarding a Title IX Investigation form.
On a motion by Aaron Natali and seconded by Tony OBanion, it was recommended to approve the changes.
On behalf of the committee, Mr. Baumgarten offered a motion to approve; a second was not needed and the motion passed on a unanimous vote.
The last item on the agenda was a discussion requested by the committee in regard to the resolution document adopted by the board, October 7, 2025, addressing 2025-2026 supplemental pay for CPSB employees. Dr. Betty Washington asked for staff to report back to the board with information on the number of employees who received the full supplement and the number of employees who received a prorated supplement for the 2025-2026 school year. She also requested the determining factors for recovering funds and who authorized the retrieval of 2025-2026 funds.
Committee also considered changes to the resolution document for the 2026-2027 school year and asked staff to return with two options for the distribution of the supplement. Considerations included keeping the supplement as a one-time payment or dividing the supplement into two payments.
On a motion by Aaron Natali and seconded by Tony OBanion it was recommended that there be 2 options for the distribution of the supplement.
Mr. Breaux offered a motion to approve the two supplements; there was no second. Several board members asked that this item be brought back at the June meeting, with two options for a final decision.
There being no further business to discuss, on a motion by Dr. Betty Washington and seconded by Tony OBanion, the committee adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION
(Items A-F are available for viewing at the end of this document and at www.cpsb.org/Minutes)
Mr. Natali read the following:
A. Renewal of 16th Section lease agreement with Holmwood Enterprises, Inc.
On a motion by Mr. OBanion and a second by Mr. Castille, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
B. Approval of a Resolution providing for issuance, sale and delivery of $12,000,000 General Obligation Bonds of School District No. 24 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, Series 2026; confirming the sale thereof by negotiation to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; providing for levy of taxes for payment of principal thereof and interest thereon; adopting post issuance tax exempt debt compliance policies; and providing for other matters in connection with the foregoing.
On a motion by Mr. OBanion and a second by Mr. Castille, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
C. Approval of a Resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in School District No. 30 of Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, on November 3, 2026, authorizing the incurring of debt and issuance of bonds of said district; and making application to the State Bond Commission and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
On a motion by Mr. Castille and a second by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
D. Re-appointment of Tad Martin as CPSB representative on Chennault International Airport Authority Board (East Side)
On a motion by Mr. Hardesty and a second by Mrs. Fontenot, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
E. Approval of contract renewals for 2026-2028
On a motion by Dr. Washington and a second by Mr. Baumgarten, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
F. Approval of the purchase of property at 146 Highway 109 in District 24 (Starks) to be used for school improvements and authorizing the Board President to sign all necessary documents/$150,000/Riverboat Funds
On a motion by Mr. OBanion and a second by Mr. Castille, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
BID REPORTS FOR RATIFICATION
Mr. Natali read the following:
A. LCBA Annex Hurricane Repairs/Seth Priola Construction/$1,450,000. (with three alternates)
On a motion to approve by Mr. Hardesty and a second by Mrs. Fontenot, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE
Mr. Natali read the following:
A. Bid#2027-Welding Training Simulation Equipment, 2 of the following :: VRTEX 360+ Dual User Virtual Reality Welding Training Simulator/Career Development Funds
On a motion to approve by Mr. Hardesty and a second by Mr. Castille, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
B. Band instruments, supplies, and equipment/ Bell City High School/Riverboat Funds
On a motion to approve by Mr. Hardesty and a second by Mr. Castille, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
BID REPORTS
Mr. Natali read the following:
A. SY2026: Bid#2026 Small Equipment, School Nutrition Program Funds
The Staff recommends line-item selections from a pool of suppliers, with lowest & responsive bids. Economical, Lafayette, ECD, & SWB.
On a motion to approve by Mr. Hardesty and a second by Mr. OBanion, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
B. SY2026: Bid#2026 Large Equipment, School Nutrition Program. Staff recommends Associated Foods for lowest and responsive bid Total of $62,725.
On a motion to approve by Mr. Hardesty and a second by Mr. OBanion, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Natali read the following:
A. Change Order Number Six (6) for the project, New Gymnasium and site improvements at Washington-Marion High School District 31 Bond Funds; Ellender Architects & Associates, LLC., Architect; PERC Development, LLC., Contractor; Increase of thirty-three (33) days.
On a motion to approve by Mrs. Hardy-McReynolds and a second by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
CONDOLENCES AND RECOGNITIONS
Rev. Wallace, Dr. Washington, Mrs. Hardy-McReynolds asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Mrs. Pythina Brown. Mrs. Gay was not present, but
they asked that she be added to the condolence request.
Mr. Breaux asked for a condolence letter to the family of Mr. Jude Theriot.
Mr. Ayo asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Mr. Bill Sellers.
SCHEDULED COMMITTEES
June 2, 2026 Budget Committee, 5:00 p.m.
ADJOURN MEETING
On a motion by Mr. OBanion and a second by Mrs. Fontenot, the Board adjourned at 6:36 p.m. on a unanimous vote.
Aaron Natali,
President
Jason VanMetre, Ed.D., Secretary
May 26 1t
2120320
Notice Cost- $451.00