New Iberia, Louisiana

February 6, 2023

The Budget/Construction/Finance Committee of the Iberia Parish School Board met at 5:30 PM on Monday, February 6, 2023 in the Iberia Parish School Board Room, at the Administrative Building, located at 1500 Jane Street, New Iberia, Louisiana.

SECTION A – CALL TO ORDER

1. ROLL CALL

Committee Chairman Mr. Elvin “Dee” Pradia called the meeting to order and asked Ms. Gwen Williams to call the roll.

Committee Members present were: Mr. Elvin “Dee” Pradia, Committee Chairman; Mr. Dana P. Dugas, Vice-Chairman; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond; Mr. Mike Mayeux; Mr. Jesse J. McDonald and Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr., President

Committee Members absent were: Ms. Debra A. Savoie

Other Board Members Present: Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Mr. Brad M. Norris; Mr. Raymond Q. “Shoe-Do” Lewis

Also Present: Mr. Heath Hulin; Mrs. Jennifer Joseph; Mrs. Katie Bouillion; Mr. Gannon Dooley; Mr. Wayne Landry; Mr. Brett Ferguson; and Mr. Harry Lopez

2. MOMENT OF SILENCE

None

3. PRAYER

The Opening Prayer was given by Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal.

4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was given by Mr. Jesse J. McDonald.

5. PUBLIC COMMENT

The requirement regarding public comment for school board committee meetings is that a call for public comment must take place prior to each agenda item and vote by the committee. If you wish to comment on an agenda item during this meeting, please proceed as follows: please fill out a card with your first and last name and the agenda item you wish to address. These requests to address the Committee regarding an agenda item will be heard prior to each agenda item as it is taken up.

Committee Chairman Mr. Elvin “Dee” Pradia called for Public Comment. Hearing none, Committee Chairman Mr. Elvin “Dee” Pradia moved on to the Agenda Item.

SECTION B – AGENDA ITEMS

1. CONSIDER STAFF PROPOSALS FOR PROJECTS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAND AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Mr. Heath Hulin and Mr. Harry Lopez)

Committee Chairman Mr. Elvin “Dee” Pradia called for Public Comment, Hearing none.

Mr. Heath Hulin informed the Board that he would like to take a few minutes to go thru the Capital Improvement Plan and explain what went into the development and consideration of each component of the plan. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that Mr. Harry Lopez will chime in whenever he is needed in the discussion. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that Mr. Brett Ferguson is present in the event any ESSER questions need to be answered. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that Mrs. Katie Bouillion is present because she was present at the meetings with Mr. Grant Schlueter. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that Mr. Gannon Dooley is present in the event that anyone has questions about how the plan will effect staffing. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that all of the staff members were present to work together and ensure that everyone has a good understanding of what is being proposed.

Mr. Hulin informed the Board that Mr. Grant Schlueter, bond attorney, indicated Iberia Parish School Board is eligible to sell $62.5 million in bonds for the purpose of Capital Improvement Projects. If the Board gives final approval to the Capital Improvement Plan project list, then the 2023 Bond Election will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023. If approved by the voters, the sale of the bonds would produce two (2) payments. The payment of $27.5 million in June of 2023 and $35 million in June of 2025 while keeping our current millage rate status quo (25 mills) with no increase to property owners. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that he and the staff have been studying the needs of the district and that Mr. Harry Lopez has always kept his Capital Plan up-to-date. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that as IPSD works on projects bond related and non-bond related (i.e. bond sources, ESSER sources, general fund sources, etc.) that Mr. Lopez is continuously updating the District’s improvement plan. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that our District is considering a plan that considers areas for potential expansion and growth in the caliber and quality of the educational experience that we offer and to ensure our existing capital investments are long lasting into the future. The projects proposed as part of the Capital Improvement Plan are reflective of the greatest areas of need with respect to the limitations of our current market and economy, supply chain timelines and workforce demands. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that $62.5 million is a lot of money but it will not accomplish what $50 million accomplished in 2013 for the last bond. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that after conducting a needs assessment with both school and district administration and with maintenance and operations, five major areas emerged as targeted needs for capital improvements. The major areas of need are as follows: Maintaining and Expanding Technology, Enhancing School Safety, Relocation of the Existing Anderson Middle School, Expansion of the Career and Technical Center, Facility Refurbishments, and Upgrades to District-Wide Indoor Athletic Facilities. Mr. Hulin presented the plan as follows:

Maintaining and Expanding Technology

Approximately, 10% of the total proposed bond (same as with the 2009 and 2013 Bond Propositions) would be allotted to the dedication of the District’s technology infrastructure and equipment needs. The District’s reliance on technology is integral to day-to-day operations and classroom instruction has increased ten-fold. As the technology demand increases, it is imperative for the District to ensure that our technology infrastructure is up-to-date and can meet the increasing demand. The District is now technology dependent in areas such as unlocking doors, controlling HVAC needs, operating security camera systems, etc.

Enhancing School Safety

A nationwide crisis spawned by an uptick in mass shooting and increasing local community violence has made it clear that the District must continue its efforts to ensure schools are safe every day. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that increased campus camera surveillance and card-operated exterior door access are two (2) areas that are greatly needed at each school site. Mr. Hulin stated high-volume weapon detection systems at middle and high schools would allow non-invasive screening of all students and visitors on a daily basis. Additional work in securing all schools’ entryways and the addition of entry-door lockout buttons will ensure a safe and secure learning environment for both students and staff members.

Relocation of the Existing Anderson Middle School

The safety and security of students and staff have become increasingly more critical with recent gun violence, murders, and crime near this school. The school’s location and proximity to the street often time puts it in the path of potentially dangerous situations. Maintenance has discovered several bullet holes within the structures of this facility. Dealing with these issues puts a strain on school administration, teachers, students and parents. The school has had to curtail evening activities and extra-curricular activities for students due to the safety of those involved, especially after dark. Lastly, Anderson Middle School continues to face teacher recruitment challenges and declining student populations from sixth to seventh grade, in large part because of the school’s physical location.

Expansion of the Career and Technical Center

The Career Center currently operates in makeshift facilities consisting of a combination of the hold Building 95 and other former air base buildings, portable buildings and the current main Career Campus Building. An appropriate expansion would provide state-of-the-art, career and technical training facilities in one location with room for expansion to meet the growing needs of business and industry in our parish. The Iberia Parish Community relies heavily on business and industry to sustain continued growth and economic prosperity. It is critical that local industry can rely on the school system to supply a well-trained workforce to support the growth in the parish. Currently, only about 30% of our graduating class participates in Career and Technical Education opportunities offered through the JumpStart Diploma Pathway and the Iberia Parish Career Center.

Facility Refurbishments

Because of good planning and forethought of the Board and the Maintenance Department, our facilities are, for the most part, well maintained and up-to-date. This bond issue could vitally supplement the ongoing capital improvement plan, and ESSER fund projects to accomplish a few larger renovations and repairs. These bond proceeds would be used for roof replacements for Belle Place Middle School and Jeanerette High School and the expansion of the Loreauville High School cafeteria.

Upgrades to District-Wide Indoor Athletic Facilities

Mr. Hulin reminded the Board that the 2103 Bond Proposal addressed Athletic Facilities with the creation of turf fields and stadium upgrades at high schools. This moved proved to be beneficial to the schools, the students, and the community. However, the majority of athletic and extra-curricular events and programs (graduations, parent nights, ceremonies, etc.) are held in the school gymnasium and that the District should ensure these areas are up-to-date and adequate to meet the needs of the school. This bond issue would replace the original wooden gym bleachers at New Iberia Senior High School, Loreauville High School and Jeanerette High School. The new bleachers would have electronic opening and closing capabilities, along with steps and handrails to make it easier for students and visitors to safely utilize the bleachers. The Delcambre High School gymnasium needs a new HVAC system to remedy issues that have been experienced at the school for several years. All gym floors in the district (10) will be refurbished by sanding, repainting and resealing the existing floors. Finally, a new Weight Room facility for Westgate High School would be accomplished to bring it within better-improved standards. The school’s current facility is located in the gymnasium with glass and sheetrock comprising the majority of the wall space, creating an environment not conducive for the needs of the facility.

Professional Fees

The professional fees for the bond issuance have been calculated at 10%, which would include architectural services, engineering fees, testing and inspection fees, geographical surveys and other studies such as drainage, traffic, student population, etc.

Mr. Hulin then stated, “Mr. Chairman the Capital Improvement Plan for the 2023 bond issue as explained above is presented for your consideration and approval.”

Committee Chairman Pradia called for a Motion. Mr. Jesse J. McDonald moved, Mr. Danny D. Segura seconded the approval of staff proposals to be included in the Capital Improvement Plan for 2023, $62.5 million bond issue as presented by Mr. Heath Hulin and Mr. Harry Lopez. Committee Chairman Pradia called for Board Discussion.

Board discussion as follows:

Mr. Raymond Lewis inquired about the balance in the ESSER fund accounts. Mr. Brett Ferguson responded that all ESSER funds have been budgeted but the funds can reallocated. Additionally, Mr. Ferguson informed Mr. Lewis that the savings on previous ESSER Projects can be reallocated. Mr. Ferguson informed the Board that ESSER II has a deadline of September 2023 and that all ESSER Funds must be used in entirety by September 2024.

Mr. Jesse McDonald stated that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Mr. McDonald informed the Board that in the past the District purchased security equipment and that equipment is in the closet and not being utilized. Mr. McDonald inquired will the District have trained and dedicated individuals using the equipment that will be purchased in the proposal. Mr. Hulin responded the equipment that was purchased in the past was not intended to be used on a daily basis. The equipment was only used, as needed (i.e. student searches). Mr. Hulin responded the new equipment is intended to be used on a daily basis. The new proposed security system takes three (3) individuals to operate it successfully. The system requires one person to direct the students through the system, a second person at a computer screen monitoring students and the third person would be off to side for students who have been re-routed by the system due to detection of an object. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that metal detectors are invasive however, this system is not invasive. The company will come to the District and train the individuals who will be operating the equipment. The District will own the equipment and the software package is valid for four years. After the four years, the District will have to upgrade the software package due to upgrades in software technology by the company. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that the expense of this new technology is worth the investment and could be covered in the future by Title IV or General Fund.

Mr. McDonald further inquired if the District had contacted the company that is three blocks down the road. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that he has never me with the company but he is willing to meet with the company to hear what they have to offer. Mr. McDonald inquired how many students are enrolled at Jeanerette High School. Mr. Hulin responded that there are approximately 270 students at Jeanerette High School. Mr. McDonald inquired how is the District going to increase enrollment at Jeanerette High School to justify replacing the entire roof. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that replacing the roof on Jeanerette Senior High protects the District’s investment (the building). The District also addressing Jeanerette’s enrollment.

Mr. Danny Segura inquired what ideas are there for Anderson Middle’s relocation. Mr. Hulin responded the best scenarios would be to renovate one of the District’s existing schools. Mr. Hulin informed the Board that by renovating an existing school the District would not have to build a brand new school. The sight that is a possibility is Sugarland Elementary. The Sugarland Elementary sight would allow Anderson Middle School, as a feeder school, to be in close proximity to Westgate High School. With the schools in close proximity, the District would not have to build a weight room at Anderson Middle or a new football field. The proximity would also allow the band directors at the two schools to collaborate. The District would not have to purchase property to build; the District would use an asset that it owns already. Mr. Hulin stated with the renovations the District has in mind for Sugarland Elementary it would be a great middle school for the Anderson Middle School students. Lastly, Mr. Hulin informed the Board that by moving Anderson Middle School the District would also be able to consolidate another elementary school (Sugarland Elementary). These students would be distributed to other elementary schools in the area.

Mr. Elvin Pradia having recognized no other board members and without passing the gavel requested privilege to address the issue. Hearing no objections, Mr. Pradia informed the Board that he is not in favor of remodeling a thirty-five year old school and the property site has drainage issues. He stated that it is unsure what will be found when the remodeling project begins and walls are being removed. Mr. Pradia inquired with Mr. Harry Lopez about the water retention issues at Sugarland and what is his opinion of renovating a thirty-five year old school.

Mr. Lopez informed the Board that structurally, the roof at Sugarland has “no failures” that are presently being looked at in this location. He stated the water retention concerns are due to the concrete being poured incorrectly. Sugarland Elementary School has no cracks or foundation failure. According to Mr. Lopez, the library remodel would be the addition of walls so removal of load bearing walls would not be necessary. The addition of restrooms, flooring, partitions, façade work (painting, lighting, etc.) and the insertion of 4X8 teacher cabinets will be required. There is a necessity for the removal of sinks from elementary classrooms because they are not needed in middle school. The school has plenty of exterior doors. The drop off area on the side and the front area would be expanded. The air conditioner unit is not having any issues however it is a four (4) pipe air conditioner unit. Mr. Lopez informed the Board that he and Mr. Hulin agreed that every area in Sugarland needs to be evaluated so that this project is successful. Lastly, Mr. Lopez stated that the recent tornado damage to the roof occurred but it has been replaced/repaired and does not have any issues. Mr. Lopez informed the Board that the Anderson Middle School students practice at their school but they actually complete on Westgate’s track and football field.

Mr. Pradia informed the Board that he has received many phone calls from parents regarding turning Sugarland Elementary School into a middle school. Mr. Pradia stated that the parents are starting to see a change at Sugarland Elementary and they do not want it to be a middle school.

In response, Mr. Hulin informed stated he spoke to both, the principals of Anderson (Mr. Jackson) and Sugarland (Mrs. Robertson) who both indicated their approval of conversion of Sugarland into a new middle school.

The Chairman then resumed the role of chair and recognized Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond.

Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond who stated that she understands Jeanerette High School is getting a new roof. She stated she appreciates the District doing this in spite of the declining numbers. Mr. Hulin responded Jeanerette High is an asset and the District has to take care its assets and the roof is a necessity.

Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal stated that she knows the best decision will be made when it comes to relocating Anderson Middle School. Mrs. McNeal stated she lives in the neighborhood and the relocation of Anderson Middle School has been on her agenda for as long as she has been on the Board. She stated the move will be what is best for the students and staff. Mr. Hulin responded if the bond is approved this will be first project the District begin. Once the project is underway, the District will look at district lines to see where Sugarland students will be placed.

Receiving no further discussion, a roll call vote was called as follows:

Committee Members Present:

FOR: Mr. Elvin “Dee” Pradia, Committee Chairman; Mr. Dana P. Dugas, Vice-Chairman; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond; Mr. Mike Mayeux; Mr. Jesse J. McDonald and Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr., President

AGAINST: None

ABSENT: Ms. Debra A. Savioe

The motion passed and was adopted.

SECTION C – ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mr. Danny D. Segura moved, Mr. Dana P. Dugas seconded, to adjourn the Budget/Construction/Finance Committee meeting of the Iberia Parish School Board. A roll call vote was called as follows:

Committee Members Present:

FOR: Mr. Elvin “Dee” Pradia, Committee Chairman; Mr. Dana P. Dugas, Vice-Chairman; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond; Mr. Mike Mayeux; Mr. Jesse J. McDonald and Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr., President

AGAINST: None

ABSENT: Ms. Debra A. Savoie

The motion passed. The committee meeting of the Budget/Construction/Finance Committee of the Iberia Parish School Board adjourned at 6:50 P.M.

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Elvin “Dee” Pradia,

Committee Chairman

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Heath Hulin, Secretary/Treasurer