Legal Notice

EVANGELINE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

REGULAR MEETING

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

The Evangeline Parish School Board members met this day in a regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Evangeline Parish School District Media Center, Ville Platte, LA 70586.

Board members present were President Bobby Hamlin, Jr., Vice President Sheila Joseph, Mrs. Kristy Briley, Mr. Donald Anderson, Mr. Nick Chaumont, Mr. Wayne Dardeau, Mrs. Monica Andrus, Ms. Fannie Soileau, and Ms. Karen Vidrine. Board members absent were Mr. Michael Fontenot, Ms. Wanda Skinner, Mr. Lonnie Sonnier, and Mr. Calvin Leday, Jr.

Also in attendance were Superintendent Darwan Lazard, Assistant Micheal Lombas, CFO Amy LaFleur, Attorney Betsy Jackson, Maintenance & Operations Facilitator Rico Guillory, SPED Supervisor Keith Scott, and the Media.

President Bobby Hamlin, Jr. declared a quorum and ordered members to proceed with the day’s business at 6:00 p.m.

Item#1-Vice President Sheila Joseph made a motion, seconded by Ms. Fannie Soileau, and recommended by Superintendent Darwan Lazard, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting dated September 4, 2024.

Voting for the motion were President Bobby Hamlin, Jr., Vice President Sheila Joseph, Mrs. Kristy Briley, Mr. Donald Anderson, Mr. Nick Chaumont, Mr. Wayne Dardeau, Mrs. Monica Andrus, Ms. Fannie Soileau, and Ms. Karen Vidrine. The motion passed unanimously.

Item#2-Informational- First Student Bus Transportation Local Manager Hubert Mabe shared the 2024-2025 updates as follows: There are a total of 90 bus routes, including 1 route for the Deaf in Lafayette and 10 Special Needs Routes, Transporting an estimated total of 4400 students, 11 EPSB employed drivers, 1 EPSB employed monitor, 1 owner-operator (BC-29), 82 First Student drivers, 12 First Student monitors, 110 total buses, including 9 spares and 7 activity buses; brought twenty-five 2025 model buses this past summer. The average age of the fleet is 4 years, and 6 coaches attended the class for bus training in the summer.

Item#3-Informational-CFO Amy LaFleur presented the EPSB Revenues & Expenditures as of August 31, 2024, as follows:

Item#4-Informational-CFO Amy LaFleur presented the EPSB Sales Tax Comparison from July-August 2024 as follows:

Item#5-CFO Amy LaFleur presented the Office of Group Benefits Rates and Med Plus Coverage for January 1,2025. She talked about Rates Comparison for Employee’s share from the state’s hospitalization plan called The Office of Group Benefits, which offers four different plans administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, She pointed out the 2024 and 2025 rates listed on the handout. CFO LaFleur shared that the rates go into effect on January 1, 2025, and the changes will be on the employees’ December paychecks. She noted that there are 643 employees covered by the hospitalization plan and a total increase of $183,234.48. Then, she shared that the district pays 75% of an active employee’s cost right now and the increase for the year is $386,747,52, with a 6.6 percent increase. Mrs. LaFleur also explained the plan HRA and in addition to that plan for the past five years, the district has purchased a supplement. When the Med-plus package began, the district only paid for the employee’s portion and the employee paid for his/her dependent. She indicated the employees are choosing the affordable plans more and more because this plan with the supplement and the actual premium is much cheaper than the other plans. To keep the med-plus on the HRA plans, we are recommending that the district go back to paying only the employee’s portion and the employee pay for his/her dependents. It gives the district a cost-neutral plan; if the district would pay for the entire plan, the cost would be $196,000.00 more in addition to the $386,000.00 that we are already seeing as an increase. The handouts did not include the cost of the MED Plus plan because it is dependent upon tonight’s action. The updated chart will be given to employees via email.

Mr. Wayne Dardeau made a motion, seconded by Vice President Sheila Joseph, and recommended by Superintendent Darwan Lazard, to approve Office of Group Benefits Rates and Med Plus Coverage for January 1, 2025, as presented by CFO Amy LaFleur,

Voting for the motion were President Bobby Hamlin, Jr., Vice President Sheila Joseph, Mrs. Kristy Briley, Mr. Donald Anderson, Mr. Nick Chaumont, Mr. Wayne Dardeau, Mrs. Monica Andrus, Ms. Fannie Soileau, and Ms. Karen Vidrine. The motion passed unanimously.

Item#6-CFO Amy LaFleur presented the renewal of General Liability Insurance, Automobile Liability and Physical Damage Insurance, School Leaders Professional Liability Insurance, and Cyber Insurance using General Fund. She referred to page 3 in the handout to explain the renewal premium of $279,467.91, which includes $400,000.00 limits on auto with an increase across everything. Last year. Cyber Insurance was increased because of more exposure as a public entity to cyber-attacks.

Mr. Wayne Dardcau made a motion, seconded by Ms. Fannie Soileau, and recommended by Superintendent Darwan Lazard, to approve the renewal of General Liability Insurance, Automobile Liability and Physical Damage Insurance, School Leaders Professional Liability Insurance, and Cyber Insurance using General Fund as presented by CFO Amy LaFleur.

Voting for the motion were President Bobby Hamlin, Jr., Vice President Sheila Joseph. Mrs. Kristy Briley, Mr. Donald Anderson. Mr. Nick Chaumont, Mr. Wayne Dardeau. Mrs. Monica Andrus, Ms. Fannie Soileau. and Ms. Karen Vidrine. The motion passed unanimously.

Item#7-CFO Amy LaFleur presented the 2024-2025 Differentiated Compensation Allocation for K-12 Classroom Teachers and State Stipends for Professional and Support Employees’ amendment to the salary schedule regarding additional paycheck distributions for September, October. November and December 2024 and April 2025. She and Superintendent Lazard answered questions from the board members.

Ms. Fannie Soileau made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Monica Andrus, and recommended by Superintendent Darwan Lazard. to approve the recommendation of the distribution of the 2024-2025 Differentiated Compensation Allocation for K-12 Classroom Teachers and State Stipends for Professional and Support Employees’ amendment to the salary schedule regarding additional paycheck distributions for September, October, November and December 2024 and April 2025.

Voting for the motion were President Bobby Hamlin, Jr., Vice President Sheila Joseph. Mrs. Kristy Briley. Mr. Donald Anderson, Mr. Nick Chaumont, Mr. Wayne Dardeau, Mrs. Monica Andrus, Ms. Fannie Soileau. and Ms. Karen Vidrine. The motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Fannie Soileau made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Monica Andrus, and recommended by Superintendent Darwan Lazard, to approve the 2024-2025 Differentiated Compensation Allocation for K-12 Classroom Teachers and State Stipends for Professional and Support Employees’ amendment to the salary schedule regarding additional paycheck distributions for September, October, November and December 2024 and April 2025 as presented by CFO Amy LaFleur.

Voting for the motion were President Bobby Hamlin, Jr., Vice President Sheila Joseph, Mrs. Kristy Briley, Mr. Donald Anderson, Mr. Nick Chaumont, Mr. Wayne Dardeau, Mrs. Monica Andrus, Ms. Fannie Soileau, and Ms. Karen Vidrine. The motion passed unanimously.

Item#8-Mr. Nick Chaumont made a motion, seconded by President Sheila Joseph, and recommended by Superintendent Darwan Lazard, to ratify/approve the low bid/quote of $96,750.00 from MorCore Roofing, LLC, to Replace the Asphalt Roof of the Southwest Hall at MES using the Parishwide Maintenance Fund.

Voting for the motion were President Bobby Hamlin, Jr., Vice President Sheila Joseph, Mrs. Kristy Briley, Mr. Donald Anderson, Mr. Nick Chaumont, Mr. Wayne Dardeau, Mrs. Monica Andrus, Ms. Fannie Soileau, and Ms. Karen Vidrine. The motion passed unanimously.

VENDOR NAME BID/QUOTE

MorCore Roofing, LLC $96,750.00

FMM Construction, LLC $107,692.76

ACE Roofing, INC. $389,420.00

Item#9-Ms. Fannie Soileau made a motion, seconded by Mr. Donald Anderson, and recommended by Superintendent Darwan Lazard, to ratify/approve the following requisition(s)/invoice(s):

Voting for the motion were President Bobby Hamlin, Jr., Vice President Sheila Joseph, Mrs. Kristy Briley, Mr. Donald Anderson, Mr. Nick Chaumont, Mr. Wayne Dardeau, Mrs. Monica Andrus, Ms. Fannie Soileau, and Ms. Karen Vidrine. The motion passed unanimously.

Ratification Williams Architecture-$12,000.00 for the 6-lane track with no lights project at VPHS using Campus Improvement Fund

A. Deleted-Ratification of InVision Technical Solutions—$4,495.00 for Laptops for Digital Media classes at VPHS using Title I Fund

B. Ratification of Wex Bank~$11,089.43 for Reg Ed., Maintenance, & Special Education Fuel using General Fund

C. Ratification of VP Innovative & Creative Learning~$3,528.33; Just for Kids #3~$8,645.85; LaBrie’s Child Daycare~$13,741.65; & Little Dreamers Daycare~$13,138.32, total amount of $39,054.15 for 23-24 CCAP B-3 Seats using CCAP B-3 Fund

D. Ratification of BrainPOP #225-$33,546.00 for Renewal of Subscription for PRE-K-8th Grade using Title I Administrative

E. Ratification of Louisiana Crane & Construction--$58,525.48 for Field House Repairs at BHS using Basile Maintenance

F. Ratification of Farmer’s Gas~$ 13,164.27 for Regular Ed Fuel, BCE Fuel, & PPHS Fuel using General Fund

G. Ratification of Skip Converse, Inc.-$39,782.70 for Exterior Wall Replacement & Site Improvements at MES using Campus Improvement Fund

Item#10-Informational-Personnel Matters-All appointments/assignments are contingent upon initial funding allocations of programs for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. All positions of new employees by the Superintendent of the Evangeline Parish School Board will be contingent upon proper certification documentation provided to the Central Office.

• BASILE HIGH SCHOOL

1. Patsy L. Ivory, School Clerk, retirement effective December 21, 2024

2. Joan Toups, Part-time ELA Teacher Tutor, effective August 1, 2024

3. Kyla Faul, Paraprofessional, reclassified from SPED Paraprofessional, replacing Paula Bergeaux, effective September 1,2024

4. Paula Bergeaux, Special Education Paraprofessional, reclassified from Child Specific Paraprofessional, replacing Kyla Faul, effective September 1, 2024

• BAYOU CHICOT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL/MAMOU JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

1. Pamela Corrigan, Part-time EL Teacher Tutor, effective August 1, 2024

• CHATAIGN1ER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1. Kristy Shepherd, Assistant Custodian, replacing Pamela Semien, effective September 3,2024

2. Tammy Celestine, Interim Cafeteria Manager, reclassified from Cafeteria Technician and reassigned from VES, replacing Kristy Shepherd, effective September 5, 2024

• EVANGELINE REIMAGINE ACADEMY

1. Angelica T. Williams, LPN, resignation effective September 17, 2024

• EVANGELINE CENTRAL

1. Tommy C. Jones, SEL Coordinator, resignation effective September 6, 2024

• JAMES STEPHENS MONTESSORI SCHOOL

1. Quamecia Anderson, Assistant Custodian, resignation effective September 4, 2025

2. Alivia Wing, Cafeteria Technician, replacing Rachel Dougherty, effective August 12, 2024

3. Shantell Ward, Regular Education Elementary Teacher, resignation effective September 5, 2024

• MAMOU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1. Ibrahima Sarr, Regular Education Elementary French Immersion Teacher, replacing Patricia Walter, effective August 5, 2024

2. Michelle Dimmitt, Part-time EL Teacher Tutor, effective September 10, 2024

• MAMOU HIGH SCHOOL

1. Sydney Reed, Regular Education High School Business Teacher, resignation effective July 18, 2024

• PINE PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL

1. Kathleen Brittain, Special Education High School Teacher, replacing Matthew Carmouche, effective August 5, 2024

2. Whitney C. Causey, Child Specific Paraprofessional, reassigned from BCE, effective August 29, 2024

3. Rebecca Ortego, Child Specific Paraprofessional, reassigned from JSM, effective September 1, 2024

4. Danielle Jenkins, Special Education Elementary Child Specific Paraprofessional, effective September 10, 2024

• VIDRINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1. Catherine Firmin, Part-time EL Teacher Tutor, effective August 1, 2024

2. Paige Williams, Cafeteria Technician, reassigned from MHS, replacing Tammy Celestine, effective September 10, 2024

• VILLE PLATTE HIGH SCHOOL

1. Mindy Doucet, Part-time EL Techer Tutor, effective August 1, 2024

• WW STEWART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1. Antionette Guillory, Special Education Child-Specific Paraprofessional, reclassified from a SPED Paraprofessional, effective August 30, 2024

2. Jacqueline Cisneros, Part-time LEP Tutor Interpreter, effective September 3, 2024

3. Oliva Celeste Burge, Part-time EL/Language Teacher Tutor, effective September 3, 2024

4. Clarissa Huval, Regular Education Elementary Teacher, replacing Jacie Zaunbrecher, effective September 5, 2024

Item#11-Superintendent’s Comments are as follows:

• The superintendent said that they had a great day today at Evangeline Reimagine Academy. There were representatives from several school districts from across the state, Jackson Parish, Orleans Parish, Lafayette Parish, Vermillion Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, East Desoto Parish, East Feliciana Parish, Pugh Family and Schumacher Foundations, other organizations, the Assistant Superintendent from the Louisiana Department of Education to see what they heard we’ve done with our ERA grant. Mr. Lazard stated that they were all impressed with what was going on in terms of the program, the academics, the different zones, and the opportunities that are given to our students. They were very shocked that it is not a pull-out program or a selective program; it is for all the students who live in the Ville Platte area. He thanked Secondary Supervisor Liz Chatelain, ERA Principal Alice LeJeune, the entire faculty and staff, parents, and students for hosting our guest. He also thanked the Board President and Vice President, even though they were unable to make it, and Ms. Fannie Soileau for standing in and welcoming the dignitaries.

• Mr. Lazard gave an update about the Tutoring Program on which Elementary Supervisor Cheri Fontenot and the staff work very hard. Mrs. Cheri Fontenot previously shared with him that Monday Tutoring has only 75 of 140 slots filled, so far, and that is with providing transportation. He also mentioned that Bus Transportation Local Manager Hubert is working with them to get the Monday bus routes together. Permission was also given to those students who are not a part of the 140 slots and already getting services from the Cenla Tutoring group, they could go in the afternoon at the same location. He said that we are trying to do everything that we can to give the students opportunities and hopefully, that we have more participation to finalize the routes. Because the company is still contacting and trying to get parents to participate in the tutoring program, the aim for September 23,2024, will move to the end of September or the beginning of October to start the program.

• He reminded the board about the inconvenience at Ville Platte High School and Evangeline Reimagine Academy, when the track project begins and also, at James Stephens Montessori School, the foundation project for the Modular Building, donated with the funds from Representative Butler, and the gym.

Adjournment: Mr. Wayne Dardeau made a motion, seconded by Ms. Fannie Soileau, recommended by Superintendent Darwan Lazard. to adjourn the meeting at 6:37 PM.

Voting for the motion were President Bobby Hamlin, Jr., Vice President Sheila Joseph, Mrs. Kristy Brilcy, Mr. Donald Anderson, Mr. Nick Chaumont. Mr. Wayne Dardeau. Mrs. Monica Andrus, Ms. Fannie Soileau. and Ms. Karen Vidrine. The motion passed unanimously.

/s/:Bobby Hamlin

Bobby Hamlin

President

/s/:Darwan Lazard

Darwan Lazard

Sectary-Treasurer

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