PUBLIC NOTICE

New Iberia, Louisiana

February 19, 2025

The Iberia Parish School Board met in Regular Session at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 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

President, Brad M. Norris called the meeting to order and asked Ms. Gwen Williams to call the roll.

Board Members Present:

Mr. Brad M. Norris, President; Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc, Sr.; Ms. Rachael Toups; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia; Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Mr. Dana P. Dugas; Mrs. Suzette Charpentier and Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond

Board Members Absent:

Mr. Jesse J. McDonald, Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis, Ms. Debra A. Savoie; Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux and Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

2. MOMENT OF SILENCE

Mrs. Norma Hebert Retired teacher and bookkeeper with 30 years of service

Mrs. Jackie Kelsoe Biano Retired teacher with more than 30 years of service

Mrs. Donna Rita Solar Landry Retired special education teacher at Avery Island

3. PRAYER

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

4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was given by Mr. Danny D. Segura.

5. PUBLIC COMMENT

The requirement regarding public comment for school board meetings is that a call for public comment must take place prior to each agenda item and vote by the board. 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 Board regarding an agenda item will be heard prior to each agenda item as it is taken up.

SECTION B PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/REPORTS

1. Recognition of Loreauville High School Band Student Selected to Perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City (Mr. Heath Hulin) Student was unable to attend due to scheduling conflict. He will be recognized at the March 15, 2025 meeting.

2. Recognition of New Iberia Senior High School Chorus Student Selected to Perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City (Mr. Heath Hulin

a. Sinjin Hebert

3. Recognition of Loreauville High School and New Iberia Senior High School Cheerleaders for Attending UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship (Mr. Heath Hulin)

4. Group Health Plan Financial Performance Update (Ms. Kim Clay)

5. Monthly Sales Tax Report (Mr. Patrick Segura)

6. Tax Salary Supplement Report (Ms. Lauren Tinnin)

SECTION C CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS - NONE

1. Approve Minutes Regular Meeting of the Iberia Parish School Board February 5, 2025

2. Progress Payments Capital Improvements (Ms. Lauren Tinnin)

3. Budget Revisions (Ms. Lauren Tinnin)

4. Budget to Actual (Ms. Lauren Tinnin)

5. Financial Highlights (Ms. Lauren Tinnin)

6. Physical Facilities Housekeeping Report (Mr. Harry Lopez)

President Norris called for a Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia moved, Mr. Danny D. Segura seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

FOR: Mr. Brad M. Norris, President; Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr.; Ms. Rachael Toups; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia; Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Mr. Dana P. Dugas; Mrs. Suzette Charpentier and Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond

AGAINST: NONE

Board Members Absent:

Mr. Jesse J. McDonald, Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis, Ms. Debra A. Savoie, Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux and Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted.

SECTION D AGENDA ITEMS

1. CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO ENGAGE THE SERVICES OF TAX COMPLIANCE & RECOVERY LLC AS A CONTRACT AUDITOR FOR SALES TAX DEPARTMENT AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Mr. Patrick Segura)

Mr. Patrick Segura informed the Board that before them was a proposal that would allow the Sales Tax Department to contract with an auditing firm. Tax Compliance & Recovery LLC is based out of League City, Texas. Mr. Segura stated the Sales Tax Department currently has contracts with three audit firms (Broussard Partner, The Gary Lambert Company and Thomas L. Driskell & Associates). However, two of the three firms are being used sparingly. Mr. Segura informed the Board that entering into contract with Tax Compliance & Recovery LLC will give the department much needed additional audit coverage. Additionally, the firm has over 13 years of experience, they perform audits in 33 parishes and they have collected over 48 million in audit revenue in the past 13 years. The effective date of this contract would be March 1, 2025.

President Norris called for Public Comment, Hearing none.

President Norris called for a Motion. Mr. Dana P. Dugas moved, Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr. seconded the motion to provide a differentiated compensation stipend to engage the services of Tax Compliance & Recovery LLC as contract auditor for the Sales Tax Department as presented by Mr. Patrick Segura.

President Norris called for Board Discussion, Hearing none.

A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

FOR: Mr. Brad M. Norris, President; Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr.; Ms. Rachael Toups; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia; Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Ms. Debra A. Savoie; Mr. Dana P. Dugas; Mrs. Suzette Charpentier and Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond

AGAINST: NONE

Board Members Absent:

Mr. Jesse J. McDonald, Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis, Ms. Debra A. Savoie, Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux and Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted.

2. CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD RFP #1162 WIDE AREA NETWORK CONNECTIVITY AND INTERNET ACCESS TO CONTERRA ULTRA BROADBAND LLC AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Ms. Candice Myers)

Ms. Candice Myers informed the Board that they were requesting to award RFP #1162 to Conterra Ultra Broadband LLC. Ms. Myers stated Conterra Ultra Broadband LLC met all the RFP requirements and will best meet the needs of our district. We choose the option of a 3-year contract with a two additional one- year optional extensions. The yearly charge for Wide Area Network Service is $194,076.00 before the Erate discount. The yearly charge for internet access service is $42,000.00 before the Erate discount. The Erate discount will be either 80% or 90% off.

President Norris called for Public Comment, Hearing none.

President Norris called for a Motion. Mr. Dana P. Dugas moved, Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal seconded the motion to award RFP #1162 Wide Area Network and Internet Access to Conterra Ultra Broadband LLC as presented by Ms. Candice Myers.

President Norris called for Board Discussion, Hearing none.

A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

FOR: Mr. Brad M. Norris, President; Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr.; Ms. Rachael Toups; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia; Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Mr. Jesse J. McDonald; Mr. Dana P. Dugas; Mrs. Suzette Charpentier and Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond

AGAINST: NONE

Board Members Absent:

Mr. Jesse J. McDonald, Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis, Ms. Debra A. Savoie, Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux and Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted.

3. CONSIDER REQUEST TO PURCHASE ON STATE CONTRACT, CHROMEBOOKS TO REPLACE CURRENT DEVICES AT THE END OF LIFE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Mr. David Delahoussaye)

Mr. David Delahoussaye informed the Board that he is requesting to purchase chromebooks on state contract to replace devices that are the end of life. The chromebooks being purchased will replace the devices originally purchased in 2021 and represents approximately 25% of our current fleet. The state contract vendor is Trafera LLC of St. Paul, Minnesota and will be funded by Title I at a total cost of $1,198,400.00.

President Norris called for Public Comment.

President Norris called for a Motion. Mr. Dan L. Leblanc Sr. moved, Mr. Danny D. Segura seconded the motion to purchase on state contract, chromebooks to replace current devices at the end of life as presented by Mr. David Delahoussaye.

President Norris called for Board Discussion, Hearing none.

A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

FOR: Mr. Brad M. Norris, President; Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr.; Ms. Rachael Toups; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia; Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Mr. Dana P. Dugas; Mrs. Suzette Charpentier and Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond

AGAINST: NONE

Board Members Absent:

Mr. Jesse J. McDonald, Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis, Ms. Debra A. Savoie, Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux and Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted.

4. CONSIDER THE PROPOSED 2025 SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM OFFERINGS AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Ms. Allison ODonnell and Staff)

Ms. Allison ODonnell informed the Board that over the last 4 years ESSER funds were used to fund summer school. As a result of ESSER funding, there was no cost to the students. ESSER funding is no longer available. The changes to summer school for 2025 include the following:

(1) Promotional/Credit Summer School summer school will be six weeks and there will be a cost for students in grades 2-12 attending summer school for promotional/credit purposes

(2) Price Increase for Promotional/Credit Summer School due to Act 311 (which mandates specific teacher compensation rates) there will be a price increase for summer school; the teacher rate is $37 per hour for activities outside of the school day which results in an increase in the cost of summer school; costs are $250.00 for one subject and $350.00 for two subjects ($50.00 increase from Pre-COVID costs)

(3) Remediation for 3rd Graders Scoring Well Below on DIBELS in compliance with Act 422; remediation for 3rd graders who scored well below on the DIBELS assessment will be offered at no cost to the students; transportation will be provided; these students will retest during the last few days of the summer program

(4) Remediation for ELL Students English Language Learners (ELL) will access to remediation in language acquisition and math skills (provided they are not attending the promotional/credit summer school due to the changes outlined above); remediation will be offered free of charge; transportation will be provided

Ms. ODonnell asked the Board for their favorable approval of the summer school program offerings as proposed.

President Norris called for Public Comment.

President Norris called for a Motion. Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal moved, Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond seconded the motion to accept the 2025 proposed summer school program offerings as presented by Ms. Allison ODonnell.

President Norris called for Board Discussion.

Board Discussion as Follows: Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia inquired if the cost to cover the ELL remediation will be covered by general fund. Ms. ODonnell responded everything that is being offered free to students will be funded by Title Funds. Summer School for grades 2-12 will be self-funded. Mr. Pradia responded we no longer have ESSER funding so we have to be careful because more things will need to paid using general funds.

Mr. Heath Hulin informed the Board that there will be some changes to the summer school sites this year. Mr. Hulin stated summer school has been had at New Iberia Senior High for many years and the school will get a break this year so some maintenance and cleaning can be performed. For summer school, we are considering using Westgate High School and Iberia Middle School. The elementary site will be at Park Elementary School. The summer feeding sites will be Johnston-Hopkins and the other site is currently being decided (the sites are open to the public).

Mr. Pradia inquired will all transportation be provided by the parents. Ms. ODonnell responded transportation for the summer school for promotional/credit is provided by parents. The DIBELS, ELL and ESY (for special education students) transportation is provided.

Mrs. Suzette Charpentier inquired will 3rd graders be able to participate in both the DIBELS and promotional/credit summer school. Ms. ODonnell responded yes, they can.

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

Board Members Present:

FOR: Mr. Brad M. Norris, President; Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr.; Ms. Rachael Toups; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia; Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Mr. Dana P. Dugas; Mrs. Suzette Charpentier and Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond

AGAINST: NONE

Board Members Absent: Mr. Jesse J. McDonald, Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis, Ms. Debra A. Savoie, Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux and Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted.

5. CONSIDER THE PROPOSED CALENDAR FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Mr. Heath Hulin)

Mr. Heath Hulin informed the Board that he met with District staff and the Principal Advisory Committee in preparation of the calendar. The Principal Advisory Committee gets input from their campuses. The calendar that is presented has the first day of school for grades 1-12 as Thursday, August 7, 2025. The teachers will return on Friday, August 1, 2025 which allows for professional development day and classroom preparation days. On this calendar, election day has been removed and we removed the additional professional development day that was in November last year. Mr. Hulin stated the calendar remains the same with the exception of Easter break. Easter break will shift to week after Easter.

President Norris called for Public Comment.

President Norris called for a Motion. Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia moved, Ms. Rachael Toups seconded the motion to approve the calendar for the 2025-2026 school year as presented by Mr. Heath Hulin.

President Norris called for Board Discussion, Hearing none.

A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

FOR: Mr. Brad M. Norris, President; Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr.; Ms. Rachael Toups; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia; Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Mr. Dana P. Dugas; Mrs. Suzette Charpentier and Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond

AGAINST: NONE

Board Members Absent: Mr. Jesse J. McDonald, Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis, Ms. Debra A. Savoie, Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux and Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted.

6. CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO RECLASSIFY AND AMEND THE JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS & OPERATIONS TO CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO) AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Mr. Heath Hulin)

Mr. Heath Hulin stated that he requesting the Board to consider transitioning the Director of Business & Operations to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Hulin stated the CFO title aligns more closely with the new direction, the trainings and the certifications that are required of this position. The change will be made along some minor additions to the job description to make sure the job description is as up to date as possible and to reflect the work that the CFO does on a daily basis. With this change, we will move that position from an index position to a contracted salary structure.

President Norris called for Public Comment.

President Norris called for a Motion. Mr. Danny D. Segura moved, Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia seconded the motion to reclassify and amend the job description for the Director of Business & Operations to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as presented by Mr. David Delahoussaye.

President Norris called for Board Discussion, Hearing none.

A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

FOR: Mr. Brad M. Norris, President; Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr.; Ms. Rachael Toups; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia; Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Mr. Dana P. Dugas; Mrs. Suzette Charpentier and Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond

AGAINST: NONE

Board Members Absent: Mr. Jesse J. McDonald, Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis, Ms. Debra A. Savoie, Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux and Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted.

7. CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO REVOKE AN EXISTING RIGHT OF WAY AND GRANT A NEW RIGHT OF WAY FOR CLECOS ELECTRICAL SUPPLY AT THE NEW GYM AT OLD SUGARLAND SITE AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION (Mr. Harry Lopez)

Mr. Harry Lopez informed the Board that as the agenda item states we are revoking a right-a-way and granting a new one. The revoked right-of way is 350 linear feet by 30 feet wide for the facilitation of the overhead power lines. The proposed right of way is 700 linear feet by 10 feet wide to allow for the planned underground service feed. Mr. Lopez informed the Board that they do have the transformer in their possession.

President Norris called for Public Comment.

President Norris called for a Motion. Mr. Dana P. Dugas moved, Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia seconded the motion to revoke an existing right of way and grant a new right of way for CLECOs electrical supply at the new gym at old Sugarland site as presented by Mr. Harry Lopez.

President Norris called for Board Discussion.

Board Discussions as Follows: Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia inquired if it will all be piped. Mr. Lopez stated yes, it will be but he does not have the specifications.

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

Board Members Present:

FOR: Mr. Brad M. Norris, President; Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr.; Ms. Rachael Toups; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia; Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Mr. Dana P. Dugas; Mrs. Suzette Charpentier and Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond

AGAINST: NONE

Board Members Absent:

Mr. Jesse J. McDonald, Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis, Ms. Debra A. Savoie, Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux and Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The Motion passed and was adopted.

SECTION E EXECUTIVE SESSION

1. TO DISCUSS LA. R.S. 42:17 (A)(10), THE BOARD SHALL RECEIVE ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION AS PROVIDED FOR LA. CODE EVID. ART. 506 (B) FROM ITS SPECIAL LEGAL COUNSEL IN ACCORDANCE WITH LA. ATT. GEN. OP. NO. 18-0144 (President Brad Norris)

President Brad M. Norris called for a Motion to enter into Executive Session. Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia moved, Mrs. Suzette Charpentier seconded the Motion to move into Executive Session at 6:11 PM.

President Norris called for a Motion to exit the Executive Session. Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia moved, Mr. Danny D. Segura seconded to the Motion to exit Executive Session at 6:45 PM.

SECTION F ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Heath Hulin informed the Board that next week is the Louisiana School Boards Association convention. He stated in addition to school board convention next week will be the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching in Washington, DC convention as well. The District is sending a delegation, of approximately 30, staff, principals and master teachers to this training. Mr. Hulin stated he will be attending the convention.

Mr. Hulin stated parents received a message about the cold weather we are expecting on tomorrow morning. The information was also posted on the Districts website and Facebook page. The expected windchill will be about 14 degrees. The message encouraged parents to send their students with coats/jackets and if the coat/jacket does not conform with the dress code policy, the student will still be allowed to wear it. The information was also shared with all principals.

The next board meeting will be March 12, 2025 due to Mardi Gras. The two meetings in March will be on the 12th and the 26th.

Mr. Dana P. Dugas wished Mr. Hulin Happy Birthday!

SECTION G ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia moved, Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr. seconded, to adjourn the regular meeting of the Iberia Parish School Board. A roll call vote was called as follows:

Board Members Present:

FOR: Mr. Brad M. Norris, President; Mr. Dan L. LeBlanc Sr.; Ms. Rachael Toups; Mr. Danny D. Segura; Mr. Elvin Dee Pradia; Mrs. Nursey O. McNeal; Mr. Dana P. Dugas; Mrs. Suzette Charpentier and Mrs. Kathleen B. Rosamond

AGAINST: NONE

Board Members Absent: Mr. Jesse J. McDonald, Mr. Raymond Q. Lewis, Ms. Debra A. Savoie, Mr. Michael W.S.L. Mayeux and Rev. Arthur L. Alexander

The motion passed. The regular meeting of the Iberia Parish School Board adjourned at 6:46 PM.

Brad M. Norris, President

Heath Hulin, Secretary/Treasurer

The cost of this notice is $979.20.

The Daily Iberian:

Mar. 19, 2025

MINUTES 2.19.25