MARCH 10, 2026
DATE, TIME, PLACE OF MEETING
The Calcasieu Parish School Board meeting was held at 3310 Broad Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Aaron Natali, President. The prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were Mr. Castille.
ROLL CALL
The roll was called by Superintendent VanMetre and the following members were present: Aaron Natali, Karen Hardy-McReynolds, Glenda Gay, Patrick Pichon, Mary Fontenot, Dr. Betty Washington, Damon Hardesty, Tony OBanion, Phyllis Ayo, Russell Castille, Billy Breaux, Rev. Desmond Wallace, Shawn Baumgarten.
Absent: Eric Tarver, Dean Roberts
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
On a motion to approve by Mr. OBanion and a second by Mr. Hardesty, the Minutes of February 10, 2026 were approved on a unanimous vote.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Introduction of Advisory Council members/Jason VanMetre, Superintendent
l. Student Advisory Council
Bean, Dillion
Bellow, Clement
Chiruguru, Joshua
Christerson, Allie
Gilley, Jack
Granger, Noah
Joubert,Shelby
Linscomb,Jacob
Miller, Rustyn
Mire, Caitlyn
2. Teacher Advisory Council
Anderson, Danielle
Ardoin, Kristen
Armentor, Kayla
Austin, Samantha
Bilbo, Amanda
Breland, Brandy
Burger, Mandy
Colquitt, Nelkika
Cryer, Jennifer
Davis, Wendy
Day, Britney
Delcambre, Julia
Dugas, Lori C
Duncan, Kiara
Felice, Brandi
Fontenot, Ron
Guillory, Leslie
Guillory, Marissa E
Henry, Sharde
Hill, Tiffany
Horton, Kelsi
Hunter, Whitney
Istre, Kayla
Jinks, Logan
Johnson, Skye
Johnson, Theresa
Knisely, Lillian
Larce, Machaela
Logan, Sara
Mcknight, Morgan
Mills, Kyla
Owens, Linda
Palmer, Karan
Post, Carol L
Prejean, Robert
Richey, Yevette
Shaw, Kristie
Soileau, Britny J
Sonnier, Nina
Stephenson, Theresa
Washington, Destany
Whittington, Dawn
(Rachel)
Williams, Elena
Wrobel, Michael (Mike)
3. Parent Advisory Council
Alesha Lucas
Ashley Guillory
Ashley Mazilly
Ashley Racca
Ashley Reed
Biancia Augustine
Clair Breaux
Brittany Dupre
Brittany Richard
Carrie Lane
Catrella Wright
Derrick Suarez
Elizabeth Domingue
Emile Fontenot
Enza Manuel
Eric Price
Flanagan, Lauri B
Frank Hargrave
Paul Grant
Emily Hollier
Jami Marras
Janice Oliver
Jessica Anguiar
Jill Galmarini
Jillian Pichon
Jodi Fobbs
Jordan Haman
Kasha Kile
Kayla Fontenot
Kayla Fruge
Kayla Robinson
Kristi Madden
Lauren LeBlanc
Lexie Badon
Lynette DesDunes
Marcia Markway
Marlena Temple
Mary LaCombe
Meagan Blanchard
Melissa Raymond
Morami Engler
Paul Day
Raymond Floyd
Rebekah Cole
Rheagan Shields
Rhonda McNabb
Roxie Smith
Sarah Meriwether
Scott Spell
Sonni Moseley
B. 2025-2026 Counselors of the Year/Tony McCardle, Administrative Director of Career and Technical Education
Elementary Level
Karen Sullivan A.A. Nelson Elementary - Counselor of the Year
Middle School Level
Angela Celestine S.J. Welsh Middle - Counselor of the Year
High School Level
Hope Berry Iowa High - Counselor of the Year
Overall Counselor of the Year
Angela Celestine S.J. Welsh Middle
C. 2025-2026 Librarians of the Year/Beth Ferguson, CPSB Library Consultant
Carol Womack, Dolby Elementary - Elementary Librarian of the Year
Carla Craddock, LeBlanc Middle School - Middle School Librarian of the Year
Kelli Coleman Richard, LaGrange High School - High School Librarian of the Year
Overall District Librarian of the Year - Carla Craddock
D. National Social Work Month/Mike Hill, Administrative Coordinator of Pupil Appraisal
Paula Johnson
Natalie Morris
Chelsie Robles
Melanie Tate
Tracy McNeely
Christina Kudrecki
Ramona Johnston
Chenise Slaughter
Renee Bouzigard
Janice Manual
Paula Hudson
Lottie Lavergne
Rachel Rodriquez
Gerald Mills
Nikida Polk
Kenessa Hubbard
E. National Social Workers/LA Region 5 Public Citizen of the Year for 2026/Eric Johnson/presented by Mike Hill, Administrative Coordinator of Pupil Appraisal
SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT
Dr. VanMetre gave the following report:
1. Program Governance
Program Governance
Our Policy Council Meeting was held on February 9, 2026. The following topics were approved:
Novembers Minutes
Novembers, Decembers and Januarys Directors reports
Novembers, Decembers, January attendance and financial reports
Head Start Annual Report
Program Operations
Campuses celebrated Educational Coachs Day, honoring the hard work and dedication of instructional support staff.
Students participated in bus evacuation drills to practice emergency procedures, supported by transportation teams to ensure safety and confidence.
Mardi Gras festivities were held across campuses, featuring parades with music, student royalty, family participation, and traditional Louisiana culture.
Students across all campuses celebrated Black History Month through a variety of meaningful activities. These included creating posters of influential African Americans, participating in Black History programs, producing art inspired by notable Black artists, and engaging in research projects with their families. Campuses also hosted gallery walks and displays where students presented what they learned, honoring culture, history, and the legacy of Black leaders.
Valentines Day celebrations included cookie decorating, sharing treats, and practicing kindness and friendship.
Parent STEM events gave families the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities such as color mixing and collaborative art projects.
Students created handprint crafts with their families, strengthening school-family connections.
Campuses hosted spirit weeks that encouraged appreciation, creative dress-up days, themed activities, and staff recognition.
2. You have each received the school population report that reflects the ending numbers in January and the ending numbers in February.
3. I would like to report our February 2026 sales tax numbers which show collections at $16,246,877, which is $2,370,110 above budget for the month and $1,460,429 or 9.9% above collections for the same month in 2025.
4. The latest hurricane report was in your packet.
5. All board members are required to complete a Tier 2 Financial Report (Leaders PFD efile system) by May 15. 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.
You are required to create a password in order to complete this report.
l. You have been given an affidavit to sign, both in your packet and at your place
tonight. If you turn that back in to Peggy, she will notarize it for you and upload it to the Board of Ethics.
2. The Board of Ethics will call you and ask you what you want for your password. Please write it down. This is the only way you will be able to file this report.
3. After you have filed the report, either on your own or at our MIS Lab, you will receive an email confirmation that it has been filed. Please keep this or we will be glad to keep it in your file here. Now we no longer have your actual financial statement in your file here, we just will have confirmation that you have completed the required disclosure.
For more information or clarification, please see Peggy.
6. Region V Social Studies Fair This month we hosted the Region V Social Studies Fair. Students from all over the region came to the Burton Coliseum to display their projects and demonstrate the hard work that they have done this year. Thank you to the Social Studies department and volunteers that helped to organize this event.
7. Mardi Gras buses The CPSB Transportation Department worked in conjunction with local law enforcement to provide buses to serve as mobile barriers during the Mardi Parades around the city. CPSB provided 41 buses to provide extra security for parade routes. This is the second year that we have worked on this project for Mardi Gras. Thank you to Mr. McDonald and all the bus drivers that participated.
8. SPED Transition Fair The Special Services Department held a Transition Fair at the Lake Charles Event Center for students this past month. Students and their families were able to meet with agencies that provide transition services and learn about opportunities after high school. Thank you to Mrs. Hill and her team for organizing this event.
9. Robotics State Tournament The Robotics State Tournament was held this past month. Team from all over the state came to the Region V STEM Center to LCB over four days to compete in robotics events. The event was very well attended. Thank you to Mr. Arseneault and his team for putting on such a successful event.
10. Advanced Studies Banquet This month the Advanced Studies Department held their annual banquet at the Lake Charles Event Center. Students from all over the parish were honored for their accomplishments in Advanced Placement and Gifted courses. Thank you to Dr. Caldwell and her staff for this wonderful event.
11. Literacy Day We held our monthly Literacy Day event at Cypress Cove Elementary School this past month. Students at Cypress Cove focused on the importance of reading and District Staff were present to read a book. Thank you to Dr. Anderson and her staff for organizing this event.
12. Tech Con The Technology Department hosted our annual Tech Convention this past weekend. Educators from all over the district were able to learn more about how to use technology to improve teaching and learning in our schools. Thank you to Dr. Caldwell and his team for making this a success.
13. Girls Basketball Finals Congratulations to the Bell City Lady Bruins, LaGrange Lady Gators and Westlake Lady Rams Basketball teams for making it to the State Finals last week.
14. LaGrange NJROTC the LaGrange Navy JROTC program competed in the Jesuit High School competition in New Orleans this past weekend. They placed First in Varsity Color Guard, Second in JV Color Guard and Third in Uniform Inspection. Congratulations to them and First Sergeant Bland and Chief Hamilton for their hard work.
15. CSI - Congratulations to Tony McCardle for being selected as one of eight directors and administrators from across the nation to attend the Conn Selmer Institute this summer at Bethel University in Indiana. This will allow CPSB to continue to lead the way in music education.
16. LSBA This is a reminder that LSBA Conference is at the end of March in Baton Rouge. If you reached out to Mrs. Peg, she registered you already. If you need help securing a hotel room for the state rate of $130.00, please let us know. You will be able to obtain your required one hour of ethics training at one of the sessions in Baton Rouge.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Natali read the following:
A. Executive session to consider settlement of Claim #4A2502N477H-0003/Kyle Beasley, Attorney
B. Executive session to consider settlement of Claim #C566564565-0004-01/Kyle Beasley, Attorney
C. Executive session to consider settlement of Claim # C566564565-0005- 01/Kyle Beasley, Attorney
On a motion by Rev. Wallace and a second by Mrs. Hardy-McReynolds, the Board adjourned into Executive Session at 5:32 p.m. on a unanimous vote.
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION
On a motion by Mrs. Fontenot and a second by Mrs. Hardy-McReynolds, the Board resumed Regular Session at 5:58 p.m. on a unanimous vote.
A. Take appropriate action on settlement of Claim #4A2502N477H-0003/Kyle Beasley, Attorney
On a motion by Mr. Breaux and a second by Dr. Washington, the motion carried to settle Claim #4A2502N477H-0003 on a unanimous vote.
B. Take appropriate action on settlement of Claim #C566564565-0004-01/Kyle Beasley, Attorney
On a motion by Mr. Breaux and a second by Dr. Washington, the motion carried to settle Claim #C566564565-0004-01 on a unanimous vote.
C. Take appropriate action on settlement of Claim # C566564565-0005-01/Kyle Beasley, Attorney
On a motion by Mr. Breaux and a second by Dr. Washington, the motion carried to settle Claim # C566564565-0005-01 on a unanimous vote.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Employee Benefits Committee/February 24, 2026/Billy Breaux, Chair
Mr. Breaux gave the following report:
The Calcasieu Parish School Board Employee Benefits Committee met in the Board Room at 3310 Broad Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 5pm. The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Mr. Billy Breaux. Mrs. Beth Eason led us in prayer and Mr. Mike Hill led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll was called by Mr. Jay Bergeron, and quorum was present. The following committee members were in attendance: Billy Breaux, Mrs. Glenda Gay, Tony OBanion, Patrick Pichon, Dr. Suresh Chiruguru, Vanessa DeVille, Beth Eason, Troy Fontenot, Wayne Foster, Mike Hill, Hollie Howard, Renee Overby-Rule, and Ava Sullivan.
Mrs. Kathy Sonnier with HUB International presented the following information:
- HUB International marketed our current PBM contract and secured a 23.34% lower rate for the 2026-2027 plan year with ExpressScripts and Crumdale. If expenditures were to remain the same, this would result in savings of about $4.6 million. The additional programs that were implemented during 2025-2026 were also discussed.
- Due to national inflation, a continued rise in healthcare costs, and high claimant costs, the health insurance budget is expected to be underfunded by 7.1% by the end of the plan year. A 6.8% increase in insurance premium rates was recommended to address the budget deficit.
Jay Bergeron shared information about the CPSB Wellness Program, which offers employees a 10% discount on their portion of the health insurance premiums. 275 additional employees completed the Fall Walk to Wellness program that is new for the 2025-2026 school year. Due to participation in the Walk to Wellness program, the program as a whole has experienced a 20% increase in total participation from last year, not yet counting the spring semester.
Mrs. Sonnier presented an update on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plan, which was for informational purposes only and did not require a vote.
She then provided a comparison of the three competitive quotes from Humana, Sunlife, and Metlife for the 2026-2027 dental plan.
Finally, the Trustmark Life Plan renewal was discussed briefly. Because there were no changes to this plan for 2026-2027, no vote was needed.
Mr. Bergeron then provided a cost analysis and conclusion on the results of the Employee Health Clinic RFP. The health plans total cost for non-necessary ER visits and outpatient urgent care visits, which were the targeted plan costs for this RFP, was $900k in each of the last two years. The lowest annual fee for any of the national or local companies responding to the RFP was almost $1.8 million. Due to the high annual net cost proposed for clinic services, staff recommended not moving forward with a partnership with any of the responding companies.
Finally, Mrs. Kathy Sonnier provided an overall summary.
Staff recommended an increase of 6.8% in employee health insurance premiums. On a motion by Mrs. Hollie Howard and seconded by Mr. Wayne Foster, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
On behalf of the committee, Mr. Breaux offered a motion to accepted the recommendation; a second was not needed. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Staff also recommended that the committee accept the proposal from Sunlife for 2026-2027 dental benefits. On a motion by Mr. Patrick Pichon and seconded by Dr. Suresh Chiruguru, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
On behalf of the committee, Mr. Breaux offered a motion to accepted the recommendation; a second was not needed. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Troy Fontenot, seconded by Mr. Patrick Pichon, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION
(Items A&B are available for viewing at the end of this document and posted on our site at www.cpsb.org/Minutes).
Mr. Natali read the following:
A. Approval of versions of Ten Commandments to be posted in classrooms per H.B. 71, Act 676
On a motion by Mr. Breaux to accept versions 2, 3, and 4 and a second by Mrs. Fontenot, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
B. Approval of Resolution to retain special counsel, Stutes & Lavergne Law Firm, regarding dispute with St. Charles Gaming Company, LLC., dba Horseshoe Lake Charles
On a motion to approve by Mr. Breaux and a second by Mr. Castille, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE
Mr. Natali read the following:
A. School Nutrition Program: Advertise for RFP bidding for Large & Small Equipment/Food Services Funding
On a motion to approve by Mr. Breaux and a second by Mrs. Hardy-McReynolds, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
B. School Nutrition Program: SY2026: Bid#2026 L&S Equipment/Food Services Funding
Large Equipment
Small Equipment
On a motion to approve by Mr. Castille and a second by Dr. Washington, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
C. SY26-27: Bid#2026-27 PBM & Disposables/Food Services Funding
Produce
Bread
Milk
Disposables
On a motion to approve by Mr. Castille and a second by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
BID REPORTS
Mr. Natali read the following:
A. Bid # 2026-03PC/General Funds/Kitchen Hood Replacement
On a motion to approve by Mr. Castille and a second by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
BID REPORTS FOR RATIFICATION
Mr. Natali read the following:
A. Westlake High School Gymnasium Hurricane Laura Repairs Rebid/Gunter Construction, Inc./$3,555,000.00
On a motion to approve by Mr. Hardesty and a second by Mr. Breaux, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Natali read the following:
A. Change order number two (2) for the project, Phase 4 Improvements Exterior and Interior at R.D. Molo Middle School Ellender Architects & Associates, LLC., Architect; K&J Development of SWLA, LLC., Contractor; Increase of $29,534.00.
On a motion to approve by Mrs. Hardy-McReynolds and a second by Dr. Washington, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
B. Change order number five (5) for the project, Phase 3 New Gym and Site Improvements at Washington-Marion High School Ellender Architects & Associates, LLC., Architect; PERC Developement, LLC., Contractor; Increase of ninety-two (92) days.
On a motion to approve by Mrs. Hardy-McReynolds and a second by Dr. Washington, the motion carried on a unanimous vote.
CONDOLENCES AND RECOGNITIONS
Rev. Wallace, Dr. Washington, and Mrs. Hardy-McReynolds asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Mr. James Wilson.
Mrs. Ayo asked for a letter of condolence to the family of Mr. Allen. LeBouef. She also recognized Krista OQuain from Vincent Settlement for qualifying as a top 10 finalist in the state for support personnel.
Mrs. Hardy-McReynolds congratulated the teams that continued on to the high school basketball playoffs: Washington-Marion, LaGrange, Westlake, and Bell City. She also congratulated Region 5 for the recent Robotics Tournament.
Mr. Pichon recognized the theater program at LaGrange and Barbe for their recent Little Mermaid production.
SCHEDULED COMMITTEES
March 24, 2026 5:00 p.m.
C&I Committee, Budget Committee to follow
ADJOURN MEETING
On a motion by Mr. Breaux and a second by Dr. Washington, the Board adjourned at 6:14 p.m. on a unanimous vote.
Aaron Natali,
President
Jason VanMetre, Ed.D., Secretary
Mar 20 1t
2106633
Notice Cost- $551.50