Stung by what they say were attacks on them in social media, St. Landry Parish School Board members voiced support for a “vote of confidence” in their employees.
“I tried to ask for a vote of confidence or some discussion of a compliment for the St. Landry Parish employees at one of the last meetings. I was trashed horribly on Facebook for doing that,” said Board member Joyce Haynes at Thursday’s regular Board meeting in Opelousas.
“But I rise today to say to you that I’m grateful for the employees of St. Landry Parish ...” she said.
After the meeting, Haynes said she and the Board were criticized on social media following committee meetings on Oct. 28 and 29.
“I suggest and recommend a vote of confidence for the employees of St. Landry Parish starting with the superintendent, his staff and the employees — the people in the trenches. Those who have been working since the pandemic started. Those who put their lives in danger not only because of the pandemic but because of the hurricanes ...” she said.
Haynes was joined by other Board members.
Board member Denise Rose said she has seen exhaustion in the faces of employees.
She added, “These people know what they are doing.”
Mary Ellen Donatto, a Board member from Eunice, said, “As a Board member I feel fortunate to have all of you on our St. Landry Parish team. You face challenges educating students this year in a pandemic .. you did it with strength. You did it with determination and you did it with absolute amazing stamina.”
Albert Hayes Jr., also a Board member from Eunice, said he supported the “vote of confidence” in the staff.
“They have become essential workers in our economy and society. Without question or complaint they show up for work in hazardous conditions. They adapt themselves to ever changing academic and social changes,” he said.
During the same meeting, the Board was asked to approve a $600 Christmas bonus for full-time employees and $250 for part-time employees.
The bonus is an additional $100 over what had been planned.
Hayes proposed that the full-time employees get a $1,000 bonus and part-timers get $500.
“I’m not asking that we break the piggy bank, but we need to shake it,” he said. “We need to if we have to go into the red come up with $1,000 for all teachers and $500 for all support personnel,” Hayes aid.
Board member Raymond Cassimere, who suggested the $600 bonus, said the superintendent and staff was asked for a recommendation.
Rose said the Hayes’ proposal threw a “monkey wrench” into the budget.
“We have to be fiscally responsible,” she said.
Hayes found support from three other Board members, Hazel Sias, Milton Ambres and Myron Guillory, which was not enough for passage.
The other Board members stuck with the recommended $600 and $250 bonuses.
Superintendent Patrick Jenkins said employees will get the bonus checks on Nov 19.
Other business including allowing the superintendent to negotiate with Sheriff Bobby Guidroz for his staff to use the now vacant Southwest Elementary School in Opelousas for training.
