PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
St. Landry Parish School Board
June 6, 2024
The St. Landry Parish School Board met in regular session on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the St. Landry Parish School Board Supplementary Resource Center, 1013 Creswell Lane, Opelousas, Louisiana.
1. OPENING OF MEETING
Procedural: A. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 P.M.
Procedural: B. Roll Call
Roll call was taken and in attendance were the following members:
Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Renee Aymond was not in attendance.
Courtney Joiner, attorney for the board, was also in attendance.
Procedural: C. Prayer
A prayer was recited by Raymond Cassimere
Procedural D. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Procedural: F. Resolutions of Sympathy
Upon motion of the entire membership of the board, the following Resolutions of Sympathy were adopted:
• James Tatman, Jr., retired St. Landry Parish School Board educator; past president of St. Landry Parish Teachers Association; father of Michael Tatman, retired teacher, Beau Chene High; and father-in-law of Linda Tatman, Assistant Principal at Port Barre Elementary
• Jackie Stuaft Beard, retired educator, administrator, and basketball coach; former St. Landry Parish School Board member, District #5; father of Hals Beard, retired Agriculture Teacher at North Central High; father-in-law of Tracy Beard, retired Facilitator at Washington Career & Technical Education Center; and grandfather of Heidi Richard, teacher at Beau Chene High
• Norward Joseph Richard, retired SLPSB bus driver; father of Denise Brinkhaus, SPED Para at Cankton Elementary; and uncle of Roxanne Quebedeaux, SPED Para at Cankton Elementary . Ashton Terrill Edwards, freshman at Eunice High School . Janie Dupre, retired educator
Procedural: G. Board President’s Comments
Mary Donatto, Board President, addressed the board and audience
Presentations, Procedural: H. Presentations and Recognitions
• Retirees
• Linda Decuir - Early Childhood Teacher - Cankton - 25 yrs
• Carol Aguillard - Teacher - East Elem. - 33.22 yrs
• Judy Knott - Custodian - Grand Prairie Elem. - 24.41 yrs
• Lydia Volter - Cafeteria Manager - Opelousas Middle - 20 yrs
• Ruby Guillory - Lunchroom Tech - OHS - 18.55 yrs
• Brenda Guidry - Bus Attendant - Northwest High - 15.42 yrs
• Debra Meuillion - Para - Park Vista Elem. - 25.74 yrs
• Gayvonne Cheney Mauldin - Teacher - Leonville Elem. - 6 yrs
• Richard Merritt - Teacher - Eunice Jr. High - 35 yrs
• Charles Sturgis - Teacher - Beau Chene High - 30 yrs
• Mary Dunn - Lunchroom Tech - SLATS - 13.27 yrs
• Shanda Guidry - Bus Driver - Beau Chene 27 yrs
• Donna Hebert - Teacher - Port Barre Middle - 25 yrs
• Tammy Stanford - Teacher- Glendale Elem. - 30 yrs
• Leanna Soileau - Teacher- Eunice High - 35 yrs
• Lynda Perrodin - Learning Center Teacher - Glendale - 37.41 yrs
• Ramona Fuselier - Para - Leonville Elem. - 30.65 yrs
• Students
• Marissa Fogleman - North Central High School Graduate - Associates Degree in General Studies - Northwestern State University (*First in the district to graduate from NSU)
• Evan Jones - Palmetto Elementary - “2 Million Word Reader” .
• Mackenzie Smith - Palmetto Elementary - “1 Million Word Reader”
Procedural: I. Superintendent’s Comments
Superintendent Milton Batiste addressed the board and audience
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Action, Minutes: A. Regular Board Meeting held on May 2, 2024
Action, Minutes: B. Committee of the Whole Meeting held on May 21, 2024
Motion to approve minutes.
Motion by Milton Ambres, second by Raymond Cassimere.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
3. BUILDINGS, LANDS, AND SITES RECOMMENDATION
Action, Discussion: A. Discussion and/or action to approve the clearing of Morrow Elementary property (8.5 acres) in the amount of $9,500.00. - Ms. Claudia Blanchard
Motion to approve the clearing of Morrow Elementary property (8.6 acres) in the amount of $9,500.00.
Motion by Bianca Vedell, second by Tiffany Nolan.
Substitute motion to table item to next committee meeting to determine if property can be sold as is, Motion by Anthony Standberry, second by Kyle Boss.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Nay: Bianca Vedell
4. EXECUTIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
Motion to add the following item to the agenda:
Discussion and/or action to approve the request of financial assistance in the amount of $500.00 for North Central High School’s National History Day participants to participate at the National History Day National Contest on June 9 -13, 2024, at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Motion by Bianca Vedell, second by Milton Ambres
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Action, Discussion: A. Discussion and/or action to approve the request of financial assistance in the amount of $500.00 for North Central High School’s National History Day participants to participate at the National History Day National Contest on June 9 -13, 2024, at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Motion to approve the request of financial assistance in the amount of $500.00 for North Central High School’s National History Day participants to participate at the National History Day National Contest on June 9 -13, 2024, at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Motion by Milton Ambres, second by Bianca Vedell
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Action, Discussion: B, Discussion and/or action to approve Student Rights and Responsibilities District Handbook revisions. - Mrs. Dwanetta Scott
Motion to approve Student Rights and Responsibilities District Handbook revisions.
Motion by Tiffany Nolan, second by Timmakah Hardy.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Action, Discussion: C. Discussion and/or action to approve Parent and Family Engagement Policy (IFD). - Mrs. Dwanetta Scott
Motion to approve Parent and Family Engagement Policy (IFD).
Motion by Milton Ambres, second by Joyce Haynes.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Action, Discussion: D. Discussion and/or action to approve Student Fees, Fines and Charges Policy (JS). - Mrs. Dwanetta Scott
Motion to approve Student Fees, Fines and Charges Policy (JS).
Motion by Joyce Haynes, second by Milton Ambres.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Action, Discussion: E. Discussion and/or action to approve appointing The Eunice News as the official journal for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. - Mr. Milton Batiste
Motion to approve appointing The Eunice News as the official journal for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Motion by Milton Ambres, second by Raymond Cassimere,
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Action, Discussion: F. Discussion and/or action to reschedule the Board Committee meetings currently scheduled for June 24-25, 2024, to a Committee of the Whole meeting, to be held on June 18, 2024. - Mr. Milton Batiste
Motion to reschedule the Board Committee meetings currently scheduled for June 24-25, 2024, to a Committee of the Whole meeting, to be held on June 18, 2024.
Motion by Kyle Boss, second by Milton Ambres.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Action, Discussion: G, Discussion and/or action to approve Superintendent Evaluation instrument. - Ms. Mary Donatto
Motion to approve Superintendent Evaluation instrument.
Motion by Raymond Cassimere, second by Joyce Haynes.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
5. FINANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
Action, Discussion: A. Discussion and/or action to approve an increase to the “At Cost” meal prices from $4.12 to $4.25 for Breakfast and from $6.15 to $6.25 for Lunch effective July 1, 2024. - Ms. Shaun Grantham
Motion to approve an increase to the “At Cost” meal prices from $4.12 to $4.25 for Breakfast and from $6.15 to $6.25 for Lunch effective July 1, 2024.
Motion by Milton Ambres, second by Joyce Haynes.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Action, Discussion: B. Discussion and/or action to incorporate salary increases into the 2024-2025 budget for the following positions: Maintenance Licensed, Computer Technician 3, Business-Accountants Schedule, Business-Masters Schedule, Director of Curriculum, Director of Finance. - Ms. Shaun Grantham
Motion to incorporate salary increases into the 2024-2025 budget for the following positions: Maintenance Licensed, Computer Technician 3, Business-Accountants Schedule, Business-Masters Schedule, Director of Curriculum, Director of Finance.
Motion by Robert Gautreaux, second by Milton Ambres.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Nay: Hazel Sias
Action, Discussion: C. Discussion and/or action to approve a Differentiated Compensation One-Time Stipend Distribution Plan. - Mrs. Kellie Rabalais
Motion to approve a Differentiated Compensation One-Time Stipend Distribution Plan.
Motion by Milton Ambres, second by Joyce Haynes,
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
6. PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Action, Discussion: A. Discussion and/or action to approve Louisiana Applicant Processing Services (LAPS). - Mrs. Kellie Rabalais
Motion to approve Option 3 of the Louisiana Applicant Processing Services (LAPS).
Motion by Joyce Haynes, second by Robert Gautreaux.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Action, Discussion: B, Discussion and/or action to approve job description for Chief Financial Officer and/or Salary Schedule. - Mr. Milton Batiste
Motion to approve job description for Chief Financial Officer and Salary Schedule.
Motion by Robert Gautreaux, second by Joyce Haynes.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
7. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Discussion: A. In accordance with La. R.S. 42:17 (A)(2), the board shall enter in executive session to discuss Superintendent’s Evaluation.
Motion to enter into executive session.
Motion by Milton Ambres, second by Raymond Cassimere
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: AnthonyStandberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Motion to exit out of executive session.
Motion by Joyce Haynes, second by Milton Ambres
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Superintendent Milton Batiste received a rating of 3.6 (Outstanding) on his evaluation.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Action: A. Adjourn the Meeting
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 P.M.
Motion by Hazel Sias, second by Milton Ambres.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Anthony Standberry, Bianca Vedell, Hazel Sias, Joyce Haynes, Kyle Boss, Mary Donatto, Milton Ambres, Randy Wagley, Raymond Cassimere, Robert Gautreaux, Tiffany Nolan, Timmakah Hardy
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Donatto, President
ATTEST: Milton Batiste III, Superintendent
TRANSCRIBED BY: Valencia Thierry-Tyler
(PUBLISH: JULY 25, 2024) 1T