Following the resignation of District 3 School Board member Darren Vidrine, the Evangeline Parish School Board approved the appointment of his wife, Karen Vidrine to fill his position. After taking the Oath of Office, Vidrine accepted a plaque on behalf of her husband, who was unable to attend the meeting. She then, took her seat among the board.

The board received an update from Maintenance & Operations Facilitator, Jason Hazelton, concerning their school maintenance and safety walk-through inspections. Two schools were recognized for having the best inspection scores for this quarter. Janitorial staff of big school winner, Pine Prairie High School, and small school winner, Chataignier Elementary, were recognized and awarded $25 Walmart gift cards. Hazelton stated, that the purpose of these inspections is to increase safety, while “pursuing positive relationships with state agencies”.

Hazelton was also proud to announce a 76.5% decrease in deficiencies noted on Fire Marshall inspections.

Lastly, Superintendent Darwan Lazard reminded the public, that due to past school cancelations, Evangeline Parish will have school on Memorial Day, May 28^th. Lazard hoped to clear some confusion, by reminding the public that by law, students must receive 63,720 instructional minutes. Teachers are required 182 work days, and not all days will be instructional.

Other business:

- Board accepted two letters of retirement, one for Pine Prairie High School Assistant Principal, Delores Fontenot, and W.W Stewart Elementary School teacher, Angela Guidry.

- Board received EPSB sales tax review from CFO Amy Lafleur, stating that in April 2018, $689,913.39 was collected, which is $90,326.47 less than April 2017.

- Board received a special visit from Mamou High School’s new Social Media Team, who after the meeting, showed the public a video they put together.

- Low bid of $73,000.00 from Tudor, Inc. was accepted for removal and replacement of first floor wood finish in the two-story red brick building at Bayou Chicot Elementary.

- Low price quote of $10,945.00 from Jeanmard, Inc.  was accepted for metal pavilion for stem program at Chataignier Elementary School to conduct outdoor classroom activities and experiments.