The Evangeline Parish School Board approved a low-price quote from EQ Solutions, in the amount of $40,300.00, for labor and materials for renovation and construction of an apartment and kitchen lab/classroom for special education students at Ville Platte High School. The request was made by Special Education Director, Roxanne West. West states that plans to bring this program to Pine Prairie High School within the year are already underway. West thanked the board for their support.
With school starting August 9th, Superintendent Darwan Lazard stated, “I’ve had this question asked of me, why are we starting so early? Well, we have a number of holidays, we have to get in. A certain number of work days. We also have to build in some days into the calendar in case we have snow in Ville Platte and Basile, as we had this past year. So, we want to make sure we are well prepared so that we can serve the students of Evangeline Parish.”
Other business:
The board received a special presentation from Basile High School Assistant Principal Johnny Deshotel, highlighting the school’s academic and athletic achievements. A slide show presentation showcased their new school building, welding shop, and running track.
A public hearing will be held on August 1st to consider adoption of 2018 millage rates for the 2018 tax year.
CFO Amy Lafleur announced the Evangeline Parish School Board sales tax distribution amount for 2017-2018 is $2,284,396.84. That’s $186,973.98 less compared to the 2016-2017 year.
The board approved the Addendum to Pupil Progression Plan for 2018-2019. This is an academic improvement plan to identify students in grades 4th and 8th who have not met an acceptable level of performance in the core subjects and will be provided an individual academic improvement plan.
The board approved a revision of the “tuition reimbursement form” offering teachers tuition assistance through title I, title II, and special education funds. For staying in the parish for a minimum of 3 years, teachers will receive $2,500 (previously $2,000) in student loan reimbursements per year.
The board approved the renewal of the current student accident insurance plan.
The board approved a low bid from Leaser Construction, Inc. In the amount of $139,000.00 for removal and elevated replacement of Mamou High School gym floors using the parish-wide maintenance fund.
The board approved the adoption of the 2018-2019 student handbook and reference guide.
-Minor changes were made to handbook to include:
Calendar update
Testing schedule update
Dress code policy
FERPA, etc. Language update.
The board approved a contract renewal for Gregory Guillory, assistant principal presently assigned to Vidrine Elementary School, present 2-year contract renewed effective November 18,2018.