Evangeline Parish School Board Meeting August 19, 2020 Evangeline Parish School Board members Wednesday were given last minute details about the start of the school year scheduled for August 24 in parish public schools. Some 5725 students are enrolled to attend classes with about 1400 of those attending an online Evangeline Virtual Academy school. Officials from First Student, the transportation company contracted to transport school students, announced that they were able to reduce the cost of disinfecting school buses. First Student Manager Hubert Mabe announced the company has reduced the cost of disinfecting the school buses twice per day from $6,000 a month to $1700 a month. The school board will be responsible for the cost. Technology Coordinator John Deranger announced that the 1100 chrome books for school students to use at school and in the virtual school have not arrived. He said the devices are being manufactured in China and have had three delays because of the great demand all over the country. He told the school board the latest projection is the devices should arrive by the middle of September. Deranger felt the school district still has 4500 chromebooks in stock from previous years. "I am confident we can meet the needs of the students.", he commented. Deranger also said the big challenge facing the school district is a lack of internet access for students in rural areas especially in the northern part of the parish. Towers are planning to be installed at each school site where parents of virtual school students can bring their students to school properties to get connected with their devices. Board member Wayne Dardeau warned his fellow members that their phones will be ringing from concerned parents over the lack of connectivity in certain parts of the parish. Also, it was announced that 1500 internet hot spots are expected to arrive by Friday. Assistant Superintendent Mike Lombas reported that that there will be up to four teachers from each school in the parish teaching students online. The principals from each school will choose those teachers. Connie Guillory, Title Two Director reported on the success of the recent Technology Boot Camp to prepare teachers. Some 300 teachers completed the training putting in some 1200 hours. Board President Wayne Dardeau issued a statement at the beginning of the meeting to make sure parents understand that the superintendent never stated that the school district will be able to comply with the six feet separation policy. The superintendent and the board announced that the rule will be followed to the greatest extent possible. In other action, the school board: --received news that former Basile High Coach and Principal Tony Bertrand has been named as new Maintenance Supervisor; --was notified that the final group of French Immersion teachers have arrived at their new homes in Evangeline Parish. The French Immersion program is going on at Ville Platte Elementary and Mamou Elementary schools; --approved the purchase of $56,000 worth of privacy shields for teacher desks throughout the parish; --received word that parents of Evangeline Virtual Academy students will be getting log in information and schedules from their teachers during the first week of school.