EPSB’s agenda includes achievements

By: CARISSA HEBERT

Managing Editor

Two schools were recognized at the Evangeline Parish School Board meeting on Wednesday, June 4, for their academic growth during the 2006-2007 school year.

Michael Lombas, personnel supervisor, presented flags to Vidrine Elementary and Basile High School. He said Vidrine Elementary’s baseline school performance score of 80.6 grew to 91.7. He said the state considers a 10-point growth unattainable in one year, yet Vidrine grew by 11 points. “It’s phenomenal,” Lombas said.

Basile High grew from a 90.3 baseline school performance score to 96.3. Lombas said the school grew six points. “Both schools did an awesome job.” Both schools received over $10,000 from the state for this honor.

Lombas said a certificate was given by Louisiana’s BESSE (Board of Elementary and Secondary Education) to Superintendent Toni Hamlin recognizing her for outstanding leadership. He said the state commended Hamlin for her efforts as a leader for the children of Louisiana.

On behalf of the school board, Jerry Thompson, vice president, who led the meeting in the absence of board president Wayne Dardeau, congratulated both schools and Hamlin for their achievements.

In her remarks to the board, Hamlin thanked the board for permission to advertise for the Title One supervisor, the position was vacated by Mary Ann Fontenot when she became the Title One director, and the principalships at Bayou Chicot Elementary and Chataignier Elementary. She said the principalships have been filled by interim principals.

Hamlin said summer school is underway, and there are lots of students on the Ville Platte Elementary and Ville Platte High campuses. She said they had to secure 32 more textbooks for English and Language Arts classes and 33 for math classes. She also said 19 students have been placed as summer workers. Students have come from Basile, Pine Prairie and Mamou and are working at Ville Platte Elementary, Ville Platte High and in several maintenance jobs.

She also gave an update on board member, Dr. Bobby Deshotel’s status, who has been ill. She said Deshotel is back at work and called her to thank her for a get-well card she had sent him on behalf of the board. She said he has not had surgery yet on his knee, but he is progressing well.

Darwin Lazard, desegregation compliance supervisor, gave a report on the district’s work to inform the public of the upcoming tax proposal on the July 19, ballot. He presented everyone with a brochure, and said, Hamlin and other employees have been speaking to several organizations, the staff and radio to bring information to the public. He said some staff members have went door-to-door to bring information to the general public. And some representatives attended the Juneteenth Festival to pass information to the public.

In other business,:

•Peggy Forman, board member, said there will be an executive board meeting Wednesday, June 11, at 2:30 p.m.

•Approved contract renewals for Wendy Lafleur, child welfare and attendance supervisor; Peggy Edwards, principal; Georgeanna Courville, principal; Penelope McDaniel, principal, Susan Bellon, assistant principal; and Delores Lafleur, assistant principal.

•Approved the appointments of summer school personnel, reappointment of support personnel and personnel changes.

•Approved a requisition to purchase cushioning for playground equipment at $13,965.50 for Ville Platte Elementary using LA4 preschool funds.