Warren Easton Principal Alexina Medley ensured the school’s board of directors that students involved in a fight that stopped traffic on Canal Street last week were properly disciplined. The board also approved a much-needed additional bus route as they met Nov. 16.
Medley reported that the student aggressor in the fight was suspended. A witness to the incident wrote a letter to the editor decrying the actions of the students, which was published in the Nov. 10 edition of The Times-Picayune. And that generated this response from a teacher
After Financial Officer Mike Greer brought the need for an additional bus route to the finance committee, the board passed a motion to amend the school’s contract with Berry Transportation for this school year to add the additional bus route at the cost of up to $35,000. The board also accepted Greer’s financial report to the board.
Ken Ducote presented school project updates to the board. He said window replacements and trim work will be done in approximately five weeks. Ducote received two bids for a lightning protection system, one for $20,000 and the other at $40,000. The board debated between the two systems and whether a lightning protection system was necessary at all. They are awaiting the scope of work for the school’s renovation project, as the lightning protection system may fall under this project, which would be funded by the Recovery School District.
The rooms with mold and mildew concerns (202 and 302) can be mostly cleaned by custodial staff, Ducote said. They still may require some additional professional mold abatement, and likely ceiling tile replacement and repainting, which will be completed over the Thanksgiving break he said. The board carried a motion to have the school’s front doors refinished by the original installers for $900.
In other updates, Medley said one security guard resigned leaving the school with two. They plan to have a current coach/substitute rotate in to fill the third spot. The school’s Students Against Violence Everywhere program will run the week of Nov. 28. The program includes speakers, sessions and round-tables on topics including bullying and cyber-bullying. The program also brings in students from other schools. Medley said the school was not chosen for a comprehensive literacy grant because they do not have a consistent elementary “feeder” school.
The Facilities Committee reported the new janitorial service is working well. The Fund-raising Committee updated the board on plans for spring fund-raisers, including a dance at Rock ‘n’ Bowl and a golf tournament.
The board held an executive session regarding a security issue involving a student and further discussion about school publicity. No motions were required after the session.
The meeting began at 6 p.m. and adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Board members David Garland, Robert Delle, Brenda Christiansen, Jeff Zapata, Ronald McDonald, David Napoleon, David Benelli and John Broussard were present.
