Board discusses energy efficiency

After some debate, the Acadia Parish School Board gave the green light to move forward in seeing what performance-based energy efficiency contract proposals could mean for schools in the district.

At its August meeting, the board received a recommendation report from IMC Consulting Engineers. Inc., based out of Metairie. In its review of the three contracts, IMC came to the conclusion that Johnson Controls, Inc., was the company to go with under the contract structures. IMC presented the board with a full breakdown of the three contract proposals and how it came to the conclusion that JCI was the recommendation.

The measure passed 6-1 with Board Member Lynn Shamsie recording the only “nay” vote and Board Member Milton Simar absent Monday night.

Shamsie’s vote stemmed from he explained as a lack of knowledge as to what each school would be looking at in regards to the project. That, however, will not come until much later in the process.

Later on, if the board decides to continue forward, it will move into contract negotiations to get a breakdown of what energy efficiency projects can be performed at each school.

For now, the board is only agreeing to start looking into entering into a contract with one of the companies. It also gave the Dr. Doug Chance the authority to apply for Qualified Zone Academy Bonds, which would mean 0 percent interest for the board.

The meeting also gave the school board the chance to talk to district judge candidate David Smith. The board voiced its concerns with ongoing attendance issues and Smith talked about ways he could help the board as well as his continued concern for the number of juveniles turning to crime.

On its routine items agenda, the board unanimously passed the following recommendations by the Personnel, Insurance and Curriculum Committee:

• The acceptance of Head Start’s Annual Report;

• The acceptance of Head Start’s Program Involvement Plan for Federal Onsite Visit Report, its policy changes and program plans;

• The acceptance of the new Head Start community representatives, including Board Member David Lalande as the board representative; and

• The renewal of the contract with AMIkids Acadiana (Board Member James Higginbotham abstained).

The following Budget and Finance Committee recommendations were approved unanimously:

• The acceptance of CLECO’s request for a right-of-way on a tract of school board-owned property which has been leased to the Acadia Parish Police Jury;

• The renewal of worker’s compensation excess coverage; and 

• To pay the monthly bills.

Superintendent John Bourque pointed out that the school district is “excited for another school year to start,” as it will next week, and that staff meetings have been productive.

The Acadia Parish School Board will hold committee meetings Wednesday, Aug. 20, and its next general meeting Monday, Sept. 8, due to Labor Day.