LSD Concerns

Sent On behalf of State Superintendent Paul Pastorek

The following information is provided to address the concerns raised after the BESE meeting:

1.      Psychologist and Counselors – retained 2 school counselors and one Residential Therapeutic Specialist. Two behavioral specialists will be added.

a.       Positions eliminated were the school psychologist and two social workers.

b.      A school counselor for each school will be retained.

c.       School counselors will change their role; currently they serve as school disciplinarians. This role will change to serving as a traditional school counselor.

d.      New Behavioral Strategist positions created to address the Positive Behavior Supports System LSD has put in place.

e.      Persons whose positions have been eliminated may apply for the new positions. They may also have “bumping rights” to existing positions, based on their certifications.  

f.        Student services are primary for all areas of reduction and expansion.

2.       IT – retained 3 between LSD and LSVI. SSD has IT contract.

a.       Two LSD IT staff have been retained.

b.      LSVI has one IT staff who will be retained.

c.       SSD has a contract for IT services that will be available for use at the two schools.

3.       Signing

a.       Signing is more important than seniority (certification is first qualification for certain positions).

b.      All retained dorm staff will have SCPI ratings of Intermediate Plus or better, if Civil Service approves our request for an exception/exemption to the Civil Service Rules.

c.       Signing will continue to be a priority.

4.       Director

a.       I am currently waiting on Dr. Joe Fischgrund to begin this process.

b.      An Interim Director was identified. Dr. Donna Alleman will begin work on June 1.

c.       Dr. Alleman may wish to apply for the permanent Director’s position and she would be encouraged to apply.

d.      According to Dr. Fischgrund, it takes at least one year for an appropriate search to occur.

5.       Advisory Board – currently in place, but not meeting as often as needed.

a.       Eight identified members: Lynn Blanchard, Affiliated Blind of Lafayette; John Allen, Methodist Home for Youth, Ruston; Brooke Aldridge, LSD; Chris Sonnier, President of Eagle Eyes; Willie Turner, LSD; Bill Caballero, LSVI; Kevin Lemoine, SSD; and Janet Ford, LSVI.

b.      Established and charged with protecting the integrity of the two schools.

c.       LSD and LSVI staff selected for historical significance.

d.      Alumni of both schools represented.

6.       Cost Savings by outsourcing – currently no additional outsourcing has been identified. If outsourcing occurs, the savings will be realized at that time; none have been identified at this time.

7.       The plan is on the BESE website. Any information provided at the BESE meeting will be posted on LSD’s website for parents, staff and community members to access.

If your concerns have not been addressed, please feel free to let me know and we will do our best to address any additional concerns you may have. 

Liz

Elizabeth “Liz” Moore

Interim State Director

Special School District