Changes to general liability are discussed

The Evangeline Parish School District heard from Chief Financial Officer Amy Lafleur regarding changes to the district's general liability insurance during the board's meeting held September 1. She stated the cyber insurance is no longer free, which accounts for the majority of the cost increase. The cost for the 2021-2022 school year will amount to $23,754. Lafleur said the cyber insurance was necessary due to the potential exposure to the district's system. She also said data from individual personal computers is being backed up to the cloud nightly. "We are as backed up as we can be backed up."

In addition to the cyber insurance, Lafleur noted there was an increase of 8.6 percent to the general liability insurance, as well as a 15.6 percent increase in the cost of automobile insurance to the district's policy.

Superintendent Darwan Lazard addressed the two-day school closure due to the weather from Tropical Storm Nicholas on Tuesday, September 14 and Wednesday, September 15. He said some remote learning did take place on those two days. Lazard attended a weather meeting with First Student, and based on the information given at the time, it was better for the bus drivers not to take chances on the roads in order to keep everyone safe. He noted Mamou Elementary and Mamou High School did take on water due to flooding. The custodial staff, Lazard, said, did a wonderful job of pumping out the water and then sanitizing and disinfecting the building in order for students and staff to return to school. Lazard, along with the schools' principals, visited the campuses to inspect the damage and clean up efforts.

Early Childhood Coordinator Penny McDaniel added she met with Representative Rhonda Butler about the flooding at the Mamou campuses and was told the situation is a top priority. Lazard added the town's mayor has a plan to help with the drainage in the areas of the two campuses, as the drainage issues are not campus-related, but due to outside problems that need to be fixed.

In other business, the board:

Approved the minutes of the September 1, meeting.

Approved the low bid of $10,562 from May's Heating and Cooling for an air conditioning unit at Pine Prairie High School. Funds from the Parish-wide maintenance fund will be used for the project.