LPSS board meeting to tackle lawsuit, pay changes and new policies
Several items with potentially long-term financial and operational impacts for Lafayette Parish schools are slated for action at this Thursday's Lafayette Parish School Board meeting. While the agenda includes recognitions and routine business, key items involve litigation tied to a delayed construction project at Southside High School, changes to employee compensation, financing for the Ovey Comeaux Workforce Innovation Academy and revisions to testing policies governing student cell phones. Southside High litigation could draw attention The board is expected to enter executive session to discuss potential litigation involving the school system, Stutes Construction Company LLC and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company over the Southside High School concession stand project. According to the agenda, board members will discuss possible legal action as well as a potential settlement related to liquidated damages associated with the project. The board also will discuss two workers' compensation matters involving claims filed by Merril Dickerson and Kathy Allen. Because all three cases are scheduled for executive session, public discussion will be limited. However, any action taken afterward could provide insight into whether the district plans to pursue litigation, negotiate a settlement or close out outstanding claims. Salary schedule revised to include $2,000 stipend Board members are expected to