Spending power of superintendent is increased

On the March 3 meeting of the Evangeline Parish School Board, the board voted to increase Superintendent Darwan Lazard’s authority to approve purchases above $5,000. President Wayne Dardeau said the $5,000 limit had been in place for more than 20 years. He proposed setting the limit to $10,000, giving an example of Lazard needing to order several heating/cooling units at a time. By raising the limit, the superintendent would not have to wait for the next school board meeting to get the purchase approved if the purchase is necessary.
Board member Peggy Forman asked if purchasing more items in bulk, such as air conditioners, would save more money in the long run. Lazard said they could get a better price for some of the purchases if they buy in bulk, but said when trying to have a stock pile of needed items, things move more quickly if he is allowed to make these purchases without having to wait on board approval.
Board member Mike Fontenot said,” We could get those savings by getting them approved at prior meetings before the purchase.” Lazard said that would be true if you know what you need to buy, but sometimes you don’t know. Fontenot responded, “For 15 or 20 air conditioners, you should know that ahead of time and bring it to us.” Lazard said air conditioners was just an example, but reiterated sometimes unexpected situations happen when he will need to authorize purchases and maybe cannot wait for board approval.
The majority of the board agreed to increase the superintendent’s purchase limit to $10,000, with the only opposition from Fontenot.
In his closing comments, Lazard congratulated Basile High School for their wrestling team being state champions for the third year in a row for division three. He also acknowledged Susan Roden Scott who, along with her friends, donated band instruments for Chataignier Elementary. She and her friends were able to obtain three flutes, four clarinets, two trumpets, and one trombone at a value of $2,400.
Roden mailed the items to Michael McElroy, Chataignier Elementary’s band teacher. McElroy came into contact with Scott when he was shopping on social media for band instruments, and he struck up a conversation with Scott, who lives in Florida. “That shows the ingenuity of our personnel,” said Lazard.
In other business, Lazard said he was grateful to all the pharmacies and local hospitals for working with the school district to get vaccines for all employees. Vaccines are set to begin March 10. Vaccines are voluntary for employees.
Lazard also announced high school sports venues can now allow 50% capacity at all venues now that the state is in Phase III of reopening from the pandemic.