Principal arrest sparks debate

Sparks flew briefly at the Iberia Parish School Board meeting Wednesday night when District 10 board member Blaine Meche asked about the administrative leave effective July 30 granted to Darius Sias, principal of the Alternative Center for Education.

Sias was arrested July 30 on drug possession and counterfeit money charges after Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies raided his McIlhenny Street home in New Iberia.

“This individual violated the policy of the board,” Meche said. “Is that not grounds enough to terminate?”

Iberia Parish schools Superintendent Dale Henderson said the situation is a legal, law enforcement matter right now and the School Board is keeping in “almost daily” contact with all parties involved.

School Board president Elvin Pradia, of District 2, explained to Meche that the School Board “cannot jump the gun right now on a matter that could hurt us later on down the road.”

Meche said he believed there is no point in even having a policy if the School Board was not prepared to enforce it the same for everyone.

In other business, board members were given a presentation by Zachary Mitchell, program director for the Families in Need of Service program.

“We have found many kids where the school system has exhausted all possible (disciplinary and truancy) action,” Mitchell said. “Once that happens the case is turned over to us and we in turn activate all resources that would benefit not only the kids but the families as well.”

Mitchell said there are currently 144 children in the program.

“It seems the local media is placing an emphasis on juvenile crime in our area,” Mitchell said. “We are trying to save any kid we possibly can by providing all the services available.”

School Board member Clara Carrier of District 1 asked Mitchell if there have been any cases where the FINS program was unable to help a child. Mitchell said he could remember a situation with a young man where a change in home environment was necessary.

“We went as far as seeking placement in another place and despite efforts to help him, he still chose to break the law,” Mitchell said.

School Board second vice-president Mary Davis, of District 4, said she is pleased with the program’s efforts.

“My hat goes off to y’all,” she said. “I have been hearing great things about this program.”

The board also voted unanimously to increase the mileage rate paid to contract bus drivers. Michael Judice, assistant superintendent, suggested to raise the mileage rate to 50 cents per mile. The board also voted unanimously to pay for liability insurance for all contract drivers.

Raymond Noel, supervisor of transportation and related instruction for the Iberia Parish School Board, said contract drivers are currently reimbursed for a portion of the coverage. He asked the board that these changes become effective retroactively from Aug. 1.

In closing statements, Henderson said the Iberia Parish school system is “ready to go” for the first day of school Friday. He said Jefferson Island Elementary, Center Street Elementary and Magnolia Elementary, all under construction during the summer months, are ready for students and teachers.

Henderson said the school system welcomed 90 new teachers for the 2008-09 school year.