Former Lafayette Parish School Board member Rickey Hardy said the decision LPSS made to remove gifted and immersion programs from Paul Breaux Middle and place them at other schools, violates the school board's rules on making decisions.

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- A former school board member is expressing his concerns about the Lafayette Parish School System's decision to remove certain programs from Paul Breaux Middle. This comes after the highly anticipated school board meeting last night left many in the community upset.

Former Lafayette Parish School Board member Rickey Hardy said the decision LPSS made to remove gifted and immersion programs from Paul Breaux Middle and place them at other schools, violates the school board's rules on making decisions.

"Now, the action that the board was taking may have violated again, their own rule, which is Robert's Rules of Order," Hardy said.

In a five to four vote, school board members decided to relocate the gifted programs from Paul Breaux Middle School to Edgar Martin Middle School and relocate the French and Spanish Immersion Magnet Academy to Scott Middle School.

Hardy said Robert's Rules of Order serves as a guide in how the school board holds its meetings and make decisions and the decision to remove those programs from Paul Breaux Middle is a violation to Robert's rules of order two-thirds vote rule.

"They're in violation of their own board policy and the Robert Rules of Order, because it requires two-thirds vote to be able to change something," Hardy said. "They would need six to be able to change the existing policy of the French immersion because that was voted upon by board members at that time."

Hardy said a new policy will need to be introduced wanting to end the existing policy of having the programs at Paul Breaux Middle. Then two-thirds of school board members will need to vote on implementing the newly introduced policy, before creating a new one wanting to replace the programs.

"You need a two-thirds vote, and then you need possibly two-thirds vote to implement what you're trying to do," Hardy said.

Hardy said along with other community members who are frustrated, something needs to be done and he encourages Paul Breaux Middle School supporters to read the rules for themselves, petition and continue to make their voices heard.

"If, in fact, if they are dissatisfied, he could file a temporary restraining order or injunctive relief to get a remedy or go back into federal court," he said.

LPSS responded in a statement last night's board meeting including action taken on the agenda items was conducted in accordance with Lafayette Parish School Board Policy and Robert's Rules of Order.

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