Franklinton, Louisiana
January 13, 2000
6:30 P.M.
The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following board members present: President Harold Smith, Karl Bickham, Juanita Barker, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Hayward Boone, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: None.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order.
The meeting was called to order by President Smith. He welcomed guests, School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn, and news media present.
Agenda Item #2 - Invocation.
The invocation was given by Bruce Brown.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the December 9, 1999 regular board meeting.
It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board adopt the minutes of the December 9, 1999, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to approve bids and allow Superintendent Fowler to enter into contracts for equipment, maintenance, telecommunications services, and upgrades to Internet network for the Washington Parish School Board during the 2000-2001 school year under the federal e-Rate program (Rebecca Kemp).
In the absence of Rebecca Kemp, Technology Director/Grant Facilitator, Superintendent Fowler briefly reviewed this agenda item. Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fowler, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board approve bids and authorize Superintendent Fowler to enter into contracts for equipment, maintenance, telecommunications services, and upgrades to Internet network for the Washington Parish School Board during the 2000-2001 school year under the federal e-Rate program, as follows: SEE ATTACHED. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to adopt a parish wide uniform policy (T. J. Butler, Jr.).
Following discussion regarding types, or brands, of jeans that will be allowed, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the following uniform policy be adopted, pending amending, as needed, to clarify regulations regarding jeans: SEE ATTACHED. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments be approved, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
DISABILITY RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Pine School: Travis Ann Hunt, School Clerk, Disability Retirement Resignation effective January 12, 2000.
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Primary School: Monica Thomas, Pre-School Teacher (Part-time - 1 day per week), Resignation effective January 7, 2000.
Franklinton Primary School: Angela Fleming, Speech Therapist Assistant, Resignation effective January 14, 2000.
Enon Elementary School: Gilbert O'Neal Bond, Speech Therapist Assistant, Resignation effective January 3, 2000 (On sabbatical leave - 1999/2000 Fall semester; must pay back all salary received during this period).
Pine School: Russell W. McCoy, Regular Teacher/Head Football Coach, Resignation effective January 14, 2000.
TRANSFER:
Dannette Boyet, School Clerk, Varnado High School, TO School Clerk, Pine School, effective February 11, 2000.
SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Central Office: Pamela F. Williford, Special Education Supervisor, Sabbatical Leave for Professional Improvement effective the 2000/2001 school year only.
EXTENDED SICK LEAVE:
Pine School: Shanda Passman, Food Service Worker, Extended Sick Leave effective January 3, 2000, through May 31, 2000.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Primary School: Melissa S. Lebo, Speech Therapist Assistant, effective the Spring semester only of the 1999/2000 school year (CERTIFIED).
Pine School: Christian N. Kemp, Regular Teacher, effective January 18, 2000, and for the remainder of the 1999/2000 school year only (CIRCULAR 665).
Pine/Thomas Schools: Tammy Voth, Music Teacher, effective January 13, 2000, and for the remainder of the 1999/2000 school year only (TTA).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Belinda Jackson, Special Education Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, effective January 13, 2000, and for the remainder of the 1999/2000 school year only (CIRCULAR 665).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Franklinton School District: Extend the route of Hazel Garrett 4.8 miles one way to pick up Kendall Cunningham and Nathan Lebo. Effective date: November 5, 1999.
Varnado School District: Extend the route of Bobby Matthews 2.2 miles one way to pick up Kim Carrington. Effective date: November 2, 1999.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Kennedy informed the Board that applications will be accepted the next two weeks for the position of Special Education Paraprofessional at Wesley Ray Elementary School. This position is for the 1999/2000 Spring semester only.
Agenda Item #8 - Superintendent's Report.
Superintendent Fowler informed the Board that staff development for teachers is being held January 13 & 14, 2000.
Agenda Item #9 - Other business from board members.
None.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 72:6.1A(7) concerning student disciplinary appeal (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Richard Thomas, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 72:6.1A(7) concerning student disciplinary appeal. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board affirm the decision by the Superintendent's designee, Ms. Eathel Seal, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, to assign the student to Alternative School beginning November 9, 1999, until June 21, 2000. Motion carried unanimously.
President Smith declared a five-minute recess.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(1) for purposes of a tenure hearing, and LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(4) concerning investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(1) for purposes of a tenure hearing, and LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(4) concerning investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the Board accept the resignation of Linda Corkern, Bus Operator, Franklinton Schools, effective January 13, 2000. Roll call vote was as follows:
District 1 - Harold Smith FOR
District 2 - Karl Bickham FOR
District 3 - Bruce Brown FOR
District 4 - Richard N. Thomas FOR
District 5 - Hayward Boone FOR
District 6 - Susanne Jones FOR
District 7 - Holly James FOR
District 8 - Juanita Barker FOR
District 9 - Freddie Jefferson FOR
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Richard Thomas, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.