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, Susanne Jones, Hayward Boone, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Holly James.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order.
The meeting was called to order by President Smith. He welcomed School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn, guests, and news media.
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 January 27, 2000, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the January 27, 2000, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to adopt a proclamation recognizing the week of February 21-25, 2000, as Literacy Week in Washington Parish, and declaring Monday, February 21, 2000, as "The Great Louisiana Read-In" (Dennie Fowler).
Debra Lee, President, Washington Parish Reading Council, recognized Betty Hughes, Literacy Chairperson. Mrs. Hughes requested that the Board adopt a proclamation recognizing Literacy Week in Washington Parish. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the following proclamations
recognizing the week of February 21-25, 2000, as Literacy Week in Washington Parish, and declaring Monday, February 21, 2000, as "The Great Louisiana Read-In:"
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the ability to read and to write is fundamental to the acquisition of knowledge and to academic achievement; and
WHEREAS, illiteracy is a pronounced impediment to the fulfillment of personal and community goals relating to an informed, educated populace; and
WHEREAS, a literate society profoundly affects the well-being and productivity of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Washington Parish School Board is committed to the development of literacy through the provision of a quality education for its students;
THEREFORE, the week of February 21 - 25, 2000, is recognized as Literacy Week in Washington Parish with dedication to the goal of literacy for all.
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I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of a proclamation adopted by the Washington Parish School Board in regular session on February 10, 2000.
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Dennie Fowler, Superintendent/Secretary
SUPERINTENDENT'S PROCLAMATION
The Louisiana Reading Association (LRA), through the Washington Parish Reading Council, is seeking to promote reading as the most fundamental and important aspect of our educational experience. It is every human's right to become a lifelong reader and to enhance intellectual growth and personal fulfillment.
We support LRA's efforts to celebrate literacy awareness by declaring MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2000, AS "THE GREAT LOUISIANA READ-IN." To participate in this statewide celebration, we encourage all school personnel to participate in D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) time from 10:00 to 10:10 A.M., on February 21. Principals need to lead this effort and become role models for teachers and students. Let literacy be your main concern for that day and demonstrate through at least one planned activity that you strongly support activities that will assist students in becoming more proficient lifelong readers.
LRA is suggesting that you choose at least one of the following activities to carry out on Literacy Day and continue it through the week: ring the school bell at 10:00 A.M., to remind EVERYONE to participate in D.E.A.R. time for ten minutes; invite government officials, school board members, business partners, parents and grandparents to read to the children; conduct a Read-a-Thon during Literacy Week; and, plant a reading tree.
Effective reading is essential to persons of all ages and endeavors, if they are to be contributing members of society. Let's help emphasize the importance of effective reading by participating in "THE GREAT LOUISIANA READ-IN" and LITERACY WEEK.
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Dennie Fowler, Superintendent
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution requesting Governor Foster to exhaust all efforts in meeting his goal of raising the salaries of Louisiana teachers to the Southern region average (Hayward Boone).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the following resolution requesting Governor Foster to exhaust all efforts in meeting his goal of raising the salaries of Louisiana teachers to the Southern region average: SEE ATTACHED. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to support AComprehensive Recreational Incentive Program for Education,@ as proposed by Greg Brumfield (Dennie Fowler).
Superintendent Fowler informed the Board that Mr. Brumfield has talked with all high school principals and obtained their cooperation. In addition, following review of the grant proposal, it was determined that some changes should be made regarding how the program will be handled. He recommended proceeding with the vote of support. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board support "Comprehensive Recreational Incentive Program for Education," as proposed by Greg Brumfield. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to pilot an additional alternative school program for the remainder of the 1999/2000 school year (Bobby Pierce).
Superintendent Fowler commended Bobby Pierce, the assigned principal of the alternative school program, for the work he has done in the program. Recently, he and Mr. Pierce discussed some concerns of the program, including the potential growth and resulting overcrowding situation, and placement of young students with much older students. They are recommending that the Board pilot a daytime alternative school program for the remainder of the current school year. The daytime program would serve the younger students and those with less severe reasons for being assigned to the program and would be in a one-teacher setting. Superintendent Fowler asked that the pilot program be an open program, as far as the decisions that are made in placement of the students. The placement committee would know the cases exceptionally well and use good judgement in placing the students in either the daytime or nighttime program. Superintendent Fowler stated he was not recommending that the daytime program start immediately, since one student has just dropped out of the program, and another student has left the area and will be in another school.
Following discussion, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board pilot an additional alternative school program (daytime) for the remainder of the 1999/2000 school year. FOR: Juanita Barker, Susanne Jones, Hayward Boone, Harold Smith, Richard Thomas, Bruce Brown and Freddie Jefferson. AGAINST: Karl Bickham. Motion carried.
Freddie Jefferson requested that Superintendent Fowler look into finding another location for the alternative school program and report back to the board. Also, Bruce Brown asked Superintendent Fowler to look into the cost of security for the daytime program.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File: DJE - Purchasing, and File: DJED - Bids and Quotations (Adren Raybourn).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File: DJE - Purchasing, and File: DJED - Bids and Quotations, as recommended by Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - 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, and presented by Superintendent Fowler in the absence of Mr. Kennedy:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Franklinton Primary School: Susan Corkern, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the entire 2000/2001 school year.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Primary School: Curlinda M. Magee, Bus Attendant, effective February 14, 2000, and for the remainder of the 1999/2000 school year only.
Varnado High School: Greaselda Abram, Business Teacher, effective February 7, 2000, and for the remainder of the 1999/2000 school year only (CIRCULAR 665).
Varnado High School: Sarah W. Fornea, School Clerk, effective February 14, 2000.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
FRANKLINTON SCHOOLS: Deduct 1.0 mile one way from the route of Faye Newman (Special Ed. student no longer on route). Effective date: January 25, 2000.
Extend the route of Billy Joe Dillon 1.4 miles one way to pick up Brandy Jones, Kyle Allen Taylor, and William Eric Taylor. Effective date: January 26, 2000.
Extend the route of Douglas P. Talley .7 mile one way to pick up Tonya Green. Effective date: January 4, 2000.
VARNADO HIGH SCHOOL: Extend the route of Martha Kennedy 3.2 miles one way due to closing of Crain's Creek Road for bridge repair. Effective date: February 3, 2000.
Extend the route of Martha Kennedy 2.0 miles one way to pick up Amanda Renee Seals. Effective date: January 3, 2000.
WESLEY RAY SCHOOL: Extend the route of Yvonne Brumfield 1.0 mile one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: November 28, 1999.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Superintendent's Report.
At the request of Eathel Seal, Child Welfare & Attendance Supervisor, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Richard Thomas, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to approve a student transfer request. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Richard Thomas, that the Board approve transferring Seth Boone from the Franklinton School District to the Enon School District due to hardship. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Other business from board members.
Freddie Jefferson requested that an Executive Session be held at the February 24, 2000, board meeting to discuss Superintendent Fowler's contract.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.