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 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 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 February 10, 2000, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board adopt the minutes of the February 10, 2000, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the Uninsured Motorist Protection portion of the Board=s auto insurance coverage (John Norris).
John Norris, the Board's insurance consultant, stated that in September, 1999, the Board voted to put its Automobile Uninsured Motorist Protection limit at $25,000 per occurrence. That is the maximum amount payable regardless of the number of passengers aboard the board's vehicles. The annual premium for the $25,000 UM limit is $4,069. When a policyholder rejects UM or reduces it from the full policy limit of $1,000,000, the policyholder must confirm its decision in writing. Upon the recommendation of John Norris, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard Thomas, that the Board, again, confirm its decision to reduce its Uninsured Motorist Protection under its Auto Liability insurance policy to a limit of $25,000 per occurrence; specifically authorize the Superintendent to sign the forms provided by Scottsdale Indemnity Co., which provides this $25,000 limit; and authorize signature of forms which reject Uninsured Motorist Protection under the Umbrella Liability policy #UM00026312 of National Casualty Company. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to approve a student transfer request (Eathel Seal).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board approve transferring Christopher L. Norton from the Varnado School District (student home schooled) to the Pine School District due to hardship. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to renew the contract of employment for Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board renew the contract of employment for Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent, for a period of two (2) years. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments be approved, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
EMPLOY:
Varnado High School: Laquisha Mark, Technology Assistant, effective February 28, 2000.
EXTENDED SICK LEAVE:
Enon Elementary School: Jeanie Bryant, Regular Teacher, Extended Sick Leave effective January 28, 2000, through April 1, 2000.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
ANGIE JR. HIGH SCHOOL: Extend the route of Lezette Crosby .5 mile one way to pick up Miranda Kennedy. Effective date: February 7, 2000.
FRANKLINTON SCHOOLS: Extend the route of Robert Mizell 4.4 miles one way due to detour (Hwy. 16 construction). Effective date: February 7, 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 Evelyn Polk 1.2 miles one way to pick up Salina Shelton. Effective date: February 8, 2000.
Extend the route of Evelyn Polk 4.4 miles one way due to detour (Hwy. 16 construction). Effective date: February 17, 2000.
Deduct 1.0 mile one way from the route of Mary Simmons (Special Education student no longer on route). Effective date: November 12, 1999.
WESLEY RAY SCHOOL: Deduct 1.9 miles one way from the route of Mary Knight (Special Education student no longer on route). Effective date: February 7, 2000.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Superintendent's Report.
Superintendent Fowler recognized Katherine Jenkins, President, Washington Parish Association of Educators. At her request, the Board agreed to endorse NEA's "Read Across America," a national celebration of Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2, 2000, which promotes reading and adult involvement in the education of the community's students.
Superintendent Fowler informed the Board that on March 9, 2000, principals will be given copies of their respective school's uniform policy. They will then distribute copies to parents on March 10th. Attached to the policy will be a list of vendors in Washington Parish who have indicated they will have uniform selections available for purchase.
Superintendent Fowler commended the following teachers who were recent recipients of Washington-St. Tammany Electric Mini-Grant Awards in the amount of $300.00 each:
Frances Varnado Pine School
Barbara Kerbow Mt. Hermon School
Sheree Voth Enon Elementary School
Judith Smith Franklinton High School
Toni Tageant Franklinton High School
Agenda Item #10 - Other business from board members.
Freddie Jefferson initiated a discussion about Varnado High School students transferring to the Bogalusa City School System because of less stringent graduation requirements in that system. Superintendent Fowler stated this matter had already been addressed and resolved.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(1) concerning a personnel matter (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(1) concerning a personnel matter. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard Thomas, that the Board rescind the two-year contract granted to Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board grant a three-year contract to Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent, beginning August 9, 2000, and ending August 8, 2003. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard Thomas, that the Board extend the contract of Superintendent Dennie Fowler for three years, beginning July 23, 2000, and ending September 8, 2003. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Richard Thomas, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.