Franklinton, Louisiana

June 29, 2000

6:30 P.M.

 

The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following 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 June 8, 2000,  regular board meeting.

 

It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adopt the minutes of the June 8, 2000, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for the purchase of Milk and Milk Products for the School Lunch Program for the 2000/2001 school year (Marsha Newman).

 

Marsha Newman, School Food Service Supervisor, presented milk and milk products bid tabulations to the Board, as follows:

 

                                                 2000-2001 MILK - TABULATION SHEET

 

                                                        Borden              Brown's Dairy       Dairy Fresh

                                                        Firm   Escalat.   Firm    Escalat.      Firm   Escalat.

1.  Milk, whole, white, 2 pint                .2475    .2245    .168*     .164            .16        .15     

2.  Milk, 2% reduced fat, white, 2 pint  .2425*   .2125    .160*     .156            .1520    .1420

3.  Milk, fat free, 2 pint .2125     .157*  .2425*   .2125    .157*     .153            .15        .14

4.  Milk, 1% low-fat, white, 2 pint        .2425*   .2120     .159*     .155            .1485    .1385

5.  Milk, 2 % low-fat, choc. 2 pint        .2475*   .2245     .160*     .156            .1530    .1430

6.  Buttermilk, 2 gallon                       1.65*   1.65         1.35*    1.32            1.35      1.29

7.  Sour Cream, 5#                              -           -           3.45     3.45            3.75      3.50

 

All companies agree to deliver to all schools.    *10% Louisiana Preference Claimed

 

Mrs. Newman recommended that  Brown's Dairy, at the firm pricing, be used for the school cafeterias.

 

It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board accept Mrs. Newman's recommendation and award bid for purchase of Milk and Milk Products for the School Lunch Program for the 2000/2001 school year to Brown's Dairy at the firm pricing.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to reject all bids received and authorize re-advertisement for the purchase of Bakery Products for the School Lunch Program for the 2000/2001 school year (Marsha Newman).

 

Marsha Newman, School Food Service Supervisor, presented bread bid tabulations to the Board, as follows:

 

                                               2000-2001 BREAD - TABULATION SHEET

 

Cotton's

1.  24 oz. Loaf, Sliced White Bread                                                1.40

2.  16 oz. Twin Pak French Bread                                                   1.31

3.  Hot Dog Buns, 6" bulk pk/dozen                                                1.49

4.  Hamburger Buns, 4", bulk pk/dozen                                           2.30

5.  Split Steak Bun, bulk pack, per/dozen                                      2.85/24 ct.

 

Agreement to deliver to all schools -     YES

 

Mrs. Newman recommended that the Board reject the bread bid and authorize School Lunch to rebid for bread products for the coming school year.

 

It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board accept Mrs. Newman's recommendation and reject the bread bid and authorize re-advertisement for bids for the purchase of Bakery Products for the School Lunch Program for the 2000/2001 school year.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to amend the Summer Food Feeding Program agreement with Washington Parish Government (Dennie Fowler).

 

Following review of proposed amendment to agreement, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board amend the Summer Food Feeding Program agreement with Washington Parish Government as follows: SEE ATTACHED.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding recommendation from the Board Finance Committee regarding Fiscal Agent (Adren Raybourn).

 

Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, reviewed the bids received for Fiscal Agency Contract, which were as follows:

 

                                  Fiscal Agency Proposals for 11-1-2000 through 10-31-2003

 

PARISH NATIONAL BANK

 

Rate of Interest to be paid to WPSB        3.00% Minimum

on Checking Accounts                           The rate will be calculated and adjusted weekly by taking the 90-day T-Bill rate (the annualized weekly average of the 90-day U.S. Treasury Bill, as reported in the Wall Street Journal), less 39 basis points.  The calculated rate as of June 13, 2000 is 5.37%.  In any event, Parish National Bank will pay a minimum rate of 3%.

 

Service Charges to be charged                  -00-

to WPSB

 

Rate of Interest WPSB will be                 Loans not exceeding $100,000.00           -00-

charged on loans                                   Loans in excess of $100,000.00              6.50%

 

HIBERNIA NATIONAL BANK

 

Rate of Interest to be paid to WPSB        3.00% Minimum

on Checking Accounts                           Interest at the 90-day T-Bill rate minus 50 basis points.  As of June 15, 2000, the rate is 5.28%.  Hibernia will apply this rate on the daily collected balances, adjusted for reserves, and will compound the interest daily and pay interest monthly.  Hibernia will pay the School Board a minimum rate of 3% on the accounts.

 

Service Charges to be charged to              -00-

WPSB

 

Rate of Interest WPSB will be

charged on loans                                   Hibernia National Bank will make any legally authorized loan to the School Board subject to the Bank's normal underwriting guidelines and approval of the Bank=s appropriate credit committee.  The rate of interest charged to the School Board for all loans will be Wall Street Journal Prime Floating minus 350 basis points (6% as of June 15, 2000) for loans deemed to be tax exempt and bank qualified.

 

HANCOCK BANK OF LOUISIANA

 

Rate of Interest to be paid to WPSB        5.25% Minimum

on Checking Accounts                           The Minimum Interest Rate quoted of 5.25% is a fixed rate for the period from November 1, 2000, through October 31, 2003.  Hancock Bank of Louisiana offers the WPSB the option to choose the fixed rate quoted (5.25%) or a variable rate.  The proposed variable rate will be the 91-day T-Bill rate plus twenty (20) basis points (6.03% as of 6/14/2000).  If the variable rate is chosen, the 91-day T-Bill rate plus twenty (20) basis points will be used during the period from November 1, 2000, through October 31, 2003, with no Minimum Interest Rate.  Should the WPSB choose to receive the variable rate as previously described, Hancock Bank of Louisiana will adjust the variable rate monthly for the period from November 1, 2000, through October 31, 2003.

 

Service Charges to be Charged                -00-

to WPSB

 

Rate of Interest WPSB will be

charged on loans                                   Pursuant to the School Board's request for loans, Hancock Bank will make loans, authorized by the proper Constitutional and Statutory Authority, to the WPSB, upon the condition that the loans are designated as "tax-exempt, bank-qualified" according to Internal Revenue Service Code Section 265 (b) (3) and subject to the Bank's normal credit underwriting guidelines.  An executed legal opinion must be issued for each loan by the Issuer's counsel.  Each loan shall bear a rate of Interest that equals a tax-equivalent yield of 125 basis points over the then U.S. Treasury Obligation rate of interest, with a maturity that is closest to the maturity of the loan.  For example, if the loan is for 1 year and the 1 year U.S. T-Bill rate is 6.34%, then 125 basis points above that is 7.59%.  Therefore, the tax-exempt rate for the School Board loan would be 5.13%.

 

Mr. Raybourn stated he had reviewed the proposals with the Board Finance Committee, and it was the committee's recommendation that the Fiscal Agency Contract for the period November 1, 2000, through October 31, 2003, be awarded to Hancock Bank of Louisiana.  It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Fiscal Agency Contract for the period November 1, 2000, through October 31, 2003, be awarded to Hancock Bank of Louisiana.  FOR: Karl Bickham, Susanne Jones, Hayward Boone, Harold Smith and Richard Thomas.  AGAINST: Juanita Barker, Bruce Brown and Freddie Jefferson.  Motion carried.

 

Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to approve an addition to the Student Code of Conduct for the 2000/2001 school year (Eathel Seal).

 

Following review of proposed addition by Eathel Seal, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, it was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the following "Rules for School Bus Riders" be approved for addition to the Student Code of Conduct for the 2000/2001 school year:

 

RULES FOR SCHOOL BUS RIDERS

 

A school bus with undisciplined passengers is a hazardous bus.  The misbehavior of the students can lead to accidents.  The driver must concentrate on the driving task at hand and cannot be expected to constantly discipline the students while the bus is in motion.  Therefore, for the safe operation of the school bus, students should be aware of  and obey the following safety rules.

 

1.                   Cooperate with the driver; your safety depends on it.

2.                   Be on time; the bus will not wait.

3.         Cross the road cautiously under the direction of the driver when boarding and leaving the bus.

4.         Follow the driver's instructions when loading and unloading.

5.                   Remain quiet enough not to distract the driver.

6.                   Have written permission and be authorized by the principal to get on or off at a stop other than the designated stop.

7.                   Remain seated at all times when the bus is in motion.

8.                   Keep arms, head or other objects inside the bus at all times.

9.                   Refrain from throwing objects in the bus or out of windows and doors.

10.               Use emergency exits only for emergencies, and when instructed to do so.

11.               No eating or drinking on the bus.

12.               Avoid the use or possession of tobacco, matches, cigarette lighters, obscene materials, weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items on the bus.

13.               Take no glass, plastic or liquid containers on the bus.

14.               Any student who damages the bus is responsible for the damages.

15.               Be courteous and safety-conscious.  Protect your personal riding privilege, and enjoy the ride.

16.        No balloons and flowers (exception: St. Valentine's Day).

17.               Must sit in assigned seat at all times.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #10 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding student transfer requests for the 2000/2001 school year (Eathel Seal).

 

Upon the recommendation of Eathel Seal, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance/Visiting Teacher, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the following student transfer requests for the 2000/2001 school year be approved:

 

STUDENT'S NAME                                  HOME DISTRICT           REQUESTED DISTRICT

 

Bridgette Watson                                               Angie                            Franklinton

Candice Kimbrell                                                Enon                             Franklinton

Hunter Hale                                                       Franklinton                    Mt. Hermon

Christopher M. Jones                                         Franklinton                    Enon

Brittany L. Jones                                                Franklinton                    Enon

Joseph P. Whaley                                              Pine                              Franklinton

Sarah Ladner                                                     Enon                             Franklinton

Joshua Anthony Barber                                      Enon                             Franklinton

Bryan Williams                                                  Angie                            Franklinton

Benton Jawayne Magee                                      Pine                              Franklinton

Stephen Mauer                                                  Franklinton                    Enon

Lauren Mauer                                                    Franklinton                    Enon

Leland P. Yates                                                 Franklinton                    Enon

Caitlynn Freeman                                               Franklinton                    Enon

Derek Dominguez                                              Franklinton                    Enon

Brittany A. Watson                                            Franklinton                    Enon

Brandon K. Thomas                                           Pine/Thomas                 Enon

Tiffany F. Thomas                                              Pine/Thomas                 Enon

Melissa Lynn Riley                                             Varnado                        Franklinton

Lawn Adair Mask                                               Mt. Hermon                   Franklinton

Jed Emil Mask                                                   Mt. Hermon                   Franklinton

Matthew Anthony Stevens                                  Thomas                         Mt. Hermon

Jacob Lawrence Phelps                                      Thomas                        Pine

Terrance P. Harvey                                             Thomas                        Franklinton

Kaley Nicole Kyle                                              Franklinton                    Enon

Brittany K. Sullivan                                             Pine                              Franklinton

Krystal E. Anderson                                           Varnado                        Franklinton

Kelly E. Anderson                                              Angie                            Franklinton

Kasey E. Anderson                                            Wesley Ray                  Franklinton

Ladarrius Bickham                                             Thomas                        Franklinton

Johnny Erin Tarver                                              Franklinton                    Mt. Hermon

Jordan Scott Schilling                                         Mt. Hermon                   Franklinton

Jeremy Catchings                                              Mt. Hermon                   Franklinton

Joshua Catchings                                              Mt. Hermon                   Franklinton

Katelyn A. Whaley                                             Pine                              Franklinton

Kalib Travis                                                        Pine                              Franklinton

Jermaine L. Magee                                             Pine                              Franklinton

Andrew Galloway                                               Pine                              Thomas

Joseph R. Dufresne II                                         Pine                              Franklinton

Cassidy Craig Brumfield                                     Pine                              Franklinton

Payton Laive Bishop                                           Pine                              Franklinton

Joseph A. Alonzo, Jr.                                         Pine                              Franklinton

Jordan Alonzo                                                    Pine                              Franklinton

Brandi Alonzo                                                    Thomas                         Franklinton

Timothy Matthew Stafford                                   Wesley Ray                  Franklinton

Zachary Buchanan                                             Wesley Ray                  Franklinton

Nadia Hagar Sprehe                                           Varnado                        Pine

Lynnette Garrett                                                 Thomas                        Franklinton

Alana Garrett                                                     Thomas                         Franklinton

B. J. Long                                                         Pine                              Thomas

Alicia Renee Batice                                            Enon                             Franklinton

Leticia Joy Batice                                              Enon                             Franklinton

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to authorize Bus Operator Judy Miley to purchase a 1991 Chevrolet bus to replace the 1974 GMC bus she presently drives (Eathel Seal).

 

Upon the recommendation of Eathel Seal, Transportation Supervisor, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Richard Thomas, that the Board authorize Bus Operator Judy Miley to purchase a 1991 Chevrolet bus to replace the 1974 GMC bus she presently drives.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to authorize Bus Operator Hattie Brumfield to purchase a 1990 International bus to replace the 1974 bus she presently drives (Eathel Seal).

 

Upon the recommendation of Eathel Seal, Transportation Supervisor, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize Bus Operator Hattie Brumfield to purchase a 1990 International bus to replace the 1974 bus she presently drives.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #13 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding recommendation(s) from the Board Transportation Committee (Eathel Seal).

 

Upon the recommendation of the Board Transportation Committee, it was moved by Richard Thomas, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the following policies, as adopted by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on March 23, 2000: 

 

1.                   School buses used to transport students, including activity and backup buses, cannot be more than twenty-five (25) years old.

 

2.                   Individual owners (Contractors) of school buses will be held harmless from the maximum age of school buses provision above, if the individual retires within three (3) years after the effective date of this ruling.

 

3.                   These provisions become effective September 1, 2000, with the hold harmless provision expiring September 1, 2003.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #14 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotations received for replacing roof on Pine School Gymnasium (William Brignac).

 

Supervisor William Brignac reviewed quotations received, which were as follows:  Itolyaso Builders - $41,998.00; Patten Steel Buildings - $44,897.44; and Brunt Construction, Inc. - $46,600.00.  Mr. Brignac recommended the Board accept the quotation submitted by Brunt Construction, even though it wasn=t the lowest, because they proposed to erect a 24 gauge, standing seam roof.  It was moved by Richard Thomas, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board accept the quotation submitted by Brunt Construction, Inc., in the amount of $46,600.00, for replacing roof on Pine School Gymnasium (includes labor, materials, equipment, and insurance).  Motion carried unanimously.  Superintendent Fowler informed the Board that $44,055.00 of the cost will be taken from Pine School=s contingency fund, with the remainder to be taken from Pine School=s operational funds.

 

Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for the sale of one (1) Wurlitzer Baby Grand Piano located at Franklinton High School (William Brignac).

 

It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the sale of one (1) Wurlitzer Baby Grand Piano located at Franklinton High School.  Motion carried unanimously.  A $500.00 minimum bid is required.  Bids will be accepted until 11:00 A.M., Friday, August 4, 2000.

 

Agenda Item #16 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotations received for purchase and installation of carpet for Angie Jr. High School Library (William Brignac).

 

Supervisor William Brignac reviewed quotations received, which were as follows:  Carpet Wholesalers - $2,251.00; Freddie Ballard - $2,322.00; and Decorating Showroom, Inc. - $2,832.98.  It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board accept the low quotation in the amount of $2,251.00 submitted by Carpet Wholesalers for purchase and installation of carpet for Angie Jr. High School Library.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #17 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).

 

It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the following Personnel Adjustments be approved, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:

 

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

 

RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:

 

Varnado Elementary School: Opal Boone, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective June 30, 2000.

 

RESIGNATION:

 

Franklinton Elementary School: Selena D. Hughes, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective June 29, 2000.

 

Franklinton High School: Valinda Rester, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective June 30, 2000.

 

REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:

 

Franklinton High School: Edna B. Lowe, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave, effective the entire 2000/2001 school year.

 

Special Education Office: Judy P. Carter, Educational Diagnostician/Assessment Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Professional Improvement, effective the entire 2000/2001 school year.

 

TRANSFER:

 

Jackie Carnegie, Special Education Paraprofessional, Enon Elementary School, TO 8(g) Pre-School/Early Childhood Program Aide, Enon Elementary School, effective the 2000/2001 school year only.

 

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

 

Sandra Morgan, Regular Teacher, TO Parishwide Math Leader, effective the 2000/2001 school year only.

 

EMPLOY:

 

Angie Jr. High School: Donna Slocum, Bus Operator, effective the beginning of the 2000/2001 school year (replacing Delores Myres).

 

Enon Elementary School: Jacqueline Freeman, 8(g) Pre-School/Early Childhood Program Teacher, effective the 2000/2001 school year only (CERTIFIED).

 

Enon Elementary School: Barbara Williams, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective the 2000/2001 school year only.

 

Franklinton Elementary School: Julie Wascom, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2000/2001 school year only (TTA).

 

Franklinton Jr. High School: Connie Ingram, Academically Gifted Teacher, effective the 2000/2001 school year only (TTA).

 

Franklinton Jr. High School: Diane Caldwell, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2000/2001 school year only (TTA).

 

Franklinton Jr. High School: Deborah N. Chesnutt, Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 2000/2001 school year (CERTIFIED).

 

Franklinton High School: Clay Magee, Band Director, effective the 2000/2001 school year only (TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT PERMIT).

 

Franklinton High School: Stephen Burris, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2000/2001 school year only (TTA).

 

Franklinton High School: Nanci C. Schlumbrecht, Regular Teacher, effective the 2000/2001 school year only (TTA).

 

Mt. Hermon School: Tina Smith, Academically Gifted Teacher, effective the 2000/2001 school year only (TTA).

 

Mt. Hermon School: Lorraine Jenkins, Regular Teacher, effective the 2000/2001 school year only (TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT PERMIT).

 

Pine School: Burneva Ellzey, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2000/2001 school year only (CERTIFIED).

 

Varnado Elementary School: Melissa Kennedy, Title I Pre-School Teacher, effective the 2000/2001 school year only (TTA).

 

Varnado Elementary School: Angela Kennedy, Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 2000/2001 school year (CERTIFIED).

 

Varnado High School: Douglas Jones, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2000/2001 school year only (TTA).

 

Varnado High School: Tenisha Dyson-Foster, School Clerk, effective August 1, 2000.

 

Wesley Ray Elementary School: Cindy Taylor, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2000/2001 school year only (TTA).

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #18 - Superintendent's Report.

 

Superintendent Fowler recommended that the alternative school remain in the present location.  At this time, the alternative school will, most likely, be a PM program only.

 

Superintendent Fowler reported that June 30th would be the last regular day of summer school, with students returning for review and testing.

 

Agenda Item #19 - Other business from board members.

 

Following an inquiry by Hayward Boone, Supervisor Eathel Seal stated she would give a status report on cameras for buses at the July committee meeting.

 

Hayward Boone voiced his concerns about the lack of driver's education at Varnado High School and Pine School and recommended that driver's education be offered at rural schools.  Superintendent Fowler responded that neither principal feels they can work it into their curriculum, and they requested that driver's education not be offered at either school during the school day.

 

Freddie Jefferson inquired about State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education's discussions regarding awarding a diploma to students who do not pass the 8th grade LEAP test.  Superintendent Fowler reported that the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents is not supporting this idea.

 

Agenda Item #20 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

 

It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adjourn.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT

DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY

 

STATE OF LOUISIANA

PARISH OF WASHINGTON

 

                                                       AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT

                                   BETWEEN THE WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

                                         AND THE WASHINGTON PARISH GOVERNMENT

 

The contract entered into between the Washington Parish School Board and the Washington Parish Government executed on the 30th day of March, 2000, by the Washington Parish School Board, and executed on the 28th day of March, 2000, by the Washington Parish Government, is amended in the following particulars:

 

The Sponsoring Agency shall pay the WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD the sum of $7,500.00 for rental fees in leasing the following parish schools:

 

a.                   Angie Junior High School

b.                   Franklinton Junior High School

c.                   Varnado High School

d.                   Thomas Junior High School@

 

The amount of the rental fees has been reduced due to the low number of participants at Thomas Jr. High School.  The remaining terms of the original agreement shall remain as originally stated.

 

THUS DONE AND SIGNED in Franklinton, Washington Parish, Louisiana, on the 29th day of June, 2000, after due reading of the whole.

 

WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

 

By:       ______________________________

Harold R. Smith, President

 

THUS DONE AND SIGNED in Franklinton, Washington Parish, Louisiana, on the _____ day of _____, 2000, after due reading of the whole.

 

WASHINGTON PARISH GOVERNMENT

 

By:       ______________________________

Toye Taylor, President