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, 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 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 September 14, 2000, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adopt the minutes of the September 14, 2000, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Presentation by Washington Parish School System Librarians - Katherine Jenkins, Spokesperson (Dennie Fowler).
Katherine Jenkins, Librarian, Varnado High School, gave a status report on the libraries in the system, including the need for funds to acquire additional books and update books and programs currently in place, and the need for an additional elementary librarian. Mrs. Jenkins stressed the needs of Varnado High School library in efforts to re-stock the shelves after the fire. She stated Varnado High School needs approximately $40,000 to re-stock the library. Mrs Jenkins asked that all school libraries receive an additional $2,000 per year to supplement the amounts received through Title VI.
Following discussion, it was moved by Holly James, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to make the librarian positions at Franklinton Primary School and Enon Elementary School full-time positions at each school, effective the current school year only, and then review enrollments to determine if continuation of the two full-time positions is warranted. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the librarian positions at Franklinton Primary School and Enon Elementary School be made full-time positions at each school, effective the current school year only, and then review enrollments to determine if continuation of the two full-time positions is warranted. Motion carried unanimously.
Following further discussion, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board take Mrs. Jenkins' report under advisement, with some appropriate action taken at a later date. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding placement of the Board's Property and Liability Insurance (John Norris).
Upon the recommendation of John Norris, Insurance Consultant, it was moved by Holly James, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board place its Property & Liability Insurance with Aon Risk Services, Inc. of Louisiana, Alexandria, Louisiana for the period beginning October 1, 2000, and ending October 1, 2001, at a cost of $211,661.00, which was the lowest quotation of the five (5) submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the passing of a resolution confirming withdrawal privileges on accounts soon to be transferred to new Fiscal Agent Bank (Adren Raybourn).
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the following Resolution submitting approved account titles and authorized names to Hancock Bank to be used by them in the administration of the Board's Fiscal Agency Agreement: SEE ATTACHED. YEAS: Karl Bickham, Juanita Barker, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Hayward Boone, Harold Smith, Richard Thomas, Bruce Brown and Freddie Jefferson. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
Assistant Superintendent Richard Kennedy recommended that the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments be approved by the Board:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Jr. High School: Merle Cooke, Title I Tutor, Resignation effective September 29, 2000.
Adult Education Center: Patricia Kemp, Adult Education Paraprofessional, Resignation effective September 29, 2000.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Barbara Magee, Part-time Food Service Worker, Franklinton High School, TO Full-time Food Service Worker, Franklinton High School, effective October 2, 2000.
EMPLOY:
Angie Jr. High School: Charles J. Ackerman, Regular Teacher, effective September 11, 2000, and for the remainder of the Fall semester only of the 2000/01 school year (fill-in for Jacqueline Brignac, who is on sabbatical leave) - CIRCULAR 665.
Franklinton Schools: Tommy R. Webb, Bus Operator, effective October 13, 2000.
Varnado Elementary School: Charlyn Hartzog, Part-time Librarian (3 days per week), effective September 18, 2000, and for the remainder of the 2000/01 school year only (CIRCULAR 665).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
PINE SCHOOL: Extend the route of Linus Magee .5 mile one way to pick up Bethany Danos. Effective date: September 20, 2000.
WESLEY RAY RESOURCE CENTER: Extend the route of Yvonne Brumfield .8 mile one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: September 8, 2000.
Mr. Kennedy informed the Board of the possible need for an additional Special Education Paraprofessional and an additional Bus Attendant for a Special Education student who was enrolled at Franklinton Primary School last school year, if the student returns to the school this year. He asked that the Board authorize him to advertise for the two positions, in case they are needed.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board authorize Richard Kennedy to advertise for the two positions, as requested, and approve the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments, as presented by Mr. Kennedy. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Superintendent's Report.
At the request of Superintendent Fowler, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to adopt a resolution employing the law firm of Hammonds & Sills of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as special counsel to represent the Board in connection with a special education matter. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adopt the following resolution employing the law firm of Hammonds & Sills of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as special counsel to represent the Board in connection with a special education matter: SEE ATTACHED. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Other business from board members.
Freddie Jefferson asked the administrative staff to draw up, for Board approval, a resolution to be considered at the next Louisiana School Boards Convention regarding full funding of summer school by the State.
Juanita Barker asked if a decision had been made regarding the "Comprehensive Recreational Incentive Program for Education," as proposed by Greg Brumfield. Superintendent Fowler stated that the high school principals met recently with Mr. Brumfield to review the program. The principals determined that the program had many good features, but, they didn't feel like it was a program they could manage, due to the tremendous amount of extra work and nighttime hours that would be required of them. Following discussion, it was agreed that Mr. Brumfield would make revisions to the program in such areas as hours of operation, security, and budget matters, then meet with the principals, again, to discuss the revised program.
In response to inquiries from several board members, Superintendent Fowler reported that the "tobacco money" (Education Excellence Fund) should be available after the first of the year. Washington Parish applied for $114,000 to be used for textbooks.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY