The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: President Richard N. Thomas, Jr., Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, Holly James, and Juanita Barker. Absent: Bruce Brown and Freddie Jefferson.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order.
The meeting was called to order by President Thomas. He welcomed School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn, news media and guests.
Agenda Item #2 - Invocation.
The invocation was given by Superintendent Dennie Fowler.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the January 25, 2001, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board adopt the minutes of the January 25, 2001, 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 a few months ago the Board voted, once again, to place 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 premium cost for the $25,000 uninsured motorist limit was included in the total premiums package as presented to the Board. When a policyholder rejects uninsured motorist or reduces it from the full policy limit, the policyholder must confirm its decision in writing. The $25,000 uninsured motorist limit is the limit the Board has been using, what was specified in the request for proposal, and what the total premium was based on. The Board has the right to change its mind, if it so desires, but, as Mr. Norris stated, "My recommendation is that we continue with the limits we have been using."
Upon the recommendation of John Norris, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Holly James, that the Board again confirm the decision to reduce its Uninsured Motorist Protection under its Auto Liability insurance policy to a limit of $25,000 per occurrence by authorizing the Superintendent or President to sign the forms provided by American Guarantee & Liability Co., which provides this $25,000 limit; and authorize signature of forms which reject Uninsured Motorist Protection under the Umbrella Liability policy of Northern Insurance Company. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to approve student transfer requests for the 2000/2001 school year (Eathel Seal).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board approve the following student transfer requests for the 2000/2001 school year, as recommended by Eathel Seal, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance:
NAME HOME DISTRICT REQUESTED DISTRICT REASON
Stephanie Nicole Manning Franklinton Mt. Hermon Hardship
Kelsey L. Fitzgerald Wesley Ray Franklinton Administrative
Kaleigh R. Fitzgerald Wesley Ray Franklinton Administrative
James R. Pritchard, III Varnado Wesley Ray Administrative
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for a custodian position at Thomas Jr. High School (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board authorize advertisement for a custodian position at Thomas Jr. High School. Motion carried unanimously. (Note: This position is for one year only.)
Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Primary School: Edward Ray Shanks, School Food Service Worker, Resignation effective February 9, 2001.
Franklinton High School: Steve Bullock, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective February 7, 2001.
TRANSFER:
Joannie Jefferson, Special Education Paraprofessional, Pine School, TO Special Education Paraprofessional, Wesley Ray Elementary School, effective February 28, 2001.
LEAVE WITHOUT PAY:
Mt. Hermon School: Tanna Brumfield, Regular Teacher, Leave Without Pay effective February 14, 2001, through May 31, 2001.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton High School: Heather Young, Regular Teacher, effective February 8, 2001, and for the remainder of the 2000/2001 school year only - CIRCULAR 665 (replacing Steve Bullock).
Franklinton Resource Center: Rhonda Warren, Part-time Pre-School Teacher, effective January 25, 2001, and for the remainder of the 2000/2001 school year only - 1 day per week (CIRCULAR 665).
Pine School: Ryan Jenkins, Custodian, effective February 6, 2001.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Annie Clark, Special Education Pre-Kindergarten
Teacher, effective February 12, 2001, and for the remainder of the 2000/2001 school year only (TTA).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
ANGIE/WESLEY RAY DISTRICT: Extend the route of Mary Knight 3.0 miles one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: January 19, 2001.
Extend the route of Mary Knight .6 mile one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: January 23, 2001.
ENON DISTRICT: Extend the route of Teresa Goings 5.0 miles one way to pick up Glen Allen Gerald. Effective date: January 24, 2001.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Superintendent's Report.
Superintendent Fowler recognized a number of college students who were attending the board meeting as a requirement for a course.
Agenda Item #10 - Other business from board members.
None.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
RICHARD N. THOMAS, JR., PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY