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, Bruce Brown, Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, Holly James, Juanita Barker, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: None.
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 Bruce Brown.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the February 8, 2001, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the minutes of the February 8, 2001, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposed addendum to fuel price variance adjustment program for buses to include diesel (Adren Raybourn).
Following review by Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adopt the following addendum to fuel price variance adjustment program for buses to include diesel:
Synopsis of Addendum:
Although the program is designed as an operational allowance relief from fuel price variances, the initial policy does not address the volatility of diesel fuel prices. As owner/operators upgrade their buses, most of them purchase diesel powered units.
Objective of Addendum:
To provide relief from diesel fuel price variances, as well as gasoline price variances, but, yet, in a manner that will not unduly penalize diesel powered bus owners during a time when the price of diesel fuel is relatively low.
Guidelines:
1. The Washington Parish School System establishes a base diesel fuel price based on the price of diesel fuel in May of 1996, just prior to a fuel adjustment of 10 cents per mile one way, which worked out to be another permanent adjustment. The base price (at that time) is determined to be $1.26 per gallon for diesel fuel, including all applicable tax, available at a self serve station of a local distributor. The rate of fuel consumption for a diesel powered bus is determined to be 8 miles per gallon. (Base of $1.26 per gallon divided by 8 MPG equals 15.750 cents per mile cost for fuel consumption.)
2. On a biannual basis (September & March), the six months' average price of diesel fuel will be determined.
3. The difference between the six months' average price of diesel fuel and the price the school system has been using in its most recent calculation will be the basis for calculating any change needed, assuming an estimated 8.0 miles per gallon average fuel consumption for diesel powered buses.
a. However, in no event will the owner/operator of a diesel powered bus be paid a fuel price adjustment which is any less per mile one way than that paid to owner/operators of gasoline powered buses.
Implementation:
This addendum is to be implemented effective March 1, 2001.
Motion carried unanimously.
Susanne Jones stated that the Transportation Committee supports the addendum.
Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Holly James, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Mt. Hermon School: Ernie Painter, Custodian, Resignation effective February 22, 2001.
SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Pine School: Irma Gladys Williams, Sabbatical Medical Leave, effective February 19, 2001, and for the remainder of the Spring semester of the 2000/2001 school year.
SICK LEAVE:
Adult Education Center: Peggy McDaniel, Adult Education Secretary, Sick Leave effective March 1, 2001, through June 14, 2001.
TRANSFER:
Margaret Wheeler, Special Education Paraprofessional, Enon Elementary School, TO Special Education Paraprofessional, Franklinton Jr. High School, effective February 28, 2001.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Haley O'Quin, Special Education Paraprofessional, Franklinton Jr. High School, TO Special Education Paraprofessional, Pine School, effective February 28, 2001.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Primary School: Ronald Bell, Full-time School Food Service Worker, effective February 23, 2001 (pending outcome of physical examination).
Pine School: Nelda Johnson, Regular Teacher, effective February 21, 2001, and for the remainder of the 2000/2001 school year only - CERTIFIED (fill-in for Gladys Williams, who will be on sabbatical leave).
Thomas Jr. High School: Jerome Peters, Custodian, effective February 23, 2001, through February 22, 2002 (one year only).
Adult Education Center: Tolekiah Thomas, Adult Education Paraprofessional, effective February 28, 2001.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
THOMAS JR. HIGH SCHOOL: Extend the route of Barbara Schilling 1.4 miles one way to pick up J. R. Newell. Effective date: January 10, 2001.
Extend the route of D. Kaye Magee 4.2 miles one way to pick up Blake Jenkins. Effective date: January 3, 2001.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Superintendent's Report.
Superintendent Fowler stated that the proposed 2001-2001 school calendar has been sent to the principals for review with their faculties.
Superintendent Fowler recognized several college students who were attending the board meeting as a requirement for a course.
Agenda Item #8 - Other business from board members.
None.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
RICHARD N. THOMAS, JR., PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY