The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: President Richard N. Thomas, 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 August 9, 2001, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the minutes of the August 9, 2001, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Hear report on Spring & Summer - 2001 Test Scores (Cindy Cibic).
The Board heard/viewed a presentation by Dr. Cindy Cibic, Coordinator, Testing and Evaluation Program. Dr. Cibic reported on LEAP 21 (Grades 4,8, & 10), Iowa Test of Basic Skills (Grades 3, 5, 6 & 7), and Iowa Test of Educational Development (Grade 9) test results. Dr. Cibic's report included the following conclusions:
C Gains are clearly visible;
C Instructional techniques and materials are impacting student improvement;
C Students and teachers are succeeding;
C Progress takes time.
Agenda Item #6 - Hear report on GED FIND Work Program (Robert L. Johnson).
Robert Al Johnson, Supervisor of Instruction, briefly reviewed the Family Independence Work Program (FIND Work) through the Department of Social Services, Office of Family Support. This is a three-year grant proposal, with the total cost of services being $178,223.00. The Washington Parish Adult Learning Center will provide educational services at the level of basic and intermediate literacy, with emphasis on workplace, employability, life skills, and GED preparation, to participants referred by the Office of Family Support. Mr. Johnson stated a retired teacher will be employed for the program, as well as a paraprofessional. He asked the Board to authorize advertising for one (1) paraprofessional position. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board authorize advertisement for one (1) paraprofessional position for the Family Independence Work Program. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding construction of concrete driveway at Varnado High School (Dennie Fowler).
Superintendent Fowler reported that only one (1) bid was received for construction of a concrete driveway at Varnado High School, and that bid was submitted by Bob Williams, Itolyaso Builders, LLC, in the amount of $31,615.00. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board reject the bid submitted by Itolyaso Builders in the amount of $31,615.00, and re-advertise. Motion carried unanimously. Superintendent Fowler informed the Board that Parish Government will be assisting with preparation for the apron part of the driveway, as well as culverts and ditching.
Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding student transfer requests for the 2001/2002 school year (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the following student transfer requests for the 2001/2002 school year be approved:
STUDENT HOME DISTRICT REQUESTED DISTRICT
Anthony, Britney Pine Franklinton
Anthony, Kierra Pine Franklinton
Freeman, James Michael Varnado Pine
Goings, Michael Alan Enon Franklinton
Greene, Terry J., Jr. Pine Franklinton
James, Brittany Wesley Ray Varnado
Mattos, Wagner De Franklinton Pine
Merritt, David Pine Franklinton
Moody, Braden Wesley Ray Pine
Moody, Johnathan Wesley Ray Pine
Netherland, Jay Varnado Pine
Stafford, Ashley Nicole Wesley Ray Varnado
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the following Personnel Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Amanda Knight, Special Education Bus Attendant, Resignation effective September 13, 2001.
TRANSFER:
Lela Yates, Bus Operator, Franklinton Schools, TO Bus Operator, Enon Elementary School, effective August 27, 2001.
Cherrie Brumfield, Bus Operator, Franklinton Schools, TO Bus Operator, Mt. Hermon School, effective August 27, 2001.
David Thomas, Special Education Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School, TO Special Education Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School, effective August 27, 2001.
SICK LEAVE/EXTENDED SICK LEAVE/SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Franklinton High School: Tanja Ann Varnado, Special Education Teacher, Sick Leave/Extended Sick Leave effective the Fall semester of the 2001/2002 school year, and Sabbatical Leave for Professional Improvement effective the Spring semester of the 2001/2002 school year.
EMPLOY:
Angie Jr. High School: Lisa M. Miley, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective August 27, 2001.
Franklinton High School: Rochelle Hartmann, Special Education Teacher, effective August 15, 2001, and for the remainder of the Fall semester only of the 2001/2002 school year - CIRCULAR 665 (fill-in for Tonja Varnado).
Mt. Hermon School: Linda D. French, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective August 27, 2001.
Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Kennedy informed the Board that Kindergarten enrollments at Varnado Elementary School and Pine School are being closely observed, and it may become necessary to add another Kindergarten teacher at these schools. Varnado Elementary School already has 28 Kindergarten students. He asked for direction from the Board, should Varnado Elementary's Kindergarten enrollment increase. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board authorize Richard Kennedy to employ an additional Kindergarten teacher at Varnado Elementary School, if enrollment warrants, prior to the next board meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Superintendent's Report.
Superintendent Fowler provided board members with an enrollment/attendance report for the first several days of school. Enrollment, as of today, August 23, 2001, was 4,478.
Agenda Item #11 - Other business from board members.
Topics discussed included the Pre-GED program, textbooks, and Bible study curriculum.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
RICHARD N. THOMAS, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY