The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, Holly James, Juanita Barker, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Richard N. Thomas and Bruce Brown.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order.
The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Smith in the absence of President Thomas. He welcomed School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn, news media, and guests.
Agenda Item #2 - Invocation.
The invocation was given by Freddie Jefferson.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the September 13, 2001, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adopt the minutes of the September 13, 2001, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding placement of the Board's Property and Casualty Insurance (John Norris).
John Norris, the Board's insurance consultant, reviewed the quotations received for the Board's property and casualty insurance, as follows: SEE ATTACHED. He pointed out that McGehee was unable to give a full quote, just a quote on the building and contents with Hartford Fire. Moore and Jenkins gave a quote on the casualty with Coregis but didn't give a property quote, so that quote is dependent upon McGehee's property quote being added to it in order to have full coverage. Mr. Norris reviewed the quotes in detail, pointing out the differences in coverage/premiums between the companies.
After full discussion, Mr. Norris was asked for his recommendation, which was to offer the casualty portion to Risk Service of Louisiana and the property portion to Bill McGehee, for a total savings to the Board of $3,341.00. Charlie Northern, Agent, Risk Service of Louisiana, was in attendance and stated that, if Hartford wouldn't agree to offer the property as a stand-alone, Risk Service of Louisiana would ensure that coverage would be provided for the same annual premium as Hartford's quote, which was $81,250.00. Mr. Northern further stated that Risk Service of Louisiana would commit to a total annual premium of $296,853.00 (Casualty - $215,603; Property - $81,250). Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, asked Mr. Norris if the Board could be assured that there would not be any lapse of coverage. The Board was assured by Charlie Northern that no lapse in coverage would occur.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board accept John Norris' recommendation and award the casualty coverage to Risk Service of Louisiana, at an annual premium of $215,603.00, and offer property coverage to Bill McGehee at an annual premium of $81,250.00, with the understanding that, if he didn=t choose to bind coverage on the property through Hartford as a stand-alone, then Risk Service of Louisiana would be given instructions to bind property coverage at a price not to exceed $81,250.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding reapportionment matters (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Karl Bickham, that this item be tabled until the next board meeting, due to the absence of two (2) board members. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board approve the following Personnel Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
EMPLOY:
Mt. Hermon School: Thomas E. Welch, Custodian, effective October 1, 2001.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Superintendent's Report.
The Superintendent's Report was presented by Assistant Superintendent Richard Kennedy, in the absence of Superintendent Fowler.
At the request of Assistant Superintendent Kennedy, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Holly James, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to approve student transfer requests. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board approve the following student transfer requests for the 2001/2002 school year:
STUDENT HOME DISTRICT REQUESTED DISTRICT
Thomas, James Everett Pine Franklinton
Thomas, Jesse Lee Pine Franklinton
Thomas, Terry Allen Pine Franklinton
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Other business from board members.
None.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(7) concerning student disciplinary appeal (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(7) concerning student disciplinary appeal. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board uphold the decision of the hearing officer, Bobby Pierce, Coordinator of Substance Abuse, in this case, which was to expel the student for a period of one (1) calendar year, effective September 11, 2001, through September 10, 2002, and assign to the P.M. school. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(7) concerning student disciplinary appeal (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(7) concerning student disciplinary appeal. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board uphold the decision of the hearing office, Bobby Pierce, Coordinator of Substance Abuse, in this case, which was to expel the student for a period of one (1) calendar year, effective September 11, 2001, through September 10, 2002, and assign to the P.M. school. FOR: Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, Holly James, Juanita Barker, and Freddie Jefferson. AGAINST: Karl Bickham. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
HAROLD R. SMITH, VICE-PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY