Franklinton, Louisiana

October 11, 2001

6:30 P.M.

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 September 27, 2001, regular board meeting.

It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adopt the minutes of the September 27, 2001, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #5 - Presentation by Rhonda Gunnell, Associate Extension Agent - Recognition of Outstanding 4-H Members (Dennie Fowler).

Mrs. Rhonda Gunnell recognized Jay Miller, President, Washington Parish Junior Leaders, who  briefly spoke on the club's activities and then recognized outstanding 4-H members.  He, also, thanked the Board for supporting the 4-H Club.  President Thomas thanked the club members for the delicious refre-shments served prior to the board meeting.

Agenda Item #6 - Presentation by Pamela Williford, Special Education Supervisor, and Charlotte Fasola, Child Search Coordinator, regarding ChildNet/Child Search Awareness Month (Dennie Fowler).

Charlotte Fasola, Child Search Coordinator for the Washington Parish School System, informed the Board that Governor Mike Foster has proclaimed the month of October as ChildNet/Child Search Awareness Month in the state of Louisiana.  She asked the Board to join the governor in proclaiming October as ChildNet/Child Search month in Washington Parish, also.

It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board proclaim the month of October as ChildNet/Child Search Awareness Month in Washington Parish.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding reapportionment matters (Richard Thomas).

Following discussion, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board hire Data Center, Cedric Floyd, President, to perform reapportionment and redistricting services for the Board at a fee of $12,500.00.  FOR: Freddie Jefferson, Juanita Barker, and Bruce Brown.  AGAINST: Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, Richard Thomas, and Holly James.  Motion failed. 

Board members discussed handling reapportionment matters themselves.  Karl Bickham stated that Huey Pierce, a resident of Bogalusa who is experienced in reapportionment matters, has indicated the Board could handle this, and he would assist. It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that this item be tabled until the next board meeting.  FOR: Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, Richard Thomas, and Holly James.  AGAINST: Juanita Barker, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson.  Motion carried.  It was decided that Superintendent Fowler would arrange a meeting with Huey Pierce on Monday, October 15^th,  in order for several board members to discuss this matter with him.  Richard Thomas, Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, and Harold Smith indicated they could attend the meeting.

Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Title I allocations to schools for the 2001/2002 school year (T. J. Butler, Jr.).

It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Juanita Barker, that this item be tabled until the next board meeting, due to the absence of T. J. Butler, Jr., Supervisor of Federally Assisted Programs.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).

It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent: 

                                                        PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:

Central Office: Billy Barber, Electrician, Retirement Resignation effective December 31, 2001.

RESIGNATION:

Franklinton High School: MSgt. Kenneth A. Floyd, JROTC Instructor, Resignation effective October 1, 2001.

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Joe Davis, Part-time Custodian, Franklinton Primary School, and Part-time Custodian, Vocational Center, TO Full-time Custodian, Franklinton Primary School, effective October 12, 2001.

Teresa S. Young, Special Education Teacher, Pine School, TO Educational Diagnostician, Franklinton Resource Center, effective November 1, 2001 (replacing Kay Foil, who is retiring).

EMPLOY:

Pine School: Thomas J. Minarik, II, Regular Teacher, effective October 15, 2001, and for the remainder of the 2001/2002 school year only (CIRCULAR 665).

                                                  TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS:

ENON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:                        Extend the route of Robert Mizell 3.2 miles one way to pick up Victoria, Eddie Joe and Joseph Easterling; Madeline Grunblatt and Thomas Harvell; Samson and Titan Pitre; Kimberly and Rachel Williams; and Savannah Fontanez.  Effective date: September 11, 2001.

WESLEY RAY RESOURCE CENTER:                 Extend the route of Yvonne Brumfield 7.2 miles one way to pick up a Special Education student.  Effective date: September 24, 2001.

Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #10 - Superintendent's Report.

Superintendent Fowler informed the Board of the official October 1, 2001, student count, which was 4,497, a decrease of 98 from last year's October 1st. count.

It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to enter into a Subordination and Agreement to Grant Servitude with Washington Parish Energy Center, LLC.  Motion carried unanimously.  Following discussion, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board enter into a Subordination and Agreement to Grant Servitude with Washington Parish Energy Center, LLC, as follows: SEE ATTACHED.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #11 - Other business from board members.

Susanne Jones requested that, in the future, Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, report to the Board whenever the biannual (September and March) fuel price adjustments for buses are calculated.

Freddie Jefferson expressed concern regarding out-of-state trips that may be in the planning stages by various school groups/organizations, in light of the conditions in our nation following the September 11th terrorist attacks.  Superintendent Fowler stated he would discuss this matter with principals.

Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adjourn.  Motion carried unanimously.

RICHARD N. THOMAS, JR., PRESIDENT

DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY