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, Harold Smith, Holly James, Juanita Barker, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Susanne Jones.
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 October 11, 2001, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the October 11, 2001, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Report from the firm of Postlethwaite and Netterville regarding the 2000/2001 audit of general purpose financial statements (Beth Fussell).
Mr. Joey Richard, a Director with Postlethwaite and Netterville, reviewed the audit report with the Board. Copies of the entire report were provided for board members. Mr. Richard stated, "The report you have from us is a clean opinion. We are saying that your financial statements are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The financial condition of the school board remains solid."
Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding reapportionment matters (Dennie Fowler).
President Thomas read a letter from Sue Jones, in which she stated her position on redistricting the school system. In the letter she stated, "I feel Huey Pierce is the best one for our approval. I hope you will take my opinion and consideration on who is the most qualified candidate for our redistricting."
President Thomas stated, "Mr. Huey Pierce is a resident of Washington Parish and served on the Bogalusa School Board. Mr. Pierce has worked and helped the Washington Parish Council and the Bogalusa School Board with reapportionment for the last 40 years. Mr. Huey Pierce is capable and willing to help the Washington Parish School Board fulfil their reapportionment needs. After many meetings to obtain figures for the precincts, board members and Mr. Pierce were able to determine that significant change would not occur in reaching a reapportionment plan. I only met Mr. Pierce in the last month. After numerous meetings, I recommend Mr. Pierce do the reapportionment for the Washington Parish School Board at a cost not to exceed $2,500.00, and, also, the services of Mr. Kenny Gatewood, Assistant District Attorney, are included within the $2,500.00." President Thomas pointed out that both Mr. Pierce and Mr. Gatewood have indicated the cost will probably not exceed $1,000.00.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board employ Huey Pierce for reapportionment services for the Washington Parish School Board at a cost not to exceed $2,500.00. FOR: Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Harold Smith, Richard Thomas, Holly James and Freddie Jefferson. AGAINST: Bruce Brown. ABSTAINING: Juanita Barker. Motion carried.
At this time, President Thomas declared a five-minute recess.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to approve an allocation to schools for the 2001/2002 operations budgets (Adren Raybourn).
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve the following allocation to schools for the 2001/2002 Fiscal Year operating budgets:
Allocation to Schools for 2001/2002 Fiscal Year Operating Budgets (2)
$40.00 Per Pupil for Elementary
$50.00 Per Pupil for Secondary
SCHOOL TOTAL PER PUPIL ADJ. NET ALLOCATION
Angie $ 6,680.00 $ 6,680.00
Enon 9,760.00 - $1,500.00 8,260.00
Franklinton Primary 18,480.00 18,480.00
Franklinton Elementary 17,280.00 17,280.00
Franklinton Jr. High 18,800.00 - 1,500.00 17,300.00
Franklinton High 33,250.00 33,250.00
Mt. Hermon 21,910.00 21,910.00
Pine 28,470.00 28,470.00
Thomas 14,400.00 14,400.00
Varnado Elementary 6,280.00 6,280.00
Varnado High 11,500.00 - 2,000.00 9,500.00
Wesley Ray Elementary 10,320.00 - 1,500.00 8,820.00
TOTALS $ 197,130.00 - $6,500.00 $ 190,630.00
Remaining Debts to General Fund After These Adjustments:
Enon Elementary School $ 20,500.00
Wesley Ray Elementary School 1,500.00
Franklinton Jr. High School 9,906.85
Varnado High School 82,735.20
TOTAL $ 114,642.05
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to approve restricted allocations for some schools in lieu of paying for water/sewage (Adren Raybourn).
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Holly James, that the Board approve the following restricted allocations for some schools, in lieu of paying for water/sewage, with the understanding that amounts will be placed into the school's contingency fund, with spending possible only with the Superintendent's approval:
SCHOOL IN LIEU OF WATER IN LIEU OF SEWAGE TOTAL
Enon $ 1,838.33 $ 1,661.67 $ 3,500.00
Pine 1,838.33 1,661.67 3,500.00
Thomas 1,838.33 1,661.67 3,500.00
Mt. Hermon 1,661.67 1,661.67
Angie 1,661.67 1,661.67
Varnado Elem. 1,661.67 1,661.67
Varnado High 1,661.67 1,661.67
Wesley Ray 1,661.67 1,661.67
TOTALS $5,514.99 $13,293.36 $18,808.35
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding adoption of policy relative to competitive quotes taken on behalf of the Board for Property and/or Casualty Insurance (Adren Raybourn).
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the following policy relative to competitive quotes taken on behalf of the Board for Property and/or Casualty Insurance: It shall be policy that, whenever competitive quotes are taken on behalf of the School Board for Property and/or Casualty Insurance, recommendations relating to those quotes shall be presented and discussed in committee at least two working days prior to being brought before the Board for official Board action. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to approve student transfer requests for the 2001/2002 school year (Eathel Seal).
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, as recommended by Eathel Seal, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance:
NAME HOME DISTRICT REQUESTED DISTRICT REASON
Brumfield, Benjamin Wesley Ray Varnado Hardship
Gatewood, MacKensey Franklinton Enon Hardship
Jeansonne, Kyle Wesley Ray Varnado Hardship
Magee, Trent Pine Franklinton Hardship
Mattos, Wagner De Varnado Pine Admin.
Robinson, Nyechia Pine Franklinton Hardship
Robinson, Tyrais Pine Franklinton Hardship
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding adoption/revision of policy relating to purchase of a school bus (Eathel Seal).
Following review of proposed revision of Washington Parish School Board policy File: ED - Student Transportation Management, by Assistant Superintendent Richard Kennedy, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Holly James, that the following revisions be adopted:
(1) All replacement school buses, at the time they are acquired by the owner, shall be ten (10) or less model years old for veteran owners/operators, newly hired owners/operators, and the school district and shall be a minimum 59/60 passenger bus.
(2) At the time a school bus is placed into service, the Supervisor of Transportation shall designate the route mileage for that bus. This mileage shall be frozen in order to guarantee the contract owner/operator cannot be penalized by a reduction of compensated mileage (except as may be requested by the owner/operator) for a period of seven (7) years when a new bus is purchased or five (5) years when a used bus not more than five (5) model years old is purchased.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Title I allocations to schools for the 2001/2002 school year (T. J. Butler, Jr.).
POSTPONED UNTIL LATER IN THE MEETING.
Agenda Item #13 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a one-time salary supplement (Dennie Fowler).
Superintendent Fowler read the following recommendation regarding salary supplements for 2001/2002 fiscal year: "Part of the recommendation of the June 28, 2001, board meeting concerned salary supplements. The recommendations read, in part, 'Therefore, I recommend that, after the books have been closed for 2000/2001 FY, the financial condition and forecast of the General Fund be examined by the Director of Finance, Superintendent, Personnel Director, and Finance Committee, and based on that examination, a recommendation be made to the Board to pay a salary supplement in December of 2001 or January of 2002 to both certificated and non-certificated employees, but in a manner that is biased for non-certificated employees who will not benefit due to receipt of state funded MFP monies intended for certificated personnel salary rate increases. It is understood that, because of drawing off prior year's excess and expensing in current year, it is likely that expenditures will exceed revenues for General Fund in the year 2001/2002.' Based on examination of last year's performance and overall condition of General Fund, I recommend a one-time Salary Supplement be paid in December, 2001, to full-time permanent employees and a prorated Supplement to part-time permanent employees actively employed as of December 1, 2001, as follows:
PERSONNEL WHO BENEFITTED FROM - $600.00 Plus Related Benefits
STATE FUNDED MFP INCREASE
SUPPORT PERSONNEL WHO DID NOT - $800.00 Plus Related Benefits
BENEFIT FROM STATE FUNDED MFP
INCREASE
Other funds are expected to fund their own programs' supplement (School Lunch, Title I, Special Education). This was discussed with the parties I've mentioned, and I make this recommendation, which is also a recommendation from the Finance Committee."
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve the recommendation of the Superintendent and the Finance Committee regarding salary supplements. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Fowler stated, "It's very important that our employees realize what I was talking about. When your fiscal year is over, it takes time to determine how you actually come out, how much you've spent and how much you've taken in. I already know of some major expenses coming down the road. We may not come out as well next year. You might not expect $600 or $800; it might be $50. We think the expenditures this year will exceed revenues. As long as we go into the year knowing that, there's no reason to get overly concerned. We feel like that's manageable for this year; however, in coming years, we'll have to analyze it very closely. I feel like this Board will give whatever it possibly can give."
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to adopt the following revised Washington Parish School Board policies brought about by recent legislation: File: CN - Administrative Records; File: GAK - Personnel Records; File: GBA - Contracts and Compensation; File: GBD - Employment of Personnel; File: ID - Curriculum; File: JGCD - Administration of Medication; File: JR - Student Records; and File: JS - Student Fees, Fines and Charges (Richard Kennedy).
Following a brief review of the policy revision by Assistant Superintendent Kennedy, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the following revised Washington Parish School Board policies brought about by recent legislation: File: CN - Administrative Records; File: GAK - Personnel Records; File: GBA - Contracts and Compensation; File: GBD - Employment of Personnel; File: ID - Curriculum; File: JGCD - Administration of Medication; File: JR - Student Records; and File: JS - Student Fees, Fines and Charges. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to adopt Washington Parish School Board policy File: ECF - Equipment Maintenance, brought about by recent legislation (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt Washington Parish School Board policy File: ECF - Equipment Maintenance, brought about by recent legislation. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #16 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Schools: Hilda Alexander, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective December 31, 2001.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
ANGIE/WESLEY RAY DISTRICT: Extend the route of Patricia Seals .6 mile one way to pick up Jacob Jarrell. Effective date: October 29, 2001.
Extend the route of Patricia Seals .8 mile one way to pick up Danielle Anderson and Joshua Hartfield. Effective date: August 16, 2001.
Extend the route of Patricia Seals .8 mile one way to pick up Amber Brumfield. Effective date: August 16, 2001.
Extend the route of Patricia Seals 2.3 miles one way to pick up Destiny Catori and Kaylee February. Effective date: September 17, 2001.
Extend the route of Patricia Seals .4 mile one way to pick up Kayla Alexander. Effective date: November 5, 2001.
ENON DISTRICT: Deduct 1.0 mile one way from the route of Lela Yates. Bus had been re-routed due to road construction, which is now complete. Effective date: October 25, 2001.
Extend the route of Michael Sharp 1.6 miles one way to pick up Derrick Dewayne Barber. Effective date: October 10, 2001.
Extend the route of Michael Sharp .5 mile one way to pick up Simon and Nickolas Cotton. Effective date: October 23, 2001.
FRANKLINTON DISTRICT: Extend the route of Juanita Tullos 6.7 miles one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: October 9, 2001.
Extend the route of Linda Magee 2.1 miles one way to pick up Wesley Williams. Effective date: October 29, 2001.
THOMAS DISTRICT: Extend the route of D. Kaye Magee .5 mile one way to pick up Robert Harvey. Effective date: October 23, 2001.
VARNADO DISTRICT: Extend the route of Delores Myres 2.3 miles one way to pick up Drinavia Williams. Effective date: October 8, 2001.
Extend the route of Patsy Owens 2.3 miles one way to pick up Kelsey and Korey Alexander. Effective date: November 7, 2001.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda item #17 - Superintendent's Report.
Superintendent Fowler informed the Board of the "Buck$ for Fire Truck$" program announced by Governor Foster. To show support for our countrymen in need, Governor Foster has proposed that the state raise funds to purchase and donate a replacement fire truck for the City of New York on behalf of the citizens of Louisiana. The truck, to be christened "The Spirit of Louisiana," is scheduled for delivery by Christmas.
Superintendent Fowler informed the Board that School Performance Scores were released this week by the State Department of Education. Copies of the report were provided for board members. (SEE ATTACHED.) In Superintendent Fowler's review of the results, he pointed out that all schools showed improvement. A Curriculum Task Force has been formed to provide assistance with accountability and school improvement plans, as specified by the State Department of Education, for the district level, especially for schools in Corrective Actions.
The Board unanimously agreed to authorize Assistant Superintendent Richard Kennedy to hire an additional Special Education teacher for Varnado Elementary School, should it become necessary after annual school report analysis, so that the school will not be placed on probation due to too many students in the class and too wide an age span in the class. The State Department would not grant a waiver for age span.
Agenda Item #18 - Other business from board members.
In response to an inquiry by Juanita Barker, Superintendent Fowler brought the Board up-to-date on the Option 3 program at Louisiana Technical College, Sullivan Campus. Students are able to enter the program of their choice, if they pass the required test.
Freddie Jefferson commended Franklinton High School Principal Beverly Young and football coaching staff for advancing to the play-offs.
Agenda Item #12 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Title I allocations to schools for the 2001/2002 school year (T. J. Butler, Jr.).
T. J. Butler, Jr., Supervisor of Federally Assisted Programs, made the following statement to the Board: "I would like to say, let the record show that the Title I department did not have anything to do with this plan. I'm going to take it to the State Department tomorrow to make sure everything's O.K. Also, on this plan that was not submitted by the Title I director or the Title I staff, Thomas has only $317.83 above salaries and benefits. How can they maintain their Title I computer lab and buy supplies? You are the Board; you are the governing board, and I have nothing else to say. I will run it by the State. If they approve it, it's alright with me. Next year, if we're in the same program, I plan to just turn it over to the Board and let you all come up with the formula, and that way, you can please everybody, and everybody will be happy. Thank you."
President Thomas then distributed copies of the proposed plan to board members for their review. It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the allocation plan just handed out, which was as follows:
ALLOCATION PLAN + SUPPLEMENT OF $31,760.00
2001
SCHOOLS % OF #FREE & ALLOCATION ADDITIONAL TOTAL
LOW REDUCED AMOUNT ALLOCATION
INCOME LUNCH
Varnado Elem. 98% 171X$300 51,300.00 4,000.00 55,300.00
Varnado High 96% 221X$300 66,300.00 4,000.00 70,300.00
Wesley Ray 95% 263X$300 78,900.00 4,000.00 82,900.00
Angie Jr. High 94% 158X$300 47,400.00 4,000.00 51,400.00
Thomas Jr. High 92% 350X$300 105,000.00 4,000.00 109,000.00
Franklinton Primary 90% 415X$300 124,500.00 4,000.00 128,500.00
Pine High 85% 551X$256 141,056.00 141,056.00
Franklinton Elem. 79% 340X$205 69,700.00 69,700.00
Franklinton Jr. High 77% 363X$205 74,415.00 74,415.00
Mt. Hermon 74% 393X$205 80,565.00 80,565.00
Enon 68% 193X$156 30,108.00 30,108.00
Franklinton High 59% 395X$132 52,140.00 *52,111.83
*Less: Amt. To Balance of -28.17
TOTALS $921,384.00 $24,000.00 $945,355.83
ADM. $358,972.24
PRE/SCH. $323,504.98
PAR.INV. $ 16,121.95
S/W $945,355.83
TOTAL F/Y $1,643,955.00
2002
Juanita Barker asked how this plan was arrived at and who arrived at it. She stated she did not understand what had taken place. President Thomas responded that the Board had asked Mr. Butler to try and meet the needs of Franklinton High School, when they didn't have enough. He stated, "The other plan didn't, so we've come up with this plan. Mostly, it was me that came up with this plan. That's what I've been talking to Mr. Butler about. I take full responsibility for it."
Mrs. Barker stated, "Let the record show that I'm certainly in favor of the schools in my district getting as much as they can, whatever they deserve, whatever they need. But, are other schools suffering as a result of this? Is it fair to everybody?"
Holly James compared the proposed plan with last year's plan. She stated, "We're looking at $300.00 per student for all schools in the 90% range and above. That's the same thing that was offered in the allocation plan that Mr. Butler did that was based on last year's per student. We go down to 85%. We only have one school this year, Pine, that was $250.00. That's what he had offered, and this plan goes to $256.00 per child, so there's a little bit of a change from $137,000.00 to $141,000.00 Then there are three (3) schools in the 70% range, and rather than $200.00 per child, it's $205.00 per child, so you get slight increases in each one of those schools. Then Enon, instead of $150.00, it goes to $156.00 per child, and they are in the 68% category. Our school with the lowest percentage was 59%, which is still above the 50% that's required by the Title I program. That puts them at $132.00 per child. That's where you see the raise there, but the balance of the money would have been divided up at the top, and the balance of the money, instead of being $7,759.00, would be $4,000.00 added over there. That leaves you with $28.17. I think it looks good. I call the question."
Bruce Brown stated, "With respect to our Title I Director, I think our recommendation should come from him, and I don't think we should take his job every year. I think we ought to wait for a decision to come back, as to whether what we're doing here is right according to what the Federal government mandates. I don't see why we need to jump and do this tonight. I think we're really taking his job. With all due respect, I think we ought to let the Title I Director be the Title I Director. I understand about people wanting to get as much money as they can, but we need to know what the intent of the Title I program is and make sure we're within the law, because, if we vote, we're going to have to give an account of what we did. I have no problem with anybody getting their money; just make sure we're doing it lawfully. If a decision is going to come back tomorrow, I think we ought to wait."
Hayward Boone stated, "I'm not pointing any fingers, but it seems to me like we need to work a little bit harder to get those numbers up. I'm going to support this. You have Franklinton Elementary at 79%, Franklinton Jr. High School at 77%, and Franklinton Primary at 90%. We're dealing with the same kids, aren't we? If we could just get those kids to turn those applications in, because there's a lot of money tied to this. I hope we do what we have to do to get those forms in, get those numbers up, and get the money up."
Bruce Brown asked, "Whose recommendation is this?" President Thomas replied, "It's my recommendation, on the grounds that Mr. Jefferson stated in the committee meeting that he wanted to 'get the lady her money.' That's what I thought the Board had agreed on. I had a conversation today with Mr. Butler, and we talked about it. When we get to the Thomas Jr. High part, it's only a $3,000.00 difference from the one we had before on Thomas."
Juanita Barker asked Mr. Butler, "You and Mr. Thomas worked this out together?" Mr. Butler replied, "No, ma'am."
Holly James stated, "I think the request the other night was that we try to come up with another plan, and we were given the same two that we looked at Monday night." Mr. Butler stated, "They were not the same plan. One was a plan that we did last year. It's the same plan that you did last year, and it showed that Franklinton High School was in the 70%. Now, they're at 59%. You're saying, O.K., even though you're in the 59%, let's give you the same amount of money that you got last year." Mrs. James stated, "We're not giving them the same amount of money; we're looking at how much money we give per child." Mr. Butler stated, "I tell you what, next time, why don't you just continue to do it, then. If it's the same thing, you do it."
The vote on the motion was as follows: FOR: Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Harold Smith, Richard Thomas, Holly James, and Freddie Jefferson. AGAINST: Bruce Brown. ABSTAINING: Juanita Barker. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #19 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
RICHARD N. THOMAS, JR., PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY