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, Juanita Barker, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Susanne Jones and Holly James.
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 - Presentation by Kay Bell, Talented Art Teacher - Recognize parish winners of the Louisiana Governor's Mansion Foundation art project - Recognize winners of Coca-Cola calendar contest (Dennie Fowler).
Supervisor Mary Jones, along with Kay Bell, Talented Art Teacher, Franklinton High School, recognized the two parish First Place winners in the recent Louisiana Governor's Mansion Foundation Christmas Tree Art Project. They were, as follows:
Ashleigh Boudreaux Franklinton High School 12th Grade
Sam Williams Franklinton High School 12th Grade
Other winners (not present) were, as follows:
Second Tabitha Kerbow Mt. Hermon School 12th Grade
Thorinthus Peters Varnado High School 9th Grade
Third Brittney Bankston Franklinton High School 9th Grade
Clayton Taylor Franklinton High School 10th Grade
The two first place winners had the honor of going to the Governor's Mansion in November to decorate the furnished Christmas ornament. These ornaments were then placed on the Governor's Mansion Christmas tree.
Mrs. Bell also recognized two students who were recent winners in the Coca-Cola calendar contest. There were, as follows:
Clayton Taylor, First Place
Suzette Penton, First Runner-up
Superintendent Fowler congratulated the students and complimented their teachers on their leadership.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to adopt Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire (For Audit Engagements of Governmental Entities) - Donna Alonzo.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for Audit Engagements of Governmental Entities. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Report from the firm of Postlethwaite and Netterville regarding the 2001/2002 audit of general purpose financial statements (Donna Alonzo).
Mr. Joey Richard, Audit Director, briefly reviewed the audit report with the Board. Copies of the entire report were provided for board members. Mr. Richard stated the Board received a clean opinion. It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board accept the audit report as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to adopt schedule of school board meetings for 2003 (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board adopt the following schedule of school board meetings for 2003:
PUBLIC MEETINGS
ACT 707 OF 1977
REGULAR MEETINGS OF WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD - 2003
The Washington Parish School Board shall meet in regular session for the year 2003 at its legal domicile, the Washington Parish School Board Office Building, 800 Main Street, Franklinton, Louisiana, at 6:30 P.M., on the following dates:
THURSDAYS - SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS MONDAYS - COMMITTEE MEETINGS
January 9, 2003 January 6, 2003
January 23, 2003
February 13, 2003 February 10, 2003
February 27, 2003
March 13, 2003 March 10, 2003
March 27, 2003
April 17, 2003 April 14, 2003
May 8, 2003 May 5, 2003
May 29, 2003
June 19, 2003 June 16, 2003
July 10, 2003 July 7, 2003
August 7, 2003 August 4, 2003
August 21, 2003
September 11, 2003 September 8, 2003
October 2, 2003 September 29, 2003
November 6, 2003 November 3, 2003
December 4, 2003 December 1, 2003
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to approve an allocation to schools for the 2002/2003 operations budgets (Beth Fussell).
Upon the recommendation of Beth Fussell, Director of Finance, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the following allocation to schools for the 2002/2003 fiscal year operating budgets:
Allocation to Schools for 2002/2003 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 $ 7,040.00 $ 7,040.00
Enon 11,800.00 - $1,500.00 10,300.00
Franklinton Primary 17,440.00 17,440.00
Franklinton Elementary 17,360.00 17,360.00
Franklinton Jr. High 19,000.00 - 1,500.00 17,500.00
Franklinton High 31,650.00 31,650.00
Mt. Hermon 21,180.00 21,180.00
Pine 27,780.00 27,780.00
Thomas 13,800.00 13,800.00
Varnado Elem. 7,280.00 7,280.00
Varnado High 9,200.00 - 2,000.00 7,200.00
Wesley Ray 8,560.00 8,560.00
TOTALS $ 192,090.00 - $5,000.00 $ 187,090.00
Remaining Debts to General Fund After These Adjustments:
Enon Elementary School $ 17,000.00
Franklinton Jr. High School 5,906.85
Varnado High School 78,735.20
TOTAL $ 101,642.05
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to approve restricted allocations for some schools in lieu of paying for water/sewage (Beth Fussell).
Upon the recommendation of Beth Fussell, Director of Finance, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Harold Smith, 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 #10 - Consider a motion to approve Bus Operator Glen Thomas' request to purchase a 1993 Blue Bird school bus to replace the 1988 International bus he presently drives (Eathel Seal).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board approve Bus Operator Glen Thomas' request to purchase a 1993 Blue Bird school bus to replace the 1988 International bus he presently drives. Motion carried unanimously. The 1988 International bus will now be used as his spare bus.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to adopt Washington Parish School Board Policy File: JBCBB - Homeless Students (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adopt Washington Parish School Board Policy File: JBCBB - Homeless Students. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to adopt Washington Parish (Schoolwide) Parental Involvement Policy (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt Washington Parish (Schoolwide) Parental Involvement Policy. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - 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:
Franklinton Elementary School: Jean Wales, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective January 13, 2003.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Mary McCullen, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective January 15, 2003.
Franklinton Schools: Hazel Garrett, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective December 31, 2002.
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Jr. High School: Merle Cooke, Title I Technology Assistant, Resignation effective December 6, 2002.
SABBATICAL MEDICAL LEAVE:
Angie Jr. High School: Nelda Purvis, Academically Gifted Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the Spring semester only of the 2002/2003 school year.
Thomas Jr. High School: Betty Hughes, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the Spring semester only of the 2002/2003 school year.
TRANSFER:
Franklinton Schools: Transfer Colleen Barber, Bus Operator, TO Hazel Garrett=s bus route effective January 6, 2003.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Elementary School: Rebecca W. Graves, Special Education Teacher, effective January 13, 2003, and for the remainder of the 2002/2003 school year only.
Franklinton Elementary School: Cherie Marie Bowers, Regular Teacher, effective January 6, 2003 (CERTIFIED).
Franklinton Primary School: Virginia Dillon, Part-time School Clerk (11 months), effective January 6, 2003.
Franklinton Primary School: Carol Payne, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective January 13, 2003.
Franklinton Primary School: Abby Epps Penny, LA4 Teacher, effective January 6, 2003, and for the remainder of the 2002/2003 school year only (OFAT).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Beth Ann Tullos, Special Education Teacher, effective January 13, 2003, and for the remainder of the 2002/2003 school year only (TAT).
Mt. Hermon School: Sandra Williams, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective December 9, 2002.
Thomas Jr. High School: Sarah Barber, School Food Service Worker, effective January 6, 2003.
Thomas Jr. High School: Anita Wood, Regular Teacher, effective January 13, 2003, and for the remainder of the 2002/2003 school year only (CERTIFIED).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
ANGIE/WESLEY RAY DISTRICT: Extend the route of Patricia Seals 1.6 miles one way to pick up Jolena, Joyce, and Robert Alsobrooks. Effective date: November 4, 2002.
FRANKLINTON DISTRICT: Extend the route of James W. Mulina, Jr., 2.2 miles one way. Effective date: November 4, 2002.
Extend the route of Juanita Tullos .8 mile one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: September 23, 2002.
Extend the route of Juanita Tullos 3.2 miles one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: November 6, 2002.
Extend the route of Juanita Tullos .9 mile one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: November 11, 2002.
Deduct 1.4 miles one way from the route of Yvonne Varnado due to students moving off route (Erica & Amanda Sammons, Michael Erwin, Jeffry Crowe, Ashley and Alyssa Vincent). Effective date: October 29, 2002.
Extend the route of Hazel Garrett .3 mile one way due to road washout. Effective date: September 26, 2002 (15 school days).
Deduct .3 miles one way from the route of Hazel Garrett; road repairs completed. Effective date: October 21, 2002.
THOMAS DISTRICT: Extend the route of D. Kaye Magee 4.0 miles one way to pick up Caleb McKenzie and Connor Holmes. Effective date: September 3, 2002.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Superintendent's Report.
Superintendent Fowler stated that a reception for the two retiring board members, Juanita Barker and Harold Smith, was held prior to the board meeting. Mr. Fowler stated, "They have certainly served this board well. Mrs. Barker was appointed to the Board on August 8, 1996, to serve until a special election held April 5, 1997. At that time, she was elected to complete her late husband's term of office (through December 31, 1998). She was then re-elected to a new term of office (January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2002). Harold Smith served as school board member from January 1, 1969, through December 31, 1980, and again from January 1, 1987, until December 31, 2002, for a total of twenty-eight (28) years. He has been a leader for this board for many years, serving as both president and vice-president numerous times."
Mrs. Barker stated, "Never in a million years did I ever think I would be sitting in a politician's position. But, because of certain circumstances that happened, here I am. I truly have enjoyed it. I know that each board member is supposed to fight for their district, because that's how we are elected. But, I would suggest that, in the future, we be concerned about fighting, of course, for your district, but for the system. Education is changing every day, and it is the school system that will bring industry, more people will move, in, and as you fight for your district, sometimes you may have to give up something that you may want for the district, because there's a much bigger picture."
Mr. Smith stated, "I have enjoyed all these years. Sometimes, it's been very frustrating, but we all know, that goes with the job. I've served with, I don't know how many, members on this board. Thank goodness, we all got along. I want to say this, too. Our office staff, throughout this building, the white building (annex), the special education building on Barker Drive, they do a tremendous job, a lot of hard work. They go the extra mile, and what they do helps make this board look good. We come to them with questions, and they give us the answers. If you don't have a good solid central office staff, then I think the whole system is in trouble. I think we've got a good school system, and I hope I have contributed a little bit to that. In the future, I hope the Board continues to move the system forward. It's been a pleasure working with all of you."
Agenda Item #15 - Other business from board members.
None.
Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A (1) for the purpose of holding a tenure hearing (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(1) for the purpose of holding a tenure hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #17 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
President Thomas stated, "As to charge #1, do you find Jacquelyn Turnage guilty of willful neglect of duty, in that during the 2002/2003 school year during the course and scope of her employment, she failed to report to work at her place of employment, Enon Elementary School, on August 12 and 13, 2002, for staff development?" Roll call vote was as follows:
District 1 Harold Smith YES
District 2 Karl Bickham YES
District 3 Bruce Brown YES
District 4 Richard N. Thomas YES
District 5 Hayward Boone YES
District 6 Susanne Jones ABSENT
District 7 Holly James ABSENT
District 8 Juanita Barker YES
District 9 Freddie Jefferson YES
President Thomas stated, "As to charge #2, do you find Jacquelyn Turnage guilty of willful neglect of duty, in that during the 2002/2003 school year during the course and scope of her employment, she failed to report to her place of employment, Enon Elementary School, on the first day of school, August 14, 2002, and thereafter?" Roll call vote was as follows:
District 1 Harold Smith YES
District 2 Karl Bickham YES
District 3 Bruce Brown YES
District 4 Richard N. Thomas YES
District 5 Hayward Boone YES
District 6 Susanne Jones ABSENT
District 7 Holly James ABSENT
District 8 Juanita Barker YES
District 9 Freddie Jefferson YES
President Thomas stated, "Charge #3. As to the recommendation of the superintendent, do you agree to a dismissal of Jacquelyn Turnage as a tenured teacher in the Washington Parish School System?"
District 1 Harold Smith YES
District 2 Karl Bickham YES
District 3 Bruce Brown YES
District 4 Richard N. Thomas YES
District 5 Hayward Boone YES
District 6 Susanne Jones ABSENT
District 7 Holly James ABSENT
District 8 Juanita Barker YES
District 9 Freddie Jefferson YES
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Karl Bickham, that, in accordance with the vote of the Board, Jacquelyn Turnage be terminated as a tenured teacher in the Washington Parish School System. Roll call vote was as follows:
District 1 Harold Smith YES
District 2 Karl Bickham YES
District 3 Bruce Brown YES
District 4 Richard N. Thomas YES
District 5 Hayward Boone YES
District 6 Susanne Jones ABSENT
District 7 Holly James ABSENT
District 8 Juanita Barker YES
District 9 Freddie Jefferson YES
President Thomas called a special board meeting for December 19, 2002, at 9:00 A.M., for the following purposes:
- Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the November 7, 2002, regular board meeting;
- Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the December 5, 2002, regular board meeting;
- Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for Franklinton High School re-roofing;
- Discuss and take appropriate action regarding hiring a bus operator for District 2 to replace Colleen Barber, who transferred to Hazel Garrett's route.
Superintendent Fowler reported that classroom teachers will receive a separate check on December 20, 2002 - Gross Amount: $272.92 - representing distribution of savings resulting from Acts 1341 and 1342 of the Louisiana Legislature of 1999, applicable to Extended Sick Leave and Sabbatical Leave.
At the request of Richard Kennedy, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to employ Lynda Comeaux (CERTIFIED) as a regular teacher at Enon Elementary School, replacing Jacquelyn Turnage, effective December 5, 2002. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board employ Lynda Comeaux (CERTIFIED) as a regular teacher at Enon Elementary School, replacing Jacquelyn Turnage, effective December 5, 2002. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #18 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.