The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: President Richard N. Thomas, Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Susanne Jones, Holly James, Matthew Tate and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Hayward Boone.
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 Freddie Jefferson.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the June 19, 2003, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board adopt the minutes of the June 19, 2003, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of interviewing applicants for the position of Principal of Enon Elementary School (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board enter into Executive Session for the purpose of interviewing applicants for the position of Principal of Enon Elementary School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to employ a Principal for Enon Elementary School (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board employ Frances Varnado as Principal, Enon Elementary School. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to authorize withdrawal privileges for Frances Varnado on all Enon Elementary School bank accounts effective July 21, 2003, and terminate withdrawal privileges for Phyllis Thomas on all Enon Elementary School bank accounts effective July 21, 2003. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board authorize withdrawal privileges for Frances Varnado on all Enon Elementary School bank accounts effective July 21, 2003, and terminate withdrawal privileges for Phyllis Thomas on all Enon Elementary School bank accounts effective July 21, 2003. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution providing for the opening of the sealed bids received for the purchase of Twenty-Three Million Dollars ($23,000,000) of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2003, of Consolidated School District No. 4 of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana, approving the Official Notice of Bond Sale and Official Statement in connection therewith (Richard Thomas).
(SEE ATTACHED)
Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding hiring a construction management firm (Dennie Fowler).
Superintendent Fowler commented on the excellent presentations made by three (3) construction firms at the special committee meeting on July 8, 2003. The meeting was scheduled for the purpose of interviewing the most qualified companies submitting Statements of Qualifications to provide Multiple Prime Construction Management services for managing the Board's current capital improvements program.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board enter into negotiations for a contract with W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Co., Biloxi, Mississippi, to provide construction management services. Motion carried unanimously.
President Thomas named the following board members to comprise the committee to negotiate a contract with W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Co: Freddie Jefferson, Chairman, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, and Holly James. Dennie Fowler, Sam Fauntleroy and Wayne Kuhn will work with the committee in the negotiation process.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement on August 27, 2003, that a Public Hearing on the Washington Parish School Board Budgets will be held September 11, 2003, at 6:00 P.M. (Beth Fussell).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board authorize advertisement on August 27, 2003, that a Public Hearing on the Washington Parish School Board Budgets will be held September 11, 2003, at 6:00 P.M. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Fowler announced the following additional committee/board meetings, as agreed upon by the Board:
- September 4, 2003 Special Committee Meeting - 6:00 P.M.
To review all budgets
- September 29, 2003 Special Board Meeting - 6:00 P.M.
To take action regarding the Board's Property and Liability Insurance
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to authorize receipt of competitive quotes for the Board's Property and Liability Insurance (Beth Fussell).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board authorize receipt of competitive quotes for the Board's Property and Liability Insurance. Motion carried unanimously.
At the request of Superintendent Fowler, Architect Sam Fauntleroy updated the Board on re-roofing projects.
Agenda Item #12 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding student transfer requests for the 2003/2004 school year (Eathel Seal).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board approve the following student transfer requests for the 2003/2004 school year, as recommended by Eathel Seal, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance:
STUDENT NAME HOME DISTRICT REQUESTED DISTRICT TYPE OF TRANSFER
Allison, Adrienne Franklinton Mt. Hermon Administrative
Allison, Alexandra Franklinton Mt. Hermon Administrative
Allison, Sydnie Franklinton Mt. Hermon Administrative
Barber, Kacie Ellon Mt. Hermon Franklinton Illness
Barber, Tiffany Lynn Enon Franklinton Hardship
Beckett, Jessie Pine Franklinton Academic
Bickham, James, Jr. Pine Franklinton Hardship
Bickham, Jasmine Pine Franklinton Hardship
Bickham, Justin Pine Franklinton Athletics
Breshears, Candise Varnado Franklinton Academic
Budde, Joshua Mt. Hermon Franklinton Athletics
Burkhalter, Kelli Franklinton Mt. Hermon Administrative
Burkhalter, Kendra Franklinton Mt. Hermon Administrative
Byrd, Erin Michelle Pine Franklinton Illness
Catchings, Jarvis Mt. Hermon Franklinton Hardship
Catchings, Jeremy Mt. Hermon Franklinton Hardship
Catchings, Joshua Mt. Hermon Franklinton Academic
Crain, Alyssa Pine Franklinton Hardship
Crain, Cassandra Pine Franklinton Hardship
Crain, Hunter Pine Franklinton Hardship
Crain, Jordan Pine Franklinton Hardship
Crawford, Michael A. Franklinton Enon Hardship
Davis, Mason Lee Mt. Hermon Franklinton Hardship
Davis, Zachery Scott Wesley Ray Pine Hardship
Dean, Willie Mt. Hermon Franklinton Hardship
Dillon, Ariel Leigh Pine Mt. Hermon Hardship
Dominguez, Derek Franklinton Enon Hardship
Dufrene, Daniel Franklinton Enon Hardship
Dufrene, Steven Franklinton Enon Hardship
Easterline, Kathelynn Pine Franklinton Hardship
Fitzgerald, Kaleigh Wesley Ray Franklinton Academic
Fitzgerald, Kelsey Wesley Ray Franklinton Administrative
Forbes, Kristen D. Varnado Pine Academic
Fox, Adrian Pine Franklinton Hardship
Freeman, Caitlynn Franklinton Enon Hardship
Freeman, Rachel M. Pine Franklinton Academic
Garrett, Alana Thomas Franklinton Hardship
Gatewood, Brennon Franklinton Enon Hardship
Gatewood, Cameron Franklinton Enon Hardship
Gatewood, MacKensey Franklinton Enon Hardship
Gerald, Lauren Franklinton Enon Hardship
Geraldson, Janna Enon Franklinton Hardship
Geraldson, Joshua Enon Franklinton Hardship
Goings, Brady M. Franklinton Enon Hardship
Graves, Michelle Varnado Pine Illness
Graves, Timothy L. Angie Franklinton Hardship
Griffin, Raven M. Mt. Hermon Franklinton Academic
Gros, Jacob Lynn Mt. Hermon Franklinton Athletics
Ha, Yoo Mi Mt. Hermon Franklinton Academic
Hale, Alexis Franklinton Mt. Hermon Hardship
Hale, Hunter Franklinton Mt. Hermon Hardship
Harvey, Terrance Thomas Franklinton Hardship
Hepting, Joey A., Jr. Mt. Hermon Franklinton Academic
Hickman, Ryan Enon Franklinton Hardship
Holden, Cory L. Enon Franklinton Athletics
Hopkins, Nathaniel Pine Franklinton Hardship
Hudson, Hannah R. Thomas Pine Hardship
Hudson, Kevin Thomas Pine Hardship
Jones, Landan Enon Franklinton Hardship
Kimbrell, Candice Enon Franklinton Hardship
Kimbrell, Madison Enon Franklinton Hardship
Knight, Harlie D. Pine Franklinton Hardship
Knight, John Michael Pine Franklinton Hardship
LeBlanc, Charles R. Enon Franklinton Hardship
LeBlanc, Courtney Enon Franklinton Hardship
Magee, Be=Shundra Thomas Franklinton Hardship
Magee, De=Taurus Thomas Franklinton Hardship
Magee, Kayla J. Thomas Franklinton Hardship
Magee, Landon Thomas Franklinton Hardship
Magee, Madeline Franklinton Enon Hardship
Magee, Sunsuray B. Franklinton Mt. Hermon Hardship
Magee, Tryistan A. Franklinton Mt. Hermon Hardship
Manning, Dether Pine Franklinton Academic
Manning, Stacy Thomas Franklinton Academic
McCain, Ashley Pine Franklinton Academic
McElveen, Bradley Pine Enon Hardship
Melerine, Jason C. Enon Franklinton Athletics
Miley, Emily Ann Wesley Ray Franklinton Administrative
Miley, Luther Alex Varnado Pine Athletics
Newman, Matthew Enon Franklinton Hardship
Peak, Carlton Thomas Franklinton Hardship
Prestage, Misty Pine Franklinton Academic
Schilling, Jordan Mt. Hermon Franklinton Hardship
Schilling, Zachary Mt. Hermon Franklinton Hardship
Seal, Emily Ruth Wesley Ray Varnado Hardship
Seal, Leroy, II Varnado Franklinton Hardship
Seal, Sarah E. Varnado Franklinton Academic
Smith, Dallas Thomas Franklinton Hardship
Smith, Darbie Thomas Franklinton Hardship
Smith, Jordan H. Franklinton Enon Hardship
Smith, Taylor G. Franklinton Enon Hardship
Smith, Trevor M. Franklinton Enon Hardship
Smith, Zykieus Pine Franklinton Illness
Spears, Sarah C. Franklinton Enon Hardship
Sprehe, Nadia Varnado Pine Hardship
Stafford, Timothy M. Angie Franklinton Hardship
Stevens, Michael B. Franklinton Mt. Hermon Hardship
Stogner, Joshua R. Varnado Pine Academic
Sullivan, Brittany Pine Franklinton Academic
Tarver, Johnny E. Franklinton Mt. Hermon Hardship
Tarver, Levi Curtis Franklinton Mt. Hermon Hardship
Thigpen, Morgan A. Franklinton Enon Hardship
Thomas, Brandon Pine Enon Hardship
Thomas, Jimmy W. Thomas Enon Hardship
Triche, Drey M. Pine Franklinton Hardship
Villere=, Madison E. Franklinton Enon Hardship
Voelkel, Greta Varnado Pine Athletics
Watson, Allison Franklinton Enon Hardship
Watson, Bridgette N. Varnado Pine Academic
Watson, Britt Franklinton Enon Hardship
Watson, Spencer K. Franklinton Enon Hardship
Watson, Sydney C. Franklinton Enon Hardship
Watson, William P. Franklinton Enon Hardship
Wells, Kaylee C. Enon Franklinton Administrative
Whaley, Hanna R. Franklinton Mt. Hermon Hardship
White, Ted James Franklinton Mt. Hermon Hardship
Williams, Ashlee Thomas Pine Hardship
Williams, Brittany Varnado Pine Academic
Williams, Donald Varnado Pine Athletics
Williams, Hannah M. Varnado Pine Athletics
Williams, Joshua Angie Thomas Hardship
Williams, Kellie S. Varnado Pine Academic
Williams, Kelsey Varnado Pine Hardship
Williams, Loren A. Varnado Pine Athletics
Wilson, Jordan C. Pine Franklinton Hardship
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for sale of mobile home located at Franklinton High School (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for sale of a 14 ft. x 59 ft. mobile home located at Franklinton High School. Motion carried unanimously. Bids will be received until 3:00 P.M., Friday, August 8, 2003, the time of the bid opening.
Agenda Item #14 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Pupil Progression Plan revisions for the 2003/2004 school year (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve Pupil Progression Plan revisions for the 2003/2004 school year. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution accepting the best bid for the purchase of Twenty-Three Million Dollars ($23,000,000) of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2003, of Consolidated School District No. 4 of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana (Richard Thomas).
(SEE ATTACHED)
Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the incurring of debt and issuance of Twenty-Three Million Dollars ($23,000,000) of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2003, of Consolidated School District No. 4 of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana; prescribing the form, terms and conditions of said Bonds; designating the date, denomination and place of payment of said Bonds; providing for the payment thereof in principal and interest; and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Richard Thomas).
(SEE ATTACHED)
Agenda Item #17 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Primary School: Clarence Miley, Custodian, Retirement Resignation effective July 15, 2003.-
Thomas Jr. High School: Betty T. Hughes, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective August 1, 2003.
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Schools: Leon Roberts, Bus Operator, Resignation effective June 24, 2003.
Franklinton Primary School: Shirley Williams, LA 4 Paraprofessional, Resignation effective July 9, 2003.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Deborah Chesnutt, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective June 3, 2003.
Pine School: Russell E. Barber, Bus Operator, Resignation effective August 1, 2003.
TRANSFER:
Paul Meyerchick, Regular Teacher, Franklinton High School, TO In-School Suspension Teacher, Varnado High School, effective the beginning of the 2003/2004 school year.
Carolyn Fussell, Special Education Bus Operator, Franklinton Schools - Transfer to Mary Simmons' bus route effective the beginning of the 2003/2004 school year.
Jackie Greely, Part-time School Food Service Worker, Wesley Ray Elementary School, TO Part-time School Food Service Worker, Thomas Jr. High School, effective August 1, 2003.
TEMPORARY REASSIGNMENT:
Yvonne Brumfield, Special Education Bus Operator, Wesley Ray Elementary School - Temporary Reassignment of duties FROM Special Education Bus Operator, Wesley Ray Elementary School, TO Special Education Bus Attendant, Wesley Ray Elementary School, effective the 2003/2004 school year, due to health problems.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Vivian M. Ard, Special Education Bus Attendant, Franklinton Schools, TO Special Education Bus Operator, Franklinton Schools, effective September 1, 2003 (Replacing Juanita Tullos).
Kristina Crain, Title I Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School, TO Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School, effective the beginning of the 2003/2004 school year.
Stephanie Kennedy, Special Education Teacher, Franklinton Jr. High School, TO Regular Teacher, Franklinton Jr. High School, effective the beginning of the 2003/2004 school year (CERTIFIED).
Darlene Jordan, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School, TO Title I Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School, effective the beginning of the 2003/2004 school year.
SABBATICAL MEDICAL LEAVE:
Franklinton Primary School: Kristy C. Bennett, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the Fall semester of the 2003/2004 school year.
Thomas Jr. High School: Emma S. Perkins, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the Fall semester of the 2003/2004 school year.
EXTENDED SICK LEAVE:
Thomas Jr. High School: Robert Hart, Bus Operator, Extended Sick Leave effective the entire 2003/2004 school year.
LEAVE WITHOUT PAY:
Franklinton Primary School: Olene Mathers, Special Education Paraprofessional, Leave Without Pay effective the Fall semester only of the 2003/2004 school year.
EMPLOY:
Angie Jr. High School: Chad Bryant, Regular Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Angie Jr. High School: Tanula Owens, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Enon Elementary School: Rochelle Callahan, Speech Therapist Assistant, effective the 2003/2004 school year only.
Enon Elementary School: Cherish Crockett, Part-time Guidance Services, effective the Fall semester only of the 2003/2004 school year (Pending OP certification).
Franklinton Primary School: Victoria A. Higdon, LA 4 Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (CERTIFIED).
Franklinton Primary School: Eleanor Milton, LA 4 Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending OP certification).
Franklinton Elementary School: David Thomas, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Franklinton Elementary School: Kathryn M. Goynes, Special Education Teacher, effective the beginning of the 2003/2004 school year (CERTIFIED).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Kyle J. Jones, Regular Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Gabrielle Bradley, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Beth Ann Tullos, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Anna D. Clark, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending certification).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Donna Sue Ponthieux, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending OFAT certification).
Franklinton High School: Lisa Marie Cutrer, Regular Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Franklinton High School: Michael Powell, Regular Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Franklinton High School: Michelle R. Burris, Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 2003/2004 school year (Pending certification).
Franklinton High School: Gloria Magee, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending OFAT certification).
Franklinton High School: Amy Spikes, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Franklinton High School: Joseph Redmond, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Franklinton High School: Lisa K. Counce, Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 2003/2004 school year (CERTIFIED).
Franklinton High School: Thomas Minarik, Guidance Services, effective the Fall semester only of the 2003/2004 school year (Pending TAT certification).
Franklinton High School: Tommy R. Hicks, Pre-GED Teacher, effective the beginning of the 2003/2004 school year (CERTIFIED).
Franklinton High School: Kenneth Don McDaniel, Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 2003/2004 school year (CERTIFIED).
Franklinton Schools: Shelia K. Barber, Special Education Bus Operator, effective the beginning of the 2003/2004 school year (replacing Carolyn Fussell, who transferred to Mary Simmons' route).
Mt. Hermon School: Kellie Sanborn, Regular Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Pine School: Stacy Bond, Regular Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Pine School: Florence Miley, Regular Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (OP).
Pine School: Wendy Miller, Business Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Pine School: Virginia P. Breland, Regular Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (CERTIFIED).
Thomas Jr. High School: Rodney B. Magee, Custodian, effective July 18, 2003, through July 18, 2004.
Varnado Elementary School: Valarie Jordan, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Varnado Elementary School: Charlyn L. Hartzog, Regular Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only - CSRD Grant (Pending TAT certification).
Varnado High School: Christopher R. Taylor, Regular Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Michael Fasola, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Joetta G. Thomas, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2003/2004 school year only (Pending TAT certification).
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #18 - Superintendent's Report.
None.
Agenda Item #19 - Other business from board members.
Board members voiced their support of Frances Varnado, newly-appointed Principal of Enon Elementary School.
Matthew Tate requested that a committee of board members, along with Superintendent Fowler, review the Board's organizational chart (job assignments and supervision) and identify weaknesses and strengths. Mr. Tate also expressed an interest in a mentor program for assistant principals who want to become principals.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to approve a two-year contract, effective July 21, 2003, for Frances Varnado, Principal, Enon Elementary School. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board approve a two-year contract for Frances Varnado, Principal, Enon Elementary School, effective July 21, 2003, through July 20, 2005. Motion carried unanimously.
President Thomas stated he would take under advisement Matthew Tate's request for a board committee's review of the organizational chart.
Agenda Item #20 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.