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, Holly James, Matthew Tate, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Hayward Boone and 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 August 21, 2003, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adopt the minutes of the August 21, 2003, board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to adopt General Fund Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (Beth Fussell).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt General Fund Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by Beth Fussell, Director of Finance. Motion carried unanimously. (On September 11, 2003, at 6:00 P.M., a Public Hearing on the 2003/2004 Fiscal Year Budgets was held in the Board Room.)
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to adopt Angie 5 Mill Tax Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (Donna Alonzo).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt Angie 5 Mill Tax Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by Donna Alonzo, Chief Accountant. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to adopt LA 4 Operating Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (Donna Alonzo).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt LA 4 Operating Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by Donna Alonzo, Chief Accountant. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to adopt Special Federal Funds Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (Donna Alonzo).
It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt Special Federal Funds Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by Donna Alonzo, Chief Accountant. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adopt Drug Free Schools Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (Donna Alonzo).
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adopt Drug Free Schools Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by Donna Alonzo, Chief Accountant. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to adopt School Food Service Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (Marsha Newman).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt School Food Service Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by Marsha Newman, School Food Service Supervisor. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to adopt School Food Service Summer Feeding Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (Marsha Newman).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt School Food Service Summer Feeding Budget for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by Marsha Newman, School Food Service Supervisor. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to adopt IASA Title I, Title II, and Title V Budgets for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (T. J. Butler, Jr.).
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt IASA Title I, Title II, and Title V Budgets for 2003/2004 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88: Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by T. J. Butler, Jr., Supervisor of Federally Assisted Programs. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for Franklinton Primary School Re-roofing (Dennie Fowler).
Superintendent Fowler reviewed the bids submitted for Franklinton Primary School Re-Roofing. The bids received were, as follows: Rowell Roofing, Inc., Columbia, MS - $129,900.00; Darwin Sharp Construction, Franklinton, LA - $205,350.00; Morgan Roofing Co., Inc., Lake Charles, LA - $218,000.00; Mike McAdams Roofing, Pascagoula, MS - $104,472.00 - BID WITHDRAWN. Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fowler and Architect Sam Fauntleroy, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board approve the bid of Rowell Roofing, Inc., Columbia, MS, in the amount of $129,900.00, for Franklinton Primary School Re-Roofing, enter into a contract with Rowell Roofing, Inc., and give notice to proceed. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for Franklinton Jr. High School Exterior Waterproofing (Dennie Fowler).
Superintendent Fowler reviewed the bids submitted for Franklinton Junior High School Exterior Waterproofing. The bids received were, as follows: Associated Waterproofing, Baton Rouge, LA - $174,140.00; Crown Roofing Services, Kenner, LA - $158,657.00; Dapco Ventures, LLC, Slidell, LA - $98,000.00; Darwin Sharp Construction, Franklinton, LA - $230,240.00; Nolmar Corp., New Orleans, LA - $160,575.00; TBC, Ltd., Slidell, LA - $140,000.00; Thrasher Waterproofing, Baton Rouge, LA - $173,800.00; Western Waterproofing, Metairie, LA - $178,711.00. Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fowler and Architect Sam Fauntleroy, it was moved by Holly James, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board approve the bid of Dapco Ventures, LLC, Slidell, LA, in the amount of $98,000.00, for Franklinton Jr. High School Exterior Waterproofing, enter into a contract with Dapco Ventures, LLC, and give notice to proceed. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #15 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for Franklinton Jr. High School Window Replacement (Dennie Fowler).
Superintendent Fowler reviewed the bids submitted for Franklinton Jr. High School Window Replacement. The bids were, as follows: Dapco Ventures, LLC, Slidell, LA - $198,000.00; Dauphin Stewart Corp/Southern Glass, Covington, LA - $159,945.00; Ladner Construction, Franklinton, LA - $138,700.00 (Bid on wrong Bid Form); Rycars Construction, Destrehan, LA - $146,450.00; and TBC, Ltd., Slidell, LA - $175,000.00. It was pointed out that, since Ladner Construction=s bid was submitted on the wrong bid form, it would have to be determined if the bid is legal, and, therefore, acceptable. If the bid is determined to be unacceptable, it was recommended that Superintendent Fowler be authorized to enter into contract with Rycars Construction, who submitted the second lowest bid. It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that a determination of the legality of Ladner Construction=s bid be obtained, and, if it is determined that the bid is not a legal bid, then the Board approve the bid submitted by Rycars Construction in the amount of $146,450.00, for Franklinton Jr. High School Window Replacement, and authorize Superintendent Fowler to enter into a contract with Rycars Construction and give notice to proceed. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #16 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for purchase of two maintenance vehicles (William Brignac).
William R. Brignac, Jr., Supervisor, reviewed the bids received for purchase of two maintenance vehicles, which were, as follows:
- 2003 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van, 2500, Regular Wheel Base, Base Package, RWD
Brian Harris Autoplex, Slidell, LA $16,813.88
Hood Automotive, Amite, LA $20,819.00
- 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 2 WD, Regular Cab, Base Package with Utility Body
Brian Harris Autoplex, Slidell, LA $22,433.74
Hood Automotive, Amite, LA $23,391.00
Upon the recommendation of Supervisor William Brignac, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board accept the bids submitted by Brian Harris Autoplex for the purchase of the 2003 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van, 2500, Regular Wheel Base, Base Package, RWD, in the amount of $16,813.88, and the purchase of the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 2 WD, Regular Cab, Base Package with Utility Body, in the amount of $22,433.74. Motion carried unanimously. The two vehicles will be purchased with funds from the 8% retainage that is used for upkeep of the central office, vocational center, and maintenance warehouses.
Agenda Item #17 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for sale of mobile home located at Franklinton High School (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board accept the high bid of $201.00 submitted by Suzonne Garcia for sale of mobile home located at Franklinton High School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #18 - 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 Dan Slocum, that the Board approve the following student transfer request for the 2003/2004 school year, as recommended by Eathel Seal, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance:
STUDENT NAME HOME DISTRICT REQUESTED DISTRICT TYPE TRANSFER
Hewitt, Xavier Pine Franklinton Hardship
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #19 - Consider a motion to approve Bus Operator Robert E. Bickham's request to place his second bus, a 1986 Chevrolet, in the spare bus pool (Eathel Seal).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board approve Bus Operator Robert E. Bickham's request to place his second bus, a 1986 Chevrolet, in the spare bus pool, as recommended by Eathel Seal, Transportation Supervisor. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #20 - Consider a motion to approve a revision to Washington Parish School Board Policy File: JCDB - Student Dress Code (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board approve a revision to Washington Parish School Board Policy File: JCDB - Student Dress Code, as follows:
Present Policy:
DRESS AND PERSONAL GROOMING
Male Students:
3. Hair
(Lines cut in the hair, Mohawk cuts, extreme coloring of hair, "tails," braids or any other hairstyle which interferes with a student's performance or his classmate is prohibited.)
Revised Policy:
DRESS AND PERSONAL GROOMING
Male Students:
1. Hair
(Lines cut in the hair, Mohawk cuts, extreme coloring of hair, "tails," and braids are prohibited, as well as, any other hairstyle which interferes with a student's performance or his classmates' is prohibited.)
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #21 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Holly James, that the Board approve the following Personnel Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Patricia Seal, Starting Points Paraprofessional, Thomas Jr. High School, TO LA 4 Paraprofessional, Thomas Jr. High School, effective September 12, 2003.
Thelma Bryant, Special Education Paraprofessional, Franklinton Primary School, TO Special Education Bus Attendant, Franklinton Primary School, effective September 12, 2003.
EMPLOY:
Mt. Hermon School: LaHoma Vernon, Regular Elementary Teacher, effective September 22, 2003 (CERTIFIED).
Franklinton Resource Center: Carrie S. Oatis, Special Education School Nurse, effective September 23, 2003.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #22 - Superintendent's Report.
President Thomas stated the Superintendent's Report would be heard following Agenda Item #23 - Other business from board members.
Agenda Item #23 - Other business from board members.
A lengthy discussion on student insurance was held, with the Board hearing a concern from a parent regarding not being able to afford the extra insurance for her three children's participation in extracurricular activities. The children are presently covered by the Louisiana Children's Health Insurance Program (LaCHIP), a no cost health insurance coverage for qualified children. The Board agreed that Superintendent Fowler would talk with the principals of the two schools involved for them to arrange a deferred payment plan, and allow the students to participate in the September 12th extracurricular activities. It was also agreed that the student accident insurance program/procedures/requirements should be reviewed/modified before next school year.
President Thomas appointed a committee to study the Board's organizational chart - - Matthew Tate, Chairman, Karl Bickham and Freddie Jefferson.
Agenda Item #22 - Superintendent's Report.
Superintendent Fowler asked Assistant Superintendent Richard Kennedy to comment on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education's recent revisions to the High Stakes Testing Policy as it relates to the passing standards for fourth grade and changes to the appeal process. These changes are effective with the 2003-2004 school year.
At the request of Superintendent Fowler, it was moved by Holly James, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to enter into executive session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(2) to discuss Moses vs. Washington Parish School Board. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board enter into executive session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(2) to discuss Moses vs. Washington Parish School Board. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #24 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.