The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: Richard Thomas, Jr., Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Holly James and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Bruce Brown and Matthew Tate.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order
The meeting was called to order by President Richard Thomas, Jr. 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 May 27, 2004, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board adopt the minutes of the May 27, 2004, regular board meeting as submitted to each Board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Independent Accountant's Report on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures - Franklinton Primary School - William R. Durden, CPA (Dennie Fowler).
Mr. William R. Durden, CPA, performed the reexamination of the inventory at Franklinton Primary School. The first examination was a part of the agreed upon procedure's report submitted on February 24, 2004. He performed a second examination of the asset inventory at the Primary School, with the assistance of school personnel.
Mr. Durden obtained the asset inventory listing from the school board and selected one hundred sixty-six (166) items from the list to physically locate within the school premises. Shelia Guy, from the Primary School, assisted Mr. Durden in locating the items. They were able to locate all but six items (96%), and of the items found all but two were tagged.
In addition to selecting items from the inventory list, Mr. Durden also selected items from the school to insure they were on the inventory list. He selected one hundred twenty-two (122) items. They were able to locate all but four items (96%).
This report reflects an excellent percentage of items found. The updated list and most of all, the assistance from Ms. Guy, enabled the percentage of items found to increase dramatically.
Items not found in school that were on inventory list:
1. Video Cassette Player - Orion
2. Bell & Howell 16MM projector
3. Zenith Color TV
4. Armada Laptop Computer (1510)
5. Zenith VCR
6. IBM Computer, exec. Jet printer
Items from school not found on inventory list:
1. Cassette recorder-tag #10282
2. Kenmore Dryer-tag #012209SES
3. Refrigerator GE-tag #2110
4. GE Television-tag #010804SES
Mr. Durden addressed the Board about several issues that were in the newspaper:
Ms. Henderson told the Board that Durden was offered an updated inventory list by the school but he declined to use this list. Mr. Durden asked Ms. Henderson and she said that she did not say that. Mr. Durden stated that the newspaper should get the information correct.
"Ms. Jones as to your statement about I can't understand Bill Durden if he has done this to our school system. I don't really know what you might think I was doing to the school system, but believe me I have their best interest at heart. I am not trying to undermine anything at all and I would appreciate an apology." Ms. Jones stated that she would like to explain that statement. "We were being told in the meeting that night you had an old list and would not take time to pick up a new list of the inventory. So my thing was, is how can you be our auditor and do that. Why don't you take time to pick up a new list? So I do apologize, but I was also getting some false information." Mr. Durden thanked Ms. Susanne Jones and the Board.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board accept the audit report as presented by William R. Durden, CPA. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on asphalt for a driveway at Mt. Hermon School (William Brignac).
William Brignac, Supervisor, reviewed the quotations received, which were as follows: R.J. Booty Construction Company, Inc., Kentwood, LA - $4,850.00 and Crochet's Paving, Bogalusa, LA - $4,500.00. Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, it was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board accept the low bid of $4,500.00 from Crochet's Paving, Bogalusa, LA. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on a fencing project at Mt. Hermon School (William Brignac).
Supervisor William Brignac reviewed the quotations received, which were as follows: Sherman's Fence Co., Inc., Franklinton, LA - $3,398.00 and Thomas Fence Company, Franklinton, LA - $3,983.33. Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor, it was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board accept the low bid of $3.398.00 from Sherman's Fence Co., Inc., Franklinton, LA. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding student transfer request for the 2004/2005 school year (Karen Spears).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board approve the following student transfer requests for the 2004/2005 school year, as recommended by Karen Spears, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance:
STUDENT NAME HOME DISTRICT REQUESTED DISTRICT TYPE OF TRANSFER
Allison, Adrienne Franklinton Elementary Mt. Hermon Administrative
Allison, Alexandra Franklinton High Mt. Hermon Administrative
Allison, Sydnie Franklinton Jr. High Mt. Hermon Administrative
Barber, Brian Mt. Hermon Franklinton High Academic
Barber, Kacie Mt. Hermon Franklinton High Academic
Barber, Tiffany Lynn Enon Franklinton Elementary Hardship
Beckett, Jessie Pine School Franklinton High Academic
Bickham, James, Jr. Pine School Franklinton Primary Hardship
Bickham, Jasmine Pine School Franklinton Primary Hardship
Bickham, Justin Pine School Franklinton High Hardship
Breshears, Candise Varnado High Pine School Academic
Burkhalter, Kelli Franklinton High Mt. Hermon Administrative
Burkhalter, Kendra Franklinton High Mt. Hermon Administrative
Byrd, Erin Michelle Pine School Franklinton Primary Illness
Crain, Alyssa Pine School Franklinton Jr. High Hardship
Crawford, Michael Franklinton Primary Enon Hardship
Dean, Willie Mt. Hermon Franklinton Jr. High Hardship
Dominguez, Derek Franklinton Elementary Enon Hardship
Dufrene, Daniel Franklinton Primary Enon Hardship
Dufrene, Steven Franklinton Primary Enon Hardship
Easterling, Brandi Varnado High Pine School Athletics
Easterling, Katelynn Pine School Franklinton Jr. High Hardship
Fitzgerald, Kaleigh Wesley Ray Franklinton Jr. High Administrative
Fitzgerald, Kelsey Wesley Ray Franklinton Jr. High Administrative
Forbes, Kristen Varnado High Pine School Academic
Fox, Adrian Pine School Franklinton Primary Hardship
Freeman, Caitlynn Franklinton Elementary Enon Hardship
Freeman, Rachel Pine School Franklinton High Academic
Garrett, Alana Pine School Franklinton High Hardship
Gayton, Timothy Mt. Hermon Franklinton High Administrative
Gerald, Lauren Franklinton Primary Enon Hardship
Geraldson, Janna Enon Franklinton Elementary Hardship
Geraldson, Joshua Enon Franklinton Elementary Hardship
Gibbons, Delaney Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Primary Hardship
Goings, Brady Franklinton Primary Enon Hardship
Granger, Rayne Varnado High Pine School Athletics
Graves, Timothy Angie Jr. High Franklinton Jr. High Hardship
Griffin, Raven Mt. Hermon Franklinton High Academic
Guthrie, Victoria Franklinton Primary Enon Hardship
Hale, Alexis Franklinton Primary Mt. Hermon Hardship
Hale, Hunter Franklinton Primary Mt. Hermon Hardship
Harvey, Terrance Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Elementary Hardship
Holmes, Connor Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Primary Hardship
Hopkins, Nathaniel, Jr. Pine School Franklinton Jr. High Hardship
Howard, Damon Franklinton Primary Enon Administrative
Hudson, Hannah Thomas Jr. High Pine School Hardship
Hudson, Kevin Thomas Jr. High Pine School Hardship
Kimbrell, Candice Enon Franklinton Elementary Administrative
Kimbrell, Madison Enon Franklinton Primary Hardship
Knight, Harlie Pine School Franklinton Primary Hardship
Knight, John Michael Pine School Franklinton Primary Hardship
LeBlanc, Courtney Enon Franklinton Elementary Hardship
Magee, Be=Shundra Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Jr. High Hardship
Mage, De=Taurus Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Primary Hardship
Magee, Kayla Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Jr. High Hardship
Magee, Landon Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Primary Hardship
Magee, Sunsuray Franklinton Primary Mt. Hermon Hardship
Magee, Tryistan Franklinton Primary Mt. Hermon Hardship
Maras, Sophia Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Jr. High Athletics
Maras, Zachary Pine High Franklinton High Administrative
Martin, Bruce Mt. Hermon Franklinton Jr. High Academic
McElveen, Bradley Pine School Enon Hardship
McElveen, Bryan Mt. Hermon Franklinton High Academic
Miley, Emily Wesley Ray Franklinton Elementary Administrative
Miley, Luther Alex Varnado High Pine School Athletics
Newman, Matthew Enon Franklinton Elementary Hardship
Owens, Johntae Mt. Hermon Franklinton Primary Hardship
Passman, Jessica Pine School Franklinton High Academic
Peak, Carlton Pine School Franklinton High Academic
Robinson, Kourtney Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Jr. High Hardship
Robinson, Kyle Pine School Franklinton High Academic
Schilling, Jordan Mt. Hermon Franklinton Elementary Hardship
Schilling, Zachary Mt. Hermon Franklinton Elementary Hardship
Seal, Emily Ruth Wesley Ray Varnado Elementary Hardship
Seal, Leroy "Lee", II Varnado High Franklinton High Athletics
Seal, Sarah Varnado High Franklinton High Athletics
Smith, Dallas Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Primary Hardship
Smith, Darbie Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Elementary Hardship
Smith, Jordan Franklinton Elementary Enon Hardship
Smith, Taylor Franklinton Elementary Enon Hardship
Smith, Trevor Franklinton Elementary Enon Hardship
Smith, Zykieus Pine School Franklinton Primary Illness
Sorrells, Jason Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Primary Hardship
Sorrells, Joel Pine School Franklinton Primary Illness
Spears, Sarah Franklinton Primary Enon Hardship
Spears, Selena Franklinton Primary Enon Hardship
Sprehe, Nadia Varnado Elementary Pine School Hardship
Stafford, Timothy M. Angie Jr. High Franklinton Jr. High Hardship
Stevens, Madison Franklinton Primary Mt. Hermon Hardship
Stevens, Michael Franklinton Primary Mt. Hermon Hardship
Stogner, Joshua Varnado High Pine School Academic
Thigpen, Morgan Franklinton Primary Enon Hardship
Thomas, Brandon Pine School Enon Hardship
Thomas, Tiffany Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Jr. High Hardship
Trotter, John Mt. Hermon Franklinton Primary Hardship
Voelkel, Greta Varnado High Pine School Athletics
Watson, Allison Franklinton Primary Enon Hardship
Watson, Bridgette Varnado High Pine School Academic
Watson, Britt Franklinton Elementary Enon Hardship
Watson, Spencer Franklinton Primary Enon Hardship
Watson, Sydney Franklinton Primary Enon Hardship
Watson, William Parker Franklinton Primary Enon Hardship
Whaley, Hanna Franklinton Primary Mt. Hermon Hardship
White, Ted James Franklinton Jr. High Mt. Hermon Administrative
Williams, Antonia Mt. Hermon Franklinton Elementary Hardship
Williams, Ashlee Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Elementary Hardship
Williams, Dana Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Jr. High Hardship
Williams, Joshua Varnado High Pine School Administrative
Williams, Kellie Varnado High Pine School Athletics
Williams, Kelsey Varnado Elementary Pine School Hardship
Wilson, Jordan Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Elementary Administrative
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to award a contract for the Pine School Site Package (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board award the contract for the Pine School Site Package to the low bidder - Richard Price Contracting Co, Denham Springs, LA - $476,724.00. Other bids were as follows: Addison Construction, Inc., Purvis, MS - $824,000.00; CAMO Construction Company, Inc., Vidalia, LA - $700,976.42; Phylway Construction, LLC, Thibodaux, LA - $673,255.00; and R.J. Booty Construction, Inc., Kentwood, LA - $753,640.87. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for fencing at the Pine School Site (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for fencing at the Pine School Site. Motion carried unanimously. We will advertise on June 13th, 20th, and 27th, 2004. Bids will be opened on July 21, 2004, at 11:00 a.m.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for a water well at the Pine School Site (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for a water well at the Pine School Site. Motion carried unanimously. We will advertise on June 13th, 20th, and 27th, 2004. Bids will be opened on July 21, 2004, at 10:30 a.m.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for a sewage treatment plant at the Pine School Site (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for a sewage treatment plant at the Pine School Site. Motion carried unanimously. We will advertise on June 13th, 20th , and 27th, 2004. Bids will be opened on July 21, 2004, at 10:00 a.m.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement on August 25, 2004, that a Public Hearing on the Washington Parish School Board Budgets will be held on September 13, 2004, at 6:00 P.M. (Donna Alonzo).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board authorize advertisement on August 25, 2004, that a Public Hearing on the Washington Parish School Board Budgets will be held on September 13, 2004, at 6:00 P.M. Motion carried unanimously.
Other dates submitted to the Board for the General Fund Budget:
$ September 9, 2004 Special Committee Meeting - 6:30 P.M.
To review all budgets
$ September 13, 2004 Special Board Meeting - 6:30 P.M.
Agenda Item #14 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
Upon the recommendation of Richard Kennedy, Personnel Director, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments:
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Pine High School: Irma Gladys Williams, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective May 31, 2004.
Thomas Jr. High School: Robert Hart, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective June 30, 2004.
RESIGNATION:
Pine High School: Clint Husser, Regular Teacher/Head Football Coach, Resignation effective June 10, 2004.
Pine High School: Jan E. Husser, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective June 10, 2004.
TRANSFER:
Leigh Ann Morel, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School TO Regular Teacher, Franklinton Jr. High School, effective for the 2004/2005 school year (Certified)(replacing Lester Jenkins).
Jan Wood, Kindergarten Teacher, Pine School TO Reading First Content Leader, Thomas Jr. High School, for the 2004/2005 school year only, effective July 1, 2004 (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Ella Rose Bickham, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School TO Reading First Content Leader, Franklinton Elementary School, for the 2004/2005 school year only, effective June 11, 2004 (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Rose Sanford, Regular Teacher, Mt. Hermon School TO Reading First Content Leader, Mt. Hermon School, for the 2004/2005 school year only, effective July 1, 2004 (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Ann McKenzie, Regular Teacher, Pine School TO Reading First Content Leader, Pine School, for the 2004/2005 school year only, effective July 1, 2004 (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Connie Bell, Kindergarten Teacher, Varnado Elementary School TO Title I Teacher, Varnado Elementary School, effective for the 2004/2005 school year (replacing Ginger Champagne).
Ginger Champagne, Title I Teacher, Varnado Elementary School TO Reading First Content Leader, Varnado Elementary School, for the 2004/2005 school year only, effective July 1, 2004 (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding)>
REGULAR SICK LEAVE/EXTENDED SICK LEAVE
Varnado High School: Emma Ross, Principal, Regular Sick Leave, effective August 9, 2004 through January 12, 2005.
SABBATICAL MEDICAL LEAVE
Franklinton Elementary School: Christian Henn, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the Fall Semester of the 2004/2005 school year.
Franklinton Resource Center: Velva Fortenberry, IEP Facilitator, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the Fall Semester of the 2004/2005 school year and Sick Leave from January 13, 2005 until July 1, 2005.
Mt. Hermon School: Jennifer Buras McElveen, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the Fall Semester of the 2004/2005 school year.
EMPLOY:
Enon Elementary School: Polly Thigpen, Reading First Content Leader, for the 2004/2005 school year only, effective July 1, 2004 (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Franklinton Primary School: Victoria Higdon, LA4 Teacher, effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified).
Franklinton Elementary School: Brandy Roberts, Regular Teacher, effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified)
Franklinton High School: Jason Kennedy, Regular Teacher, effective the 2004/2005 school year only (OFAT).
Mt. Hermon School: Milton L. Wall, Agriculture Teacher, effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified).
Pine School: Virginia Breland, Regular Teacher, effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified)(replacing Gladys Williams).
Pine School: Holly Stogner, Kindergarten Teacher, effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified)(replacing Jan Wood).
Pine School: Matthew Stogner, Regular Teacher, effective the 2004/2005 school year (OP)(replacing Sharon Wells).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Mary Paduda, Reading First Content Leader, for the 2004/2005 school year only, effective June 11, 2004 (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
NO ADJUSTMENTS
Richard Kennedy, Personnel Director, recognized Holly and Matthew Stogner, two new teachers attending tonight's meeting. He stated that we would advertise for the Reading First Paraprofessionals during the next two weeks and also for the IEP Facilitator position.
Mr. Karl Bickham stated AI understand that the principals wanted these Reading First Content Leaders, but I think it's a shame that we have teachers in our system, wanting these jobs, and were left out and we went outside the system and hired people. I think that is terrible." Richard Kennedy stated "This was the recommendation of the screening committee. We had some very good applicants to apply." Mr. Bickham replied "You know if I was a teacher that taught thirty (30) years in the system, and I wanted one of these jobs, and I was qualified, I would feel like I deserved it. I just think that's bad business. What kind of message are you sending to your teachers?"
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #15 - Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Fowler stated that at the request of the Board, we had a Retirement Reception immediately prior to the board meeting. We had a total of twenty-four (24) retiring over the past year. He wished the retirees the best in their retirement.
Agenda Item #16 - Other business from board members.
Susanne Jones asked that the newspapers make sure that everything is printed accurately on what people say and not just pick out one board member all the time to repeat what that board member is saying.
Freddie Jefferson requested a brief overview of summer school. Richard Kennedy stated that summer school was going real good. Summer school is being held at Angie Jr. High, Franklinton High School and Pine School.
Agenda Item #17 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
RICHARD N. THOMAS, JR., PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY