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, Bruce Brown, Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Holly James, Matthew Tate and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: None.
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 Bruce Brown.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the June 10, 2004, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the minutes of the June 10, 2004, 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 Acting Principal for Varnado High School (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board enter into Executive Session for the purpose of interviewing applicants for the position of Acting Principal for Varnado High School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to employ an Acting Principal for Varnado High School for the period of time that Mrs. Emma Ross is on leave (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board employ Mr. Robert Boone as Acting Principal for Varnado High School for the period of time that Mrs. Emma Ross is on leave. For: Richard Thomas, Jr., Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Susanne Jones, Holly James, Matthew Tate and Freddie Jefferson. Against: Bruce Brown. Recused: Hayward Boone. Motion carried.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board Add to the Agenda: Consider a motion to employ Ms. Penny Moses as Acting Part-Time Assistant Principal at Varnado High School. For: Richard Thomas, Jr., Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Susanne Jones, Holly James, Matthew Tate, Bruce Brown and Freddie Jefferson. Recused: Hayward Boone. Motion carried.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board employ Ms. Penny Moses as Acting Part-Time Assistant Principal at Varnado High School. For Richard Thomas, Jr., Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Susanne Jones, Holly James, Matthew Tate and Freddie Jefferson. Recused: Hayward Boone. Motion Carried.
The Board congratulated Mr. Robert Boone and also encouraged working together as a team. They thanked Ms. Penny Moses for applying for this position and encouraged her to continue to apply for future positions. They also stated that both applicants were excellent candidates. Mr. Bruce Brown, congratulated Mr. Boone and stated that his negative vote was not personal. He stated that both candidates were excellent, but he could only vote for one and he is the kind of person that likes his feelings known.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, to add the following item to the agenda: Consider a motion to authorize withdrawal privileges for Robert Boone on all Varnado High School bank accounts effective August 2, 2004, and terminate withdrawal privileges for Emma Ross on all Varnado High School bank accounts effective August 2, 2004. For: Richard Thomas, Jr., Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Susanne Jones, Holly James, Matthew Tate and Freddie Jefferson. Recused: Hayward Boone. Motion carried.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, to authorize withdrawal privileges for Robert Boone on all Varnado High School bank accounts effective August 2, 2004, and terminate withdrawal privileges for Emma Ross on all Varnado High School bank accounts effective August 2, 2004. For: Richard Thomas, Jr., Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Susanne Jones, Holly James, Matthew Tate and Freddie Jefferson. Recused: Hayward Boone. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for Building Design/Construction for the Pine Site (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for Building Design/Construction for the Pine Site. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to authorize approval for Site Prep Work at Franklinton Elementary/Franklinton High School (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board authorize approval for Site Prep Work at Franklinton Elementary/Franklinton High School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for site work at Franklinton Elementary/Franklinton High School (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board authorize advertisement for the site work at Franklinton Elementary/Franklinton High School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to adopt Personnel Evaluation Program Revisions (Richard Kennedy).
Assistant Superintendent Richard Kennedy briefly reviewed the Personnel Evaluation Program Revisions, which included a revised job description for several positions. See Attached. It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt Personnel Evaluation Program Revisions as attached. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Pupil Progression Plan revisions for the 2004/2005 school year (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board approve the Pupil Progression Plan revisions for the 2004/2005 school year. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion authorizing Wayne Kuhn to enter into a purchase agreement with James McCullen for purchase of property at Franklinton Primary School (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board authorize Wayne Kuhn to enter into a purchase agreement with James McCullen for purchase of property at Franklinton Primary School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion authorizing Wayne Kuhn to enter into a purchase agreement with Gar Real Estate Agency for purchase of 15 (+/-) acres located adjacent to Enon Elementary School (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Holly James, that the Board authorize Wayne Kuhn to enter into a purchase agreement with Gar Real Estate Agency for purchase of 15 (+/-) acres located adjacent to Enon Elementary School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #15 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the contract with Trinity Insurance Service as our Third Party Administrator for Workers' Compensation (Beth Fusell).
Upon the recommendation of Beth Fussell, Finance Director, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board accept the contract with Trinity Insurance Service as our Third Party Administrator for Workers' Compensation as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #16 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received on asphalt for a driveway at the Franklinton Primary School cafeteria (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of Supervisor William Brignac, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board accept the low bid from Crochet=s Paving, Bogalusa, LA - $3,700.00. Other bids submitted were: C & J Asphalt, Bogalusa, LA - $6,250.00 and R.J. Booty Construction, Kentwood, LA - $4,300.00 Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #17 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received on a parking lot on the east side of T. W. Barker Drive for Special Education (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of Supervisor William Brignac, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board accept the low bid from Kennedy & Son Backhoe Service, Angie, LA - $4,700.00. Other bids submitted were: JB Enterprise, Franklinton, LA - $4,750.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #18 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Fuel Adjustments being determined every 4 months, instead of every 6 months, beginning in March, 2005 (William Brignac).
After a brief discussion by Supervisor William Brignac, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board approve Fuel Adjustments being determined every 4 months, instead of every 6 months, beginning in March, 2005. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #19 - Consider a motion to approve Special Education IDEA and Preschool Budgets for the 2004/2005 fiscal year (Pam Williford).
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Pam Williford, Supervisor of Special Education, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board approve Special Education IDEA and Preschool Budgets for the 2004/2005 fiscal year as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #20 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding student transfer requests for the 2004/2005 school year (Richard Kennedy).
Upon the recommendation of Assistant Superintendent Richard Kennedy, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board approve the following transfer requests for the 2004/2005 school year:
STUDENT NAME HOME DISTRICT REQUESTED DISTRICT GRADE TYPE OF TRANSFER
Budde, Ariel Mt. Hermon Franklinton High 9th Academic
Budde, Joshua Mt. Hermon Franklinton High 10th Athletics
Crenshaw, Debbie Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Jr. High 7th Hardship
Gilmore, Jackson Pine School Franklinton Primary LA4 Hardship
Hunt, Donovan Pine School Franklinton Primary 2nd Hardship
Johnson, Brittany Angie Jr. High Thomas Jr. High 6th Hardship
Labat, Deniqua Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Primary 2nd Hardship
Labat, Travis Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Primary K Hardship
Malley, Christy Franklinton Jr. High Mt. Hermon 7th Administrative
Manning, Dether Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Jr. High 8th Academic
Manning, Stacy Pine High Franklinton High 10th Academic
McCain, Ashley Pine High Franklinton High 10th Athletics
Ratcliff, Diamond Pine School Franklinton Primary K Hardship
Seal, Logan Varnado Elementary Wesley Ray Elem. 3rd Hardship
Seal, Madyson Varnado Elementary Wesley Ray Elem 1st Hardship
Simms, Elliott Enon Elementary Franklinton Primary 1st Hardship
Simms, Emily Enon Elementary Franklinton Primary K Hardship
Sylvest, Kirsten Pine School Franklinton Elementary 4th Hardship
Thomas, Jimmy Wilson Thomas Jr. High Franklinton Jr. High 7th Hardship
Thomas, Raven Thomas Jr. High Pine School 4th Hardship
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #21 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Title I Allocations for the 2004/2005 fiscal year (T. J. Butler, Jr.).
After a brief overview by Supervisor T. J. Butler, Jr., it was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board approve Title I Allocation Plan A for the 2004/2005 fiscal year as follows:
SCHOOL %#FREE & ALLOCATION ADD. FUNDS TOTAL
REDUCED FOR 90% ALLOCATION
LUNCH
Varnado High 98.8% 164x360 $ 59,040.00 $20.40 $ 59,060.40
Varnado Elem. 97.2% 176x360 $ 63,360.00 $20.40 $ 63,380.40
Angie Jr. High 95.4% 186x360 $ 66,960.00 $ 66,960.00
Thomas Jr. High 94.8% 349x360 $125,640.00 $125,640.00
Wesley Ray Elem. 93.5% 187x360 $ 67,320.00 $ 67,320.00
Franklinton Primary 90.7% 407x360 $146,520.00 $146,520.00
Pine 89.0% 524x310 $162,440.00 $162,440.00
Franklinton Elem. 86.8% 368x310 $114,080.00 $114,080.00
Franklinton Jr. High 76.2% 384x260 $ 99,840.00 $ 99,840.00
Mt. Hermon 70.1% 338x260 $ 87,880.00 $ 87,880.00
Enon 67.1% 218x210 $ 45,780.00 $ 45,780.00
Franklinton High 58.8% 364x160 $ 58,240.00 $ 58,240.00
TOTAL SCHOOL WIDE ALLOCATION $1,097,140.80
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #22 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
Upon the recommendation of Assistant Superintendent Richard Kennedy, it was moved by Holly James, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Dianne Taylor, School Lunch Employee,Disability Retirement Resignation effective May 31, 2004.
RESIGNATION
Central Office: Susan O=Bryant, Accounts Payable Clerk, Resignation effective August 25, 2004.
Franklinton Primary School: Phyllis Ducre, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 13, 2004.
Franklinton Primary School: Victoria Higdon, LA4 Teacher, Resignation effective June 11, 2004.
Franklinton Primary School: Olene Mathers, Special Education Paraprofessional, Resignation effective June 28, 2004.
Franklinton Primary School: Dana Starkey, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective June 15, 2004.
Varnado High School: Stephen DeSandro, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 31, 2004.
Varnado High School: Harl Penton, Regular Teacher/Head Football Coach, Resignation effective July 1, 2004.
TRANSFER
Mary Allen, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School TO Regular Teacher, Franklinton Jr. High School, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified)(Replacing Jennifer McElveen).
Edna Bickham, Special Education Paraprofessional, Varnado High School TO Special Education Paraprofessional, Varnado Elementary School, effective the 2004/2005 school year.
Jackie Greely, Part-Time School Lunch Worker, Thomas Jr. High School TO Full-Time School Lunch Worker, Wesley Ray Elementary School, effective the 2004/2005 school year.
Olga Jackson, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School TO Speech Therapist Assistant, Franklinton Primary School, Effective the 2004/2005 school year.
Lisa L. Magee, Regular Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School TO Regular Teacher, Thomas Jr. High School, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified)(Replacing Kimberly Jones).
Cynthia Norris, Special Education Paraprofessional, Franklinton Primary School TO Reading First Paraprofessional, Mt. Hermon School, effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Cynthia Pope, Special Education Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School TO Special Education Teacher, Pine School, effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified)(Replacing Ricky Payne).
Leona Williams, Bus Operator, Franklinton School District TO Thomas School District, effective the 2004/2005 school year (Transferring to Robert Hart=s route).
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Jennifer McElveen, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Jr. High School TO LINCS Technology Instructor, Franklinton Jr. High School, effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Certified).
Paul Meyerchick, Regular Teacher, Varnado High School TO Regular Teacher/Head Football Coach, Varnado High School, effective the 2004/2005 school year only(Certified).
Ricky Payne, Special Education Teacher, Pine School TO IEP Facilitator, Franklinton Resource Center, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Certified)(Replacing Velva Fortenberry)(10 month position).
Elma Pittman, Special Education Paraprofessional, Wesley Ray Elementary School TO Reading First Paraprofessional, Wesley Ray Elementary School, effective the 2004/2005 school year only(Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
SABBATICAL MEDICAL LEAVE
Mt. Hermon School: Barbara Kerbow, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the 2004/2005 school year.
EXTENDED SICK LEAVE
Pine High School: Iris Kennedy, Business Teacher, Extended Sick Leave effective August 12, 2004 through January 12, 2005.
EMPLOY
Angie Jr. High School: Candace Stewart, Technology Instructional Facilitator, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Certified).
Enon Elementary School: Rochelle Bickham, Speech Therapist Assistant, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only.
Enon Elementary School: Erika Bigler, Kindergarten Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified).
Enon Elementary School: Paula Miley, Reading First Paraprofessional, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Enon Elementary School: Jolene Spears, Reading First Paraprofessional, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Franklinton Primary School: Amy Bennett, Class Size Reduction Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified).
Franklinton Primary School: Shannon Dyson, Reading First Paraprofessional, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Franklinton Primary School: Kay Haynes, Reading First Paraprofessional, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Franklinton Primary School: Linda McCullough, LA4 Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified)(Replacing Victoria Higdon).
Franklinton Primary School: Abby Penny, LA4 Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified).
Franklinton Elementary School/Enon Elementary: Terrance August, Music Teacher, Effective the Fall Semester of the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending TAT Certification)(Replacing Christian Henn who will be on Sabbatical Leave).
Franklinton Elementary School: Danisha Manning, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified)(Replacing Ella Rose Bickham).
Franklinton Elementary School: Gwenda Martin, Special Education Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending OFAT Certification)(Replacing Kathryn Goynes).
Franklinton Elementary School: Suzette Nielson, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified)(Replacing Olga Jackson).
Franklinton Elementary School: Robyn Parker, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified)(Replacing Leigh Ann Morel).
Franklinton Elementary School: David Thomas, Special Education Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Pending OFAT Certification).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Anna D. Clark, Special Education Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending OFAT Certification).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Kyle Jones, Vocal Music Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (PL2 Certification).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Donna Sue Ponthieux, Special Education Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending OFAT Certification).
Franklinton High School: Adam Brumfield, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (OP)(Replacing Deborah Wilson).
Franklinton High School: Robin Edwards, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending OFAT Certification).
Franklinton High School: Christopher Bret Garrett, Regular Teacher/Head Basketball Coach, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending TAT Certification).
Franklinton High School: Jeremy Gueldner, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (PL3 Certification).
Franklinton High School: Gloria Magee, Special Education Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending OFAT Certification).
Franklinton High School: Michael Powell, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified).
Franklinton High School: Laura Varnado, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending OFAT Certification).
Mt. Hermon School: Sandra M. Givens, Home Economics Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending OFAT Certification)(Replacing Margie Seals).
Mt. Hermon School: DaShun Howard, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Certified)(Replacing Barbara Kerbow).
Mt. Hermon School: Melissa Lebo, Speech Therapist Assistant, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only.
Mt. Hermon School: Georgianna Reynolds, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (OP)(Replacing Rose Sanford).
Mt. Hermon School: Jennifer Trotter, Reading First Paraprofessional, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Mt. Hermon School: Cynthia Woodard, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Certified)(Replacing Brenda Hearn).
Pine School: Kelly Alford, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending OFAT Certification)(Replacing Grant Gerald).
Pine School: Anitra Ball, Reading First Paraprofessional, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Pine School: Elizabeth Branch, Reading First Paraprofessional, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Pine School: Ronald Knight, Regular Teacher, Effective the Fall Semester of the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending OFAT Certification)(Replacing Stacy Bond).
Pine School: Billy Passman, Agriculture Teacher/Head Football Coach, Effective July 19, 2004. (Replacing Clint Husser).
Pine School: Cynthia Renee Stevens, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year(OP)(Replacing Ann McKenzie).
Pine School: Kathy Straughan, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified).
Pine School: Lynette Taylor, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified).
Thomas Jr. High School: Rodney Magee, Custodian, Effective July 18, 2004 through July 18, 2005.
Thomas Jr. High School: Jennifer McKenzie, Reading First Paraprofessional, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Thomas Jr. High School: Melissa Seal, Reading First Paraprofessional, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Thomas Jr. High School: Jean Thomas, LA4 Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Pending OFAT Certification).
Thomas Jr. High School: Tammy Voth, Kindergarten Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending OFAT Certification).
Varnado Elementary School: Melissa Rodgers, Reading First Paraprofessional, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Varnado Elementary School: Laura Stewart, Reading First Paraprofessional, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
Varnado Elementary School: Crystal Stringer, Kindergarten Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified)(Replacing Connie Bell).
Varnado High School: Jake McCormick, Agriculture Teacher, Effective the Fall Semester of the 2004/2005 school year only (Certified)(Replacing Robert Boone).
Varnado High School: Bonnie Dell Mitchell, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (Certified)(Replacing Chris Taylor).
Varnado High School: Marc Thomas Baroni, Regular Teacher, Effective the 2004/2005 school year (OP).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Sarah Boyd, Reading First Paraprofessional, Effective the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant funding).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
NONE
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #23 - Superintendent's Report
Superintendent was absent.
Agenda Item #24 - Other business from board members.
Susanne Jones thanked the Board for the land purchase at the Enon School.
Freddie Jefferson stated that he would set a date with the Superintendent for a Capital Improvement Committee meeting.
Agenda Item #25 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
RICHARD N. THOMAS, JR., PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY