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, Holly James, Matthew Tate and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Bruce Brown and Susanne Jones.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order
The meeting was called to order by President Richard N. Thomas, Jr. He welcomed School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn, news media and guests.
Agenda Item #2 - Invocation
The invocation was given by Matthew Tate.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the October 14, 2004, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the October 14, 2004, regular board meeting as submitted to each Board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Presentation by Willie Core, Assistant Extension Agent (4-H) - Recognition of Outstanding 4-H Members (Dennie Fowler).
Kelly Gunnell, 10th Grade Student at Franklinton High School recognized the following Outstanding 4-H members:
Laith Hashimi Franklinton Jr. High School
Coty Brumfield Pine High School
Cory Newcomb Angie Jr. High School
Miranda Kennedy Varnado Elementary School
Jeffery Kelly Angie Jr. High School
Andrew Kennedy Varnado Elementary School
Dustin Dickerson Franklinton Elementary School
Kaitlyn Whaley Franklinton Elementary School
Na=Sheka Lee Wesley Ray Elementary School
Shaquille Martin Wesley Ray Elementary School
Brooke Thomas Pine School
La=Zhay McKinley Wesley Ray Elementary School
Lonnie Magee Franklinton High School
Whitney Bickham Franklinton Elementary School
India Shaw Franklinton Elementary School
Brooke Crain Franklinton Elementary School
Adrian Graves Thomas Jr. High School
Ariel Seal Thomas Jr. High School
Jordan Smith Enon Elementary School
Superintendent Fowler encouraged the 4-H members to keep up the good work. Freddie Jefferson thanked agents for time spent educating the students. All Board members congratulated the students.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to adopt a proclamation declaring November 10, 2004, as STD AWARENESS DAY in Washington Parish, as requested by the Franklinton High School Governor's Program on Abstinence Club (Dennie Fowler).
Dorcas Mathers, President of Franklinton High School Governor's Program on Abstinence Club, read the following proclamation:
STD AWARENESS DAY
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, There are 25 major STD's in America today; and
Whereas, The total number of people in America with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is estimated at 70 million; and
Whereas, At least four STDs - HIV, HPV, Herpes, and Hepatitis B are viral and incurable; and
Whereas, An estimated 15 million Americans will contract an STD this year; and
Whereas, Two-thirds of the new cases of STDs will be to Americans 14-25; and
Whereas, There is little awareness of the epidemic level of STDs in America; and
Whereas, It is incumbent on all governing authorities to work for healthier communities;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That I, Richard Ned Thomas, Jr., President of the Washington Parish School Board, do proclaim Wednesday, November 10, 2004 as,
STD AWARENESS DAY
For the public schools of Washington Parish; and shall be instituted in an effort to raise the awareness of the epidemic level of STDs in the State of Louisiana and to advocate abstinence as the solution.
___________________________________ _______________________
Richard N. Thomas, Jr., President Date
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board adopt the proclamation declaring November 10, 2004, as STD AWARENESS DAY in Washington Parish, as requested by the Franklinton High School Governor's Program on Abstinence Club. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Presentation by Faimon Roberts with LA Gear Up.
Faimon Roberts with LA Gear Up gave a presentation on the program. LA Gear Up is a program working to increase the number of Washington Parish students that will succeed and attend college.
Washington Parish students in the 2003-2004 school year received $76,750 from the Rewards for Success Scholarship Program. One Hundred Thirty Eight (138) students received $1,000.00, $500.00 or $250.00 scholarships.
Scholarships will be presented to students as follows:
Mt. Hermon School November 15, 2004 6:30 P.M. Mt. Hermon School
Franklinton Jr. High/
Franklinton High School November 16, 2004 6:00 P.M. Franklinton Jr. High
Angie Jr. High/
Varnado High School November 18, 2004 6:00 P.M. Angie Jr. High
Thomas Jr. High/
Pine School November 29, 2004 6:30 P.M. Thomas Jr. High
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to approve the 2005/2006 District Technology Plan (Jimmy Thigpen).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board approve the 2005/2006 District Technology Plan. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for telecommunication services and equipment for e-rate (Jimmy Thigpen).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for telecommunication services and equipment for e-rate. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to award a contract for a water well at the new Pine School (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board award a contract to Gill Water Well Service, Amite, LA for a water well at the new Pine School. Gill Water Well Service was the only bid received in the amount of $89,500.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposals received on an Air Conditioner for Wesley Ray Gym renovations (William Brignac).
Supervisor William Brignac, Jr. reviewed the following bid proposals received for air conditioning for the Wesley Ray Gym: Watson Refrigeration, Inc., 2008 Washington Street, Franklinton, LA - $19, 926.00; Brock Refrigeration A/C & Heating, L.L.C. 1214 Eads Street, Franklinton, LA - $22,437.65; and Eric Ingram, 1505 Washington Street, Franklinton, LA - $24,000.00. It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board accept the low bid proposal from Watson Refrigeration, Inc., Franklinton, LA - $19,926.00 for air conditioners for the Wesley Ray Gym renovations. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposals received on a Metal Ceiling for Wesley Ray Gym renovations (William Brignac).
Supervisor William Brignac, Jr. reviewed the following bid proposals received for a metal ceiling for Wesley Ray Gym renovations: R. K. Wallace Construction, Inc., Jayess, MS - $19,800.00 and Mendow Construction, Mandeville, LA - $22,200.00. It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board accept the low bid proposal from R. K. Wallace Construction, Inc., Jayess, MS - $19,800.00 for a metal ceiling for the Wesley Ray Gym renovations. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposals received on Lighting for Wesley Ray Gym renovations (William Brignac).
Supervisor William Brignac, Jr. reviewed the following bid proposals received for lighting for Wesley Ray Gym renovations: Stuart A/C & Electric, Inc., Angie, LA - $3,785.00 and Dixie Lighting & Electrical Supply, Bogalusa, LA - $4,375.00. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board accept the low bid proposal from Stuart A/C & Electric, Inc., Angie, LA - $3,785.00 for lighting for the Wesley Ray Gym renovations. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to adopt schedule of school board meetings for 2005 (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adopt the schedule of school board meetings for 2005, as follows:
PUBLIC MEETINGS
ACT 707 OF 1977
REGULAR MEETINGS OF WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD - 2005
The Washington Parish School Board shall meet in regular session for the year 2005 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 13, 2005 January 10, 2005
January 27, 2005
February 17, 2005 February 14, 2005
March 10, 2005 March 7, 2005
March 24, 2005
April 14, 2005 April 11, 2005
May 12, 2005 May 9, 2005
May 26, 2005
June 16, 2005 June 13, 2005
July 14, 2005 July 11, 2005
August 4, 2005 August 1, 2005
August 18, 2005
September 15, 2005 September 12, 2005
September 29, 2005
October 13, 2005 October 10, 2005
November 10, 2005 November 7, 2005
December 8, 2005 December 5, 2005
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #15 - Discuss and take appropriate action on termination of contract with Carothers Construction Management Firm (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board authorize the Superintendent and the President of the Board to terminate the contract with Carothers Construction Management Firm effective November 5, 2004. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #16 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
Upon the recommendation of Richard Kennedy, Personnel Director, it was moved by Holly James, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board approve the following personnel and transportation adjustments:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
Franklinton Primary School: Zyndall Jones, Special Education Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective October 29, 2004.
Pine School: Iris Kennedy, Business Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective December 20, 2004.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Melanee A. Berry, Pre School Title I Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective November 29, 2004.
DISABILITY RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
Pine School: Anita Schilling, Regular Teacher, Disability Retirement Resignation, effective January 28, 2005.
SICK LEAVE/RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
Pine School: Pam Breland, School Clerk, Sick Leave effective November 4, 2004 through January 10, 2005, Retirement Resignation effective January 11, 2005.
RESIGNATION
Mt. Hermon School: Kathy McNatt, School Lunch Worker, Resignation effective October 25, 2004.
SABBATICAL MEDICAL LEAVE
Robin Edwards, Franklinton High School, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective October 18, 2004 - May 31, 2005.
TRANSFER
Deborah Creel, Part Time School Clerk, Pine School and Part-Time School Clerk, Thomas Jr. High School TO Full Time School Clerk, Pine School, effective December 6, 2004.
EMPLOY
Franklinton Primary School: Jo Ann Trotter, Special Education Paraprofessional, Effective November 5, 2004.
Franklinton High School: Clint Willie, Regular Teacher, Effective October 26, 2004 and remainder of the 2004/2005 school year only (Pending TAT1 Certification)(Replacing Robin Edwards who is on Sabbatical Leave).
Varnado Elementary School: Johnnie Bria, Custodian, Effective November 8, 2004.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Melanee A. Berry, Pre School Title I Teacher, effective December 1, 2004(Certified).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
ENON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Extend the route of Lela Yates 3 miles one way to pick up Sierra Bynum. Effective date: October 11, 2004.
Deduct 2 miles one way from the route of Lela Yates. Student no longer on route. Effective date: October 26, 2004.
FRANKLINTON SCHOOLS: Extend the route of Etta Magee 2.6 miles one way to pick up Crystal Steading, Zachary and Danielle Scortino, Donna & Joe, David and Vicky Landry. Effective date: September 29, 2004.
Deduct 1.2 miles one way from the route of Rex McCain. Student no longer on route. Effective date: October 26, 2004.
MT. HERMON SCHOOL: Extend the route of June Tarver 3 miles one way. Error in original mileage. Effective date: August 12, 2004.
Add to the Agenda: It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, to add to the agenda, that the Board remove Melanee A. Berry, Pre School Title I Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School from Retirement Resignation and Employ on the Personnel Adjustments. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board remove Melanee A. Berry, Pre School Title I Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School from Retirement Resignation and Employ on the Personnel Adjustments. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion carried unanimously to accept the personnel adjustments as amended.
Add to the Agenda: It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Matthew Tate, to add to the agenda, that the Board accept the retirement resignation of Melanee A. Berry, Pre School Title I Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School effective November 29, 2004 and employ Melanee A. Berry, Pre School Title I Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School effective December 1, 2004. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board accept the retirement resignation of Melanee A. Berry, Pre School Title I Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School effective November 29, 2004 and employ Melanee A. Berry, Pre School Title I Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School effective December 1, 2004. Motion carried unanimously.
Add to the Agenda: It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Dan Slocum, to add to the agenda, that the Board change the Part Time School Clerk Position at Franklinton Jr. High School to a Full Time School Clerk Position and change the employment status of Rita Peterson, Part Time School Clerk at Franklinton Jr. High and Part Time School Clerk at Franklinton High School to Full Time School Clerk at Franklinton Jr. High School effective December 6, 2004. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board change the Part Time School Clerk Position at Franklinton Jr. High School to a Full Time School Clerk Position and change the employment status of Rita Peterson, Part Time School Clerk at Franklinton Jr. High and Part Time School Clerk at Franklinton High School to Full Time School Clerk at Franklinton Jr. High School effective December 6, 2004. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #17 - Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Fowler recognized Ms. Mary Jones, Supervisor of Elementary Education and Ms. Trisha Smith, Section 504 Assessment Coordinator, to give a presentation on School Performance Scores. The following is a summary of the Washington Parish School Performance Scores:
$ 4 - Washington Parish Schools are eligible for rewards due to Recognized & Exemplary Academic Growth in 2004
$ 3 - Washington Parish Schools met or exceeded their growth targets in 2004
$ 7 - Washington Parish Schools are in School Improvement I for having no growth or a decline in growth in 2004
$ Washington Parish School's 2004 Baseline School Performance Scores range from 71 to 92
$ 7 - Washington Parish Schools have Two Star Performance labels & 5 have One Star Performance Labels
Superintendent Fowler gave an update on the construction projects at the two sites. Pine site work is almost complete and Franklinton High School site work began last Friday.
Teacher of the Year Banquet, November 11, 2004 @ 6:30 P.M. at the Franklinton Country Club. Superintendent Fowler encouraged every board member to attend.
Superintendent Fowler stated that we had Professional Staff Development on Monday, November 1, 2004. All teachers in the parish, approximately 400, met in the R. W. Johnson Auditorium for an excellent meeting with motivational speaker, Mark McLeod.
Agenda Item #18 - Other business from board members.
Holly James questioned renovations of the Franklinton Jr. High School auditorium.
Freddie Jefferson requested a summary of the Alternative School.
Richard Thomas stated that the Transportation Committee has met on several occasions with the school bus drivers. The Transportation Committee will have something together for the next school board meeting for the bus drivers.
Agenda Item #19 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
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Richard N. Thomas, Jr., President
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Dennie Fowler, Secretary