The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: Richard Thomas, Jr., Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Hayward Boone, Dan Slocum, Holly James and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Susanne Jones and Matthew Tate.
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 Bruce Brown.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the January 27, 2005, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the minutes of the January 27, 2005, regular board meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Recognition of Ms. Toni Tageant=s Star Cadet Class from Franklinton High School (Dennie Fowler).
Superintendent Fowler introduced Ms. Toni Tageant, Star Cadet Class Teacher from Franklinton High School. Ms. Tageant then explained the pilot program, (STAR) Students Teaching And Reaching. Some of the requirements of the STAR curriculum include the completion of 20 hours of field experience (including observing and teaching a lesson), completion of a Teacher Cadet Portfolio, attendance at a local school board meeting (which was met tonight), completion of a Service Learning Project and completion of several required lesson plans. Students who complete the Star program will be eligible to receive three college credit hours for the Introduction to Education class.
The students, which consists of both juniors and seniors at Franklinton High School, are as follows:
Shawn Rice, Heather Sullivan, Malarie Jenkins, Ashley Crosby, Felicia Dufrene, Ischia Peterson, Amanda Burton, Alana Miller, Benyetta Anders, Shannon Blackwell, Lee Wood, Caren McClain, August Fugate, and Sarah Smith. Not attending tonight's meeting was Cole Holden.
These students have been invited to attend the Celebration of Teachers and Teaching at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, April 7 & 8.
The Board congratulated these students and encouraged them to continue focusing on the education field.
Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding construction projects (Dennie Fowler).
Superintendent Fowler stated that there was no action needed tonight on this item. However, he brought the Board up to date on the projects.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to award a contract for the Pine School Building Design/Construction Rebid (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board authorize Superintendent Fowler to enter into a contract with Polk Construction Corp., Columbia, MS for the construction of Pine School in the amount of $7,890,000.00 less change orders in the amount of $81,269.00 with a total bid not to exceed $7,808,731.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for the Franklinton Primary School Building Design/Construction (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the Franklinton Primary School Building Design/Construction from March 9, 2005 through April 7, 2005. Open Bids April 7, 2005, award bids April 14, 2005, notice to proceed May 9, 2005 and completion August 15, 2005. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Student Transfer Request for the 2004/2005 school year (Karen Spears).
It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the following student transfer request for the 2004/2005 school year as recommended by Karen Spears, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance:
Student Name Home District Requested District Grade Type of Transfer
Hill, Betty Franklinton Primary Mt. Hermon 1st Hardship
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
Upon the recommendation of Richard Kennedy, Personnel Director, it was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the following personnel and transportation adjustments:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
SICK LEAVE
Franklinton Jr. High School: Helen La Verne Corkern, School Lunch Worker, Sick Leave effective February 14, 2005 and the remainder of the 2004/2005 school year.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Melanie Brooks, Part-Time School Lunch Worker, Franklinton Jr. High School TO Full-Time School Lunch Worker, Franklinton Jr. High School, effective February 18, 2005 and the remainder of the 2004/2005 school year only.
Jeanna Wheat, Part-Time School Lunch Worker, Thomas Jr. High School TO Full-Time School Lunch Worker, Thomas Jr. High School, effective February 15, 2005.
EMPLOY
Franklinton Schools: Frances A. Crouch, Bus Operator, effective February 18, 2005, replacing Max Brumfield/Leona Williams.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
ANGIE JR. HIGH SCHOOL: Extend the route of Steve Owens 6.4 miles one way to pick up Charles and Robert Westmoreland. Effective date: February 9, 2005.
ENON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Extend the route of Robert Mizell 1 mile one way to pick up Nick Busby. Effective date: January 13, 2005.
Extend the route of Lela Yates 2 miles one way to pick up Nicole Knight. Effective date: January 5, 2005.
Extend the route of Lela Yates 1 mile one way to pick up Justin Brown. Effective date: January 10, 2005.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Fowler stated that there would be a Capital Improvement Committee Meeting immediately following the Board meeting.
Agenda Item #12 - Other business from board members.
Bruce Brown congratulated Ms. Tageant and her STAR class.
Holly James encouraged all Board members to contribute to Relay for Life and the Franklinton High School MCJROTC.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6:1A (7) regarding student appeals.
Deleted.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
Deleted.
Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adjourn.
Motion carried unanimously.