Franklinton, Louisiana

March 10, 2005

6:30 P.M.

 

The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: Susanne Jones, Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Hayward Boone, Holly James, Freddie Jefferson and Matthew Tate.  Absent: Richard Thomas, Jr.

 

Agenda Item #1 - Call to order

 

The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Susanne Jones.  She 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 February 17, 2005, regular board meeting.

 

It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt the minutes of the February 17, 2005, regular board meeting as submitted to each member.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #5 - Recognition of Washington Parish Exemplary Schools (Dennie Fowler).

 

Superintendent Fowler stated that four schools from the Washington Parish School System are being recognized for academic growth during the 2003 academic year.  The four schools are Franklinton Jr. High School - Principal Pauline Bankston, Pine School - Principal Geary McKenzie and Thomas Jr. High School - Principal Steve Knight which received Exemplary Academic Growth and Varnado High School - Principal Robert Boone received Recognized Academic Growth.  Superintendent Fowler presented each principal with a flag for their academic growth.  The four schools also received a monetary reward, as follows: Franklinton Jr. High School - $7,701.77; Pine School - $9,000.68; Thomas Jr. High School - $5,638.79; and Varnado High School - $2,000.00.  Individual school personnel will decide how the rewards will be used.

 

Superintendent Fowler and the Board Members congratulated each school on their achievements.

 

Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to change the April 14, 2005, regular board meeting to April 13, 2005 at 6:30 P.M. (Dennie Fowler).

 

It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dan Slocum, to change the April 14, 2005, regular board meeting to April 13, 2005 at 6:30 P.M.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to renew the contract of employment for Robert Al Johnson, Supervisor of Instruction (Dennie Fowler).

 

It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board renew the contract of employment for Robert Al Johnson, Supervisor of Instruction, for a contract period April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2007.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution to request a Medicare Referendum for employees hired prior to April 1, 1986 (Donna Alonzo).

 

It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt a resolution to request a Medicare Referendum for employees hired prior to April 1, 1986 as follows:

 

RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, Act No. 204, Regular Session, Louisiana Legislature of 1952 (LA R.S. 42:1001-1011 as amended by Act 280 of 2004) established procedures whereby members of retirement systems in political subdivisions of the State of Louisiana may obtain Hospital Insurance-Medicare only coverage (Medicare), and

 

WHEREAS, WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM desires to offer Medicare coverage to its eligible employees,

 

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Washington Parish School Board does hereby adopt the following resolution:

 

SECTION 1.  It is hereby declared to be the policy and purpose of the Washington Parish School Board to extend the provisions of Section 1, Act 204, 1952 Regular Session, as amended by LA. Act 280 of 2004, providing Medicare coverage to eligible officers and employees of the Washington Parish School System.

 

SECTION 2.  In pursuance of said policy, the Washington Parish School Board requests the State Treasurer's Office to conduct a divided vote referendum, under Section 218 (d)(6) of the Social Security Act, for employees hired before April 1, 1986, who are members of the Louisiana Teachers Retirement System or Louisiana School Employees Retirement System.

 

SECTION 3.  The President of the Washington Parish School Board is hereby authorized and directed to execute an agreement with the State of Louisiana to secure Medicare coverage of eligible officers and employees as provided in Section 1 hereof.

 

SECTION 4.  The coverage of eligible officers and employees shall be effective as of July 1, 2005, for the employees who voted "Yes" in the divided vote Medicare referendum.

 

SECTION 5.  Withholdings from salaries or wages of officers and employees for the purposes provided in Section 1 hereof of this resolution are hereby authorized to be made in the amounts and at such times as may be required by applicable State and Federal laws and regulations, and shall be paid to the Internal Revenue Service, in such amounts and at such times as are designated in IRS Code 3121 (b)(7)(E) and 3126.

 

SECTION 6.  Employer contributions shall be paid from amounts appropriated for such purposes to the Internal Revenue Service in accordance with applicable Federal laws.

 

SECTION 7.  The Washington Parish School System shall maintain such records and submit such reports as may be required by applicable State and Federal laws or regulations.

 

SECTION 8.  The resolution shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage.

 

Franklinton, Louisiana, this 10th day of March, 2005.

 

WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

 

By: __________________________________

Richard Thomas, Jr., President

 

CERTIFICATION


I, Richard Thomas, Jr., do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Resolution passed by the Washington Parish School Board on the 10th day of March, 2005.

 

_________________________________

Richard Thomas, Jr., President

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on six (6) 5-ton Air Conditioning Units with Gas Heating for Enon Elementary Auditorium (William Brignac).

 

It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Holly James, that the Board accept the low bid from Welsh Refrigeration, Franklinton, Louisiana in the amount of $23,000.00 for six (6) 5-ton Air Conditioning Units with Gas Heating for Enon Elementary Auditorium.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to approve job descriptions for Custodian and Bus Operator (Richard Kennedy).

 

It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board approve the job descriptions for Custodian and Bus Operator as follows:

 

School Custodian

 

REPORTS TO:              Principal, Supervisor of Maintenance

 

QUALIFICATIONS:        High School Diploma or Equivalency

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:                 The custodian is responsible for the general cleaning and upkeep

of the school building(s) and property both inside and outside. 

It also involves assisting with room set up and assisting with

building maintenance.  It requires the ability to perform medium

to heavy work.

 

DUTIES:

 

  1.  Turns on/off specific equipment as directed.

  2.   Prepares for the daily opening and closing of the school, including unlocking and lock-up on a daily basis.

  3.  Vacuums and cleans carpeting according to a daily schedule.

  4.  Cleans and maintains tile floors daily.

  5.  Cleans and sanitizes all washroom facilities routinely.

  6.  Empties wastebaskets throughout the building routinely.

  7.  Sets up and prepares classrooms as needed.

  8.  Cleans interior windows and glass.

  9.  Monitors behavior of students when appropriate.

10.  Assists with inventory control.

11.  Picks-up and delivers cleaning materials and/or runs errands as necessary.

12.  Assists with outside grounds work when assigned.

13.  Assists with shifting furniture/equipment.

14.  Delivers and picks-up instructional material and supplies.

15.  Assists with pest control.

16.  Serves on committees as assigned.

17.  Other duties as assigned by administration.

 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

 

Ability to climb, balance, stoop, reach, kneel, crouch, lift, crawl, push and pull.

Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and general public.

Ability to follow directions.

Ability to lift and handle 50 or more pounds.

Ability to perform medium to heavy work.

Ability to work as a member of a team.

Ability to work courteously and effectively with staff.

Ability to work with little or no supervision.

Basic knowledge of electricity.

Basic knowledge of supplies and equipment associated with commercial cleaning machines.

Skill in working with mechanical equipment.

 

School Bus Operator

 

REPORTS TO:                          Principal, Supervisor of Transportation

 

QUALIFICATIONS:                    High School Diploma or Equivalency

Hold a valid Louisiana CDL license (including P & S endorsements)

Pass an annual physical

First Aid Certificate issued by an authorized agency

Current School Bus Driver's Certificate

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:                 The bus operator shall be responsible for operating the school

bus daily in a safe and efficient manner.

 

DUTIES:

 

1.  Drive a school bus over designated routes according to established time schedules;  transport pupils and teachers on various special event trips.

2.  Pick up and discharge pupils at designated stops; escort students crossing streets according to established procedures.

3.  Wash, sweep, polish, refuel and perform safety checks and inspections on buses.

4.  Maintain trip records, daily bus reports and bus inspection reports.

5.  Perform various vehicle maintenance such as paint and body work, tire rotation and replacement, upholstering and seat repair, minor mechanical and electrical repair.

6.  Review route changes, passenger changes, safety hazards or incidents with supervisor for recommended changes.

7.  Other duties as assigned by Principal and/or Supervisor of Transportation.

 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Safe and defensive driving practices

Proper operation of school buses

Applicable traffic and student transportation laws, codes and regulations.

First Aid procedures

Basic record-keeping techniques

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy

Applicable sections of the State Education Code and other applicable laws

 

ABILITY TO:

Operate a school bus over designated routes

Drive school buses safely and efficiently

Maintain safe discipline among passengers

Learn and apply District policies and procedures related to student discipline

Observe legal and defensive driving practices

Learn and follow designated routes and time schedules

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding construction projects (Dennie Fowler).

 

Superintendent Fowler gave an update on the projects.  No action needed.

 

Agenda Item #12 - 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 Matthew Tate, that the Board approve the following personnel and transportation adjustments:

 

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

 

RETIREMENT RESIGNATION

 

Varnado Elementary School: Susan Corkern, Regular Teacher, Retirement resignation effective May 31, 2005.

 

DISABILITY RETIREMENT

 

Mt. Hermon School: Bernice Brumfield, Custodian, Disability Retirement effective February 18, 2005.

       

RESIGNATION

 

Franklinton Adult Education Center: Tolekiah Thomas, Adult Education Paraprofessional, Resignation effective May 12, 2005.

Pine School: Bobby Thomas, Jr., Custodian, Resignation effective March 16, 2005.

Varnado Elementary School: Mary Moses, Special Education Paraprofessional, Resignation effective March 7, 2005.

Wesley Ray Elementary School: Octavia Follins, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective February 25, 2005.

 

SABBATICAL MEDICAL LEAVE

 

Mt. Hermon School: Lorraine Roshto, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the fall semester of the 2005/2006 school year.

 

SABBATICAL PROFESSIONAL LEAVE

 

Franklinton Elementary School: Suzette Nielson, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Professional Leave effective the Fall Semester of the 2005/2006 school year.

 

LEAVE WITHOUT PAY

 

Thomas Jr. High School: Denise Gilmore, Special Education Paraprofessional, Leave Without Pay effective March 9, 2005 - May 9, 2005.

 

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS

 

Willie Harry, Regular Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School TO Class Size Reduction Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School, effective August 12, 2004.

Laurie Pittman, Class Size Reduction Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School TO Regular Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School, effective August 12, 2004.

 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

 

ENON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:                         Deduct 2.5 miles one way from the route of Lela Yates.  Student no longer on route. Effective date: January 26, 2005.

 

FRANKLINTON SCHOOLS:                                Extend the route of Vivian Ard 3.9 miles one way to pick up David Landry.  Effective date: January 28, 2005.

 

                                                                                                Deduct .9 miles one way from the route of Vivian Ard.  Student no longer on route.  Effective date: January 26, 2005.

 

Extend the route of Donna Givens 17.6 miles one way .  Detour - Bridge out.  Effective date: February 21, 2005.

 

Deduct 17.6 miles one way from the route of Donna Givens.  Bridge re-opened.  Effective date: March 7, 2005.

 

Extend the route of Rex McCain 13.3 miles. Detour -  Bridge out.  Effective date: February 21, 2005.

 

Deduct 13.3 miles from the route of Rex McCain.  Bridge re-opened.  Effective date: March 7, 2005.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #13 - Superintendent's Report

 

Superintendent Fowler stated that on Monday, he had given a report on District Composite Scores.  He stated that a comment had been made that our ranking was not much to brag about but he disagrees strongly.  Washington Parish School System ranked 31 out of 66 systems. 

 

Agenda Item #14 - Other business from board members.

 

Board members congratulated Mt. Hermon and Varnado High School Basketball teams for their outstanding seasons.

 

Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A (7) regarding student appeals.

 

It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A (7) regarding student appeals.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Hayward Boone, to return to regular  session.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Karl Bickham, to amend violation from guilty to alleged. 

 

It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, to amend original motion to allow parties to work out a possible solution.

 

It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Karl Bickham, to withdraw original motion to amend violation from guilty to alleged.

 

Motion to allow parties to work out a possible solution: FOR: Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Hayward Boone, Matthew Tate and Freddie Jefferson.  AGAINST: Holly James and Susanne Jones.  ABSTAINED: Dan Slocum.  Motion carried.

 

It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Karl Bickham, to return to executive session.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.

 

It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, to return to regular session.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the Board uphold the expulsion decision.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #17 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

 

It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board adjourn.  Motion carried unanimously.