Franklinton, Louisiana

May 12, 2005

6:30 P.M.

 

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

 

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 April 13, 2005, regular board meeting (Richard Thomas).

 

It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the April 13, 2005, regular board meeting as submitted to each member.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #5 - Awards Presentation - Students of the Year (Mary Jones).

 

Supervisor Mary Jones briefly reviewed the Louisiana Students of the Year Awards Program.  The Guidelines for Selection of Candidates were used to select the winners at the school and the parish level.  The four categories for selection included the cumulative grade point average, a portfolio of supporting documents, writing samples, and an interview with the judges.  The following school level winners were introduced by their respective school principals, or designees, and presented plaques from the Washington Parish School Board:

 

SCHOOL                         STUDENT OF THE YEAR                PRESENTER

 

Angie Jr. High School                 Brandan Sumrall                        Randy Branch, Principal

Franklinton Jr. High School         Austen Hughes                          Pauline Bankston, Principal

Mt. Hermon Jr. High School        Jon Chase King                         Ruth Stoudenmier, Principal

Thomas Jr. High School              Raven Luper                              Steve Knight, Principal

Franklinton High School              Chasity Marks                           Cheryl Bruton (In absence of Principal, Beverly Young)

Mt. Hermon High School             Jessica Brumfield                       Ruth Stoudenmier, Principal

Pine High School                       Mari Branch                               Geary McKenzie, Principal

Varnado High School                  Samikiya' Evans                        Robert Boone, Principal

 

Superintendent Dennie Fowler and Assistant Superintendent Richard Kennedy then recognized and presented plaques to the Washington Parish Jr. High School Student of the Year 2004-2005, Brandan Sumrall and the Washington Parish High School Student of the Year 2004-2005, Jessica Brumfield.

 

Board members congratulated the Students of the Year.

 

A reception in honor of the Students of the Year and their families was held prior to the board meeting.

 

Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding construction projects (Dennie Fowler).

 

Superintendent Fowler brought the Board up to date on the construction projects.  No action needed.

 

Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of Bakery Products, Milk and Other Food and Non-Food Items for the School Lunch Program for the 2005/2006 school year (Marsha Newman).

 

Upon the recommendation of Marsha Newman, Supervisor of School Food Service, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of Bakery Products, Milk and Other Food and Non-Food Items for the School Lunch Program for the 2005/2006 school year.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to approve Bus Operator Lester Thomas' request to purchase a 1987 Chevrolet Bus from Lezette Crosby to be used as a spare bus, not replacing his current bus (William Brignac).

 

Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor of Maintenance/Vocational Education/Transportation, it was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board approve Bus Operator Lester Thomas' request to purchase a 1987 Chevrolet Bus from Lezette Crosby to be used as a spare bus, not replacing his current bus.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotations received from area physicians for bus operators physicals (William Brignac).

 

It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board accept the low quote from Dr. Roger A. Casama, M.D.  in the amount of $50.00 per physical for bus operators and bus substitutes.  Franklinton Rural Health Clinic submitted a quote of $55.00 per physical, Family Medical Clinic - Dr. Mark James, M.D.  submitted a quote of $80.00 per physical and Dr. Luis Alvarado, M.D. submitted a quote of $178.00 per physical.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to approve revisions to the Student Code of Conduct for the 2005/2006 school year (Karen Spears).

 

Upon the recommendation of Karen Spears, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance/Testing & Evaluation, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board approve revisions to the Student Code of Conduct for the 2005/2006 school year.  SEE ATTACHMENT.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Title I Allocations for the 2005/2006 fiscal year (T. J. Butler, Jr.).

 

It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Holly James, that the Board table this item until the next meeting.  FOR: Richard Thomas, Holly James, Dan Slocum and Hayward Boone.  AGAINST: Matthew Tate, Bruce Brown, Susanne Jones and Freddie Jefferson.  Motion tied.

 

It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, to amend the motion to:  Consider a motion to refer Title I Allocations for the 2005/2006 school year to the Finance Committee.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board refer Title I Allocations for the 2005/2006 school year to the Finance Committee.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

The Finance Committee will meet on Monday, May 16, 2005 at 6:30 P.M.

 

Agenda Item #12 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for the purchase of School Supplies for the 2005/2006 school year (Beth Fussell).

 

Upon the recommendation of Beth Fussell, Director of Finance, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the Board award contracts for the purchase of school supplies for the 2005/2006 school year as follows: Tri-Star Marketing, Lafayette, LA - $25,635.45; Bill White Business Machines, Bogalusa, LA - $741.00; Quill Corporation, Palatine, IL - $688.20 and Venable Office Equipment, Amite, LA - $149.76.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to approve an allocation to schools for the 2005/2006 school year (Beth Fussell).

 

Upon the recommendation of Beth Fussell, Director of Finance, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board approve the following allocations to schools for the 2005/2006 school year:

 

ALLOCATION TO SCHOOLS - 2005/2006 FY OPERATING BUDGETS

 

$65.00 per pupil for elementary

$75.00 per pupil for secondary

 

SCHOOL                      TOTAL PER PUPIL                   ADJUSTMENT        NET ALLOCATION

 

Angie                            $11,700.00                                                                    $11,700.00

Enon                             $22,945.00                                -    $2,000.00                 $20,945.00

Franklinton Primary        $36,985.00                                                                    $36,985.00

Franklinton Elementary   $25,480.00                                                                    $25,480.00

Franklinton Jr. High        $33,800.00                                                                    $33,800.00

Franklinton High             $46,845.00                                                                    $46,845.00

Mt. Hermon                   $35,685.00                                                                    $35,685.00

Pine                              $39,325.00                                                                    $39,325.00

Thomas Jr. High             $30,940.00                                                                    $30,940.00

Varnado Elementary       $14,495.00                                                                    $14,495.00

Varnado High                 $13,555.00                                -    $2,000.00                 $11,555.00

Wesley Ray                  $14,105.00                                                                    $14,105.00

 

TOTALS                      $325,860.00                               -    $4,000.00                 $321,860.00

 

REMAINING DEBT OWED TO GENERAL FUND BY SCHOOLS AFTER THIS ALLOCATION:

 

ENON                                       $  7,500.00

VARNADO HIGH                       $68,735.20

 

TOTAL                                      $76,235.20

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to set the amount of teacher stipend for workshop participation as flexible, not to exceed $20.00 per hour (Richard Kennedy).

 

It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Holly James, that the Board set the amount of teacher stipend for workshop participation as flexible, not to exceed $20.00 per hour.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #15 - 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

 

Enon Elementary School: Donna Hunt, School Food Service Worker, Retirement Resignation effective May 9, 2005.

Franklinton Jr. High School: Lynn Fussell, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective June 1, 2005.

Mt. Hermon School: Marilyn Montet, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective August 26, 2005.

Mt. Hermon School: Margie Elaine Seals, Home Economics Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective May 31, 2005.

Pine School: Linda Sue Martin, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective May 31, 2005.

Thomas Jr. High School: Karen Thomas, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective May 31, 2005.

Wesley Ray Elementary School: Clementine Morris, Special Education Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective May 31, 2005.

 

RESIGNATION

 

Enon School: Cherish Crockett, Part-Time Counselor, Resignation effective May 31, 2005.

Franklinton Primary School: Peggy Fisher, LA4 Paraprofessional, Resignation effective May 31, 2005.

Pine School: Burneva Ellzey, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective May 31, 2005.

Wesley Ray Elementary School: Sarah Boyd, Reading First Paraprofessional, Resignation effective May 31, 2005.

 

SABBATICAL MEDICAL LEAVE

 

Franklinton Resource Center: Karen Varnado, Educational Diagnostician, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the Fall Semester of the 2005/2006 school year.

 

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS

 

Central Office: Barbara Hunt, Safe and Drug Free School Coordinator TO Part-Time Safe and Drug Free School Coordinator/Part-Time Guidance Counselor - Enon Elementary School effective the 2005/2006 school year.

Enon Elementary School: Deonne Conerly, Part-Time School Food Service Worker TO Full Time School Food Service Worker effective May 10, 2005.

Franklinton Resource Center: Ricky Payne, IEP Facilitator effective the 2004/2005 school year only TO IEP Facilitator, effective the 2005/2006 school year (Certified).

Wesley Ray Elementary School: Kathy Graham, Title I Paraprofessional TO Special Education Paraprofessional effective the 2005/2006 school year. 

 

TRANSFER

 

Landis Roberts, Bus Operator, Franklinton School District to Bus Operator, Angie/Wesley Ray School District for the 2005/2006 school year, replacing Lezette Crosby.

 

EMPLOY

 

Mt. Hermon School: Jerry McDonald, Custodian effective May 13, 2005.

 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

 

FRANKLINTON SCHOOLS:                                Extend the route of Vivian Ard 1 mile one way to pick up Caleb Breedlove.  Effective date: March 17, 2005.

 

Extend the route of Violonia Edwards 3.7 miles one way to pick up KaZaiah Warren. Effective date: April 4, 2005

 

Extend the route of Carolyn Fussell 2 miles one way to pick up Daniel Rogers.   Effective date: April 7, 2005.

 

Extend the route of Donna Givens 1.2 miles one qy to pick up Darrylnika Wilson. Effective date: April 6, 2005.

 

WESLEY RAY RESOURCE:                              Deduct 5.8 miles one way from the route of Yvonne Brumfield.  Student no longer on route.  Effective date April 4, 2005.

 

Extend the route of Yvonne Brumfield 2.7 miles one way to pick up Parheillya Barris and Anthony Green.  Effective date: May 5, 2005.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to employ Linda Sue Martin, Regular Teacher, Pine School effective the 2005/2006 school year (Richard Kennedy).

 

It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Holly James, that the Board employ Linda Sue Martin, Regular Teacher, Pine School effective the 2005/2006 school year.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #17 - Consider a motion to employ Personnel for the 2005/2006 school year (Richard Kennedy).

 

Upon the recommendation of Richard Kennedy, Personnel Director, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board employ the following Personnel for the 2005/2006 school year.  SEE ATTACHED.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #18 - Superintendent's Report

 

Add to the agenda: It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board adds the following item to the agenda: Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Worker's Compensation quotes for the 2005/2006 school year.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board receives quotes for Worker's Compensation for the 2005/2006 school year.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Superintendent Dennie Fowler stated that test scores are in and that he is pretty well pleased with where we fall.  He stated that we appear to be just slightly above state average.

 

Mary Jones gave a short presentation on test scores.  She stated that overall we are at or above the state average.  Trends since 2002/2003 are steady along with the state.  Trisha Smith will present a more detailed report to the Board during the May 26th meeting or at the June 16th meeting.

 

Superintendent Fowler stated that the Franklinton High School Demon Baseball team is in the playoffs.  They will play in the Semi-Final game on May 13, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in Crowley, LA. He wished them the best of luck.

 

Agenda Item #19 - Other business from board members.

 

Dan Slocum congratulated the Franklinton High School Demon Baseball team for an outstanding season.

 

Holly James encouraged sending a letter in support of E-Rate.

 

Freddie Jefferson stated that each one should have a summary of the Tax District #4 Construction Fund.  He also stated that $770,401.93 has been earned in interest on the bond issue that will help offset expenses.

 

Agenda Item #20 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

 

It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adjourn.  Motion carried unanimously.