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 August 18, 2005, regular board meeting (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board adopt the minutes of the August 18, 2005, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding renewals for the Board's Property and Liability Insurance (Beth Fussell).
Item deleted until next meeting.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to approve student transfer requests for the 2005/2006 school year (Karen Spears).
Upon the recommendation of Karen Spears, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, it was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board approve student transfer requests for the 2005/2006 school year as follows:
Student Name Home District Requested District Grade Type of Transfer
Alsobrooks, Jolena Varnado High Pine High 9th Hardship
Nicaragua, Joshua Franklinton Primary Mt. Hermon 2nd Hardship
Nicaragua, Timoteo Franklinton Jr. High Mt. Hermon 7th Hardship
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Hurricane Katrina cleanup and recovery (Dennie Fowler).
Principals gave an update on their school damage and cleanup effort. All schools are ready to begin on Monday, September 19, 2005.
Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
Upon the recommendation of Richard Kennedy, Personnel Director, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board approve the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as follows:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
Varnado Elementary School: Mary Williams, Special Education Paraprofessional, Retirement Resignation effective September 25, 2005.
SABBATICAL MEDICAL LEAVE
Mt. Hermon School: Kathleen James, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the Spring Semester of the 2005/2006 school year.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Franklinton Primary School: Patricia Harrison, LA4 Teacher/Faculty Co-Coordinator TO LA4 Teacher, Franklinton Primary School effective the 2005/2006 school year.
Franklinton Primary School: Jeannie Matthews, LA4 Teacher TO LA4 Teacher/Faculty Co-Coordinator at Franklinton Primary School effective the 2005/2006 school year.
Enon Elementary School: Wendy Williams, LA4 Paraprofessional employment date effective August 19, 2005 TO Employment date effective August 29, 2005.
TRANSFER
Lester Thomas, Bus Operator, Pine District TO Bus Operator, Franklinton District transferring back to his old route effective September 16, 2005.
EMPLOY
Central Office: Natasha Burris, Accounting/Data Processing Clerk, effective September 16, 2005.(Level 0 Years on Pay Scale).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Joetta Gerald Thomas, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2005/2006 school year (PL4 Certification).
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Superintendent's Report
None.
Agenda Item #10 - Other business from board members.
Mr. Slocum questioned the proposed school calendar. Superintendent Fowler stated that the BESE Board will meet on September 27, 2005 to consider waivers. Mr. Slocum commended the entire Washington Parish School System staff for the hard work done during and after Hurricane Katrina.
Mr. Bruce Brown would like to see the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday deleted from the proposed calendar and given back as a holiday. Mr. Brown would like for the Board to consider setting up gas and diesel depots in our parish system (one on the east and one on the west side).
Mr. Hayward Boone commended the Superintendent and all staff on their efforts during the disaster.
Ms. Susanne Jones addressed the issue of homework being limited.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.