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, Susanne Jones, Holly James, Matthew Tate and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Karl Bickham and Bruce Brown.
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 Matthew Tate.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the September 15, 2005, regular board meeting (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board adopt the minutes of the September 15, 2005, regular board meeting as submitted to each member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding renewals for the Board=s Property and Liability Insurance (Beth Fussell).
Upon the recommendation of Tom Norris, Insurance Consultant, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board accept the recommendation and continue the Board's Property and Liability insurance with Bill McGehee Insurance, Inc. (Carrier: Louisiana Public School Risk Management Agency - LARMA) and Builder's Risk Insurance with Bill McGehee Insurance, Inc. (Carrier: RSUI Indemnity Company) for the period beginning October 1, 2005, and ending September 30, 2006, at midnight, at a total annual premium of $513,568.95 and to adopt a resolution to authorize the superintendent to sign the required Louisiana Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Form reflecting a selection of lower limits of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage than liability coverage. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - 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 Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as follows:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
Mt. Hermon School: Lorraine Roshto, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective November 3, 2005.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Joannie Jefferson, Bus Attendant, Retirement Resignation effective September 30, 2005.
RESIGNATION
Enon School: Wendy Williams, LA4 Paraprofessional, Resignation effective August 29, 2005.
Pine School District: Cage Williams, Bus Operator, Resignation effective October 25, 2005.
REGULAR SICK LEAVE/LEAVE WITHOUT PAY
Franklinton Jr. High/Franklinton Elementary School: Diana Reviere, Custodian, Regular Sick Leave/Leave Without Pay from September 9, 2005 through May 31, 2006.
Franklinton Elementary School: Loretta Stafford, Special Education Paraprofessional, Regular Sick Leave/Leave Without Pay from September 19, 2005 through January 15, 2006.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Enon School: Linda Bourg, Special Education Paraprofessional TO LA4 Paraprofessional effective October 3, 2005.
Franklinton High School: Terri Manning, School Clerk, Resignation effective September 30, 2005 TO Resignation effective October 24, 2005.
Mt. Hermon School: Mildred Williams, Regular Teacher, Employed for the Fall Semester of the 2005/2006 school year TO Employed for the 2005/2006 school year only (Certified)(Replacing Lorraine Roshto).
EMPLOY
Varnado Elementary School: Valerie Jordan, Special Education Paraprofessional, Employ effective October 3, 2005. (Replacing Mary Williams).
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Fowler introduced and welcomed Mr. Kevin Guitterrez. He is a Distinguished Educator originally assigned to Orleans Parish and now reassigned to Washington Parish due to Hurricane Katrina.
ADD TO THE AGENDA: It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, to consider a motion to adopt resolutions to declare and certify that a case of extreme public emergency exists, in accordance with LA R.S. 38:2212(D), as a result of damages from Hurricane Katrina. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, to consider a motion to adopt resolutions to declare and certify that a case of extreme public emergency exists, in accordance with LA R.S. 38:2212(D), as a result of damages from Hurricane Katrina. Motion carried unanimously.
Sam Fauntleroy gave a brief overview of construction projects. All projects are ongoing with some minor delays due to Hurricane Katrina. Superintendent Fowler thanked Mr. Fauntleroy for his help during this difficult time.
ADD TO THE AGENDA: It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone that the Board consider a motion to authorize a change order in the amount of $25,323.00 for gutters on Building A of the New Pine School. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board consider a motion to authorize a change order in the amount of $25,323.00 for gutters on Building A of the New Pine School. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Fowler stated, that after Hurricane Katrina, the parish has lost approximately 133 students.
Enrollment # of Displaced Student # Students Dropped Total Enrollment Students Not Total
on 8-26-05 Enrolled After Katrina After 8-26-05 Accounted for Enrollment
4620 216 124 4712 225 4487
Agenda Item #8 - Other business from board members
Sue Jones called for a Transportation Committee meeting on Monday, October 10, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A (1) to discuss a personnel matter (Richard Thomas).
Item deleted.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
Item deleted.
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.