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, Susanne Jones, and Matthew Tate. Absent: Bruce Brown, Hayward Boone, Holly James and Freddie Jefferson.
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 March 30, 2006, regular board meeting (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the March 30, 2006, 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 April Smith Randy Branch, Principal
Franklinton Jr. High School Ragen Turner Pauline Bankston, Principal
Mt. Hermon Jr. High School Ailah Martin Ruth Stoudenmier, Principal
Thomas Jr. High School Joseph Miller Steve Knight, Principal
Franklinton High School Malarie Jenkins Beverly Young, Principal
Mt. Hermon High School Robert Fairburn Ruth Stoudenmier, Principal
Pine High School Skyler Seal Geary McKenzie, Principal
Varnado High School Bruce Forbes Douglas Jones (In the absence of Principal Emma Ross).
Superintendent Dennie Fowler then recognized and presented plaques to the Washington Parish Jr. High School Student of the Year 2005-2006, Ragen Turner and the Washington Parish High School Student of the Year 2005-2006, Malarie Jenkins.
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 proposals received on a water well at the new Pine School (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board approve the low bid from Gill Water Well Drilling, Inc., Amite, LA with a bid of $32,500.00 for a water well at the new Pine School. Motion carried unanimously. Other bid submitted: Layne Christensen Company, Prairieville, LA - $55,225.00.
Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding proposals received on a Wastewater Treatment Plant at the Pine School (Dennie Fowler).
Superintendent Fowler stated that proposals were opened with four proposals received. They were as follows: Environmental Construction - $110,700.00; Watertech Corporation - $210,945.00; Nottingham Construction - $125,815.00; and Chamico - $113,794.00. Superintendent Fowler requested that all proposals be rejected.
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Susanne Jones, that all proposals be rejected. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board approve the following:
Whereas, the Washington Parish School Board solicited bids for the wastewater treatment plant at the new Pine School, and
Whereas, no bids were received, and further
Whereas, the Washington Parish School Board then solicited proposals from four different entities, and
Whereas, all four proposals were in excess of what the school board deemed appropriate,
Therefore, the Superintendent is directed to contact companies who provide sewage treatment plant installation services and enter into an agreement relative to the material and installation of the sewage treatment plant for the Pine School not to exceed $75,000.00.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for Thomas Elementary School Building Design/Construction (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Karl BIckham, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for Thomas Elementary School Building Design/Construction. Advertisement dates: May 17, May 24, and May 31, 2006. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding construction projects (Dennie Fowler).
Superintendent Fowler stated that construction projects are moving along fairly well.
Capital Improvement Committee will meet on April 18, 2006 at 7:30 P. M. at the FHS Stadium.
Agenda Item #10 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the Use of School Facilities Policy (Richard Kennedy).
Pauline Bankston and Matthew Tate discussed the changes in the Use of School Facilities Policy. This issue was postponed until a later date to take action.
Agenda Item #11 - 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 Matthew Tate, that the Board approve the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as follows:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
Enon Elementary School: Janice Buckhanan, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective September 30, 2006.
Thomas Jr. High School: Joan Sholes, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective May 31, 2006.
SABBATICAL MEDICAL LEAVE
Franklinton Primary School: Sondra A. Ervin, Pre-School Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the 2006/2007 school year.
Mt. Hermon School: Kathleen James, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the Fall Semester of the 2006/2007 school year.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Fowler stated that meetings are scheduled as follows:
Superintendent Search Committee Meeting April 17, 2006 6:30 P.M.
Capital Improvement Committee Meeting April 18, 2006 7:30 P.M.
Finance Committee Meeting April 24, 2006 5:45 P.M.
Regular Board Meeting at Enon April 27, 2006 6:30 P.M.
Agenda Item #13 - Other business from board members.
Happy Easter from all Board Members.
Karl Bickham requested that Billy Brignac work on the transportation issues at the Franklinton Schools and bring a plan to the Transportation Committee.
Matthew Tate requested that a parent be allowed to speak. Demetrius Brumfield, a senior parent at Franklinton High School, expressed her concerns of seniors not being allowed to participate in graduation exercises because of the GEE testing requirements. Several other parents were in attendance with the same concerns. The Board expressed their sympathy for the seniors but said that this is Board policy and has been for many years.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.