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, Matthew Tate and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Holly James.
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 September 14, 2006, regular board meeting (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the September 14, 2006, regular board meeting as submitted to each member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Presentation on Tobacco Free Living - Cheryl Klein
Ms. Cheryl Klein, Regional Coordinator, The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living gave a short presentation on smoking. Ms. Klein gave an update on 2006 Legislative Acts as follows: ACT 838 - Prohibits smoking in motor vehicles when children under 13 years old are present which went into effect on August 15, 2006. ACT 815 - The Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act is a statewide law that prohibits smoking in most workplaces and public places. ACT 815 goes into effect on January 1, 2007. She stated that there was several Washington Parish School Board Policies that needed clarification to be in compliance with the new laws. Beginning on January 1, 2007 all Louisiana school campuses must become 100% smoke-free and signs must be posted on all grounds.
Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding renewals for the Board's Property and Liability Insurance (Beth Fussell).
Upon the recommendation of Tom Hudson, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board renew the Board's Property and Liability Insurance (See Attached) and adopt a resolution authorizing the Superintendent to sign the required Louisiana Uninsured/Underinsured motorist form reflecting a selection of lower limits of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding student transfer requests for the 2006/2007 school year (Karen Spears).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board approve the student transfer requests for the 2006/2007 school year as follows:
Student Name Home District Requested District Grade Type of
Transfer
Grant, Anna Franklinton Primary Thomas Elementary K Hardship
Grant, William Franklinton Primary Thomas Elementary 2nd Hardship
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to adopt the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
Upon the recommendation of Richard Kennedy, Personnel Director, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as follows:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
SICK LEAVE
Franklinton Vocational Center: Robert Al Johnson, Adult Education Supervisor, Sick Leave effective October 2, 2006 through January 11, 2007.
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
Franklinton Schools: Evelyn Polk, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective September 29, 2006.
RESIGNATION
Enon Elementary School: Kimberly Gill, Special Education Paraprofessional, Resignation effective October 6, 2006.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Voncille Stevens, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective September 18, 2006.
Franklinton High School: Jason Daniel Bullock, Custodian, Resignation effective September 27, 2006.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Franklinton Jr. High School: Sarah Keaton, Special Education Paraprofessional TO Special Education Teacher effective September 19, 2006 (Replacing Voncille Stevens)(Pending TAT Certification).
EMPLOY
Franklinton Adult Education Center: April Brock, Secretary, Employ effective October 2, 2006 (Level 0 on pay scale).
Franklinton Elementary School: Akeitha Coon, Special Education Paraprofessional, Employ effective October 2, 2006.
Franklinton Elementary School: Mildred Magee, Custodian, Employ effective October 2, 2006.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Judy Bickham, Special Education Paraprofessional, Employ effective September 19, 2006.
Mt. Hermon School: Bobby Thomas, Custodian, Employ effective October 2, 2006.
Thomas Elementary School: Willie Clark, Custodian, Employ effective October 2, 2006.
Thomas Elementary School: Earlie Warren, Custodian, Employ effective October 2, 2006.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Fairburn stated that the BESE Board would meet on October 17, 2006 concerning the MFP and all superintendents were urged to attend.
Mr. Fairburn told the Board that the survey on the old Franklinton Elementary School property is supposed to be ready on September 29th.
Agenda Item #10 - Other business from board members.
All Board Members thanked Ms. Dorothy Young and the Wesley Ray Elementary School Staff for a great meal and their hospitality.
Hayward Boone introduced Mary Adams, new District 5 board member, who will take office in January 2007.
Ms. Emma Ross asked everyone to vote for Amendment #4 in support of libraries.
Freddie Jefferson stated that the Capital Improvement Committee met on September 26, 2006. Representatives from GM&R and Polk Construction were present at the meeting to discuss their concerns. GM&R requested an extension of 167 days and Polk Construction requested 257 days. The committee and Mr. Fauntleroy will decide on the amount of liquidated damages to be assessed to each company.
Add to the agenda: It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board authorize the superintendent to advertise to sale the old Franklinton High School Stadium property. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board authorize the superintendent to advertise to sale the old Franklinton High School Stadium property. Motion carried unanimously.
Add to the agenda: It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board suspend the new Use of School Facilities policy and revert back to the old Use of School Facilities policy for 30 days to allow time to revisit the new policy. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board suspend the new Use of School Facilities policy and revert back to the old Use of School Facilities policy for 30 days to allow time to revisit the new policy. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.