Franklinton, Louisiana

May 10, 2007

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, Bruce Brown, Mary Adams, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain, 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 - 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              Jennifer McCain                                  Randy Branch, Principal

Franklinton Jr. High School     Jasmine Tate                                       Pauline Bankston, Principal

Mt. Hermon Jr. High School     Caitlin Dormody                                  Ruth Stoudenmier, Principal

Pine Jr. High School                Brittneii Flynt                                      Geary McKenzie, Principal

Franklinton High School          Jonettica Manning                              Suzette Nielsen (In the absence of Principal Beverly Young)

Mt. Hermon High School          Quinesha Johnson                              Ruth Stoudenmier, Principal

Pine High School                     Jessica Corkern                                  Geary McKenzie, Principal

Varnado High School              Jarvis Harry                                         Emma Ross, Principal

 

Superintendent Darrell Fairburn then recognized and presented plaques to the Washington Parish Jr. High School Student of the Year 2006-2007, Jasmine Tate  and the Washington Parish High School Student of the Year 2006‑2007, Jonettica Manning.

 

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 #5 - Recognition of Washington Parish Exemplary Schools (Darrell Fairburn).

 

Superintendent Fairburn stated that five schools from the Washington Parish School System are being recognized for academic growth during the 2005/2006 academic year.  They were presented a flag for academic growth and monetary rewards as follows:

 

School                          Principal                        Recognized Growth        Monetary Reward 

 

Enon Elementary           Frances Varnado           Exemplary                                 $10,206.00

Mt. Hermon                   Ruth Stoudenmier          Exemplary                                 $12,594.00

Varnado Elementary       Ginger Champagne        Exemplary                                 $  8,174.00

Wesley Ray Elem.         Dorothy Young               Exemplary                                 $  8,041.00

Franklinton Jr. High        Pauline Bankston           Recognized                               $  8,412.00

Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the April 26, 2007, regular board meeting (Richard Thomas).

 

It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt the minutes of the April 26, 2007, regular board meeting as submitted to each member.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

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 2007/2008 school year (Marsha Newman).

 

It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, 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 2007/2008 school year.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to approve revisions to the Student Code of Conduct for the 2007/2008 school year (Karen Spears).

 

Upon the recommendation of Karen Spears, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board approve revisions to the Student Code of Conduct for the 2007/2008 school year as presented with one exception left to the discretion of Ms. Spears and Superintendent Fairburn.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on flooring in the Special Education Auditorium (William Brignac).

 

Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor of Transportation and Maintenance, it was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board accept the low quote from Carpet Wholesalers, Franklinton, LA in the amount of $5,755.00 for flooring in the Special Education Auditorium.  Motion carried unanimously.  Other bids submitted: Kennedy's Decorating, Franklinton, LA - $6,590.67 and Mike's Flooring, Franklinton, LA - $7,238.40.

 

Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of School Supplies for the 2007/2008 school year (Beth Fussell).

 

It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of School Supplies for the 2007/2008 school year.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the closing of the Washington Parish Vocational School (Darrell Fairburn).

 

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fairburn, it was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Washington Parish Vocational School close for the 2007/2008 school year. For: Dan Slocum, Bruce Brown, Mary Adams, Richard Thomas, Jr., Alan McCain, Matthew Tate and Dewitt Perry.  Abstain: Freddie Jefferson. Motion carried.

 

Agenda Item #12 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).

 

Upon the recommendation of Richard Kennedy, Personnel Director, it was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as follows:


PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

 

SABBATICAL MEDICAL LEAVE

 

Enon Elementary School: Karen Thigpen, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the 2007/2008 school year.

 

SABBATICAL PROFESSIONAL LEAVE

 

Franklinton Elementary School: Melissa Lebo, Speech Therapist Assistant, Sabbatical Professional Leave effective the Fall Semester of the 2007/2008 school year.

 

RESIGNATION

 

Mt. Hermon School: DaShun Wilson Howard, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective May 31, 2007.

Thomas Elementary School: Stephanie Sumrall, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective May 31, 2007.

 

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS

 

Central Office: Melissa Mauer, Accounting/Data Processing Clerk,  TO  Accountant II-Payroll-Retirement effective May 14, 2007.

 

EMPLOY

 

Central Office: Grace Magee, Grant Accountant III, Employ effective May 29, 2007.

 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

 

Franklinton Schools:                                                                  Add .9 miles one way to the route of Carolyn Fussell to pick up Eustrice Fritz.  Effective date: April 5, 2007.

 

Deduct 4 miles one way from the route of Lester Thomas.  Student no longer on route.  Effective date: April 1, 2007.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to employ Personnel for the 2007/2008 school year (Richard Kennedy).

 

It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board employ Personnel and Substitutes for the 2007/2008 school year.  SEE ATTACHED.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #14 - Superintendent's Report

 

Superintendent Fairburn thanked all who prepared refreshments for the Student of the Year reception.

 

Mr. Fairburn stated that the sale of the FHS Stadium Properties is in question after the Outreach Full Gospel Baptist Church lender=s appraisal was only $144,000.00.  Our appraisal is $264,000.00 and the school system is not at liberty to bargain or reduce the sale price.  State law requires the school system to sell property no lower than appraised value.

 

The survey on the old Franklinton Elementary School property has been completed.  It is divided into four parts.  ADD TO THE AGENDA: It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board discuss and take appropriate action regarding the survey on the old Franklinton Elementary School.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board approve a payment to James J. Jones & Associates, Franklinton, LA for the survey of the old Franklinton Elementary School property in the amount of $4,150.00.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Superintendent Fairburn stated that test scores were released today and a full report would be given at the June 2007 meeting.

 

Agenda Item #15 - Other business from board members.

 

The Board congratulated all 2007 Seniors.

 

Mr. Jefferson requested that the transfer policy be added to the agenda for the next board meeting.

 

Mr. Tate stated that there would be a Personnel Committee meeting on May 21, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

 

Mr. Thomas requested that we look at graduation dates for Pine and Franklinton.  He has had several complaints because some families have graduates at both schools and it is impossible to attend both on the same night.

 

Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

 

It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adjourn.  Motion carried unanimously.