Franklinton, Louisiana

September 27, 2007

6:30 P.M.

 

The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session at Mt. Hermon School on the above date with the following members present: Richard Thomas, Jr., Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Freddie Jefferson, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain and Matthew Tate. Absent:  Mary Adams.

 

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 13, 2007, regular board meeting (Richard Thomas).

 

It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the minutes of the September 13, 2007, regular board meeting as submitted to each member.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Franklinton Elementary School and GM&R (Darrell Fairburn).

 

Sam Fauntleroy, Architect, discussed the punch list and other items not completed at Franklinton Elementary School by GM&R.  The Board will possibly call for a Special Board Meeting at the October 11, 2007, regular meeting to discuss any further necessary action.

 

Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the Board's Liability Insurance (Beth Fussell).

 

Upon the recommendation of Tom Hudson, Insurance Consultant, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board accept the recommendation and continue the Board's Liability Insurance with Bill McGehee Insurance, Inc. (Carrier:  Louisiana Public School Risk Management Agency B LARMA) for the period beginning October 1, 2007 and ending September 30, 2008 for a premium of $240,357.00.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding computer insurance (Beth Fussell).

 

Upon the recommendation of Tom Hudson, Insurance Consultant, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board accept the recommendation for the Board's computer insurance with Bill McGehee Insurance, Inc. (Carrier:  RSUI Indemnity Company) for the period beginning October 1, 2007 and ending September 30, 2008 for a premium of $8,520.00.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

ADD TO THE AGENDA:   It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, to discuss and take appropriate action regarding auto physical damage and crime insurance.  Motion carried unanimously.

Upon the recommendation of Tom Hudson, Insurance Consultant, it was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board accept the recommendation for the Board's auto physical damage insurance with Bill McGehee Insurance, Inc. (Carrier:  Clarendon) for a premium of $11,931.00 and crime insurance (Carrier: Traveler's) at a premium of $3,014.00 for a period beginning October 1, 2007 and ending September 30, 2008.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a loan to Pine Baseball/Softball (Darrell Fairburn).

 

It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve a loan to Pine Baseball and Softball for construction on their athletic facilities in the amount of $81,670.00 to be repaid contingent on the sale of the school property.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adopt the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).

 

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

 

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

 

NONE

 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

 

 

Pine School District:                                                      Extend the route of Janet Thomas .5 miles one way to pick up Ashley Doss.  Effective date:  September 14, 2007.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #10 - Superintendent's Report

 

Superintendent Fairburn gave the Board a breakdown of the Old Franklinton Elementary School appraisal as follows:

 

Old Franklinton Elementary School                      $ 1,350,000.00

School Board Office Building                               $    600,000.00

1.76 Playground Field                                         $    230,000.00

 

ADD TO THE AGENDA:  It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain to discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on the tree removal at Central Office.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board approve the low quote from GM Services, LLC, Bogalusa, LA in the amount of $2,750.00 for the tree removal at the Central Office.  Motion carried unanimously.  One other quote submitted:  Signs by Walker, LLC, Bogalusa, LA - $3,020.00.

 

ADD TO THE AGENDA:  It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, to discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on a lawnmower for Thomas Elementary School.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board approve the low quote from Magee Feed, Inc., Franklinton, LA in the amount of $7,500.00 for a lawnmower for Thomas Elementary School to be paid out of contingency funds.  Motion carried unanimously.  Other quotes submitted:  McCain's Lawn Mower Sales & Service, Franklinton, LA - $7,950.00 and Singleton Sales & Service, Franklinton, LA - $7,950.00.

 

ADD TO THE AGENDA:   It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, to consider a motion to 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.

 

It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board 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.

 

Mr. Fairburn gave the Board members the guidelines for evaluating the superintendent.

 

Agenda Item #11 - Other business from board members.

 

Mr. Dan Slocum thanked everyone for attending Mt. Hermon Jr. High Football's Homecoming.

 

Mr. Karl Bickham invited everyone to the Washington Parish Free Fair flag raising on Friday, September 28, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. at the courthouse.

 

Mr. Freddie Jefferson requested an update on technology and academic growth at least twice a year.

 

All board members thanked Ms. Ruth Stoudenmier and her staff for hosting tonight's board meeting.

 

Agenda item #12 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

 

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