The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Linda Thomas, Mary Adams, Freddie Jefferson, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain and Matthew Tate. Absent: None.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order
The meeting was called to order by President Freddie Jefferson. 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 - Presentation of 4-H Report from Students and Leaders – Emily Becnel (Darrell Fairburn).
Emily Becnel and Lacey Urick, 4-H Agents, gave a brief overview of the 4-H program in Washington Parish. Several students were in attendance and also gave a report on what 4-H has meant to them. The students were as follows:
Morgan Bradley Varnado High School
Jessica Ard Franklinton Elementary School
Brad Cooper Pine School
Clint Stogner Pine School
Also in attendance with the students and leaders was Mr. Doug Jones, Varnado High School sponsor, Ms. Cindy Welch, Franklinton Elementary School sponsor and Mr. Henry Harrison, County Agent of Washington Parish.
All board members congratulated the students and encouraged them to continue to work hard in the 4-H program.
Agenda Item #5 - Presentation on Dropout Early Warning System – Tricia Smith (Darrell Fairburn).
Tricia Smith, Coordinator, gave a presentation on the Dropout Early Warning System (DEWS) Pilot Program. The purpose of this program is to identify students who exhibit characteristics of dropping out and actively work with these students to prevent them from dropping out and increase their chance of completing high school.
Jackie Jenkins gave an overview of the Freshman Academy at Franklinton High School.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the February 14, 2008, regular board meeting (Freddie Jefferson).
It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt the minutes of the February 14, 2008, regular board meeting as submitted to each member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the March 4, 2008, special board meeting (Freddie Jefferson).
It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adopt the minutes of the March 4, 2008, special board meeting as submitted to each member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to adopt the Special Education Preschool Budget Revision (Charlotte Fasola).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the Special Education Preschool Budget Revision as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a resolution by the Washington Parish Bus Owner Operators (Darrell Fairburn).
It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt a resolution by the Washington Parish Bus Owner Operators as follows:
Resolution
WHEREAS, The Washington Parish School Board employs school bus drivers who own their buses, and
WHEREAS, These school bus drivers are vital to the efficient operation of the school system, as bus transportation is absolutely necessary for the delivery of students attending public schools, and
WHEREAS, School bus drivers have been faced with ever increasing costs to operate their school buses, particularly with the recent soaring prices of fuel, as well as in all other cost areas, and
WHEREAS, Bus drivers are experiencing difficulty in maintaining their buses to insure safe transporting of school children because of increasing operational cost, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington Parish School Board does hereby request that the State of Louisiana increase the school bus operational expense allowance so that drivers can continue to maintain their buses in a safe and dependable manner for the transportation of students.
CERTIFICATE
I, Darrell Fairburn, duly acting and qualified Superintendent of the Washington Parish School Board, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by the Washington Parish School Board at a regular meeting held on March 13, 2008, at 6:30 P.M., at which time a quorum was present and voting.
Franklinton, Louisiana, this 13th day of March, 2008.
__________________________________________
Darrell Fairburn, Superintendent/Secretary
Washington Parish School Board
Agenda Item #10 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding increasing the spare bus pool from 10 to 15 buses (Billy Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of Billy Brignac, Transportation Supervisor, it was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board approve increasing the spare bus pool from 10 to 15 buses. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for surplus equipment for the School Lunch Program (Marsha Newman).
Upon the recommendation of Marsha Newman, School Lunch Supervisor, it was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board authorize advertisement for surplus equipment for the School Lunch Program as follows:
SPECIFICATIONS FOR SALE OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT
The Washington Parish School Lunch Program will receive sealed bids until 11:00 A.M. April 2, 2008, at the School Board Annex Building, 800 Main Street, Franklinton, LA for the sale of the following equipment:
ITEM # FRANKLINTON PRIMARY SCHOOL
1 One (1) Warmer
2 One (1) Double Convection Oven
FRANKLINTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
3 One (1) Slicer
FRANKLINTON HIGH SCHOOL
4 One (1) Warmer
VARNADO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
5 One (1) 2 Door Reach in Freezer
VARNADO HIGH SCHOOL
6 One (1) Tilt Skillet
WESLEY RAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
7 One (1) 2 Door Reach in Freezer
ANGIE JR. HIGH SCHOOL
8 One (1) Warmer
All equipment listed is sold “AS IS.” The Washington Parish School Lunch Program is not responsible for any equipment that does not work properly or requires parts or service. The Washington Parish School Board reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and waive informalities. All bids must be submitted on the bid forms provided by School Lunch.
Please mark envelope as containing “Bid on Surplus Equipment”. Equipment may be inspected at the school site in the presence of a School Lunch employee. Appointment must be scheduled with School Lunch at 985-839-7764 or 985-839-7776. No one is allowed to drop in for an inspection. Bids will be rejected if bidder is not on inspection schedule.
Bid award subject to School Board approval at the regular School Board meeting April 17, 2008. Successful bidder will be required to remove equipment within five (5) working days from board approval.
Purchases shall hold Washington Parish School Lunch Program free and harmless from any injuries, accidents, or damages to any person or property caused in moving or the removal of any item above.
Direct inquiries to Marsha D. Newman RD, School Lunch Director at 985- 839-7764.
WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Freddie Jefferson, President
Darrell Fairburn, Secretary
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution regarding sources of matching funds for Office of State Parks grant (Donna Alonzo).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt a resolution regarding sources of matching funds for Office of State Parks grant as follows:
Resolution
The Washington Parish School Board authorizes the superintendent to meet matching funds for the Franklinton High School office of Louisiana State Parks Grant in the following manner:
Phase I - Tennis courts, lighting for tennis courts, parking for tennis courts and softball field, seating for tennis courts and softball field - $150,000 matching funds - FHS will borrow against the Franklinton-Enon Debt Service Fund revenues that are under protest.
Phase II - Seating and bathrooms at baseball field - $150,000 matching funds - FHS will borrow against the sale of the old baseball field and football stadium.
Phase III - Walking track around football field - $150,000 matching funds - FHS will write a second grant in an attempt to obtain matching funds for Phase III.
CERTIFICATE
I, Darrell Fairburn, duly acting and qualified Superintendent of the Washington Parish School Board, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by the Washington Parish School Board at a regular meeting held on March 13, 2008, at 6:30 P.M., at which time a quorum was present and voting.
Franklinton, Louisiana, this 13th day of March, 2008.
__________________________________________
Darrell Fairburn, Superintendent/Secretary
Washington Parish School Board
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution regarding property insurance (Beth Fussell).
It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt a resolution regarding property insurance as follows:
Resolution
The Washington Parish School Board authorizes the superintendent to negotiate the April 1, 2008 property insurance renewal for the broadest coverage and most competitive pricing available. The Board will ratify his decision at the April 17, 2008 board meeting.
CERTIFICATE
I, Darrell Fairburn, duly acting and qualified Superintendent of the Washington Parish School Board, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by the Washington Parish School Board at a regular meeting held on March 13, 2008, at 6:30 P.M., at which time a quorum was present and voting.
Franklinton, Louisiana, this 13th day of March, 2008.
__________________________________________
Darrell Fairburn, Superintendent/Secretary
Washington Parish School Board
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to adopt the 2008/2009 school calendar (Darrell Fairburn).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt the 2008/2009 school calendar as follows:
WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
SCHOOL CALENDAR - 2008-2009
TCHR. INSTRUCT.
MONTH EVENT DATE DAYS DAYS
August Staff Development August 1 21 19
Staff Development (ALL) August 4
(½ Day Staff Dev. & ½ Day
Tchr. Work Day)
Classes Begin August 5
September Labor Day September 1 21 21
October Washington Parish Fair October 15, 16, 17 20 20
November Presidential Election November 4
Educational Conventions November 24, 25, 26, 14 14
Thanksgiving Holidays November 27, 28
December Christmas Holidays December 19 (½ Day) – 31 15 14½
(Dec. 19 - ½ Day Instruct.
& ½ Day Tchr. Work Day (All)
Students dismissed at 12:00)
January New Years Holidays January 1, 2 19 18
Staff Development Day January 5
Martin Luther King Day January 19
February Mardi Gras February 23, 24 18 18
March No Holidays 22 22
April Good Friday April 10 16 16
Spring Holidays April 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
May Staff Development (ALL) May 21 (½ Day Instruct. 16 14½
(1/2 day) & ½ Day Staff Dev. [ALL]
Students dismissed at 12:00
Teacher Work Day (ALL) May 22
School Closes May 22
Report Cards Mailed May 22
TOTALS 182 DAYS 177 DAYS
NINE-WEEK PERIODS
October 6 1st. Nine Weeks 44 Instructional Days 1st Semester 88½ Days
December 19 2nd Nine Weeks 44½ Instructional Days 2nd Semester 88½ Days
March 11 3rd Nine Weeks 44 Instructional Days
May 21 4th Nine Weeks 44½ Instructional Days
NO. OF HOLIDAYS 177 Instructional Days
Labor Day 1 Day 3 Staff Development Days
WP Fair 3 Days 2 Teacher Work Days
Presidential Election 1 Day 182 Teacher Days
Educational Conventions 3 Days
Thanksgiving 2 Days
Christmas/New Year’s 10 Days
Martin Luther King Day 1 Day 177 Instructional Days = 63,720 Minutes
Mardi Gras 2 Days
Spring Holidays 6 Days
TOTAL HOLIDAYS 29 Days
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #15 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding an amendment to the Superintendent’s contract (Linda Thomas).
It was moved by Linda Thomas, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board amend the Superintendent’s contract as follows:
The superintendent received an overall satisfactory evaluation; therefore, his contract is extended for one (1) year ending December 31, 2009.
The superintendent shall receive annual leave at the rate of two (2) days per month commencing from the date of employment. The superintendent is permitted to accrue annual leave and be compensated for unused annual leave at such time as employment ceases or expiration of the term of employment.
Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy Files: GBRIB – Sick Leave; IDE-R – Extracurricular Activities Regulations; and IHA – Grading Systems (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy Files: GBRIB – Sick Leave; IDE-R – Extracurricular Activities Regulations; and IHA – Grading Systems. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #17 - Consider a motion to adopt the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adopt the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as follows with the exception of the #5 change of employment status of Jennifer Thomas, Pine School, Regular Teacher to Assistant Principal effective March 17, 2008:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
Angie Jr. High School: Sarah Lee Nichols, School Lunch Worker, Retirement Resignation effective March 11, 2008.
Franklinton High School: Tommy Hicks, Option III Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective April 11, 2008.
DISABILITY RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
Franklinton Elementary School: Gladys Causey, Special Education Paraprofessional, Disability Retirement Resignation effective January 23, 2008.
RESIGNATION
Franklinton High School: Christopher Babb, Vocal Music Teacher, Resignation effective April 4, 2008.
Thomas Elementary School: Corina Turner, Paraprofessional, Resignation effective February 27, 2008.
Varnado Elementary School: Meagan Carney, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective February 18, 2008.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS
1. Central Office: Leslie Ezell, Accountant II-Inventory Clerk TO Computer Technician effective March 17, 2008.
2. Franklinton Primary School: Harriet Cupp, Special Ed. Paraprofessional effective February 11, 2008 TO Special Education Paraprofessional effective February 12, 2008.
3. Franklinton Jr. High School: Tiffany Hughes-Smith, Regular Teacher TO Assistant Principal effective March 17, 2008.
4. Franklinton High School: Jackie Jenkins, Regular Teacher TO Assistant Principal effective March 17, 2008.
5. Pine School: Jennifer Thomas, Regular Teacher TO Assistant Principal effective March 17, 2008.
TRANSFER
Polly Thigpen, Reading First Content Leader, Enon Elementary School TO Principal, Franklinton Elementary School effective March 17, 2008.
EMPLOY
Franklinton Resource Center: Betty Dyson, Special Education Paraprofessional (Sign Language Interpreter), Employ for 34 days effective February 25, 2008 and the remainder of the 2007/2008 school year only.
Franklinton Resource Center: Jennifer Haik, Speech Therapist, Employ for 9 days effective March 14, 2008 and the remainder of the 2007/2008 school year only.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Angie/Wesley Ray District: Extend the route of Patsy Owens .8 miles one way to pick up Samantha Hotard. Effective date: February 18, 2008.
Extend the route of Henry Williams 20 miles one way to pick up Donna Rester. Effective date: January 22, 2008.
Franklinton School District: Extend the route of Vivian Ard 2 miles one way to pick up Hailey Abrams, Stephanie Foster, Chancelor Turnage and Tiler Duncan. Effective date: January 11, 2008.
Extend the route of Natalie Hatteberg 6.8 miles one way to pick up Danielle Jones. Effective date: March 3, 2008.
Varnado School District: Extend the route of Delores Myres 2.8 miles one way to pick up Breana Ritchie. Effective date: February 27, 2008.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board approve the Change of Employment Status for Jennifer Thomas, Pine School, Regular Teacher to Assistant Principal effective March 17, 2008 for a period of two years ending on March 16, 2010. For: Dan Slocum, Bruce Brown, Mary Adams, Karl Bickham, Freddie Jefferson, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain and Matthew Tate. Recused: Linda Thomas. Motion carried.
Add to the Agenda: It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board consider a motion to authorize withdrawal privileges for Polly Thigpen on all Franklinton Elementary School bank accounts effective March 17, 2008 and terminate withdrawal privileges for Mary Henderson on all Franklinton Elementary School bank accounts effective March 17, 2008. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board consider a motion to authorize withdrawal privileges for Polly Thigpen on all Franklinton Elementary School bank accounts effective March 17, 2008 and terminate withdrawal privileges for Mary Henderson on all Franklinton Elementary School bank accounts effective March 17, 2008. Motion carried unanimously.
Add to the Agenda: It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dewitt Perry, to approve the contract dates for Tiffany Hughes, FJHS; Jackie Jenkins, FHS; and Jennifer Thomas, Pine, Assistant Principals of Instruction for a period of two years beginning on March 17, 2008 and ending March 16, 2010. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Bruce Brown, to approve the contract dates for Tiffany Hughes, FJHS; Jackie Jenkins, FHS; and Jennifer Thomas, Pine, Assistant Principals of Instruction for a period of two years beginning on March 17, 2008 and ending March 16, 2010. Motion carried unanimously.
Add to the Agenda: It was moved by Matthew Tate; seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board approve a contract for Polly Thigpen, Principal, Franklinton Elementary School for a period of two years beginning on March 17, 2008 and ending March 16, 2010. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Matthew Tate; seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board approve a contract for Polly Thigpen, Principal, Franklinton Elementary School for a period of two years beginning on March 17, 2008 and ending March 16, 2010. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #18 - Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Fairburn stated that the State Superintendent of Education, Paul Pastorek, visited the Washington Parish School System today. The visit was very positive. “We were able to brag on Washington Parish and what is going on in our schools,” he said. “He knows where Washington Parish is now and he knows about our needs.” Mr. Fairburn also praised the efforts of Dr. James Stafford, for his support of Washington Parish.
Agenda Item #19 - Other business from board members.
Board Members wished everyone a Happy Easter and a safe spring break.
The Board congratulated the new administrators.
Dan Slocum requested that we check on the policy for cell phones for employees.
Agenda Item #20 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
Angie Jr. High School: Sarah Lee Nichols, School Lunch Worker, Retirement Resignation effective March 11, 2008.
Franklinton High School: Tommy Hicks, Option III Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective April 11, 2008.
DISABILITY RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
Franklinton Elementary School: Gladys Causey, Special Education Paraprofessional, Disability Retirement Resignation effective January 23, 2008.
RESIGNATION
Franklinton High School: Christopher Babb, Vocal Music Teacher, Resignation effective April 4, 2008.
Thomas Elementary School: Corina Turner, Paraprofessional, Resignation effective February 27, 2008.
Varnado Elementary School: Meagan Carney, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective February 18, 2008.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS
1. Central Office: Leslie Ezell, Accountant II-Inventory Clerk TO Computer Technician effective March 17, 2008.
2. Franklinton Primary School: Harriet Cupp, Special Ed. Paraprofessional effective February 11, 2008 TO Special Education Paraprofessional effective February 12, 2008.
3. Franklinton Jr. High School: Tiffany Hughes-Smith, Regular Teacher TO Assistant Principal effective March 17, 2008.
4. Franklinton High School: Jackie Jenkins, Regular Teacher TO Assistant Principal effective March 17, 2008.
5. Pine School: Jennifer Thomas, Regular Teacher TO Assistant Principal effective March 17, 2008.
TRANSFER
Polly Thigpen, Reading First Content Leader, Enon Elementary School TO Principal, Franklinton Elementary School effective March 17, 2008.
EMPLOY
Franklinton Resource Center: Betty Dyson, Special Education Paraprofessional (Sign Language Interpreter), Employ for 34 days effective February 25, 2008 and the remainder of the 2007/2008 school year only.
Franklinton Resource Center: Jennifer Haik, Speech Therapist, Employ for 9 days effective March 14, 2008 and the remainder of the 2007/2008 school year only.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Angie/Wesley Ray District: Extend the route of Patsy Owens .8 miles one way to pick up Samantha Hotard. Effective date: February 18, 2008.
Extend the route of Henry Williams 20 miles one way to pick up Donna Rester. Effective date: January 22, 2008.
Franklinton School District: Extend the route of Vivian Ard 2 miles one way to pick up Hailey Abrams, Stephanie Foster, Chancelor Turnage and Tiler Duncan. Effective date: January 11, 2008.
Extend the route of Natalie Hatteberg 6.8 miles one way to pick up Danielle Jones. Effective date: March 3, 2008.
Varnado School District: Extend the route of Delores Myres 2.8 miles one way to pick up Breana Ritchie. Effective date: February 27, 2008