The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session at the Franklinton Primary School on the above date with the following members present: Dan Slocum, Bruce Brown, Mary Adams, Freddie Jefferson, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain, Karl Bickham and Matthew Tate. Absent: Linda Thomas.
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 – Recognition of Pine FFA – J. T. Thomas (Darrell Fairburn).
Mr. Billy Passman and Mr. J.T. Thomas spoke briefly on the FFA Program at Pine School. They recognized three students from the Pine FFA as follows: Brittany Goings, Stephen Jones and Lance Barber. The Pine Chapter is 2nd in the State. Pine is also applying for a Jr. High Chapter of the FFA.
The Board congratulated the students and leaders of the Pine FFA for a job well done.
Agenda Item #5 – Presentation of 9th Grade Re-Design – VHS (Darrell Fairburn).
Rhonda Gunnell showed a power point on the 9th Grade Redesign program at VHS. The presentation showed an improvement in statistics since the 9th grade academy was started. The Board congratulated the VHS staff for their dedication to the program and the students of VHS.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the September 11, 2008, regular board meeting (Freddie Jefferson).
It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt the minutes of the September 11, 2008, regular board meeting as submitted to each member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to adopt the Governor’s proclamation proclaiming October as Child Search Month (Ann Cowart).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt the Governor’s proclamation proclaiming October as Child Search Month. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement to sale surplus equipment for the School Lunch Program (Marsha Newman).
Upon the recommendation of Marsha Newman, Supervisor of Food Service, it was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board authorize advertisement to sale surplus equipment for the School Lunch Program. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution regarding the refunding of the 1998 Varnado Bond Issue (Beth Fussell).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt a resolution regarding the refunding of the 1998 Varnado Bond Issue as follows:
RESOLUTION
A resolution making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the issuance of not exceeding Seven Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($790,000) of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds of Varnado School District of Washington Parish, Louisiana; and providing for other matters in connection with the proposed issuance of the Bonds.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, Sub-Part A, Part III, Chapter 4, Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and a special election held on November 15, 2007, the result of which was duly promulgated in accordance with law, Varnado School District of Washington Parish, Louisiana (the "Issuer"), has heretofore issued $1,250,000 of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 1998 (the "Series 1998 Bonds"); and
WHEREAS, in order to provide debt service reduction to the Issuer, this Parish School Board desires to refund the outstanding $775,000 principal amount of the Series 1998 Bonds consisting of the callable maturities of the Series 1998 Bonds (the March 1, 2009 to March 1, 2018 maturities) pursuant to Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (the "Act") and other constitutional and statutory authority, through the issuance of general obligation school refunding bonds of the Issuer; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act, and subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, this Parish School Board desires to accomplish the refunding through the issuance of not exceeding $790,000 of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds of the Issuer (the "Refunding Bonds"), to be payable from unlimited ad valorem taxes; and
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to make application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the Refunding Bonds and provide for other matters in connection therewith;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of Varnado School District of Washington Parish, Louisiana:
SECTION 1. Application to the State Bond Commission. Application is hereby made to the State Bond Commission for approval of the issuance of not exceeding $790,000 of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds of Varnado School District of Washington Parish, Louisiana (the "Refunding Bonds"), to be issued for the purpose of refunding the Issuer's outstanding General Obligation School Bonds, Series 1998, said Refunding Bonds to be general obligations of the Issuer payable from and secured by unlimited ad valorem taxes now being levied and collected annually in excess of all other taxes on all the property subject to taxation within the territorial limits of the Issuer. The Refunding Bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates not to exceed four percent (4%) per annum and shall mature in principal on March 1 of the years in which principal falls due, with the final maturity falling due on March 1, 2018. The principal maturities shall be arranged such that there will be annual debt service savings. The Bonds shall be issued in fully registered form, shall be sold to the purchaser thereof at a price not less than par, plus accrued interest, if any, and shall have such additional terms and provisions as may be determined by subsequent resolution to be adopted by this Governing Authority.
SECTION 2. Employment of Bond Counsel. This Governing Authority finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special bond counsel in connection with the issuance of the Refunding Bonds, and, accordingly, the law firm of Foley & Judell L.L.P., of New Orleans, Louisiana, is hereby employed as special bond counsel to the Issuer to do and perform comprehensive legal and co-ordinate professional work with respect to the issuance and sale of the Refunding Bonds. The fees to be paid said attorneys shall be in accordance with the Attorney General's Guidelines for Fees and Services of Bond Attorneys for comprehensive legal and coordinate professional work in the issuance of general obligation bonds, plus out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of the Refunding Bonds.
SECTION 3. Swap Policy. By virtue of the Issuer's application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the State Bond Commission's approval requested herein, the Issuer understands and agrees that such approval is expressly conditioned upon, and further understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns, to full and continuing compliance with the "State Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products, Hedges, Etc.," adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing and other matters subject to the approval, including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swaps or other products or enhancements covered thereby.
This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
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Member |
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Yea |
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Nay |
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Absent |
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Abstaining |
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Freddie Jefferson |
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X |
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Dan Slocum |
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X |
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Karl L. Bickham, Jr. |
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X |
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Bruce L. Brown |
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X |
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Linda Thomas |
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X |
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Mary Adams |
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X |
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Dewitt Perry |
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X |
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Lee Alan McCain |
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X |
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Matthew Tate |
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X |
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And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 9th day of October, 2008.
/s/ Darrell Fairburn /s/ Freddie Jefferson
_________________________ ________________________
Secretary President
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - 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 (Beth Fussell).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, 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 as follows:
RESOLUTION
To authorize the superintendent to sign the required Louisiana Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Form reflecting a selection of lower limits of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage than liability coverage. This selection is applicable to commercial automobile insurance coverage for the period 10-1-2009 to 10-1-2009, as presented.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on refinishing the gym floor at Pine School (William Brignac).
It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board approve the low quote from Mancuso, Inc., Metairie, LA in the amount of $3,225.50 to refinish the gym floor at Pine School. Motion carried unanimously. Other quotes submitted: Southeast Hardwood Flooring, Mandeville, LA - $3,575.00 and Classic Hardwood Floors, LLC, LaPlace, LA - $3,800.00.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy Files: BC – Meetings; BCBD – Agenda Preparation and Dissemination; BCBI – Public Participation; CEA – Superintendent Qualifications; GBD – Employment of Personnel; GBRA – Employee Conduct; GBRIB – Sick Leave; IHAD – Parent Conferences; JB – Attendance; JBCC – Student Assignment; JBD – Student Absences and Excuses; JBE – Truancy; JCD – Student Conduct; JDE – Expulsion; JGC – Student Health Services; JGCD – Administration of Medication; JGFG – Illness and Accidents; and KN – Public Concerns and Complaints (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy Files: BC – Meetings; BCBD – Agenda Preparation and Dissemination; BCBI – Public Participation; CEA – Superintendent Qualifications; GBD – Employment of Personnel; GBRA – Employee Conduct; GBRIB – Sick Leave; IHAD – Parent Conferences; JB – Attendance; JBCC – Student Assignment; JBD – Student Absences and Excuses; JBE – Truancy; JCD – Student Conduct; JDE – Expulsion; JGC – Student Health Services; JGCD – Administration of Medication; JGFG – Illness and Accidents; and KN – Public Concerns and Complaints. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to adopt new Washington Parish School Board Policy Files: ADA – School Census; IDCJ – Supplemental Education Services; JG – Student Welfare and KB – Public Information Program (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt new Washington Parish School Board Policy Files: ADA – School Census; IDCJ – Supplemental Education Services; JG – Student Welfare and KB – Public Information Program. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to delete Washington Parish School Board Policy File: BCAC – Special Board Meetings (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board delete Washington Parish School Board Policy File: BCAC – Special Board Meetings. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to change the employment status of Donald Slocum from Electrician to Electrician/Air Condition/Refrigeration effective October 10, 2008 (Richard Kennedy).
Dan Slocum recused himself from this item.
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board changes the employment status of Donald Slocum, from Electrician to Electrician/Air Condition/Refrigeration effective October 10, 2008. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #16 - 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 Dan Slocum, that the Board approve the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as follows:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION
Franklinton Elementary School: Pamela Hodges, Licensed Practical Nurse, Resignation effective September 26, 2008.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Freida Matschnig, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective October 23, 2008.
Franklinton High School: John Sullivan, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective October 10, 2008.
EMPLOY
Franklinton Primary School: Dwana Welch, Literacy Coordinator, Employ effective October 20, 2008.
Franklinton Resource Center: Shelley Thomas, Speech Therapist, Employ effective October 8, 2008.
Mt. Hermon School: Lisa Lindsey, Reading 1st Paraprofessional, Employ effective October 10, 2008.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Franklinton Jr. High School: Thelma Hart, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for the 2008/2009 school year TO Sabbatical Leave from the beginning of the 2008/2009 school year through September 12, 2008 then Sick Leave/Extended Sick Leave effective September 15, 2008 to the end of the 2008/2009 school year.
Franklinton Resource Center: Amanda McMurray, Speech Pathologist Assistant, Employ effective September 29, 2008 TO Employ effective September 26, 2008.
TRANSFER
Joyce Kemp, Special Education Paraprofessional, Varnado High School TO Special Education Paraprofessional, Varnado Elementary School effective September 23, 2008.
Nazea Rogers, Special Education Paraprofessional, Varnado Elementary School TO Special Education Paraprofessional, Franklinton Elementary School effective September 23, 2008.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Angie School District: Extend the route of Mecy Kelly 12.8 miles one way due to children’s medical needs. Effective date: August 20, 2008.
Extend the route of Steve Owens 2.1 miles one way to pick up Daniel Williamson. Effective date: October 2, 2008.
Extend the route of Steve Owens .8 miles one way to pick up Melody and Brandy Wallace. Effective date: September 18, 2008.
Extend the route of Steve Owens 3.4 miles one way to pick up Cole Wheat. Effective date: September 22, 2008.
Franklinton School District: Extend the route of Vivian Ard 2.2 miles one way to pick up Jaylynn Ronaville. Effective date: September 25, 2008.
Extend the route of Theresa Chauvin 3.4 miles one way to pick up David Giroir and Allison Roper. Effective date: September 4, 2008.
Extend the route of Donna Givens .5 miles one way to add additional stop at FPS to help with overcrowding. Effective date: September 17, 2008.
Varnado School District: Extend the route of Michelle Knight 2.5 miles one way to pick up Joe Landrum. Effective date: September 8, 2008.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #17 - Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Fairburn thanked Ms. Aylene Crain, Ms. Penny Moses, and Ms. Charlotte Fasola for their hospitality and for hosting tonight’s meeting.
Agenda Item #18 - Other business from board members
The Board congratulated the Pine FFA and VHS staff for jobs well done. They also welcomed John Breland to the Board.
Add to the Agenda: It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board purchase a Special Education Bus from a retiree for the spare bus pool in the amount of $6000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board purchase a Special Education Bus from a retiree for the spare bus pool in the amount of $6000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Freddie Jefferson named Alan McCain as Chairperson of the Education/Curriculum Committee.
Agenda Item #19 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.