Franklinton, Louisiana

April 6, 2010

6:30 P.M.

The Washington Parish School Board met in special session on the above date with the following members present: Dan Slocum, Bruce Brown, John Breland, Karl Bickham, Mary Adams, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain, Matthew Tate and Freddie Jefferson.  Absent: None.

Agenda Item #1 - Call to order

The meeting was called to order by President Freddie Jefferson.

Agenda Item #2 - Invocation

The invocation was given by Bruce Brown.

Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance

Agenda Item #4 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the consolidation of Varnado Elementary School and Wesley Ray Elementary School (Darrell Fairburn).

I understand the loss of a school in the community.  Should the board vote to consolidate, I would recommend by July 1 the board appoint a committee in the Varnado attendance zone to study the feasibility of building a new elementary school.  The committee should be composed of parents, educators and community leaders.  In the best interest of the students in Varnado Elementary School and Wesley Ray Elementary School, I recommend a consolidation of these two schools for the school year 2010/2011.

Mr. Levi Lewis, Spokesperson for the concerned citizens of the Varnado Community, spoke on behalf of the community.  Mr. Lewis asked the Board to not approve Superintendent Fairburn’s recommendation and allow the community time to bring alternate options to the Board.

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Darrell Fairburn, it was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board consolidate Varnado Elementary School and Wesley Ray Elementary School effective the 2010/2011 school year.  For:  Matthew Tate, Alan McCain, Dewitt Perry, Karl Bickham, John Breland, Bruce Brown, Dan Slocum and Freddie Jefferson.  Against:  Mary Adams.  Motion carried.

Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the repairs and renovations at Wesley Ray Elementary School to accommodate the consolidation of Wesley Ray Elementary School and Varnado Elementary School (Darrell Fairburn).

It was moved by John Breland, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board approve for Superintendent Fairburn to make the necessary repairs and renovations at Wesley Ray Elementary School to accommodate the consolidation of Wesley Ray Elementary School and Varnado Elementary School.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for two (2) modular buildings for Wesley Ray Elementary School (Darrell Fairburn). 

It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board authorize advertisement for two (2) modular buildings for Wesley Ray Elementary School to be advertised on April 13, 20 and 27.  Bids will be opened on April 29, 2010 and the buildings are to be completed by July 31, 2010.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

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

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                    Freddie Jefferson, President  

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                    Darrell Fairburn, Secretary