Franklinton, Louisiana

January 13, 2011

6:30 p.m.

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

Agenda Item #1 - Call to order

The meeting was called to order by Superintendent Darrell Fairburn. 

Agenda Item #2 – Invocation

The invocation was given by Bruce Brown.

Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance

Agenda Item #4 – Administer Oath of Office

Wayne Kuhn, Attorney, administered the Oath of Office to all board members, as follows: Dan Slocum, District 1; John Wyble, District 2, Bruce Brown, District 3; John Breland, District 4; Mary Adams, District 5; Dewitt Perry, District 6; Lee Alan McCain, District 7; Matthew Tate, District 8; and Lesley McKinley, District 9.

Agenda Item #5 - Election of Officers of the Board.

Superintendent Fairburn opened the floor for nominations for President of the Board to serve for the next two (2) years.  Bruce Brown nominated Alan McCain and Dan Slocum seconded the nomination.  It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Bruce Brown, that nominations be closed.  FOR: Dan Slocum, John Wyble, Bruce Brown, Mary Adams, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain, Matthew Tate, and Lesley McKinley.  ABSTAINING:  Alan McCain.  Motion carried and Alan McCain was declared President of the Board.

President McCain then opened the floor for nominations for Vice-President of the Board for the next two (2) years.  Dan Slocum nominated Matthew Tate; Lesley McKinley seconded the nomination.  It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Dan Slocum, that nominations be closed.  FOR: Dan Slocum, John Wyble, Bruce Brown, John Breland, Mary Adams, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain, and Lesley McKinley.  ABSTAINING: Matthew Tate.  Motion carried and Matthew Tate was declared Vice-President of the Board.

      Agenda Item #6 - Recognition of FHS Demon Football Team (Darrell Fairburn).

      Superintendent Fairburn and President McCain presented a plaque to Lisa Tanner, Principal and Shane Smith, Head Coach in recognition of the 2010 FHS Demon Football Team State Champions.

      They also presented plaques to the following assistant coaches in recognition of their dedication and hard work:  Jonathan Barber, Adam Brumfield, Stephen Burris, Randall Ginn, Clyde Oyler and Andy Perez.  Not present:  Nate Murray.

      Coach Smith recognized the seniors from the team:  Jeremy Catchings, Ronnie Wheeler, Lawrence Robinson, Tyson Magee, Curtlin Bush, Vince Normand, Seth Purvis, Xavier Jefferson, Brynnan Cooper, Tre Allen, Terrance Magee, Reggie Wilson, Chris Briggs, and John Robinson.

      The Board congratulated the FHS Demon Football Team for an outstanding season and for winning the LHSAA 4A State Championship.

      Agenda Item #7 - Presentation on Accountability – Tricia Smith (Mary Jones).

      Tricia Smith gave an update on Accountability. 

      Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the December 9, 2010, regular board meeting (Darrell Fairburn).

      It was moved by John Breland, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adopt the minutes of the December 9, 2010, regular board meeting as submitted to each member.  Motion carried unanimously.

         Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution regarding substitute teachers (Darrell Fairburn).

         It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adopt a resolution regarding substitute teachers as follows:

Washington Parish School Board

Resolution

            WHEREAS, the Louisiana State Legislature enacted Act 921 of 2010; and

            WHEREAS, this law severely restricts the ability of school boards to obtain the services of certified substitutes; and

            WHEREAS, the application of this law may force school boards to employ uncertified/non-highly qualified/non-degreed substitutes; and

            WHEREAS, the application of this law will degrade the quality of educational services available to students in Louisiana elementary and secondary schools.

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED, that the Louisiana Legislature amends the provisions of Act 921 of 2010 to provide for an exemption for the employment of substitutes.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED By the Washington Parish School Board that this resolution be made a permanent part of the School Board records and that a copy be sent to the Louisiana School Boards Association and the Washington Parish Legislative Delegation.

CERTIFICATION

            I, Darrell Fairburn, hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted at the regular meeting of the Washington Parish School Board held on Thursday, January 13, 2011, a quorum being present and voting.

  ______________________________

  Darrell Fairburn, Secretary

  Washington Parish School Board

Motion carried unanimously.

         Agenda Item #9 - 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

EMPLOY

            Franklinton Primary School:  Misty Verdin, Licensed Practical Nurse, Employ effective January 14, 2011.

            Pine School:  Ramona Thomas, Assistant Principal of Instruction, Employ effective January 14, 2011 for a two year contract ending January 13, 2013.

            Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Kandace McKenzie, Special Education Teacher, Employ effective January 5, 2011 and the remainder of the 2010/2011 school year only (Fill in for Essie Thompson).

RESIGNATION

            Central Office:  Kristin Byrne, Accounts Payable Clerk/Secretary, Resignation effective February 17, 2011.

SICK LEAVE

            Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Essie Williams Thompson, Special Education Teacher, Sick Leave effective January 4, 2011 and the remainder of the 2010/2011 school year.

TRANSFER

            Melissa Brumfield, Payroll Clerk, Central Office TO Regular Teacher, Varnado High School effective January 4, 2011 and the remainder of the 2010/2011 school year only (TAT).

            Jackie Ezell, Lunchroom Worker, Franklinton High School TO Lunchroom Worker, Wesley Ray Elementary School effective January 18, 2011.

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS

            Franklinton Primary School:  Rebecca Crawford, Regular Teacher TO Kindergarten Teacher effective January 4, 2011(Certified).

            Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Doris Dillon, Lunchroom Worker TO Acting Manager effective January 5, 2011 and the remainder of the 2010/2011 school year only.

            Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Sylvia Harry, Special Education Paraprofessional TO Title I Paraprofessional effective January 4, 2011.

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

Franklinton District:            Extend the route of Lisa Spears 2 miles one way to pick up Taylor Marange.  Effective date: January 6, 2011.

                                        Extend the route of Lester Thomas 3 miles one way to pick up at Happy Acres.  Effective date:  November 8, 2010.

                                        Extend the route of Yvonne Varnado 3 miles one way.   Detour bridge out.  Effective date:  December 1, 2010.

Motion carried unanimously.

            Ramona Thomas thanked the Board for giving her the opportunity as Pine School Assistant Principal of Instruction.

         Agenda Item #10 - Superintendent’s Report

                  Senator Ben Nevers spoke at the beginning of the meeting.  He congratulated the FHS Demon Football Team and FHS coaches for a winning season.  Senator Nevers updated everyone on the latest in the legislature.

         Add to the Agenda:  It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by John Breland, that the Board consider the purchase of a 1997 Thomas 65 passenger bus from Shirley Barber.  Motion carried unanimously.

         It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Lesley McKinley, that the Board purchase a 1997 Thomas 65 passenger bus from Shirley Barber in the amount of $8000.00.  Motion carried unanimously.

         Agenda Item #11 - Other business from board members.

         The Board thanked Ben Nevers for coming to give them an update. 

         They congratulated the 2010 FHS LHSAA 4A State Champions.

         They welcomed new board members John Wyble and Lesley McKinley.  Mr. Wyble and Mr. McKinley recognized their families.

         Alan McCain thanked the Board for electing him President.

         Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

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

______________________________

Alan McCain, President

______________________________

Darrell Fairburn, Secretary