Franklinton, Louisiana
January 12, 2017
6:30 p.m.
The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: Dan Slocum, John Wyble, Bruce Brown, John Breland, Alan McCain, Matthew Tate, Dewitt Perry and Lesley McKinley. Absent: Robert Boone.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order
The meeting was called to order by President Matthew Tate.
Agenda Item #2 – Invocation
The invocation was given by Bruce Brown.
Agenda Item #3 – Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda Item #4 – Election of Officers of the Board
President Matthew Tate opened the floor for nominations for President of the Board to serve for the next two (2) years. Dan Slocum nominated Matthew Tate and Alan McCain seconded the nomination. It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that nominations be closed. FOR: Dan Slocum, John Wyble, Bruce Brown, John Breland, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain, and Lesley McKinley. ABSTAINING: Matthew Tate. Motion carried and Matthew Tate was declared President of the Board.
President Tate then opened the floor for nominations for Vice-President of the Board for the next two (2) years. Dewitt Perry nominated Alan McCain; John Breland seconded the nomination. It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by John Breland, that nominations be closed. FOR: Dan Slocum, John Wyble, Bruce Brown, John Breland, Dewitt Perry, Matthew Tate, and Lesley McKinley. ABSTAINING: Alan McCain. Motion carried and Alan McCain was declared Vice-President of the Board.
Agenda Item #5 – Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the December 8, 2016, regular board meeting (Matthew Tate).
It was moved by John Breland, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adopt the minutes of the December 8, 2016, regular board meeting as submitted to each member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 – Update on Alternative Certification – Sandy Morgan (Mary Jones).
Sandy Morgan, Supervisor, gave the Board an update on alternate ways of becoming a certified teacher.
Agenda Item #7 – Update on Community Education Program (Penny Moses).
Ms. Linda Fortenberry gave a presentation on the Community Education Program partnered with the Bogue Chitto Baptist Church. The program has been a success. The Board congratulated Ms. Fortenberry and the church on their success with the program.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to adopt the LSBA Code of Conduct for Louisiana School Board Members (Darrell Fairburn).
It was moved by John Breland, seconded by Lesley McKinley, that the Board adopt the LSBA Code of Conduct for School Board Members as follows:
LSBA CODE of CONDUCT for LOUISIANA SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
(9-9-16)
As a member of the School Board I will endeavor to meet and adhere to the following LSBA Code of Conduct:
Represent the constituents, parents and students of the district which I serve, while remembering that my overarching concern must be the educational welfare of all of the students of the District.
Respect and uphold the laws and Constitution of the United States, the State of Louisiana, and the policies adopted by the School Board.
Respect and treat with professionalism and courtesy my fellow School Board members, the Superintendent, staff, educators, parents and students of the District.
Maintain decorum and professionalism in my communications with and about my fellow School Board members, the Superintendent, staff, educators, parents and students of the District, no matter the forum.
Recognize that my authority is that of a member of the School Board, acting through the process of the School Board, and that I do not have, nor will I attempt to exert, any authority, as an individual, over the Superintendent, staff, educators, parents or students of the District.
Respect and adhere to the decisions of the School Board, while retaining the right to respectfully seek reconsideration of decisions with which I, individually, disagree.
Guide and direct the concerns, complaints and questions of constituents, parents and students to the Superintendent for consideration and action, in accordance with School Board policy.
Conduct my personal and professional life in a manner befitting an elected representative of the people and in accordance with the laws of the United States and State of Louisiana.
Refrain from using the position as an elected School Board member to pursue personal financial gain or aggrandizement.
Make a concerted effort to attend the meetings of the School Board to which I am called and be prepared to discuss and deliberate on the matters that are scheduled to be before me.
Respect and maintain the confidentiality of information to which I may become privy, in accordance with State and Federal laws and the fiduciary obligation that I owe to the District.
Affiliate with the Louisiana School Boards Association and avail myself of the continuing education opportunities offered thereby toward meeting my obligations for annual continuing education as provided by law.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution declaring January as School Board Recognition Month (Darrell Fairburn).
It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adopt a resolution declaring January as School Board Recognition Month as follows:
Louisiana School Board Recognition Month
January 2017
Whereas, the education of Louisiana’s school-aged children is the foundation upon which the economic, social and intellectual capital of our state is built; and
Whereas, locally elected school boards play an important and vital role in a representative democracy, and decisions made by local boards of education directly influence instruction in Louisiana’s public schools; and
Whereas, these decisions affect the present and future lives of children, and also set direction to prepare all students to be competitive in a local, state, national, and global 21st century economy; and
Whereas, local school board members work with parents, businesses, education professionals, all elected officials and other community members to create the educational visions we want for our students; and
Whereas, this year’s theme – SCHOOL BOARD MATTER! – reflects the relevance of local school board members as they advocate for public education with local, state, and federal leaders; and
Whereas, School Board Recognition Month provides an opportunity to build stronger relationships between the thousands of people in Louisiana who champion the mission of public education and school board members; now, therefore be it
Resolved, the Washington Parish School System recognizes the contributions of the state’s local school boards to the academic success of its public school students and expresses its sincerest recognition to the local school board members for their focus on the well-being and achievement of children throughout the state; and be it finally
Resolved, the Washington Parish School System declares January 2017 as School Board Member Recognition Month and encourages local school districts and community leaders to appropriately recognize our state’s dedicated school board members.
RESOLUTION OFFERED BY: Alan McCain
RESOLUTION SECONDED BY: Dewitt Perry
The vote, in open meeting on the within resolution was as follows:
YEAS: ______8________
NAYS: ______ 0________
ABSENT: ___ 1________
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 12, 2017, a quorum being present and voting.
______________________________
Darrell Fairburn, Secretary
Washington Parish School System
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Personnel Report (Mary Jones).
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Pine School: Cathryn Milner, Retirement Resignation effective December 21, 2016 TO Retirement Resignation effective December 20, 2016.
TRANSFER
Vincent Chauvin, III, Bus Operator, Pine District TO Bus Operator, Franklinton District (Diane Wood’s route) effective January 11, 2017.
EMPLOY
Franklinton High School: Colby Davis, Regular Teacher, Employ effective January 9, 2017 and the remainder of the Spring Semester only.
Pine/Thomas District: Tyler Jones, Bus Operator, Employ effective January 17, 2017 (Vincent Chauvin III’s Route).
Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Transportation Adjustments (Grant Gerald).
It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by John Breland, that the Board approve the Transportation Adjustments as follows:
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Wesley Ray District: Extend the route of Tammy Boone 2.5 miles one way to pick up students on Luke Pace Road. Effective date: December 14, 2016.
Extend the route of Kathy Peters 2.5 miles one way to pick up students on Wesley Ray Road. Effective date: December 1, 2016.
Extend the route of Steve Owens 4.2 miles one way to pick up students on Hwy. 10. Effective date: December 13, 2016.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Fairburn requested to add to the agenda to purchase a bus for Varnado High School. It was moved by Lesley McKinley, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board add to the agenda to purchase a 2008 school bus for Varnado High School. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by John Breland, that the Board authorize the purchase of a 2008 school bus for $27,500.00 for Varnado High School. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent stated that the District 4 Bond Issue was presented to Rotary today and would be presented to the Franklinton Area Economic Development Foundation on February 14th at 7:30 a.m. in the Media Center.
Agenda Item #13 - Personal Privileges – School Board Members
Lesley McKinley requested to evaluate the band program at Varnado High School.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Lesley McKinley, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
______________________________
Matthew Tate, President
______________________________
Darrell Fairburn, Secretary