Franklinton, Louisiana

July 19, 2018

6:00 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, Matthew Tate, Alan McCain, and Dewitt Perry.  Absent: John Wyble, Robert Boone and Lesley McKinley.

 

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 – Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the June 14, 2018, regular board meeting (Matthew Tate).

 

It was moved by John Breland, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt the minutes of the June 14, 2018, regular board meeting as submitted to each member.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #5 – Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the July 2, 2018, special board meeting (Matthew Tate).

 

It was moved by John Breland, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board adopt the minutes of the July 2, 2018, special board meeting as submitted to each member.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

Agenda Item #6 – Consider a motion to adopt a resolution approving Iris Solar, LLC – Ryan Seals – Washington Parish Economic Development (Darrell Fairburn).

 

It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adopt a resolution approving Iris Solar, LLC as follows:

 

A RESOLUTION OF THE WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD APPROVING IRIS SOLAR, LLC FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE LOUISIANA INDUSTRIAL TAX EXEMPTION PROGRAM

 

 

WHEREAS, Iris Solar, LLC (hereinafter referred to as “Iris”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Acadian Renewable Energy, LLC (“Acadian”), is considering the development of a multi-million-dollar (approximately $75,000,000) utility scale solar energy manufacturing facility in Franklinton, in Washington Parish (“Project”); and

 

WHEREAS, Iris will provide significant economic benefits to Franklinton and the Parish of Washington through the employment of 1 full time permanent employee, directly or through a contractor, the construction company’s hiring of approximately 200 +/- unskilled workers to assist with the construction of the new facility, monthly sales/use tax payments during construction, and future annual property tax payments; and

 

WHEREAS, Acadian owns or is currently developing other solar power manufacturing facilities in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Florida; and

 

WHEREAS, Acadian must soon decide where to develop its next utility scale solar energy manufacturing facility; and

 

WHEREAS, Iris filed Advance Notification Form #20180147 for said Project with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development for participation in the Louisiana Industrial Tax Exemption Program; and

 

WHEREAS, Iris is seeking property tax abatements available through participation in the Louisiana Industrial Property Tax Exemption Program to help induce Iris’s decision to construct a utility scale solar energy manufacturing facility plant in Franklinton, LA vs. the other competing sites in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Florida; and

 

WHEREAS, Article 7, Section 21(F) of the Louisiana Constitution provides for the Board of Commerce and Industry (“BCI”), with the approval of the Governor, to approve contracts for the exemption of ad valorem taxes of a new manufacturing establishment or an addition to an existing manufacturing establishment, on such terms and conditions as the board, with the approval of the Governor, deems in the best interest of the state; and

 

WHEREAS, Iris shall apply for an Industrial Tax Exemption (“ITE”) and seek approval of the BCI and the Governor for a contract granting that exemption; and

 

WHEREAS, Iris expects its contractor to need approximately 200 +/- unskilled laborers to assist with the construction and installation phase of the said Project; and

 

WHEREAS, Governor Edwards, through Executive Order JBE 16-26 and Executive Order JBE 16-73, has set forth the conditions for his approval of ITE contracts, and affirmed that those conditions are in the best interest of the state of Louisiana; and

 

WHEREAS, Executive Order JBE 16-26 and Executive Order JBE 16-73 provide that ITE contracts should be premised upon job and payroll creation at new or expanded manufacturing plants or establishments, or upon showing that investment in construction/modernization of the facility represents a compelling basis for retention of jobs and that the percentage of exemption from ad valorem taxes, and length of the contract for such exemption, may vary depending upon the nature of the project and its economic development benefit in accordance with guidance received from the Secretary of Economic Development and concurred in by the appropriate parish and/or municipal school board, and sheriff; and

 

WHEREAS, Iris plans to execute an “Exhibit A” to its ITE contract with the Louisiana Department of Economic Development; and

 

WHEREAS,Executive Order JBE 16-26 and Executive Order JBE 16-73 require that this School Board approve specific performance requirements, the length of the property tax exemption period, and the applicable percentage(s) of the property tax exemption.

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, upon consideration of the foregoing and the public discussion held this day, that this Washington Parish School Board approves the property tax exemption for Iris Solar, LLC’s proposed Project on the following terms and conditions:

 

(1)  The property tax exemption shall be 100% for the initial five (5) year contract term, with an option to renew the property tax exemption at 80% for an additional three (3) years; and

 

(2)  This approval is conditioned upon the following specific performance requirements:

 

a.     Iris shall operate its manufacturing facility in Franklinton, LA; and

 

b.     Iris shall commit to operating the facility with a minimum of one (1) full time permanent employee with an annual salary of at least $50,000.00 by 12/31/21 hired directly by Iris or hired indirectly through a contract operator; and

 

(3)  The Louisiana Department of Economic Development is authorized to include these specific performance requirements, the property tax exemption terms, and the property tax exemption percentages into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the State of Louisiana and Iris; and

 

(4)  If the documentation of the performance requirements for the new job and new payroll indicates that there is not at least one full time permanent job working at the facility, then this Washington Parish School Board has the right to reconsider the terms of the exemption and the opportunity for renewal of the property tax exemption contracts; and

 

(5)  The Louisiana Department of Economic Development is authorized to include this resolution in Exhibit “B” to subsequent Industrial Tax Exemption applications related to the Project for Iris.

 

THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by this Washington Parish School Board, that a copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to Board of Commerce and Industry and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.

 

THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION WAS READ, AND, AFTER PUBLIC DISCUSSION, THE ROLL WAS CALLED ON THE ADOPTION THEREOF AND RESULTED AS FOLLOWS:

 

YEAS:          6

NAYS:          0

ABSENT:     3

ABSTAIN:    0

 

AND the resolution was declared adopted on this _19th___ day of _July__, 2018.

 

 

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, July 19, 2018, a quorum being present and voting.   

 

 

 

                              ______________________________

Darrell Fairburn, Secretary  

Washington Parish School System

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #7 – Test Results – Jackie Jenkins (Darrell Fairburn).

 

Jackie Jenkins, Coordinator of Testing and Accountability, presented the test results at the Committee Meeting on Monday night.

 

Agenda Item #8 – Presentation of May 2018 financial statements (Lacy Burris).

 

Lacy Burris, Director of Finance, presented the May 2018 financial statements at the Monday night committee meeting for the following funds:

 

General Fund

School Lunch Fund

Tax District #4 Bond Sinking Fund

 

Agenda Item #9 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding advertising for a part-time School Lunch employee at Pine School (Marsha Newman).

 

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board approve advertising for a part-time School Lunch employee at Pine School as follows:

 

    

      July 10, 2018

PLEASE POST!!                                                                                                                            PLEASE POST!!

JOB OPENING

 

JOB VACANCY:                                                SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE WORKER

 

PLACE OF VACANCY:                                                                       Wesley Ray Elementary School- Full Time

                                                                                                         Franklinton Jr. High School-Full Time

                                                                                                         Pine Jr./High School- Part Time (pending board approval)

 

QUALIFICATIONS:                                                                              HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR G.E.D.

Institutional Food Service Experience Preferred

 

DUTIES:               Included but not limited to:

 

1.            Uses standardized recipes; capable of performing math calculations for recipe adjustments.

2.               Prepares meals using correct food preparation techniques.

3.               Uses and cleans large and small Food Service equipment including maintaining dishmachine.

4.               Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds and stand or walk up to 7 hours per day.

5.               Assist in receiving of deliveries and issuing of all supplies.

6.               Maintenance and inventory of dry and refrigerated storage areas.

7.               Requires heavy lifting along with general housekeeping duties.

8.               Maintenance of windows and floors-daily sweeping, mopping; waxing and buffing as needed.

9.               Must be able to work in a hot, humid environment and not be adversely affected by detergents and sanitizers.

 The successful applicant should be able to demonstrate evidence of his/her ability to work with a group and accept supervision.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  July 24, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. OR until suitable applicant is found.

TEST:   July 25, 2018, 8:30 A.M. Washington Parish School Board Lab.

INTERVIEW:  July 25, 2018 following test, pending results.

 

APPLICATION:   APPLICANTS MUST FILE AN APPLICATION AND A COPY OF HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, TRANSCRIPT, OR G.E.D. CERTIFICATE WITH:

Marsha D. Newman, RD, Supervisor, Food Service

Washington Parish Schools

800 Main Street, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST SUBMIT A PHYSICIAN’S STATEMENT CERTIFYING ABILITY TO PERFORM ALL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS BEFORE EMPLOYMENT IS FINAL.

 

THE WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE IN EMPLOYMENT ON THE BASIS OF RACE, SEX, RELIGION, AGE, HANDICAP, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN.

Motion carried unanimously.

 

          Agenda Item #10 – Consider a motion to employ and approve a contract for Jackie Jenkins, Supervisor of Instructional Technology, Central Office (Darrell Fairburn).

 

          It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board employ and approve a contract for Jackie Jenkins, Supervisor of Instructional Technology, Central Office for a period of two years, beginning August 1, 2018 through July 31, 2020.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

          Agenda Item #11 – Consider a motion to renew the contract of Penny Moses, Supervisor of Post-Secondary Transition, Central Office (Darrell Fairburn).

 

          It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board renew the contract of Penny Moses, Supervisor of Post-Secondary Transition, Central Office for a period of two years, beginning August 11, 2018 through August 10, 2020.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

          Agenda Item #12 – Consider a motion to delete Washington Parish School Board Policy File: BCFBA – Quorum (Mary Jones).

         

          It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board delete Washington Parish School Board Policy File: BCFBA – Quorum.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

          Agenda Item #13 – Consider a motion to adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File: BC – School Board Meetings; File: DJA – Authorized Signatures; File: JCAB – Student Searches and File: JGC - Student Health Services (Mary Jones).

 

It was moved by John Breland, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File: BC – School Board Meetings; File: DJA – Authorized Signatures; File: JCAB – Student Searches and File: JGC - Student Health Services as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #14 – Personnel Report (Mary Jones).

 

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

RETIREMENT RESIGNATION

  1. Pine School:  Antionette Robertson, Special Education Paraprofessional, Retirement Resignation effective July 16, 2018.

 

RESIGNATION

1.     Franklinton Primary School:  Ann Parker, Kindergarten Teacher, Resignation effective July 5, 2018.

 

2.     Franklinton High School:  Adam Brumfield, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 2, 2018.

 

3.     Franklinton High School:  Christopher Gale, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 10, 2018.

 

4.     Mt. Hermon School:  Theresa Davis, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective July 12, 2018.

 

5.     Mt. Hermon School:  Denise Gill, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective July 12, 2018.

 

6.     Mt. Hermon School:  Rachel Gonzales, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 5, 2018.

 

7.     Student Support Services:  Christina Watts, Educational Diagnostician, Resignation effective July 18, 2018.

 

8.     Varnado High School:  Scott Shaffett, Regular Teacher Alternative School, Resignation effective July 12, 2018.

 

9.     Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Kimberly Boudreaux, Special Education Paraprofessional/Licensed Practical Nurse, Resignation effective June 22, 2018.

 

10. Mt. Hermon School:  Brandon Lebo, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 17, 2018.

 

11. Thomas Elementary School:  Anita Warren, School Food Service Worker, Resignation effective July 18, 2018.

 

TERMINATION

 

1.               Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Nizoreia Moses, Save the Children Early Childhood Paraprofessional, Program terminated effective June 30, 2018.

 

TRANSFER

 

  1. Adam Brumfield, Regular Teacher, Varnado High School TO Regular Teacher, Franklinton High School effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Jody Johnson).

     

  2. Matthew Lea, Special Education Teacher, Franklinton Jr. High School TO Special Education Teacher, Mt. Hermon School effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Denise Gill).

     

  3. Aaron Luper, Regular Teacher, Varnado High School TO Regular Teacher, Franklinton High School effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Adam Brumfield).

     

  4. Michelle Reynolds, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Jr. High School TO Regular Teacher, Varnado High School effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Jim Fortenberry).

     

  5. Ashley Sistrunk, School Food Service Worker, Wesley Ray Elementary School TO School Food Service Worker, Franklinton Primary School effective the 2018/2019 school year.

     

  6. Karen Creel, Regular High School Teacher, Varnado High School TO Regular Teacher, Franklinton Jr. High School effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Renee Sandifer).

     

  7. Sheila Barber, Accountant I – School Clerk, Mt. Hermon School TO Part-Time Literacy/Part-Time Special Education Paraprofessional, Pine School effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Kezelle Warren).

     

  8. Aaron Luper, Regular Teacher, Franklinton High School TO Regular High School Teacher, Varnado High School effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Karen Creel).

 

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS

1.     Franklinton Jr. High School:  Crystal McElroy, Guidance Services TO Guidance Counselor (10 months) effective the 2018/2019 school year.

 

2.     Mt. Hermon School:  Linda Diane French, Special Education Paraprofessional TO Pre-K Paraprofessional effective the 2018/2019 school year.

 

3.     Mt. Hermon School:  Cynthia Woodard, Literacy Paraprofessional (Paid out of Regular EIS) TO Special Education Paraprofessional effective the 2018/2019 school year.

 

4.     Varnado High School:  Charles Lester, Special Education Teacher TO Regular High School Teacher effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Adam Brumfield).

 

5.     Varnado High School:  Janet Magee, ISS Paraprofessional TO Special Education Paraprofessional effective the 2018/2019 school year.

 

6.     Varnado High School:  Emelda Mark, Special Education Paraprofessional TO ISS Paraprofessional effective the 2018/2019 school year.

 

EMPLOY

  1. Central Office:  Alexandra McElveen, Accountant III – Grant Accountant, Employ effective July 9, 2018 (Replacing Grace Magee).

     

  2. Franklinton Primary School:  Rebecca Harper, Kindergarten Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Ann Parker).

     

  3. Franklinton Jr. High School:  David Creel, Special Education Paraprofessional, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Bernice Briggs).

     

  4. Franklinton Jr. High School:  Terry Jefferson, Special Education Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Matthew Lea).

     

  5. Franklinton Jr. High School:  Jordin Morales, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Stacy Bond).

     

  6. Franklinton Jr. High School:  Sheree Simmons, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Michelle Reynolds).

     

  7. Franklinton High School:  Christopher Dale Jenkins, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Jill Bulloch).

     

  8. Franklinton High School:  Emily Michelle Stuart, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Christopher Gale).

     

  9. Mt. Hermon School:  Donna Magee, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Rachel Gonzales).

     

  10. Mt. Hermon School:  Breanna Smith, Kindergarten Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year.

     

  11. Mt. Hermon School:  Megan Vining, Elementary Special Education Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Theresa Davis).

     

  12. Pine School:  Kolbi Knight, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Kim Magee).

     

  13. Student Support Services:  Charlotte Fasola, Critical Shortage Educational Diagnostician, Employ effective July 19, 2018 through June 10, 2019.

     

  14. Student Support Services:  Donna Givens, Critical Shortage Educational Diagnostician, Employ effective July 19, 2018 through June 10, 2019.

     

  15. Student Support Services:  Jerry Molaison, Educational Diagnostician, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year.

     

  16. Varnado High School:  Cheyenne Fornea, Special Education Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Charles Lester).

     

  17. Varnado High School:  Kelly Gifford, Regular High School Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year.

     

  18. Varnado High School: Paula Lynell Spears, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Aaron Luper).

     

  19. Wesley Ray District:  Antoinette Vincent, Bus Operator, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Marie Robinson).

     

  20. Mt. Hermon School:  Rachel Steadman, Regular High School Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Brandon Lebo).

     

  21. Varnado High School:  Anthony Hicks, Regular Teacher/Head Football Coach, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Scott Shaffett).

     

  22. Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Reginald Wilson, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2018/2019 school year (Replacing Paul Hinton).

 

Agenda Item #15 - Superintendent’s Report

 

Teachers report on August 3rd

 

Students first day – August 8th

 

Many repairs are being done at multiple schools in the parish.

 

Agenda Item #16 - Personal Privileges – School Board Members

 

The Board congratulated Penny Moses on her contract renewal.

 

Agenda Item #17 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

 

It was moved by John

______________________________

Matthew Tate, President

 

______________________________

Darrell Fairburn, Secretary