Franklinton, Louisiana
January 17, 2019
6:00 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, Kendall McKenzie, Frankie Crosby, Alan McCain, Robert Boone, Dewitt Perry and Lesley McKinley. Absent: none.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order
The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Alan McCain.
Agenda Item #2 – Invocation
The invocation was given by Bruce Brown.
Agenda Item #3 – Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda Item #4 – Administer Oath of Office to board members
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; Kendall McKenzie, District 4; Robert Boone, District 5; Dewitt Perry, District 6; Lee Alan McCain, District 7; Frankie Crosby, District 8; and Lesley McKinley, District 9.
Agenda Item #5 - Election of Officers of the Board.
Vice-President Alan McCain opened the floor for nominations for President of the Board to serve for the next two (2) years. Bruce Brown nominated John Wyble and Dewitt Perry nominated Alan McCain. It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Lesley McKinley, that nominations be closed. Superintendent Fairburn then called for a roll call vote as follows:
Roll call vote for Alan McCain:
Dan Slocum Absent (arrived late)
John Wyble Abstained
Bruce Brown Against
Kendall McKenzie Against
Robert Boone Against
Dewitt Perry For
Alan McCain Abstained
Frankie Crosby Against
Lesley McKinley Against
Roll call vote for John Wyble:
Dan Slocum Absent (arrived late)
John Wyble Abstained
Bruce Brown For
Kendall McKenzie For
Robert Boone For
Dewitt Perry Against
Alan McCain Abstained
Frankie Crosby For
Lesley McKinley For
Motion carried and John Wyble was declared President of the Board.
President Wyble then opened the floor for nominations for Vice-President of the Board for the next two (2) years. Bruce Brown nominated Lesley McKinley; Frankie Crosby seconded the nomination. It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Frankie Crosby, that nominations be closed. FOR: Dan Slocum, John Wyble, Bruce Brown, Kendall McKenzie, Robert Boone, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain, and Frankie Crosby. ABSTAINING: Lesley McKinley.
Motion carried and Lesley McKinley was declared Vice-President of the Board.
Agenda Item #6 – Recognize 2019 Teachers of the Year (Mary Jones).
The 2019 teachers of the year were recognized at tonight’s meeting. The teacher was presented a plaque by their principal. Superintendent Darrell Fairburn then presented a plaque to the parish winners. The Board congratulated all teachers.
2019 Teachers of the Year
ELEMENTARY |
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Alisha Thomas |
Enon Elementary |
Shannon Fowler |
Bethani Robertson |
Franklinton Primary |
Aylene Crain |
Kyle LeBoeuf |
Franklinton Elementary |
Janene Hollen |
Amanda Coleman |
Mt. Hermon Elementary |
Dawn Seal |
Keshia Morgan |
Thomas Elementary |
Steve Knight |
Crystal Knight |
Wesley Ray Elementary |
Kewanda August |
JR. HIGH |
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Ryan Skluzacek |
Franklinton Jr. High |
Tiffany Smith |
Rhonda Waskom |
Mt. Hermon Jr. High |
Dawn Seal |
Tammy Voth |
Pine Jr. High |
Jennifer Thomas |
Cashanda Nichols |
Varnado Jr. High |
Jennifer Beninato |
HIGH SCHOOL |
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Cheryl Seals Bruton |
Franklinton High |
Renee Burris |
Elise Knight |
Mt. Hermon High |
Dawn Seal |
Samantha Jenkins |
Pine High |
Jennifer Thomas |
Patricia Noto |
Varnado High |
Jennifer Beninato |
PARISH WINNERS |
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Alisha Thomas |
Elementary Teacher of the Year |
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Ryan Skluzacek |
Jr. High Teacher of the Year |
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Samantha Jenkins |
High School Teacher of the Year |
Agenda Item #7 – Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the December 6, 2018, regular board meeting (Darrell Fairburn).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Robert Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the December 6, 2018, regular board meeting as submitted to each member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 – Presentation on November 2018 financial statements (Lacy Burris).
Lacy Burris, Director of Finance, presented the November 2018 financial statements for the following funds:
General Fund
School Lunch Fund
Tax District #4 Bond Sinking Fund
Agenda Item #9 – Consider a motion to adopt a resolution to order and call elections to be held in (i) School District No. 2, Washington Parish, Louisiana and (ii) Angie School District of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana to authorize the levy of ad valorem taxes (Lacy Burris).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt a resolution as follows:
Roll call vote:
Dan Slocum For
John Wyble For
Bruce Brown For
Kendall McKenzie For
Robert Boone For
Dewitt Perry For
Alan McCain For
Frankie Crosby For
Lesley McKinley For
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 – Consider a motion to approve the National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grant Budget for the 2018/2019 school year (Lacy Burris).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board approve the National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance Grant Budget for the 2018/2019 school year as follows:
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 – Consider a motion to adopt the Carl Perkins Grant Budget Revision for the 2018/2019 school year (Lacy Burris).
It was moved by Lesley McKinley, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the Carl Perkins Grant Budget revision for the 2018/2019 school year as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 – Consider a motion to approve a two year contract for Taleria Magee, Assistant Principal, Franklinton High School (Darrell Fairburn).
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board approve a two year contract for Taleria Magee, Assistant Principal, Franklinton High School effective January 7, 2019 through January 6, 2021. Motion carried unanimously. The Board congratulated Ms. Magee.
Agenda Item #13 – Consider a motion to adopt the LSBA Code of Conduct for Louisiana School Board Members (Darrell Fairburn).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Robert Boone, that the Board adopt the LSBA Code of Conduct for Louisiana School Board Members as follows:
LSBA CODE of CONDUCT for LOUSIANA 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 #14 – Consider a motion to adopt a resolution declaring January as School Board Recognition Month (Darrell Fairburn).
It was moved by Robert Boone, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt a resolution declaring January as School Board Recognition Month as follows:
Louisiana School Board Recognition Month
January 2019
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 2019 as School Board Member Recognition Month and encourages local school districts and community leaders to appropriately recognize our state’s dedicated school board members.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #15 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the reconfiguration of Franklinton Jr. High School, Franklinton Elementary School, Franklinton Primary School and Enon Elementary School (Darrell Fairburn)
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Kendall McKenzie, that the Board approve the reconfiguration of Franklinton Jr. High School, Franklinton Elementary School, Franklinton Primary School and Enon Elementary School. For: Dan Slocum, Bruce Brown, Kendall McKenzie, Alan McCain, Robert Boone, Lesley McKinley, Dewitt Perry and John Wyble. Against: Frankie Crosby. Motion carried.
Dewitt Perry stated that this was not his first choice and that there is still a need for a new Franklinton Jr. High School.
Agenda Item #16 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received on surplus equipment (Shane Smith).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Lesley McKinley, that the Board approve the bids received on surplus equipment as follows:
Bid awarded on a 2006 Ford Utility Van to Wayne Shoemaker in the amount of $834.00. Only one other bid was received from Sarah Cooper in the amount of $777.00.
Only one bid was received on the wooden shed and was awarded to Ted Spencer in the amount of $2,510.00.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #17 – Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for surplus playground equipment at Enon Elementary School (Shane Smith).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board authorize advertisement for surplus playground equipment at Enon Elementary School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #18 – Consider a motion to adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File: DFD – Tax and Bond Elections and Sales and Policy File: DJE – Purchasing (Mary Jones).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File: DFD –Tax and Bond Elections and Sales; and Policy File: DJE – Purchasing. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #19 – Personnel Report (Mary Jones)
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
1. Enon Elementary School: Deonne Conerly, School Lunch Worker, Retirement Resignation effective January 18, 2019.
2. Franklinton Primary School: Janice Ladner, School Lunch Worker, Retirement Resignation effective May 24, 2019.
3. Franklinton Jr. High School: Linda Seal, Technology Assistant/Interventionist, Retirement Resignation effective December 20, 2018.
4. Thomas Elementary School: Georgia Lynn Pigott, Special Education Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective December 20, 2018.
RESIGNATION
1. Franklinton District: William Raymond Holmes, Bus Operator, Resignation effective December 31, 2018.
2. Varnado High School: Sarah Willis, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective January 7, 2019.
3. Wesley Ray Elementary School: Ursula Bullock, Licensed Practical Nurse/Paraprofessional, Resignation effective January 8, 2019.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS
1. Pine School: Kimberly Robinson, Part-Time School Food Service Worker TO Full-Time School Food Service Worker effective December 7, 2018.
2. Thomas Elementary School: Josie Gomez, Technology Assistant/Interventionist TO Special Education Teacher effective January 7, 2019 (Replacing Lynn Pigott).
3. Summer Sammons, Pre-K Paraprofessional TO Technology Assistant/Interventionist effective January 7, 2019 (Replacing Josie Gomez).
EMPLOY
1. Franklinton Elementary School: Wendy Crowe, Literacy Paraprofessional, Employ effective January 10, 2019 and the remainder of the Spring Semester only.
2. Franklinton Jr. High School: Nizoreia Moses, Special Education Paraprofessional, Employ effective January 7, 2019 (Replacing Sonya Lawson).
3. Franklinton Jr. High School: Chelcy Naquin, Technology Assistant/Interventionist Employ effective January 7, 2019 (Replacing Linda Seal).
4. Mt. Hermon School: Catherine Davis, Special Education Paraprofessional, Employ effective January 7, 2019 (Replacing Fame Miller).
5. Thomas Elementary School: Saralyn Porche, Pre-K Paraprofessional, Employ effective January 7, 2019 (Replacing Summer Sammons).
6. Varnado High School: Amber Burge, Regular Teacher, Employ effective January 10, 2019 (Replacing Sarah Willis).
7. Wesley Ray School District: Sidney Burns, Bus Operator, Employ effective January 10, 2019 (Replacing Crystal Fox).
8. Varnado High School: Durand Smith, Custodian, Employ effective January 17, 2019 (Replacing Walter Pack).
Agenda Item #20 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Transportation Adjustments (Shane Smith).
It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Lesley McKinley, that the Board adopt the Transportation Adjustments as follows:
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Franklinton School District: Extend the route of Vivian Ard 4 miles one way to pick up students on Bene Street, Honey Grove Road and Pittman Road. Effective date: October 31, 2018.
Extend the route of Carolyn Fussell 7.5 miles one way to pick up students on Highway 16. Effective Date: December 3, 2018
Extend the route of Carolyn Fussell 1 mile one-way to pick up students on Crip Brumfield Road. Effective date: December 10, 2018.
Varnado School District: Extend the route of Patsy Owens 8.4 miles one way due to road closures. Effective date: January 10, 2019.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #21 - Superintendent’s Report
LSBA convention is February 24 – 26 in Lake Charles, LA.
Agenda Item #22 - Personal Privileges – School Board Members
The Board congratulated all teacher of the year winners.
Agenda Item #23 – Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:17A(1) to discuss a personnel matter.
Item deleted.
Agenda Item #24 – Consider a motion to return to regular session.
Item deleted.
Agenda Item #25 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Kendall McKenzie, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
______________________________
John Wyble, President
______________________________
Darrell Fairburn, Secretary