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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Alisha Thomas

Elementary Teacher of the Year

 

Ryan Skluzacek

Jr. High Teacher of the Year

 

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:

 

 

 

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