Franklinton, Louisiana

March 14, 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, Robert Boone, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain, Lesley McKinley and Frankie Crosby.  Absent:  None.

Agenda Item #1 - Call to order

The meeting was called to order by President John Wyble. 

Agenda Item #2 – Invocation

The invocation was given by Bruce Brown.

Agenda Item #3 – Pledge of Allegiance

            Agenda Item #4 – Talented Music Presentation – Kyle Jones (Tricia Smith).

This year, talented music students throughout the parish have been studying music and learning different types of music. Among those songs, each student was assigned a piece from a musical theatre show. Talented music director, Kyle Jones has linked the songs together under a common theme, and title song of the presentation; “River in the Rain.”

The show will have 3 presentations, including students across the parish at each event and featuring students from each community.

The show will be performed at Franklinton High School - Saturday, March 16th, 2:00 PM; Mount Hermon School - Thursday, April 4th, 6:00 PM; Pine High School - Tuesday, April 9th, 6:00 PM.

            Agenda Item #5 – Recognize Content Leaders (Sandy Morgan).

            Sandy Morgan, Director of Curriculum, recognized Cherie Fitzmorris, Math Coach who recognized the Math Content leaders.  Ms. Fitzmorris stated although we didn’t have a grant to fund a large group of Math teachers, I’d like to take this time to thank our district level leaders for making a way for a few of us to attend the Math Content Leader Training over this past year.

I’m so honored to be here with all of you tonight to celebrate the hard work of Ms. Danisha Manning and Ms. Elaine Robinson. Ms. Danisha has been serving our gifted and talented students across the district for the past three years, and this past year has served as a part-time Math coach at Wesley Ray Elementary School. Mrs. Elaine Robinson is a 5^th grade math teacher at Wesley Ray Elementary School. Last year, Mrs. Elaine Robinsons’ students had the highest 5^th grade math scores in the district. Her scores also surpassed the state average. (WRES – 72, state – 64, district – 57).

The Washington Parish School System chose these two outstanding educators to attend the Elementary Math Content Leader Training through the Louisiana Department of Education in partnership with the Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas at Austin. (They work to ensure all students – especially those from diverse backgrounds have equitable access to an excellent education. Their work supports admin and policy makers in creating seamless transitions throughout K-College for all students, especially the underserved.

The goal of the initiative was to improve the quality of instruction in math classrooms by developing deep mathematical content knowledge of teachers and connecting that content knowledge to the practical implementation of a quality curriculum.

Throughout the nine days of training, teachers focused on 6 different modules relating to major concepts in math. They experienced math tasks from Eureka, explored coherence between the curriculum and LSSM, and identified implications for teaching and learning. In addition, they explored effective practices, with a focus on monitoring student responses during a task. They used tools for purposeful planning to develop a common understanding of grade-level standards to align teaching and learning using Eureka.

In addition, our teachers presented to a group of school teachers and leaders by redelivering information learned throughout the training.

As always, there is always something to be gained by attending any type of professional development, and this training certainly wasn’t any different.  Different strategies for effective teaching and learning, as well as networking was a plus for our teachers attending the training. With that said, after attending such an in-depth training, the three of us agreed that Washington Parish School System is truly blessed with the level of support and training our math teachers receive. As we went through the training we recognized that most of the PD was already implemented in Washington Parish. We sat at tables with teachers and leaders throughout Louisiana that are not given as much support as we have here in Washington Parish.

Ms. Danish Manning and Ms. Elaine Robinson was presented with Certificates of Completion for this training and the outstanding work they do for the students of the Washington Parish School System on a daily basis. Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication.

Sandy Morgan then called on Stacey Breaud who recognized the English Language Arts Content Leaders for their accomplishments during the 2018-19 school year.  ELA Content Leaders participated in intensive LDOE training over the summer and fall of 2018.  They began, and continue to, lead professional development in the district.  They are a resource for new teachers on their campuses.   The goal of this project was to build capacity, and that has been accomplished through these leaders.  Content Leaders are:  Franklinton Jr. High School:  McKenzie Scluzacek, Karen Creel, Stephanie Smith, and Charlene Williams; Mt. Hermon School:  Tiffany Williams; Pine School: Kelli McKenzie and Danielle Givens Dolese; Franklinton High School: Jenny McKenzie and Kristina Ladner.

            Agenda Item #6 – Recognize LaDerrick Smith – CADCA National Outstanding Youth Leader Award (Frances Varnado).

            The Board recognized and congratulated Varnado High School student, LaDerrick Smith, who was awarded the highest honor given to youth by Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) at the national conference in Washington D.C.  CADCA is a national program purposing to reduce drug use one community at a time. Smith received the National Outstanding Youth Leader of the Year award.  This award recognizes leaders that have gone above the call of duty to work diligently in their coalitions, demonstrate a passion from making an impact on their community and have a lasting effect on the NYLI (National Youth Leadership Initiative.)

Washington Parish School System students that attended the conference are as follows:  LaDerrick Smith, Khaled Waliagha and Emma Williams.

            Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the February 14, 2019, regular board meeting (John Wyble).

   It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the minutes of the February 14, 2019, regular board meeting as presented to each member.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #8 – Presentation on January 2019 financial statements (Lacy Burris).

Lacy Burris, Director of Finance, presented the January 2019 financial statements for the following funds:

General Fund

School Lunch Fund

Tax District #4 Bond Sinking Fund

Agenda Item #9 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding renewals for the Board’s property insurance (Lacy Burris).

It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board approve the Board’s Property Insurance (exclusive of terrorism) with an annual premium of $343,717.00 with agent Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance for one year.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #10 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for telecommunication services and equipment for e-rate (Jimmy Thigpen). 

It was moved by Robert Boone, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board approve the bids received for telecommunication services and equipment for e-rate as follows:

Erate 2019-2020 Bids

Fiber optic WAN links for the 6 schools outside of Franklinton (2 bids)

Wireless Access Points (1 bid)

Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #11 – Consider a motion to approve a contract renewal for Jennifer Beninato, Principal, Varnado High School (Darrell Fairburn).

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board approve the contract renewal for Jennifer Beninato, Principal, Varnado High School for a period of two years beginning March 30, 2019 through March 29, 2021.  Motion carried unanimously.

Ms. Beninato thanked the Board and Superintendent Fairburn for the opportunity to continue serving the students at Varnado High School.

Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File: GAEAA – Sexual Harassment; File: GBC – Recruitment; File: GBDA – Support Personnel Employment; File: GBDB – Employment of Retired Personnel; File: GBRIB – Sick Leave; and File: JBCC – Student Assignment (Mary Jones).

It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File: GAEAA – Sexual Harassment; File: GBC – Recruitment; File: GBDA – Support Personnel Employment; File: GBDB – Employment of Retired Personnel; File: GBRIB – Sick Leave; and File: JBCC – Student Assignment.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #13 – Consider a motion to adopt new Washington Parish School Board Policy File: GBRIC – Maternity and Adoptive Leave (Mary Jones).

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt new Washington Parish School Board Policy File: GBRIC – Maternity and Adoptive Leave.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #14 – Personnel Report (Mary Jones)

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

RETIREMENT RESIGNATION

1.      Franklinton Jr. High School:  Connie McGinnis, Regular Teacher, Retirement resignation effective May 24, 2019.

2.      Mt. Hermon School:  Rose Sanford, Literacy Coach, Retirement Resignation effective October 2, 2019.

RESIGNATION

1.      Enon Elementary School:  Amanda Butzman, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective May 24, 2019.

2.      Franklinton Primary School:  Kristen Barber, Special Education Paraprofessional, Resignation effective February 18, 2019.

3.      Franklinton High School:  Valerie Penny, Business Teacher, Resignation effective April 8, 2019.

4.      Mt. Hermon School:  Laura Varnado, Counselor, Resignation effective July 31, 2019.

5.      Pine School:  Drew Meyerchick, Regular High School Teacher, Resignation effective May 24, 2019.

EMPLOY

1. Franklinton Primary School:  Carol Hoyt, Special Education Paraprofessional, Employ effective February 19, 2019 (Replacing Kristen Barber).

    

2. Mt. Hermon School:  Megan Granger, Special Education Teacher, Employ effective February 19, 2019 (Replacing Dru Willis).

    

3. Pine School District:  Jacob Boyd, Bus Operator, Employ effective February 18, 2019 (Replacing Tyler Jones).

Agenda Item #15 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Transportation Adjustments (Shane Smith).

It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Kendall McKenzie, that the Board adopt the transportation adjustments as follows: 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

Franklinton District:                                                       Extend the route of Vivian Ard 1 mile one way to pick up students on Hwy. 436.  Effective date:  February 28, 2019.

                                                                                    Extend the route of Shana Duncan 1.7 miles one way to pick up students on Lee Street.  Effective date:  December 10, 2018.

                                                                                    Extend the route of Shana Duncan 1.4 miles one way to pick up students on Sam Smith Road.  Effective date:  January 25, 2019.

Extend the route of Carolyn Fussell 12.5 one way to pick up students on Stewart Evans Road.  Effective date:  February 21, 2019.

                                                                                    Deduct .8 miles one way from the route of Carolyn Fussell.  Student’s no longer on route.  Effective date:  February 21, 2019.

Mt. Hermon District:                                                      Extend the route of Lenora McIntyre 1.8 miles one way to turn bus around safely.  Effective date:  February 12, 2019.

Pine District:                                                                 Extend the route of Mecy Kelly 3 miles one way to pick up students on Benny King Road.  Effective date:  November 27, 2018.

Wesley Ray District:                                                     Extend the route of Tammy Slade 5.2 miles one way to pick up student son Lavern Crain Road.  Effective date:  February 20, 2019.

Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #16 - Superintendent’s Report

Will Branch addressed the Board concerning the deconstruction of the old Franklinton Elementary School building.  He stated that due to additional asbestos being uncovered he was requesting a four month extension in his contract and an additional $10,000.00.  The Board stated that they would take it under advisement. 

Bid opening for Franklinton Primary School driveway is Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.

Staff development – Friday – FHS Technology

Agenda Item #17 - Personal Privileges – School Board Members

The Board congratulated the Talented Music students on their presentation.

There was 2 Southeastern Louisiana University students in attendance as follows:

Sarah Crawford – Sophomore – Special Education major

Bethany McGinnis – Sophomore – Health & PE & Adaptive PE major

Agenda Item #18 – Consider a motion enter into Executive Session under LA R. S. 42:17A (2) involving a formal demand against the State of Louisiana, Department of Education (Darrell Fairburn).

This item was deleted.

Agenda Item #19 – Consider a motion to return to regular session (John Wyble).

This item was deleted.

Agenda Item #20 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Kendall McKenzie, that the Board adjourn.  Motion carried unanimously.

______________________________

John Wyble, President

______________________________

Darrell Fairburn, Secretary