Franklinton, Louisiana

June 13, 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, Bruce Brown, Kendall McKenzie, Robert Boone, Lesley McKinley, John Wyble, Alan McCain, and Dewitt Perry.  Absent:  Frankie Crosby.

 

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 – Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the May 16, 2019, regular board meeting (John Wyble).

 

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the minutes of the May 16, 2019, regular board meeting as submitted to each member.  Motion carried unanimously.

  

            Agenda Item #5 – Recognize Jeff Tageant, Franklinton High School Baseball Coach, for achieving his 500th victory in 2019 (John Wyble).

 

            Jeff Tageant grew up in the shadows of “Doc’s” Diamond where his dad, the late Robert J. Tageant served as the Demon head coach from 1967 until his untimely death in 1972.  In 1967 the Demons won the state championship and were runners-up in 1968.

 

            A 1982 graduate of Franklinton High School, Tageant was a 3-year starter for Coach Dewitt Perry.  He also was a 2-year starter on the Demon football team that played for the State championship in the first ever Superdome Classic in 1981 under Coach Donald Currier.

 

            A family man, Tageant has been married for 31 years to the former Toni Evans, an English IV teacher at FHS, and has two sons:  Evan, who was a member of the 2014 SEC Champion LSU Tiger baseball staff and graduate of LSU who currently teaches at Franklinton Junior High and is a volunteer assistant; Evan also established the current baseball program at Kentwood High School.  Clay, was a pitcher at Delgado and the University of Southern Mississippi where he graduated with highest honors.  In 2017 he coached the Varnado Wildcats who reached the quarterfinals in baseball for the first time in school history and currently teaches US History at Franklinton High School and is an assistant coach.  In June 2012, both Evan and Clay were on the Division II JUCO National Championship Team from Eunice.  Coach Tageant will tell you that one of his greatest honors was coaching both his sons during their high school careers.

 

            Finishing his 32nd year of teaching and coaching at Franklinton High School, Jeff Tageant has been at the helm of Demon Baseball for 31 years.  Tageant has posted an impressive 502 wins, 244 losses and 2 ties, ranking him as the most winning coach in FHS baseball history.  Tageant-coached teams win 65 percent of the time and have captured twelve district titles, fourteen district runner-up sports, and reached the postseason playoffs 29 of 31 seasons.  This year three of the four baseball teams in the district reached the quarterfinals in post season play and this confirms that the Demons play in one of the toughest, most competitive districts in the state.

 

            Tageant has been named District Coach-of-the-Year twelve times.

 

            The Demons have maintained a winning tradition by averaging 16 wins per season during Tageant’s tenure.  He served as the President of the Louisiana Baseball Coach Association and was an assistant coach on the 2009 LBCA All-Star Team.  He is currently a member of the LBCA Executive Board.  In 2013 he was honored by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association for 25 years of coaching Louisiana’s athletes.

 

            After playing twenty years of baseball at Doc’s Diamond on 13th Avenue, the field where his father coached and he played prep baseball, Coach Tageant moved the Demons to their new home, Demon Diamond, on the FHS Campus.  The new facility was built from ground up under the supervision of Coach Tageant with the completion of the playing surface, in-ground dugouts, a Press box, concession, restrooms and the addition of aluminum bleachers and a locker room and weight room for the convenience of the players.  All this was accomplished through fundraising, a grant from Baseball Tomorrow, and private donations along with the support of the Washington Parish School Board.  After 11 years the complex now has covered cages and all that remains on the wish list is a formal entry gate.  The field is admired by locals and visitors, and the near perfect playing conditions showcase the hard work of both Coach Tageant, assistant coaches and the team who daily prepare the field for practice and games and maintain it year-round.  He is also assisted by former player Drew Brooks and volunteer assistant Dustin Khale.

 

            He is also credited with commissioning the design of the Flaming F, the official logo of FHS.

           

            Agenda Item #6 – Presentation by Gwinnett Vincent (John Wyble).

 

            Gwinnett Vincent gave a report on the JROTC program at Franklinton High School.  Brad Williams, Sheila Jones and John Bowman also spoke to the Board about the program.

 

            Agenda Item #7 – Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:17A (1) to discuss a personnel matter (John Wyble).

 

            It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Kendall McKenzie, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:17A (1) to discuss a personnel matter.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #8 – Consider a motion to return to regular session (John Wyble).

 

            It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board return to regular session.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #9 – Presentation on April 2019 financial statements (Lacy Burris).

 

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

 

General Fund

School Lunch Fund

Tax District #4 Bond Sinking Fund

 

            Agenda Item #10 – Adopt a resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the special elections held in (i) School District No. 2, Washington Parish, Louisiana and (ii) Angie School District of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, May 4, 2019, to authorize the levy of special taxes herein (Lacy Burris).

 

            It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt a resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the result of the special elections held in (i) School District No. 2, Washington Parish, Louisiana and (ii) Angie School District of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, May 4, 2019, to authorize the levy of special taxes herein.

 

            The proceedings providing for the canvass of the returns of the millage propositions approved by the voters at the election on May 4, 2019 were published in the July 3, 2019 editions of the Era Leader.

 

            Motion carried unanimously.

  

Agenda Item #11 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding recommendations from Carmel Breaux, Insurance Consultant, for Excess Workers’ Compensation (Lacy Burris).

 

Upon the recommendation of Carmel Breaux, Insurance Consultant, it was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board approve Risk Services of Louisiana for a one-year contract at a cost of $46,128.00 for excess workers’ compensation.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #12 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Student Accident Insurance coverage for the 2019/2020 school year (Lacy Burris).

 

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board approve Bollinger, Inc., Mutual of Omaha, Cedar Rapides, IA in the amount of $51,787.00 for student accident insurance coverage for the 2019/2020 school year.  Motion carried unanimously

 

Agenda Item #13 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received on school supplies for the 2019/2020 school year (Lacy Burris).

 

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board approve the bids received on school supplies for the 2019/2020 school year as follows:

 

 

         Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #14 – Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for requests for proposals for garbage disposal services (Lacy Burris).

 

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Robert Boone, that the Board authorize advertisement as follows:

 

Washington Parish School System

Franklinton, Louisiana

 

Request for Proposals

Garbage Disposal Contract

Due:  July 9, 2019 at 2 P.M.

 

    The Washington Parish School System will accept requests for proposal for garbage disposal.  RFP’s will be opened at 2:00 P.M. (CST), Tuesday, July 9, 2019 in the office of the Washington Parish School System, 800 Main Street, Franklinton, Louisiana.

 

GENERAL CONDITIONS

 

  1. Requests for Proposal should be submitted with the RFP form furnished by the school system.  The proposal shall include a unit price and a total price.  If there is any discrepancy between the unit price and the total price extension, the unit price shall be considered binding and the total price adjusted accordingly.

     

  2. The successful proposal shall be in effect for 2 years, beginning August 1, 2019 and ending July 31, 2021, contingent on the successful fulfillment of the terms of the proposal.

     

  3. Proposals shall be sealed and marked “RFP-Garbage Disposal”, and sent to Washington Parish School System Office, 800 Main Street, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438, Attn:  Lacy Burris.  USPS, UPS and Federal Express are acceptable means of delivery.

     

  4. The Washington Parish School System reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, adjust quantities, days of service and sizes of containers.

     

  5. Contact Lacy Burris, Director of Finance, at 985-839-7768 with any questions.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #15 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a Memorandum of Understanding with Regina Coeli Child Development Center (Leslie Hodges).

 

It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board approve a Memorandum of Understanding with Regina Coeli Child Development Center.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #16 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Pupil Progression Plan revisions for the 2019/2020 school year (Katie Miller).

 

It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board approve the Pupil Progression Plan revisions for the 2019/2020 school year as follows;

 

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #17 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding student transfers for the 2019/2020 school year (Frances Varnado).

 

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Robert Boone, that the Board approve the student transfers for the 2019/2020 school year as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #18 – Consider a motion to accept the resignation of Superintendent Darrell Fairburn effective December 31, 2019 (John Wyble).

 

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board accept the resignation of Superintendent Darrell Fairburn effective December 31, 2019.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #19 – Personnel Report (Mary Jones).

 

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

 

RETIREMENT RESIGNATION

1.                Franklinton High School:  Nathaniel Flowers, Custodian, Retirement Resignation effective October 15, 2019.

 

2.                Pine School:  Kathy Williams, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective May 24, 2019.

 

3.                Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Kathy Peters, School Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective May 24, 2019.

 

RESIGNATION

1.                Franklinton Primary School:  Bianca Jenkins, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective May 24, 2019.

 

2.                Franklinton Jr. High School:  Crystal McElroy, Guidance Counselor, Resignation effective June 7, 2019.

 

3.                Mt. Hermon School:  Mary McGinnis, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 31, 2019.

 

4.                Mt. Hermon School:  Joshua Priola, Regular High School Teacher/Head Basketball Coach, Resignation effective May 24, 2019.

 

5.                Varnado High School:  Emily Cooper, Regular High School Teacher, Resignation effective May 24, 2019.

 

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS

 

1.                Franklinton Elementary School:  Dwanna Rogers, Technology Assistant/Interventionist TO Literacy Paraprofessional (Paid out of Title I/EIS Literacy) effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Shondrika Smith).

 

2.                Franklinton High School:  Amanda Hall, Regular Teacher TO Faculty Coordinator (10 months) effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Thelma Landry).

 

3.                Franklinton High School:  Thelma Landry, Faculty Coordinator (10 months) TO Assistant Principal of Instruction effective July 1, 2019 (2 year contract) (Replacing Carey Travis).

 

4.                Mt. Hermon School:  Matthew Lea, Special Education Teacher TO Regular Teacher effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Mary McGinnis).

 

5.                Pine School:  Matt Milton, Regular Teacher TO Faculty Coordinator (10 months) effective the 2019/2020 school year.

 

6.                Franklinton Jr. High School:  Leigh Ann Morel, Regular Teacher TO Guidance Services effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Crystal McElroy).

 

7.                Pine School District:  Jacob Boyd, Bus Operator TO Lester Thomas’ route effective August 19, 2019.

 

TRANSFER

1.                Michael Gibson, Regular High School Teacher, Varnado High School TO Regular Teacher, Franklinton High School effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Melissa Prestenbach).

 

2.                Donna Givens, School Bus Operator, Franklinton District, F12 Route TO F3 Route (John Landry’s route) effective the 2019/2020 school year.

 

3.                LeAnna Kerbow, Administrative Assistant I – Student Support Services TO Regular Teacher, Mt. Hermon School effective August 5, 2019 (Replacing Dewanna Hughes).

 

4.                Shondrika Smith, Literacy Paraprofessional, Franklinton Elementary School TO Literacy Paraprofessional (Paid out of EIS), Franklinton Primary School effective the 2019/2020 school year.

 

5.                Seren Strahan, Itinerant Regular Teacher, Franklinton High School TO Regular Teacher, Pine School effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Matt Milton).

 

EMPLOY

1.                  Franklinton Primary School:  Alana Williams Jones, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Bianca Jenkins).

 

2.                  Franklinton High School:  Jessica Spring, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Amanda Hall).

 

3.                  Mt. Hermon School:  Tammy Bourgeois, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Katie Brumfield).

 

4.                  Mt. Hermon School:  Racheal Galloway, Special Education Teacher, Employ effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Matthew Lea).

 

5.                  Mt. Hermon School:  Lester Jenkins, Regular High School Teacher/Head Boys Basketball Coach, Employ effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Joshua Priola).

 

6.                  Pine School:  Heather Boyet, Regular High School Teacher, Employ effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Kathy Williams).

 

7.                  Pine School:  Nikki Crain, Licensed Practical Nurse/Special Education Paraprofessional, Employ effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Misty Verdin).

 

8.                  Varnado High School District:  Willie E. Peters, Bus Operator, Employ effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Laura Kemp).

 

9.                  Wesley Ray School District: Crystal Roberts-Fox, Bus Operator, Employ effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Raymond Garcia).

 

10.               Franklinton High School:  Taylor Sharkey, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Brad Penny).

 

11.               Franklinton High School:  Inellia Danyell Smith, Business Teacher, Employ effective the 2019/2020 school year (Replacing Valerie Penny).

 

CONTRACT RENEWAL

 

Central Office:  Amanda Fowler, Elementary Math Coach, Contract renewal July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.

 

Central Office:  Janet Picou, Middle School Math Coach, Contract renewal July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.

 

Central Office:  Frances Varnado, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, Contract renewal July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.

 

Franklinton Primary School:  Aylene Crain, Principal, Contract renewal July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.

 

Franklinton Jr. High School:  Misty Bickham, Assistant Principal, Contract renewal July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.

 

Mt. Hermon School:  Dawn Seal, Principal, Contract renewal July 17, 2019 through July 16, 2021.

 

Mt. Hermon School:  Jeffery Thomas, Assistant Principal, Contract renewal July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.

 

Thomas Elementary School:  Steve Knight, Principal, Contract renewal July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.

 

Agenda Item #20 – Consider a motion to adopt Transportation Adjustments (Shane Smith).

 

It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Robert Boone, that the Board adopt the Transportation Adjustments as follows:

 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

Franklinton District:                                                                   Extend the route of Regina Baillio 2.3 miles one way morning route only to help cover F22 route.  Effective dates:  May 13, 2019 through May 23, 2019.

                                                                                                Extend the route of Theresa Jenkins 2.3 miles one way afternoon route only to help cover F22 route.  Effective dates:  May 13, 2019 through May 23, 2019.

Extend the route of Randy Welch 3.8 miles one way to help cover F22 route.  Effective dates:  May 13, 2019 through May 23, 2019.

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #21 - Superintendent’s Report

 

 

Agenda Item #22 - Personal Privileges – School Board Members

 

The Board congratulated Coach Jeff Tageant.

 

Board congratulated all on contract renewals.

 

 

Agenda Item #23 - 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