Franklinton, Louisiana

January 14, 2021

6:00 p.m.

The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: Dan Slocum, Kendall McKenzie, John Wyble, Bruce Brown, 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 President John Wyble.

Agenda Item #2 – Invocation

The invocation was given by Bruce Brown.

Agenda Item #3 – Pledge of Allegiance

Agenda Item #4 – Election of Officers of the Board

It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Robert Boone, that the Board keep the officers of the board the same (John Wyble – President and Lesley McKinley – Vice-President.

It was moved by Frankie Crosby, seconded by Dan Slocum, that Lesley McKinley is nominated as President.  Lesley McKinley declined the nomination.

The Board then voted on the original motion with a roll call vote as follows:

Dan Slocum                  For                               Dewitt Perry                  For

John Wyble                   Abstain                         Alan McCain                 For

Bruce Brown                 For                               Frankie Crosby              Against

Kendall McKenzie         For                               Lesley McKinley            Abstain

Robert Boone                For

6 For and 1 Against and 2 Abstained. 

            Motion carried.

.

Agenda Item #5 - Recognize 2021 Teachers of the Year (Jackie Jenkins).

The 2021 teachers of the year were recognized at tonight’s meeting.  The teacher was presented a plaque by their principal.  Superintendent Frances Varnado then presented a plaque to the parish winners.  The Board congratulated all teachers.

2021 Teachers of the Year

 Agenda Item #6 – Presentation on Covid-19 updates (Frances Varnado).

Tricia Smith, Director, gave a presentation on Covid-19 updates.

Agenda Item #7 – Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the December 10, 2020, regular board meeting (John Wyble).

It was moved by Frankie Crosby, seconded by Robert Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the December 10, 2020, regular board meeting as submitted to each member.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #8 – Presentation on November 2020 financial statements (Lacy Burris).

Lacy Burris, Director of Finance, presented the November 2020 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 the LSBA Code of Conduct for Louisiana School Board Members (Frances Varnado).

It was moved by Kendall McKenzie, seconded by Dan Slocum, 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 #10 – Consider a motion to adopt a resolution declaring January as School Board Recognition Month (Frances Varnado).

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, 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 2021

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 21^st 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! Navigating to Success – 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 2021 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 #11 – Consider a motion to adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File: GBRIBC – Emergency Family and Medical Leave (EFMLA) and Emergency Paid Sick Leave (COVID-19 Pandemic) (Mary Jones).

It was moved by Kendall McKenzie, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File: GBRIBC – Emergency Family and Medical Leave (EFMLA) and Emergency Paid Sick Leave (COVID-19 Pandemic).  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #12 – Personnel Report (Mary Jones)

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

SABBATICAL MEDICAL LEAVE

1.                Varnado High School:  Laquisha Mark, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the Spring Semester of the 2020/2021 school year only.

RETIREMENT RESIGNATION

1.                Central Office:  Mary Henderson, Director of Federal Programs, Retirement Resignation effective June 30, 2021.

2.             Franklinton Elementary School:  Beverly Harvey, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective February 26, 2021.

3.                Pine School:  Sally White, Special Education Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective May 21, 2021.

SICK LEAVE/RETIREMENT RESIGNATION

1.                Pine School:  Carol Jenkins, Regular Teacher, Sick Leave effective January 18, 2021 through May 21, 2021 and Retirement Resignation effective May 21, 2021

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS

1.                Franklinton Elementary School:  Mary Lou Fussell, Administrative Assistant I – School Clerk, Retirement Resignation effective February 10, 2021 TO Retirement Resignation effective February 26, 2021.

2.                Pine School: Rebecca Nave, Guidance Services TO Guidance Counselor (10 months) effective January 4, 2021.

TRANSFER

1.                Penny Martin, Special Education Paraprofessional, Franklinton Jr. High School TO Special Education Paraprofessional, Wesley Ray Elementary School effective January 18, 2021.

RESIGNATION

1.                Pine School:  Holly Breland, Regular High School Teacher, Resignation effective January 4, 2021.

2.                Thomas Elementary School:  Katlyn Baker, Speech Language Pathologist, Resignation effective January 8, 2021.

EMPLOY

1.                  Pine School:  Elizabeth Shelby, Regular Teacher, Employ effective January 19, 2021 (Replacing Carol Jenkins).

2.                  Pine School:  Re’lik Wilson, Regular High School Teacher, Employ effective January 5, 2021 (Replacing Holly Breland).

3.                  Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Bethany Cooper, Library Services, Employ effective January 4, 2021 (Replacing Lasonda Luper).

4.                  Pine School:  Shelly Thomas, Special Education Paraprofessional, Employ effective January 19, 2021 (New position).

5.                  Mt. Hermon School:  Re’Naz Wilson, Regular Teacher, Employ effective January 19, 2021 and the remainder of the Spring Semester of the 2020/2021 school year only (Fill in for Barbara Smith who is on extended sick leave).

            Agenda Item #13 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Transportation Adjustments (Shane Smith).

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt the Transportation Adjustments as follows:

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

Pine/Thomas Bus District:                                             Extend the route of Mecy Kelly 8 miles one way to pick up students on Charlie Seals Road.  Effective date:  December 8, 2020.

Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #14 - Superintendent’s Report

            Superintendent Varnado asked the Board to add to the agenda to Consider a motion to adopt a resolution to obtain special counsel for opioid related claims. 

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain that the Board add to the agenda to consider a motion to adopt a resolution to obtain special counsel for opioid related claims.  Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Kendall McKenzie, seconded by Robert Boone, that the Board adopt a resolution to obtain special counsel for opioid related claims as follows:

RESOLUTION

Washington Parish School Board

WHEREAS, opioid use and issues and treatment related thereto have become a huge societal problem locally and nationally; and

WHEREAS, various entities are attempting to recover past and future damages associated with this opioid epidemic; and

WHEREAS, the Washington Parish School Board, in the past years and in the future, has been and will be affected by the opioid crisis; and

WHEREAS, the Washington Parish School Board should attempt to recover its damages past and future associated with this epidemic; and;

WHEREAS, the Washington Parish School Board wishes to retain special legal counsel; and

WHEREAS, THE Washington Parish School Board recommends the appointment of The Law Office of Ross F. Lagarde and Leger & Shaw and associated attorneys and paralegals.  The Law Office of Ross F. Lagarde and Leger & Shaw are experienced attorneys with the requisite expertise to render special counsel services and represent the Washington Parish School Board regarding opioid litigation.

THE WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD HEREBY RESOLVES that a necessity exists for the employment of special counsel, and, the Washington Parish School Board, ratifies and approves the employment of The Law Office of Ross F. Lagarde and Leger & Shaw and associated attorneys and paralegals, as special counsel for the Washington Parish School Board in the above described matters and to take any and all actions necessary to pursue any right or claim of the Washington Parish School Board related to the opioid crisis and litigation.  The compensation shall be in accordance with the Attorney General’s opioid fee schedule.

RESOLUTION OFFERED BY:     Kendall McKenzie

RESOLUTION SECONDED BY:               Robert Boone

The vote, in open meeting on the within resolution was as follows:

YEAS:  _____9_________

NAYS: _____0___________

ABSTAIN: __0___________

ABSENT:  __0__________

CERTIFICATION

            I, Frances Varnado, 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, January 14, 2021, a quorum being present and voting.                     

                                                ______________________________

                                                Frances Varnado, Secretary

                                                Washington Parish School System

            Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #15 - Personal Privileges – School Board Members

The Board congratulated all teacher of the year winners.

The Board congratulated Ms. Mary Henderson on her Retirement.

Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

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

______________________________

John Wyble, President

______________________________

Frances Varnado, Secretary