Franklinton, Louisiana

July 22, 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, John Wyble, Bruce Brown, Robert Boone, Alan McCain, Lesley McKinley, Dewitt Perry and Frankie Crosby.  Absent: Kendall McKenzie.

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 June 10, 2021, regular board meeting (John Wyble).

   It was moved by Frankie Crosby, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt the minutes of the June 10, 2021, regular board meeting as presented to each member.  Motion carried unanimously.

            Agenda Item #5 – Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the June 18, 2021, special board meeting (John Wyble).

            It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt the minutes of the June 18, 2021, special board meeting as presented to each member.  Motion carried unanimously.

            Agenda Item #6 – Presentation – new 4-H Council (Frances Varnado).

            Superintendent Varnado introduced Beth Putnam, 4-H Agent.  Ms. Putnam introduced the local new members as follows:

            Gracie Thigpen – Citizenship Board

            Annalise Thigpen – Science Engineering Technology Board

            Lauryn Smith – Science Engineering Technology Board (Absent)

            These young people completed an application and interview process with Louisiana 4-H to earn their positions. They attended the Louisiana 4-H WeLead Conference to kick off their year of service on these leadership board. While at this conference, they attended trainings on the Louisiana 4-H state service-learning focus, Mental Health Awareness. They will also discuss diversity & inclusion with Dr. Monica Guient, Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion LSU AgCenter, learn how to better advocate for themselves and other youth, understand how to better market themselves and 4-H Programs, develop their inner and outer heroes, and discover how to help others become heroes. Through their year of service, these board members will attend meetings across the state, help host camps for younger youth, help plan and execute regional and state 4-H activities, and plan activities within our parish for our 4-H members to participate. With hard work and dedication, these young people will leave their mark on both the Louisiana and Washington Parish 4-H Programs.

Agenda Item #7 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a cooperative agreement to support and administer Louisiana Extension 4-H youth development and other extension programs (Frances Varnado).

It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board enter into a cooperative agreement to support and administer Louisiana Extension 4-H youth development and other extension programs in the amount of $10,000.00.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #8 – Presentation of the Washington Parish Educational Priorities (Frances Varnado).

Frances Varnado, Superintendent and Jennifer Thomas, Assistant Superintendent presented their Educational Priorities to the Board in a presentation.

Agenda Item #9 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding personnel compensation adjustments (Frances Varnado).

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board approve a one-time 8.33% stipend to all active employees as of October 1, 2021.  Motion carried unanimously.

The stipend will be paid out in the month of October.

Agenda Item #10 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding adjusting the salary schedule days/hours worked by position to correspond to the school calendar (Frances Varnado).

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Robert Boone, that the Board approve the new salary schedule days/hours worked by position to correspond to the school calendar as follows:

Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #11 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the Washington Parish School System Covid-19 reopening for the 2021/2022 school year (Frances Varnado).

The Washington Parish School System will open the 2021/2022 school year in Phase 3.

·         All students will return to school for in-person learning on August 6^th.

·         Hospital/Homebound is still offered for medically fragile students with approved application that is verified by their doctor.

·         There are no limits on group sizes.  Physical/social distancing will be enforced to the maximum extent possible.

·         Extracurricular activities & athletic events will follow safety & hygiene protocols.

·         Staff & students will self-monitor symptoms, stay home if sick, & quarantine if exposed to COVID.

·         Schools, classrooms, & buses will be clean & disinfected often.

·         Staff & students will wash/sanitize hands often.

·         Buses will operate at 75% capacity with families sitting together.

·         School visitors will be limited to essential staff only.

Agenda Item #12 - Presentation on May 2020 financial statements (Lacy Burris).

Lacy Burris, Director of Finance, presented the May 2021 financial statements for the following funds:

General Fund

School Lunch Fund

Tax District #4 Bond Sinking Fund

Agenda Item #13 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received on new modular classroom buildings (Lacy Burris).

It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board approve the bid from Palomar in the amount of $199,687.00.  Motion carried unanimously.

Other bids submitted as follows:

            Agenda Item #14 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the sale of the property, known as the former Sunny Hill School property, consisting of 2.18 acres of land, more or less, located in Section/Headright 32, Township 1 South, Range 9 East, Washington Parish, Louisiana (Lacy Burris).

            It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt a resolution on the sale of the Sunny Hill School property as follows:

            It was resolved that the Washington Parish School Board sell to William V. Edwards and Linda W. Edwards for the appraised sum of Fourteen Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($14,000.00) 2.18 acres located in Section 32, Township 1 South, Range 9 East, Washington Parish, Louisiana, as per survey by Land Surveying, L.L.C. dated March 16, 2021, Job Number 20289 without warranty of title.

            Be it further resolved That John Wyble, President of the Washington Parish School Board is authorized to execute the act of sale without warranty of title and any and all documents necessary under such terms and conditions that he deems appropriate.

            Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #15 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding student transfers for the 2021/2022 school year (Mike Ingram).

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the student transfers for the 2021/2022 school year as presented.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #16 – Consider a motion to adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File:  JCD – Student Conduct; File: JCDAB – Dangerous Weapons; File: JCDAC – Student Alcohol and Drug Use; File: JD – Discipline; File: JDD – Suspension and File: JDE - Expulsion (Jennifer Thomas).

It was moved by Lesley McKinley, seconded by Robert Boone, that the Board adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File:  JCD – Student Conduct; File: JCDAB – Dangerous Weapons; File: JCDAC – Student Alcohol and Drug Use; File: JD – Discipline; File: JDD – Suspension and File: JDE – Expulsion.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #17 - Personnel Report (Jennifer Thomas).

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

RETIREMENT RESIGNATION

1.             Enon Elementary School:  Patricia Gail Rutherford, Pre-K Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective June 14, 2021.

2.             Mt. Hermon School:  Theresa Grabert, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective July 14, 2021.

RESIGNATION

1.             Central Office:  Lacy Burris, Director of Finance, Resignation effective December 31, 2021.

2.             Central Office:  Jackie Jenkins, Supervisor of Instructional Technology and Professional Development, Resignation effective July 31, 2021.

3.             Enon Elementary School:  Chelsey Hammons, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 14, 2021.

4.             Enon Elementary School:  Kristina Seal, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective June 14, 2021.

5.             Enon Elementary School:  Dewanna Thomas, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 31, 2021.

6.             Franklinton Primary School:  Carlen Applewhite, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 6, 2021.

7.             Franklinton Primary School:  Cindy LaCroix, School Food Service Worker, Resignation effective June 14, 2021.

8.             Franklinton Primary School:  Katilyn Ladner, Literacy Paraprofessional, Resignation effective July 28, 2021.

9.             Franklinton Elementary School:  Amanda Miner, Social Worker Itinerant, Resignation effective July 13, 2021.

10.          Franklinton Jr. High School:  Aaron Luper, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective June 28, 2021.

11.          Mt. Hermon School:  Lester Jenkins, Regular High School Teacher/Boys Head Basketball Coach, Resignation effective July 31, 2021.

12.          Mt. Hermon School:  Christen Williamson, Regular High School Teacher, Resignation effective July 8, 2021.

13.          Pine School:  Kristen Killingsworth, Special Education Paraprofessional, Resignation effective July 7, 2021.

14.          Thomas Elementary School:  Wendy Ard, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective June 28, 2021.

15.          Thomas Elementary School:  Elizabeth Lala, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 14, 2021.

16.          Varnado High School:  Lynell Hanson, Guidance Services (10 months), Resignation effective July 19, 2021.

17.          Varnado High School:  Kevin Jackson, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 13, 2021.

18.          Varnado High School:  Karen Ballard-Kittelson, Assistant Principal of Instruction, Resignation effective June 29, 2021.

19.          Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Carol Bright, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 13, 2021.

20.          Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Ingrid Roberts, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective June 28, 2021.

21.          Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Heidi Vickers, School Food Service Worker, Resignation effective June 24, 2021.

22.          Franklinton Primary School:  Nancy Miller, Special Education Paraprofessional, Resignation effective July 22, 2021.

TERMINATION

1.             Franklinton Jr. High School:  Benton Magee, Custodian, Termination effective June 30, 2021.

2.             Thomas Elementary School:  Heidi Thomas, Special Education Paraprofessional, Termination effective June 30, 2021.

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS

1.             Franklinton Primary School:  Candace Simone White, Kindergarten Teacher TO Regular Teacher effective the 2021/2022 school year.

2.             Franklinton Elementary School:  Rachel Sumrall, Regular Teacher TO Principal effective July 12, 2021 (Replacing Janene Hollen) (2 year contract).

3.             Mt. Hermon School:  Lee Bond, Assistant Principal of Instruction TO Principal effective July 12, 2021 (Replacing Dawn Seal) (2 year contract).

4.             Mt. Hermon School:  Regina Delatte, Special Education Teacher TO Regular Teacher effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Matthew Lea).

5.             Mt. Hermon School:  Matthew Lea, Regular Teacher TO Regular High School Teacher/Boys Head Basketball Coach effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Lester Jenkins).

6.             Pine School:  Brett Spears, Regular Teacher TO Faculty Coordinator (9 months) effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Matthew Stogner).

7.             Pine School:  Matthew Stogner, Assistant Principal (10 month) TO Assistant Principal of Instruction (12 month) effective July 1, 2021 (Replacing Ramona Thomas) (2 year contract).

8.             Thomas Elementary School:  Kelly Brock, ISS Paraprofessional TO Special Education Paraprofessional effective the 2021/2022 school year.

9.             Thomas Elementary School:  Jean Clark, Special Education Paraprofessional TO ISS Paraprofessional effective the 2021/2022 school year.

10.          Thomas Elementary School:  Ashley Milton, Literacy Coach TO Assistant Principal effective July 1, 2021 (Replacing Lisa Magee) (2 year contract).

11.          Thomas Elementary School:  Jolie Schenck, Regular Teacher TO Literacy Coach effective July 19, 2021 (Replacing Ashley Milton).

12.          Thomas Elementary School:  Heather Singley, Special Education Teacher TO Regular Teacher effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Wendy Ard).

13.          Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Gladys Fornea, Special Education Paraprofessional TO Literacy Paraprofessional effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Patricia Maples).

14.          Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Daphne Laurant, Regular Teacher TO Pre-K Teacher effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Crystal Knight).

15.          Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Tolekiah Thomas, Regular Teacher (Music) TO Special Education Teacher effective the 2021/2022 school year.

16.          Central Office:  Leslie Westmoreland, Coordinator of Section 504, (9 month position) TO 10 month position effective July 19, 2021.

17.          Enon Elementary School:  Karen Thigpen, Regular Teacher TO Pre-K Teacher effective the 2021/2022 school year.

18.          Franklinton Primary School:  Heather Yates, Regular Teacher TO Pre-K Teacher effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Kristy Bennett).

TRANSFER

1.             Barrett Bateman, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School TO Assistant Principal (12 months) effective July 1, 2021 (New position) (2 year contract).

2.             Stacy Bond, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Jr. High School TO Assistant Principal of Instruction, Varnado High School effective July 12, 2021 (Replacing Karen Kittelson) (2 year contract).

3.             Shelly Caillouet, School Lunch Worker, Pine School TO School Lunch Worker, Wesley Ray Elementary School effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Heidi Vickers).

4.             Bridget Etheridge, Regular Teacher, Enon Elementary School TO Media Specialist, Franklinton Elementary School effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Kim Nelson).

5.             Kim Nelson, Media Specialist/Librarian, Franklinton Elementary School TO Regular Teacher, Thomas Elementary School effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Elizabeth Lala).

6.             Tracy Phillips, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Jr. High School TO Regular Teacher, Mt. Hermon School effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Christen Williamson).

7.             Amanda Porter, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School TO Regular Teacher, Enon Elementary School effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Bridget Etheridge).

8.             Breanna Russell, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Primary School TO Special Education Teacher, Thomas Elementary School effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Heather Singley).

9.             Cheyenne Wilson, Regular Teacher, Mt. Hermon School TO Special Education Teacher, Franklinton High School effective the 2021/2022 school year (New Sped Position).

10.          Kristy Bennett, Pre-K Teacher, Franklinton Primary School TO Early Childhood Teacher Leader, Central Office effective the 2021/2022 school year.

EMPLOY

1.             Enon Elementary School:  Natalie Dodds, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Dewanna Thomas).

2.             Enon Elementary School:  Brittany Galloway, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Chelsey Hammons).

3.             Enon Elementary School:  Sarah Morse, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Kristina Seal).

4.             Enon Elementary School:  Valerie Penny, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Gail Rutherford).

5.             Enon Elementary School:  Rosa Rester, Special Education Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Megan Granger).

6.             Franklinton Primary School:  Allyson Crowe, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Carlen Applewhite).

7.             Franklinton Primary School:  Rachel Morello, School Food Service Worker, Employ effective August 2, 2021 (Replacing Anita Warren).

8.             Franklinton Primary School:  Brianna Spears, School Food Service Worker, Employ effective August 2, 2021 (Replacing Cindy LaCroix).

9.             Franklinton Primary School:  Alyssa Woodard, Kindergarten Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Bryanna Sprehe).

10.          Franklinton Elementary School:  Brad Penny, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Barrett Bateman).

11.          Franklinton Elementary School:  Quentin Williams, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Rachel Sumrall).

12.          Franklinton Elementary School:  Christi Wood, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Bridgette Etheridge).

13.          Franklinton Jr. High School:  Amanda Bush, Licensed Practical Nurse (9 months), Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year.

14.          Franklinton Jr. High School:  Rosalba Hillburn, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Aaron Luper).

15.          Franklinton Jr. High School:  Tiffany Polkey, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Stacy Bond).

16.          Franklinton High School:  Elizabeth Hope Bickham, Social Worker Itinerant, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Amanda Miner).

17.          Mt. Hermon School:  Kelly Alford, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Matthew Sessions).

18.          Mt. Hermon School:  Sara Luper, Registered Nurse (9 months), Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year.

19.          Mt. Hermon School:  Pamela McNeil, Special Education Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Regina Delatte).

20.          Mt. Hermon School:  Jennifer Strickland, Regular High School Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Steven Kittelson).

21.          Pine School:  Demetrius Brumfield, School Food Service Worker, Employ effective August 2, 2021 (Replacing Shelley Caillouet).

22.          Pine School:  Susan Gable, Special Education Paraprofessional, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Kristen Killingsworth).

23.          Pine School:  Keri Jenkins, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Brett Spears).

24.          Pine School:  Justin Schenck, Custodian, Employ effective July 26, 2021 (New position).

25.          Student Support Services:  Ann Cowart, Critical Shortage Part-Time School Psychologist, Employ effective July 19, 2021 through May 31, 2022 (3 days per week contracted).

26.          Student Support Services:  Charlotte Fasola, Critical Shortage Educational Diagnostician, Employ effective July 19, 2021 through June 7, 2022.

27.          Student Support Services:  Teresa Stafford, Critical Shortage Educational Diagnostician, Employ effective July 19, 2021 through June 7, 2022. (3 days per week)

28.          Thomas Elementary School:  Danielle Breland, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Jolie Schenck).

29.          Thomas Elementary School:  Jessica Wilson, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Jessica Lemaire).

30.          Varnado High School:  Gladys Dillon, School Food Service Worker, Employ effective August 2, 2021 (Replacing McKesia Fortenberry)

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31.          Varnado High School:  William Golding, Regular High School Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Jamie Davis).

32.          Varnado High School:  John Lindem, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Lonnie Magee).

33.          Varnado High School:  Angelia Moses, School Food Service Worker, Employ effective August 2, 2021 (Replacing Anna Sheppard).

34.          Varnado High School:  Keiya Robinson, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Taylor Busby).

35.          Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Prentice Cuffee, Custodian, Employ effective August 5, 2021 (Replacing Sammie Rogers).

36.          Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Carrie Holmes, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Ingrid Roberts).

37.          Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Char’licia Rhines, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Carol Bright).

38.          Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Jasmine Smith, Regular (PE) Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Daphne Laurant).

39.          Franklinton Primary School:  Becky Adams, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Heather Yates).

40.          Franklinton Primary School:  Jessica Barber, Pre-K Paraprofessional, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (New position).

41.          Franklinton Primary School:  Christen Ladner, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Breanna Russell).

42.          Franklinton Primary School:  Darbie Smith, Special Education Paraprofessional, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Katilyn Ladner).

43.          Franklinton Primary School:  Jenna Varnado, Special Education Paraprofessional, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Nancy Miller).

44.          Franklinton Elementary School:  Yvonne Goff, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Amanda Porter).

45.          Franklinton Jr. High School:  Christopher Conerly, Custodian, Employ effective July 22, 2021 (Replacing Benton Magee).

46.          Franklinton Jr. High School:  Paige Robertson, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Tracy Phillips).

47.          Thomas Elementary School:  Ca’Tresa Jefferson, Special Education Paraprofessional, Employ effective the 2021/2022 school year (Replacing Heidi Thomas).

48.          Varnado High School:  Victoria Johnson, Guidance Services (10 months), Employ effective July 26, 2021 (Replacing Lynell Hanson).

Agenda Item #18 - Superintendent’s Report

Add to the Agenda:  It was moved by Frankie Crosby, seconded by Alan McCain, to discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received on garbage disposal.  Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Frankie Crosby, seconded by Lesley McKinley, to accept the bid from Stranco in the amount of $77,760.24.  Motion carried unanimously.  No other bids submitted.

Paquita Thomas, Footprints to Pathways, spoke with the Board concerning the property across from Franklinton Primary School.

Agenda Item #19 - Personal Privileges – School Board Members

The Board congratulated the new principals and assistant principals.

Agenda Item #20 – Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A (1) for the continuation of the Superintendent Evaluation (John Wyble).

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Frankie Crosby, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A (1) for the continuation of the Superintendent Evaluation.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #21 – Consider a motion to return to regular session.

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

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Robert Boone, to approve a 2% increase in the Superintendent’s salary effective July 1, 2021.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #22 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

It was moved by Robert Boone, seconded by Lesley McKinley, that the Board adjourn.  Motion carried unanimously.

______________________________

John Wyble, President

______________________________

Frances Varnado, Secretary