Franklinton, Louisiana
January 13, 2022
6:00 p.m.
The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: Kendall McKenzie, John Wyble, Frankie Crosby, Alan McCain, Robert Boone, Dewitt Perry and Lesley McKinley. Absent: Bruce Brown and Dan Slocum.
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 Lesley McKinley
Agenda Item #3 – Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda Item #4 – Presentation of Talented Music & Art Students
Kyle Jones, Talented Music Teacher brought a group of students from various schools in the parish and they performed a selection of songs from the musical Musicville.
Musicville will be performed for all students and the public in the month of February.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the December 6, 2021, regular board meeting (John Wyble).
It was moved by Frankie Crosby, seconded by Robert Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the December 06, 2021, regular board meeting as submitted to each member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 – Report from the firm of Posthlethwaite and Netterville regarding the 2020/2021 audit of general purpose financial statements (Lacy Burris).
Brandy Smith, Postlethwaite and Netterville, gave a brief overview of the 2020/2021 audit. She stated that the report showed a clean or unmodified opinion.
Agenda Item #7 – Public comment for Early Childhood Community Networks coordinated funding request (Leslie Hodges).
The Coordinated Funding Request for the 2022-2023 school year was presented for public comment.
Agenda Item #8 – Presentation on November 2021 financial statements (Lacy Burris).
Lacy Burris, Director of Finance, presented the November 2021 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 Robert Boone, seconded by Alan McCain, 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 Frankie Crosby, seconded by Kendall McKenzie, that the Board adopt a resolution declaring January as School Board Recognition Month as follows:
Louisiana School Board Recognition Month
January 2022
WHEREAS, the mission of public schools is to meet the diverse educational needs of all children and to empower them to become competent, productive contributors to a democratic society and an ever-changing world; and
WHEREAS, local school board members are committed to children and believe that all children can be successful learners and that the best education is tailored to the individual needs of the child; and
WHEREAS, local school board members work closely with parents, educational professionals, and other community members to create the educational vision we want for our students; and
WHEREAS, local school board members are responsible for ensuring the structure that provides a solid foundation for our school system; and
WHEREAS, local school board members are strong advocates for public education and are responsible for communicating the needs of the school district to the public and the public’s expectations to the district;
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 2022 as School Board Member Recognition Month and encourages local school districts and community leaders to appropriately recognize our state’s dedicated school board members.
RESOLUTION OFFERED BY: Frankie Crosby
RESOLUTION SECONDED BY: Kendall McKenzie
The vote, in open meeting on the within resolution was as follows:
YEAS: ______7_______
NAYS: ______0________
ABSENT: ___2________
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 13, 2022, a quorum being present and voting.
______________________________
Frances Varnado, Secretary
Washington Parish School System
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 – Consider a motion to adopt a resolution appointing Marshall “Buddy” Jenkins as the consultant to the Washington Parish School Board to examine the population of the election districts, to determine if there exists any substantial variation in the representation of the school board on a new apportionment plan (Frances Varnado).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt a resolution appointing Marshall “Buddy” Jenkins as the consultant to the Washington Parish School Board to examine the population of the election districts, to determine if there exists any substantial variation in the representation of the school board on a new apportionment plan. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 – Personnel Report (Jennifer Thomas)
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
1. Central Office: Clara Graves, Grant Accountant I -Title 1, Retirement Resignation effective January 31, 2022.
TRANSFER
1. Monica Schexnider, Bus Attendant, Franklinton Primary School TO School Lunch Worker, Franklinton High School effective January 3, 2022 (Replacing Robbie Picou).
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS
1. Enon Elementary School: Amy Miller, Literacy Paraprofessional, Paid out of Title I TO Paid out of EIS effective August 2, 2021.
2. Enon Elementary School: Tiffany Modlin, Literacy Paraprofessional, Paid out of EIS TO Paid out of Title I effective August 2, 2021.
3. Franklinton Elementary School: Brad Penny, Regular Teacher, TO Special Education Teacher effective Spring Semester 2021/2022 school year only (Fill in for Cheryl Renee Barber).
4. Pine High School: Bradley Seal, Regular Teacher/Head Football Coach 9 month position TO 10 month position effective Spring Semester 2021/2022 school year.
5. Varnado High School: Adam Brumfield, Regular Teacher/Head Football Coach 9 month position TO 10 month position effective Spring Semester 2021/2022 school year.
RESIGNATION
1. Pine High School: Angela Warner, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective December 31, 2021.
2. Varnado High School: Brad Cooper, Ag Teacher, Resignation effective December 2, 2021.
3. Varnado High School: Stephanie Rachel, Licensed Practical Nurse, Resignation effective January 3, 2022.
4. Wesley Ray Elementary School: Jasmine Smith, PE Teacher, Resignation effective January 7, 2022.
5. Pine High School: Erica Wheat, Licensed Practical Nurse, Resignation effective January 31, 2022.
6. Enon Elementary School: Ashley Seal, ISS Paraprofessional, Resignation effective January 14, 2022.
EMPLOY
1. Franklinton Primary School: Tyeishia Anders, Literacy Paraprofessional, Employ effective January 5, 2022 (Replacing Jaynell Burton, paid out of Title I).
2. Franklinton Primary School: Karen Stogner, Bus Attendant, Employ effective January 3, 2022. (Replacing Monica Schexnider)
3. Franklinton Elementary School: Joshua Dunmiles, Regular Teacher, Employ effective Spring Semester 2021/2022 school year only. (Replacing Brad Penny)
4. Franklinton High School: Guy LaCompte, Regular Teacher/Head Football Coach, Employ effective January 3, 2022. (Replacing Jordan Demers) (10 months)
5. Pine High School: Michelle Kinchen, Regular Teacher, Employ effective January 5, 2022. (Replacing Angela Warner)
6. Wesley Ray Elementary School: Natalie Barber, Literacy Paraprofessional, Employ effective January 5, 2022. (Paid out of ARP EIS) ( New Position)
7. Wesley Ray Elementary School: Brett Powell, PE Teacher, Employ effective January 18, 2022. (Replacing Jasmine Smith).
CONTRACT RENEWAL
1. Central Office: Michael Ingram, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, Contract Renewal February 3, 2022 through February 2, 2024.
2. Student Support Services: Sheryl Holliday, Intervention Coordinator, Contract Renewal February 14, 2022 through February 13, 2024.
Agenda Item #13 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Transportation Adjustments (Steve Knight).
It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adopt the Transportation Adjustments as follows:
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Pine/Thomas District: Extend the route of Mecy Kelly 25 miles one way to pick up student returned from Homebound. Effective October 27, 2021.
Extend the route of Mecy Kelly 27 miles one way to return student to school and transport student to FHS alternative school. Effective date: November 16, 2021 one time only.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Superintendent’s Report
Ms. Varnado stated that the February 2022 board meeting be moved to Franklinton Elementary due to Covid and the need for social distance.
Ms. Varnado stated the May retirement recognition in conjunction with the board meeting will be reinstated this year.
Agenda Item #15 - Personal Privileges – School Board Members
The Board congratulated Kyle Jones and the Talented Music & Art Students on their performance.
The Board recognized Lacy Burris and the Finance Department for the satisfactory audit report.
Shane Smith, Franklinton High School Principal, addressed the board concerning the support group Showstoppers.
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