Franklinton, Louisiana

January 12, 2023

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, David Pettit, Robert Boone, Scott Breland, Lesley McKinley, Bruce Brown and Keith Giles. 

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 – Administer Oath of Office to Board Members.

Judge William H. Burris, administered the Oath of Office to all board members, as follows: Keith Giles, District 1; John Wyble, District 2, Bruce Brown, District 3; Kendall McKenzie, District 4; Robert Boone, District 5; Scott Breland, District 6; David Pettit, District 7; Frankie Crosby, District 8; and Lesley McKinley, District 9.

Agenda Item #5 – Election of Officers of the Board.

School Board Attorney, opened the floor for nominations for President of the Board to serve for the next two (2) years.  Kendall McKenzie nominated John Wyble.  Mr. Kuhn called for nominations be closed. Mr. Kuhn then called for a roll call vote as follows:

Keith Giles                    For                               Scott Breland                For

John Wyble                   Abstain                         David Pettit                   For

Bruce Brown                 For                               Frankie Crosby             Against

Kendall McKenzie          For                               Lesley McKinley            For

Robert Boone                For

7 For and 1 Against and 1 Abstained. 

            Motion carried.

            School Board Attorney, opened the floor for nominations for Vice President of the Board to serve for the next two (2) years.  Robert Boone nominated Lesley McKinley.  Mr. Kuhn called for nominations be closed. Mr. Kuhn then called for a roll call vote as follows:

Keith Giles                    For                               Scott Breland                For

John Wyble                   For                               David Pettit                   For

Bruce Brown                 For                               Frankie Crosby             For

Kendall McKenzie          For                               Lesley McKinley            Abstain

Robert Boone                For

8 For and 1 Abstained.

Motion carried.

 Agenda Item #6 – Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the December 15, 2022, regular board meeting (Frances Varnado).

It was moved by Frankie Crosby, seconded by David Pettit that the Board adopt the minutes of the December 15, 2022, regular board meeting as submitted to each member.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #7 – Consider a motion to adopt a resolution declaring January as School Board Recognition Month (Frances Varnado).

It was moved by Frankie Crosby, seconded by Robert Boone that the Board adopt a resolution declaring January as School Board Recognition Month as follows:

Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #8 – Consider a motion to adopt the LSBA Code of Conduct for Louisiana School Board Members (Frances Varnado).

It was moved by Lesley McKinley, seconded by Kendall McKenzie 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:

• Repreents, 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 Louisiansent the constitua 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 #9-Recognize Varnado High School, Pine High School, Mount Hermon School and Franklinton High School (Frances Varnado).

Agenda Item #10 – Presentation on November 2022 financial statements (Dana Knight).

Dana Knight, Director of Finance, presented the November 2022 financial statements for the following funds:

General Fund

School Lunch Fund

Tax District #4 Bond Sinking Fund

Agenda Item #11 – Presentation of Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (Frances Varnado).

Agenda Item#12– Public comment for Early Childhood Community Networks coordinated funding request (Leslie Hodges).

The Coordinated Funding Request for the 2023-2024 school year was presented for public comment.

Agenda Item #13- Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for telecommunication services and equipment for e-rate (Jimmy Thigpen).

It was moved by Lesley McKinley, seconded by Kendall McKenzie that the Board approve the bids received for telecommunication services and equipment for e-rate with Detel winning the bid.

*See attachment 1

Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #14 – Recognize Paraprofessionals participating in the Reach Para-To-Teacher Certification Program (Tricia Smith).

Agenda Item #15 – Personnel Report (Jennifer Thomas)

Agenda Item #16 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Transportation Adjustments (Steve Knight).

It was moved by Kendall McKenzie, seconded by Keith Giles, that the Board adopt the Transportation Adjustments as follows:

Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #17 - Superintendent’s Report

Agenda Item #18 - Personal Privileges – School Board Members

Agenda Item #19 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

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

______________________________

John Wyble, President

______________________________

Frances Varnado, Secretary