The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Susanne Jones, Bringier H. Barker, Bob D. Bateman, Richard Ned Thomas, and Joe Whaley. Absent: President Harold Smith. The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Bob Bateman. Invocation was given by Freddie Jefferson. Vice-President Bateman welcomed the news media, School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn, and guests.
It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Joe Whaley, that the Board adopt the minutes of the March 26, 1992, board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board open bids received for the purchase of Vocational Education Equipment. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bateman opened bids from the following vendors: (1) Franklinton Music - $19,800.00, and (2) Kennedy's Computer Service, Inc. - $28,552.50. Freddie Jefferson and Kenneth Strahan took the bids for review and recommendation prior to adjournment.
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board adopt the following school calendar for the 1992-93 school year:
SCHOOL CALENDAR 1992-93'
MONTH EVENT DATE DAYS TAUGHT
August In-Service Training August 12 1 Day
Classes Begin August 13 13 Days
September Labor Day September 7 21 Days
October Washington Parish Fair October 21, 22, & 23 19 Days
November Presidential Election November 3 14 Days
Veterans' Day November 11
LAE Convention November 23, 24, & 25
Thanksgiving Holidays November 26 & 27
December Christmas Holidays December 21 - 31 14 Days
January New Year's Day January 1 19 Days
Martin Luther King Day January 18
February Mardi Gras February 22 & 23 18 Days
March No Holidays 23 Days
April Spring Holidays April 5- 9 17 Days
May School Closes May 31 21 Days
TOTAL DAYS TAUGHT 180 Days
FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, B. H. Barker, Richard N. Thomas, and Joe Whaley.
OPPOSED: Susanne Jones and Bob Bateman.
Motion carried.
Superintendent Brown indicated a revised school calendar will be recommended for the 1993-94 school year.
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of School Supplies for the 1992-93 school year. Motion carried unanimously. Bids will be accepted until 4:00 P.M., May 14, 1992, and will be opened at the May 14, 1992, board meeting.
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Thomas Jr. High School: Virginia Boyd, Special Education Paraprofessional Resignation effective April 7, 1992.
RESIGNATION:
Varnado High School: Rhonda K. Gunnell, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective April 14, 1992.
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Mt. Hermon School: Elise P. Sartin, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective May 29, 1992 (waiver of requirement to return following sabbatical leave).
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Joan P. Kennedy, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation, effective the entire 1992-93 school year.
EMPLOY:
Varnado Schools: Willie B. Peters, Jr., Bus Operator, effective April 10, 1992.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
FRANKLINTON SCHOOLS (Special Education): Deduct .2 mile one way from the route of Mary A. Simmons (student moved off route). Effective date: March 30, 1992.
Motion carried unanimously.
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for replacement of air conditioning equipment in the Mt. Hermon School Cafeteria/Classroom Building. Motion carried unanimously. Bids will be opened May 19, 1992, and a recommendation made to the Board at the May 28, 1992, board meeting.
It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board approve the following individuals to serve on the Sex Education Program Advisory Committee: Joe Baugh, Albert Brumfield, David Moore, Ann Forrest, Mary Alford, Calvin Brumfield, Terry Moak, Kathleen James, Lorraine Roshto, Creola Dyson, Betty Cassidy, Judy Hughes, Kandiest Martin, Jerry Fortenberry, Jr., John Martin, Chris Weicke, and Pat Slaven. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Brown reviewed the process for student transfer requests, the timeline being as follows:
April 20 -Transfer applications may be picked up at any school site or central office.
May 29 - Deadline for submitting applications
June 8 - Applications will be reviewed by the Board in committee meeting.
June 11 - Board will take official action on requests.
June 15 - Parents will be notified by mail of Board's decision.
It was moved by Joe Whaley, seconded by Richard Thomas, that the Board adopt the following policy relating to bus operators:
As of April 1, 1992, all buses that operate under contract to the Washington Parish School Board must, at all times, be driven by a CDL certified driver. Substitute drivers must sign in at the schools on the days they drive, mornings and/or afternoons, so that a permanent record of every day they drive will be on file at the school board office. Under no circumstances will owners/operators pay substitute drivers, as they must be paid through the payroll department of the School Board. Any owner/operator who violates these regulations will be dismissed with due process.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board adopt the following resolution opposing mandatory collective bargaining in the public sector: SEE ATTACHED. Motion carried unanimously.
At the recommendation of President Smith, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Joe Whaley, that Susanne Jones be named Louisiana School Boards Association Legislative Liaison Person. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that Angela McVea and Elizabeth Shipley be named to the Special Education Advisory Council. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Richard Thomas, that the Board support a Proclamation by Governor Edwards proclaiming the month of April, 1992, as Child Search Awareness Month in the State of Louisiana. Motion carried unanimously.
At the request of Freddie Jefferson, it was moved by Joe Whaley, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board authorize the receiving of quotations for the sale of canning center equipment at Enon Elementary School. Motion carried unanimously. Quotations will be received April 20, 1992, through May 8, 1992, at 4:00 P.M. Quotations will be opened on May 11, 1992, a-ad a recommendation will be made to the Board on May 14, 1992.
Following a report and recommendation by Mr. Jefferson, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Joe Whaley, that the Board accept the bid from Franklinton Music in the amount of $19,800 for the purchase of Vocational Education Equipment. Motion carried unanimously.
The Board took a short recess.
Upon re-convening, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the following policy regarding dance teams, cheerleaders, flag corps, majorettes, and rifle teams for Franklinton, High School only:
POLICIES FOR DANCE TEAM, CHEERLEADERS, FLAG CORPS, MAJORETTES, RIFLE TEAM - FHS
Eligibility
These are the requirements for eligibility:
1. 2.0 grade point average for the semester prior to tryouts. Membership will be forfeited at the end of the first semester for failure to maintain 2.0 GPA.
2. A parent must attend orientation meeting with sponsor prior to tryouts. Students will not be allowed to try out unless a parent attends a meeting.
a. Notification
Notices will be run in the daily bulletin announcing a meeting for all students interested in trying out. At this meeting, the students will be given written notice of the orientation meeting for parents and sponsors. At the orientation meeting, parents will go over each item thoroughly and answer any questions parents may have concerning the policy. At the close of the meeting, parents who consent to their child trying out must sign a form stating that they are giving their child permission to try out.
3. Parent and participant must agree to follow the procedures and rules of the organization:
a. Attendance at a formal training seminar determined by the sponsor with administration approval.
b. Clearance of financial obligations and all other indebtedness to the specific organization.
c. Agreement with transportation policy.
d. Maintenance of a 2.0 average at the end of each marking period effective the date of issuance of report cards.
e. Agreement with the demerit system.
f. Agreement to follow the policy concerning rules of conduct.
4. Transfer students must be enrolled at the school for 18 calendar weeks preceding the tryout date.
Selection
1. The sponsor with the principal's approval will determine the membership (number of members). There will be no alternate selections. Alternates will not be utilized.
2. Participants will be selected by a racially balanced panel of competent judges. Judging will be done on a predetermined judging sheet. Contestants will be scored on a scale of 1-10 for various categories and the contestants receiving the highest scores will be chosen. There will be no ties that would allow one contestant to be chosen and the other to be disqualified. If a tie should occur, the judges will have tied contestants perform and rescore in an effort to eliminate the tie. Contestants will be judged on performance only.
3. Tryouts will be closed. Judges and participants only will be allowed in tryout area.
4. Procedure for announcing results: At the end of the tryout, the participants, parents, sponsors, and judges will assemble in the tryout area. The judges will present their results in a sealed envelope (provided by the school) to the sponsor. Judges will then be dismissed. The sponsor will then open the envelope and read the results. At this time parents will be permitted to see their child s rating sheet only. This will be done in the presence of the sponsor. Rating sheets will be retained by the school.
5. Membership: Beginning with tryouts for 1992-93 school year, students will be required to try out each year. This does not apply to current members.
Transportation Policy
In order to perform, the participant must ride the means of transportation designated by principal to the activities. If the participant is late and misses the ride, she/he is not to perform.
The participate must return to the school on the designated ride unless the following procedure is complied with:
1. Either parent must sign a parent's release form at the game or activity which would release the child to the parent. (See attached copy.)
2. Parents are responsible for picking up the student at the school upon arrival from the game or activity.
3. If the student fails to follow this policy, he/she will be suspended from the squad for two weeks.
Rules of Conduct
I. General
A. Each participant must attend required practices and games. Absences must be cleared through the faculty sponsor prior to practice. The only excused absences are death in the family, illness of self or medical appointments that cannot be rescheduled at another time.
B. If a participant is absent from the last scheduled practice before the event without prior excuse, he/she will not be allowed to perform at the event.
C. Each participant must attend four hours of school to attend practice after school or perform on game day
D. If there are two or more activities on one day, and a participant cannot perform for one activity because of illness, he/she cannot perform for the other.
E. A demerit system will be used. Only the sponsor will have the authority to give demerits. The demerit system is to be developed by the school.
F. Each participant shall cooperate willingly with the faculty sponsor, the dance instructor, and the captains where applicable.
G. Each participant is responsible for arriving at practices and games on time.
II. Activity
A. Participants shall perform at all scheduled activities and all varsity games, both home and away. Only the Activities Sponsor and Administration may designate activities in which groups will or will not participate.
B. Participants may not eat, drink, or chew gum while on the field, court, or in the stands.
C. Members should wear appropriate uniform and be in their designated area at the designated time.
D. Members should listen to instructions and follow directives of the leaders.
E. Members should refrain from undignified language and conduct. This also applies anytime the participant is in uniform.
F. Groups will cooperate with each other to boost school spirit.
III. Fund-Raising Activities
Each member must participate in any fundraising activities that the organization might sponsor. Each member is expected to reach the goal set by the organization for a fund-raiser.
Captains
It is recommended that captains, one black and me white, be selected from the senior members of the group. It is further recommended that group members vote on the senior candidates for captain. However, instances where one senior member has more years experience on the squad than others, that individual will be appointed captain.
Consequences for not following policies
A. All offenses will be documented by the faculty sponsor or dance instructor.
B. Reasons for suspension from squad for a performance:
1. Failure to learn the routine according to the instructor's standards.
2. Absence at two practices during the week of a performance.
3. Refusal to follow the directives of the sponsor or instructor.
4. Accumulation of five (5) demerits.
C. Reasons for permanent dismissal from squad:
1. Failure to maintain a 2.0 grade average (6 weeks during performance season, otherwise semester.
2. Disrespect toward sponsor or dance instructor.
3. Accumulation of ten (10) demerits.
D. The student will be removed from the squad for two weeks for failure to comply with the transportation policy. If such occurs twice during the year, she will be automatically removed from the squad for that year.
E. The school administration shall have the power to suspend, bench, or drop from the squad any member for the following:
1. Undesirable or immoral behavior.
2. Unacceptable appearance or habits.
3. Undesirable language or gestures.
4. Failure to perform duties as outlined in this policy.
5. Any act that harms the reputation of the school.
6. Violation of the rules and regulations.
Awards
Awards policies will be developed by the schools.
Accountability of the student
Student participants are themselves accountable for compliance with the policies stated herein.
PARENT'S RELEASE FORM
___________________________is riding home with me from_______________________________________________
(Student's Name) (School sponsored activity)
On__________________________
(Date)
(Parent's signature)
(Sponsor's signature)
FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Susanne Jones, B. H. Barker, Bob Bateman, and Joe Whaley. OPPOSED: None. ABSTAINING: Richard N. Thomas. Motion carried.
It was announced that B. H. Barker has been named as delegate from Louisiana to the National School Boards Association Convention to be held later this month in Orlando, Florida.
On motion by John Dawsey, seconded by Joe Whaley, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT
EARLE R. BROWN, SECRETARY
R E S 0 L U T 1 0 N
WHEREAS, Local school boards are elected by the people of Louisiana in sixty-six public school systems and are charged constitutionally and statutorially with responsibility for the efficient operation of the public schools, and
WHEREAS, The public schools belong to and are paid for by the citizens living in the individual parishes/cities and by the citizens of Louisiana as a whole, and
WHEREAS, Local school boards make decisions for the proper operation of the public school system after consultation and input from the citizenry and are answerable to them at the ballot box, and
WHEREAS, Teachers and school administrators are citizens and have the same opportunity to vote, consult, and have input as does any other citizen, and
WHEREAS, For one group of citizens to band together as a union or as, any other pressure group in the public sector and unduly influence action by the local school boards through group pressure, threats, work stoppages, intimidation, strikes, etc., clearly gives them an unfair advantage over other citizens and is counter to the principle of good representative government, and
WHEREAS, Teacher unions bargaining with a school board whose members are at least partially dependent on union membership support to be elected have a tremendously unfair advantage over private sector unions who have no say or influence on the membership of the board with whom they bargain, and
WHEREAS, Compulsory collective bargaining which can be done in private and can lead to binding arbitration with terms often arranged by an arbitrator who is in no way accountable to the citizens who own the schools and pay the bills is clearly unfair and should never be required, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That Washington Parish School Board strongly opposes mandatory collective bargaining in the public sector and believes it to be detrimental to the orderly and efficient operation of the public schools, and urges the Governor and the Louisiana Legislature to refuse to pass legislation that requires it, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be sent to Governor Edwin Edwards, the local Legislators, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the State Superintendent of Public Education.
Harold R. Smith, President Earle R. Brown, Secretary
Washington Parish School Board Washington Parish School Board