The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: President Bob D. Bateman, Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Jr., Harold Smith, Bringier H. Barker, Susanne Jones, Richard N. Thomas, and Elaine Whaley. Absent: None. The meeting was called to order by President Batema. Invocation was given by Freddie Jefferson. President Bateman welcomed the news media and guests.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the first item on the agenda - - Administer Oath of Office to Mrs. Elaine Whaley - - be delayed until the arrival of Attorney Wayne Kuhn. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board adopt the minutes of the March 11, 1993, board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. Mary Jones, Supervisor, briefly reviewed the 1991-92 Louisiana Progress Profile (School Report Card) for Washington Parish schools. The Progress Profiles are prepared by the Louisiana Department of Education and give valid and reliable information on a wide range of factors believed to influence student learning. This information is made available to policy makers, parents, and other interested citizens.
Mrs. Charlotte D. Harris, teacher at Wesley Ray Elementary School, reported to the Board on the Pilot Teacher Mentor Program in which she has been involved this year in the capacity of Mentor Teacher. Washington Parish is one of 22 parish school systems participating in the program, funded by an 8(g) grant for this year only, which assists beginning classroom teachers in realizing their potential by establishing a program of formative professional assistance to identify and isolate the characteristics of a teacher's performance so that strengths can be built upon and weaknesses remedied. The purpose is to be accomplished by creating a program for providing experienced teachers as mentors to new teachers. Following Ms. Harris' presentation, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board recommend to the State Department of Education continuation of the Teacher Mentor Program next school year, if funded by the State. Motion carried unanimously.
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Primary School: Sondra Pace Boone, Pre-School Special Education Teacher, effective March 18, 1993, and for the remainder of the 1992-93 school year only (State Progressive Funding).
Franklinton Primary School: Luvenia Jenkins, Pre-School Special Education Paraprofessional, effective March 29, 1993, and for the remainder of the 1992-93 school year only (State Progressive Funding).
Franklinton Primary School: Denise Gillmore, Pre-School Special Education Paraprofessional, effective March 29, 1993, and for the remainder of the 1992-93 school year only (State Progressive Funding).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Franklinton Schools: Extend the route of Juanita Tullos 2.0 miles one way to pick up child of Dorothy Williams. Effective date: March 18, 1993.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the following policy revision mandated by 1992 legislation: File: GBR - Working Conditions (Drug-Free Workplace and Employee Dress). Motion carried unanimously.
At the request of Principal Michael Henley and recommendation of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Franklinton High School policy for dance teams, cheerleaders, flag corps, majorettes, and rifle team be amended to waive the 18 calendar weeks enrollment period for transfer students whose move has been necessitated by job-related transfer of parents. Motion carried unanimously. This policy amendment becomes effective immediately and for a one-year period.
At the request of Mrs. Jackie Smith, School Food Service Supervisor, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of equipment for the following cafeterias: Pine, Angie, Wesley Ray, Varnado, Franklinton Jr. High, Mt. Hermon, and Thomas. Motion carried unanimously. Bids will be opened and considered at the April 15, 1993, board meeting.
Superintendent Brown announced that T. J. Butler, Jr., Chapter I Director, along with S. Dale Varnado, Testing and Evaluation Coordinator, and Cindy Cibic, Resource Teacher, will be featured speakers at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Convention in Seattle, Washington, on April 2, 1993. Mr. Butler and Dr. Linda V. Mount from the U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C., wil present key elements of a successful Chapter I mathematics lab. The Washington Parish Chapter I mathematics program was nationally recognized as being an exemplary program by Lamar Alexander, U.S. Secretary of Education. Presentation of recognized Chapter I project in mathematics will be a unique highlight of this convention.
Attorney Kuhn administered the Oath of Office to Mrs. Elaine Whaley. Mrs. Whaley had been appointed by the Board to serve following the death of her husband, Joe Whaley, until a special election could be held in April. Mrs. Whaley was the only candidate to qualify; therefore, she will serve the remainder of the present term of office (through December 31, 1994).
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the Superintendent be included in the salary supplement recently approved by the Board, and that he be given the same amount ($1,160.00) that was approved for 12-month principals/supervisors. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, and Richard N. Thomas. AGAINST: Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman, and Elaine Whaley. Motion carried.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the employment status of Travis Ann Hunt, Part-time School Clerk at Pine School, be changed to Full-time School Clerk, Pine School, effective March 25, 1993. FOR: Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman, Richard N. Thomas, John Dawsey, and Elaine Whaley. AGAINST: Jimmie Corkern, Harold Smith, and B. H. Barker. Motion carried.
On motion by Harold Smith, seconded by B. H. Barker, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
BOB D. BATEMAN, PRESIDENT
EARLE R. BROWN, SECRETARY