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 Bateman. Invocation was given by Dale Varnado. President Bateman welcomed the news media, Attorney Dale Branch, representing School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn, who was unable to attend, and guests.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board adopt the minutes of the June 24, 1993, board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the July 7, 1993, special meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 11 - Consider selection of Reapportionment Plan
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board adopt Reapportionment Plan Justice 2, 9-Member Board. FOR: John Dawsey, B. H. Barker, Bob Bateman, and Harold Smith. AGAINST: Jimmie Corkern, Susanne Jones, and Elaine Whaley. ABSTENTION: Richard N. Thomas. Motion carried.
Agenda Item 12 - Consider policy regarding student book bags
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that Carolyn McElveen, Stephanie Lavignette, and Maleah Roy be allowed to address the Board. Motion carried unanimously. These individuals expressed concerns regarding the present policy. After discussion, it was moved by Harold Smith that clear, only, book bags be allowed for grades 6-12. Mr. Smith's motion died from lack of second. Therefore, the Board's policy allowing the use of clear book bags, only, in grades K-12 remains in effect.
Agenda Item #3 - Personnel Adjustments (and other item of business from Assistant Superintendent Guy V. Schilling)
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board approve the following personnel adjustments as presented by Dr. Guy V. Schilling, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Mt. Hermon School: Lynn 0. Tupman, Counselor, Retirement Resignation effective June 20, 1993.
RESIGNATION:
Enon Elementary School: Conley E. McCullough, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective July 1, 1993.
Enon Elementary School/Franklinton Primary School: Carol Thornhill, Vocal Music Teacher, Resignation effective June 21, 1993.
Franklinton Primary School: Karen Varnado, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective June 21, 1993.
Franklinton Primary School: Pamela Kennedy, Pre-School Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective July 26
Franklinton Elementary School: Tammy L. Stafford, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective June 28, 1993.
Franklinton Elementary School: Grace Nickson, 1/2 time School Food Service Technician, Resignation effective July 27, 1993.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Richard C. Magee, Custodian, Resignation effective July 15, 1993.
Mt. Hermon School: Wesley M. Schilling, School Food Service Technician, Resignation effective July 5, 1993.
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Varnado Elementary School: Rebecca Stogner, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 22, 1993.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Kimberly A. Taylor, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective June 30, 1993.
Parishwide: Sarah K. Kuhn, School Psychologist, Resignation effective July 9, 1993.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton Elementary School: Sherri Thomassen, Special Education Paraprofessional, Leave Without Pay effective the Fall semester of the 1993-94 school year.
Vocational Center: Alfred Fuller, Welding Instructor, Military Leave effective August 13, 1993 (1 day).
Franklinton Elementary School: Stephanie Smith, Special Education Teacher, Sick Leave effective August 13, 1993 (tentative), through August 24, 1993 (1/2 day) - 71-2 days, and Extended Sick Leave effective August 24, 1993 (1/2 day), through September 24, 1993 - 22 1/2 days, for a total of 30 days. ,
Franklinton Schools: Mary A. Simmons, Bus Operator, Sick Leave, effective August 16, 1993, through September 10, 1993 (19 days).
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Kathryn Todd, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School, to Librarian, Franklinton Elementary School, effective the 1993-94 school year only (fill-in for Marie Bateman who will be on sabbatical leave).
Debra W. Wilkerson, Regular Teacher, Franklinton High School, effective the 1993-94 school year only (Internship Alternate Certification Program), to Regular Teacher, Franklinton High School, effective the beginning of the 1993-94 school year (now certified).
Theresa Pierce, Pupil Appraisal Typist, Wesley Ray Elementary School (Contracted), to Pupil Appraisal Typist, Wesley Ray Elementary School (10 months annual employment), effective August 10, 1993.
TRANSFER:
Mary M. Rester, Special Education Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School, to Special Education Teacher, Franklinton Primary School, effective the beginning of the 1993-94 school year.
EMPLOY:
Enon Elementary/Franklinton Primary Schools: Bonnie Dinot, Vocal Music Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton Elementary School: Rebecca B. Kemp, Regular Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only.
Franklinton Elementary School: Jackie Lundie, Special Education Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton Elementarv School: Tonya Brumfield, Regular Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only.
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Jr. High School: Clay Magee, Band/Vocal Music Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only (Circular #665).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Robert Abron, Custodian, effective July 30, 1993.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Sharon Mizell, 1/2 time School Lunch Clerk, effective the beginning of the 1993-94 school year.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Deonne L. Conerly, 1/2 time School Food Service Technician, effective the beginning of the 1993-94 school year.
Franklinton High School: Jeffery Hawkins, Special Education Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only (TTA).
Mt. Hermon School: Debra Dyson, School Food Service Technician, effective August 12, 1993.
Pine School: Teresa Young, Special Education Adaptive Physical Education Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only (TTA).
Pine School: Tracy Edwards, Starting Points Pre-School Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only.
Varnado Elementary School: Doris Bracey, Chapter I Pre-School Teacher, effective the beginning of the 1993-94 school year.
Varnado Elementary School: Marie Hollywood, Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 1993-94 school year.
Varnado Elementary School: Aline Nelson, Pre-School Chapter I Teacher Aide, effective the beginning of the 1993-94 school year.
Varnado High School: Eunice Annette Seal, Special Education Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only (TTA).
Varnado High School: Tanya Moses, Counselor, effective the Fall semester only of the 1993-94 school year (Circular #665) Fill-in for Emma Ross who will be Acting Principal.
Varnado High School: Gilbert Hartzog, Vocational Agriculture Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only (Circular #665) - Fill-in for Robert Boone who will be on Sabbatical Leave.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Lilia Cleland, Elementary Foreign Language Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only (Emergency Teaching Permit).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Jana Wood, Model Early Childhood Teacher (8g Funded), effective the 1993-94 school year only.
Wesley Ray/
Varnado Elementary Schools: Vicki Knight, Librarian effective the beginning of the 1993-94 school year.
Parishwide: Kay Foil, Assessment Teacher (Special Education Pupil Appraisal Services) effective the 1993-94 school year only, on a temporary basis to fill a vacant Psychologist position.
Adult Education: Patricia A. Kemp, Parttime (5 hours per day) Project Independence (Adult Education) Paraprofessional, effective July 1, 1993, through June 30, 1994.
Franklinton Primary School: Barbara Epps, PreSchool Special Education Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only (TTA).
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Primary School: Misty Graves, Pre-School Special Education Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton Primary School: Melissa Moses, Pre-School Special Education Teacher, effective the 1993-94 school year only (TTA).
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Angela Whitfield, Special Education Teacher, Mt. Hermon School, to Counselor, Mt. Hermon School, effective the 1993-94 school year only (TTA).
FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman, and Elaine Whaley. AGAINST: None. ABSTENTION: Richard N. Thomas. Motion carried.
It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the Board waive the filing deadline and grant Sabbatical Leave for Professional Improvement for the 1993-94 school year to Charlotte Harris, Special Education Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board accept the recommendation of the high school principals and name the following individuals to serve on the Sex Education Advisory Council: Jerry Barlow, Cindy Branch, Nakisha Brumfield, Dorothy Cornist, Wesley Ray Cyprian, Dennie Fowler, Barbara Harris, Jerry Kennedy, Jean Knight, Renea Ladner, Helen Magee, Larry Miller, David Moore, Rosalie Moses, Clemille Peters, Melodysee Peters, Gene Richards, Emma Ross, Pat Slaven, Orlando Smith, Phillip Smith, Fred Spears, Chris Thomas, and Dale Varnado. Motion carried unanimously. Dr. Schilling reported that the initial meeting of the committee will be held August 5, 1993, at 6:30 P.M., in the Chapter I Auditorium. The sex education unit of study was successfully piloted at Mt. Hermon School last year (1992-93). The Board indicated to the central office the desire to have the program extended throughout the parish. The council will work toward submitting a proposal to the Board in order for the unit of study to be initiated in all high schools sometime during the Fall semester.
In order to meet the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as it relates to dyslexia and related disorders, Dr. Guy Schilling recommended the employment of three (3) additional teachers for the Project READ program, an alternative reading program for those students determined to be in need and who are not succeeding in basal reading program. Project READ meets all State and Federal guidelines. These teachers would be placed at Varnado Elementary School/Wesley Ray Elementary School, Pine/Thomas Schools, and Mt. Hermon/Enon Elementary Schools and would serve the 98 students identified thus far. According to Dr. Schilling, an appropriate educational program for these students cannot be achieved with existing faculties. It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Bob Bateman, that the Board employ three (3) additional teachers for the Project READ program. FOR: Bob Bateman and Richard N. Thomas. AGAINST: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, and Elaine Whaley. Motion failed.
It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board allow Barbara Chitwood to address the Board regarding Project READ. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Chitwood stated she has a dyslexic child and cannot understand why Dr. Schilling's request was turned down.
AGENDA ITEM 14 - REPORT FROM BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE
John Dawsey, Chairman, Finance Committee, offered a motion to adjust Superintendent Earle Brown's base salary to $58,272.00, as recommended by the Finance Committee. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Bob Bateman, and Elaine Whaley. AGAINST: Susanne Jones and Richard N. Thomas. Motion carried.
Agenda Item 15 - Superintendent's Report
A. At the request of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board authorize Emma Ross, Acting Principal, Varnado High School, to withdraw funds held by Fiscal Agent in the name of Varnado High School, and that this authorization supersede prior authorizations granting withdrawal privileges. Motion carried unanimously.
B. Upon the recommendation of the Student Insurance Selection Committee and Superintendent Brown, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by B. H. Barker, that student insurance for the 1993-94 school year be placed with United Insurance Companies, Inc. - Student Insurance Division, Dallas, Texas. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Superintendent Brown reported on the new roof for Franklinton Elementary School. At the July 7, 1993, special board meeting, the Board authorized Superintendent Brown to receive quotations for a new built-up roof for Franklinton Elementary School. Superintendent Brown reported one (1) quotation was received, and it was from IBOS Roofing Co., Inc., Covington, LA, in the amount or $31,240-00. The quotation was reviewed by Sam Fauntleroy, Architect, and found to be reasonable. Therefore, the quotation was accepted and the contract signed. Work will begin August 2, 1993, and will be completed in twenty (20) calendar days. It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board sanction Superintendent Brown's action/signing of contract. Motion carried unanimously.
D. Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board authorize advertisement for six (6) elementary school Guidance Counselors to serve Enon Elementary (1/2 time), Franklinton Primary (1/2 time), Franklinton Jr. High (full-time), Pine (1/2 time), Thomas (full-time), Varnado Elementary (1/2 time), Wesley Ray (1/2 time), and Angie (full-time). Motion carried unanimously. Applications will be accepted beginning July 30, 1993, and ending at 4:00 P.M., on August 13, 1993. An official notice will be placed in the Era-Leader on August 4, 1993, and August 11, 1993, and notices will be sent to all schools, along with a request that principals make every effort to notify their faculties of these vacancies. The intent is to have recommendations to present to the Board at the August 26, 1993, board meeting.
E. At the request of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of a replacement car for the Superintendent (either a Standard Chevrolet or Ford). Motion carried unanimously. Bids will be accepted until 6:30 P.M., August 26, 1993, at which time they will be opened and considered during the regular board meeting.
F. Superintendent Brown reported that Kandiest Nicole Martin, recent graduate of Mt. Hermon School, won the title of National Oratory Champion at the 13th annual National Beta Club Convention held in Charlotte, N.C., June 16-19, 1993. Ms. Martin won the state title in December. After winning the national award, she addressed the National Beta Assembly of more than 2,000 delegates in attendance. On behalf of the Board, a letter of congratulations will be sent to Ms. Martin.
Agenda Item 16 - Other business from Board Members
Regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Project READ Program not be implemented at this point until the Board can get further clarification and better organization of the structure of the program. Mr. Barker withdrew his motion in order to allow Mrs. Melanie Kennedy to address the Board. It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board allow Melanie Kennedy, Ella Rose Bickham, and Nancy Cox to address the Board. Motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. Kennedy expressed concern that she had not had opportunity to address the Board and help the Board become knowledgeable of the Project READ program. She said she had informally requested a presentation to the Board, but her request was denied. Mr. Barker responded that he did not think the Board had ever denied her the right to appear before the Board. Mrs. Kennedy stated she needed at least two (2) hours to inservice the Board on Project READ, then she requested that she be allowed to do so prior to a decision being made by the Board.
Mrs. Nancy Cox and Mrs. Ella Rose Bickham, both, spoke in support of Project READ and requested that the program not be put on hold.
Mrs. Kennedy informed the Board that two weeks of training teachers in Project READ was scheduled to begin Monday, August 2, 1993. After much discussion, including a withdrawn motion by Jimmie Corkern to set a time for a presentation
by Mrs. Kennedy, the Board's concerns regarding organizational structure, the uncertainty of number of students to be served, hiring of additional teachers without knowing the number of students, funding, has Project READ would work
with the Chapter I program, and the request that Superintendent Brown, T. J. Butler, Jr., Director, Chapter I, and Melanie Kennedy work together on these matters, Superintendent Brown recommended that the two-week Project READ training go on, as scheduled, with the Chapter I teachers being trained, also, by Mrs. Kennedy, at a later date.
It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board accept Superintendent Brown's recommendation and proceed with Project READ training, as In response to Mrs. Kennedy's request, the Board set August 23, 1993, at 6:30 P.M., for a committee meeting, which will be an in-service on Project READ conducted by Melanie Kennedy.
On motion by Harold Smith, seconded by B. H. Barker, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
BOB D. BATEMAN, PRESIDENT
EARLE R. BROWN, SECRETARY