Franklinton, Louisiana

September 9, 1993

6:30 P.M.

 

The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on theabove date with the following members present: President Bob D. Bateman, Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Jr., Harold Smith, Susanne Jones, Bringier H.Barker, Richard N.Thomas, and Elaine Whaley.            Absent: None.

The meet­ing was called to order by President Bateman.    Invocation was given by  John Dawsey. President Bateman welcomed the news media, School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn, and guests.

 

It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the minutes of the August 26, 1993, board meeting as sub­mitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item 11 - Presentation by Mr. Lee Alford, Vice-Presi dent and General Manager, Cavenham Forest Industries Division

 

Following some introductory comments by Superintendent Brown regarding a consolidated high school on the eastern side of the parish (Thomas, Pine, Angie, and Varnado) and a location for the school, Adren Raybourn, Director  of Finance, reported to the Board on the financial aspects of a new school.

 

A total principle indebtedness of $5,280,000 anticipated. The maximum debt allowance at the present time, based on 1992 values of assessed property in the Thomas District, Pine District, Angie District, and Varnado District, is $6,289,200. This amount is 50% of the total assessed value of $12,578,400. Plans call for a 20-year pay-out and an assumed interest rate of 6%. Slightly over 75 mills will be required to service the bonding indebtedness.

 

Mr. Lee Alford was introduced by School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn. The subject of Mr. Alford's presentation was Cavenham Forest Industries Division's donation of approximately fifty (50) acres of land for a new con­solidated school location, subject to terms and conditions outlined in the following Memorandum of Understanding:

 

PROPOSAL TO THE WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

 

WHEREAS the Washington Parish School Board has been studying the consolidation of the Pine and Varnado High Schools; and

 

WHEREAS the Washington Parish School Board has requested Cavenham Forest Industries Division of Hanson Natural Resources Company to donate approximately fifty acres for a new consolidated school location; and

 

WHEREAS Cavenham would pay approximately 20 percent of the taxes in the new district; and

 

WHEREAS the voters of the new district will have to pass a bond issue to accomplish the proposed consolidation; and

 

WHEREAS Cavenham. believes that the new school facility with combined enrollment can offer an enhanced learning environment through more modern laboratory facilities, comprehensive library and adult education; and

 

WHEREAS Cavenham recognizes that in addition to the facility that six principles are necessary for a successful and progressive educational environment:

 

(1)        An innovative and progressive principal

(2)        The principal is granted significant influence in personnel matters.

(3)        The school has 1- -1, -4 mission statements.

(4)        That all parties hold high expectations of the school, staff,student body, and individual students.

(5)        That teachers are expected to have a high time-on-task ratio.

(6)        That a high degree of parental involvement be cultivated.

 

NOW THEREFORE if the Washington Parish School Board pursues this project and the affected residents vote for it, Cavenham. Forest Industries Division, Hanson Natural Resources Company wishes to state its position supporting the consolidation under the following terms and conditions:

 

(1)        The Washington Parish School Board create a strong mission and goals statement for the new school prior -Lo November 1, 1993 and further that they embody the above principles.

 

(2)        The Washington Parish School Board utilize a policy of principal selection utilizing non-parish residents that are experts in education as a multi-racial selection committee, and further that this committee be furnished with this agreement and related mission and goal statements.

 

(3)        The Washington Parish School Board delegate, within the requirements of law and existing policy, to the selected principal personnel matters.

 

(4)        That the new school faculty be required to set time-on-task goals and follow-up that are reported to the Board on a periodic basis.

 

(5)        That the Washington Parish School Board aggresively promote and achieve parental involvement at the new facility.

 

(6)       That the following specific goals be set:

 

            (a)      That the attendance average of 97.40 percent (90-91 and 91-92)

                      for the Pine and Varnado High Schools be improved to 98.40 per­

                      cent by the third academic year of the new school's program.

-is

            (b)      That the average ACT composite score of 17.1 (90-91 and 91-92)

                      be improved to at least half-way (18.2) toward the state average

                      19.4 by the third year of the new school's program while main­

                      taining the same percentage of students who took the test during

                      90-91 and 91-92.

 

(c)        That the percentage of poor grades (D/F) during the base period of 1987-92 be reduced by the third year of the new school program consistent with the following stated goals, while letting the drop rate remain similar to the 1987-1992 percent.

 

                                                                    PERCENTAGES OF POOR

                                                                    GRADES (1987-1992)                 GOAL

 

English 1                                                                       41                               23

English 11                                                                     47                               24

English 111                                                                   40                               22

Consumer Math                                                             51                               27

Algebra 1                                                                       64                               34

Geometry                                                                      50                               25

General Science                                                            42                               21

Physical Science                                                           39                               21

Biology 1                                                                       49                               25

World Geography                                                           32                               20

Civics                                                                            36                               20

American History                                                           46                               25

 

(7)        Cavenham will contribute to a trust the deed to approximately 50 acres of land located in Sections 31 and/or 32, Township I South, Range 13 East and/or Sections 5 and/or 6, Township 2 South, Range 13 East, Washington Parish, Louisiana, the specific boundaries to be mutually agreed to by Cavenham and the Washington Parish School Board. In addition, the School Board will contribute to the trust a $ dollar amount equal to the fair market appraisal of the 50 acres. This value would be determined by each party having their own appraisal prepared by a qualified appraiser. If the appraisals are within 10% of each other, then the fair market value would be established by averaging the appraisals. If the difference is more than 10 percent, a third qualified appraiser will De engaged, and tile two highest will De averaged. Notwithstanding anything contained to the contrary herein, Cavenham and the Washington Parish School Board agree that title to the land will transfer to the Washington Parish School Board in such a manner as to be in compliance with Louisiana Law and in satisfaction of any requirements of the bond issue for the proposed Consolidated School District #3.

 

(8)        Cavenham shall use any earnings from the trust to administer a program of teacher grants at the Varnado and Pine High Schools and then at the new consolidated school until the results of paragraph 10 are determined

 

(9)        Cavenham, in order to enhance the probability of achieving the above goals, will administer a five year program of teacher grants. These grants will be focused upon the affected school districts and upon teacher projects that will help achieve the stated goals. The amount will be five thousand dollars ($5,000) per year and begin immediately after the project is approved by the voters.

 

(10)      After the third year of the new school's program, if nine(the ACT goal plus eight others) of the fourteen goals set   in paragraph 6 are fully met and substantial progress has been made on all of the others, then the trust funds and deed will be distributed to the School Board. If less than nine of the fourteen goals are achieved, then the funds will be distributed to Cavenham, and the deed distributed to the School Board.

 

Agreed to this 9th day of September 1993.

Washington Parish School Board                                                        Cavenham Forest Industries Division

                                                                                                        Hanson Natural Resources

 

Following Mr. Alford's presentation, it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board accept Mr. Alford's proposal. FOR: John Dawsey, Jimmie Corkern, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, and Bob Bateman. AGAINST: Elaine Whaley and Richard N. Thomas. Motion carried.

 

Agenda Item #2 -Consideration of an Ordinance providing for the creation of Consolidated School District No. 3 of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana, describing and defining the boundaries thereof and repealing all ordinances in conflict therewith

 

Following review by Mr. David Wolf of the law firm of Foley & Judell, the following ordinance was offered by B. H. Barker and was seconded by Harold Smith: SEE ATTACHED. FOR: Harold Smith, Jimmie Corkern, Elaine Whaley, John Dawsey, Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman, and B. H. Barker. AGAINST: Richard N. Thomas. Ordinance declared adopted.

 

Agenda Item 13 -Consideration of a Resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in Consolidated School District No. 3 and School District No. 2 of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana, to authorize the incurring of debt and issuance of bonds for Consolidated School District No. 3 and the levy of a special tax in School District No. 2, making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith and providing for other matters in connection therewith

 

Following review by Mr. David Wolf, the following Resolution was offered by John Dawsey and seconded by Susanne Jones: SEE ATTACHED. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, and Bob Bateman. AGAINST: Richard N. Thomas. ABSTAINING: Elaine Whaley. Resolution declared adopted.

 

Agenda Item 14 -Leland Lee, Chairman, United School Employees of Washington Parish

 

Deleted at Mr. Lee's request

 

Agenda Item 15 - Personnel Adjustments

 

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve the following Personnel Adjustments as presented by Dr. Guy V. Schilling, Assistant Superintendent:

 

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

 

TRANSFER:

 

Becky Lee, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School, for the Fall semester of the 1993-94 school year (fill-in for Patty Sumrall who is on sabbatical leave), to Regular Teacher, Wesley Ray Elem-, entary School, effective September 13, 1993.

 

Cassandra Lewis,Regular Teacher, Franklinton Jr. High School (1-year fill-in), to Chapter I Teacher, Pine School, effective September 13, 1993, and for the remainder of the 1993-94 school year only.

 

Rebecca Mizell,Chapter I Teacher, Enon Elementary School, to Kindergarten Teacher, Enon Elementary School, effective September 13, 1993.

 

EMPLOY:

 

Angie Jr. High School:    LaFlorn Martin, Special Education Teacher, effective September 13, 1993 (replacing Marion Pierce who will be moved to Counselor at Angie Jr. High School) - Emergency Teaching Permit.

 

Franklinton Elementary School:      Robin Drago, Regular Teacher, effective September 13, 1993, and for the remainder of the Fall semester only of the 1993-94 school year (fill-in for Patty Sumrall who is on sabbatical leave) - Circular #665.

 

Franklinton Elementary School:      Etta Magee, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective September 10, 1993, and for the remainder of the Fall semester only of the 1993-94 school year (fill-in for Sherri Thommasen who is on leave).

 

Enon Elementary School:       Elizabeth Henley, Chapter I Math Teacher, effective September 13, 1993, and for the remainder of the 1993-94 school year only (Circular #665).

 

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

 

Garrick F. Slade, Special Education Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School (TTA), to Special Education Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School (Now Certified).

 

FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, and Bob Bateman. AGAINST: Richard N. Thomas and Elaine Whaley. Motion carried.

 

Upon the request of Mrs. Jackie Smith, Food Service Supervisor, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board authorize advertisement for one (1) fulltime Food Service Porter position at Mt., Hermon School. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman, and Elaine Whaley. AGAINST: None. ABSTAINING: Richard N. Thomas. Motion carried.

 

Agenda Item #6 - Superintendent's Report

 

1.         At the request of Dr. Pamela Williford, Special Education Supervisor, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt a Special Education IDEA 1993-94 Budget Revision. Notion carried unanimously.

 

2.         At the request of Dr. Williford, it was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board adopt a Special Education Pre-School 1993-94 Budget Revision. Motion carried unanimously.

 

3.         At the recommendation of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board employ the architectural firm of Fauntleroy & Latham, Inc., Covington, Louisiana, for the new consolidated school, and authorize Superintendent Brown to work with the firm on a proposed contract to be brought before the Board for approval. Motion carried unanimously.

 

4.         Superintendent Brown announced the Board will meet as a committee-of-the-whole on Monday, September 13, 1993, at 6:00 P.M., to review the Tentative General Fund Budget for the 1993-94 fiscal year. The Board will meet in special session on Monday, September 13, 1993, at 7:30 P.M., to consider adoption of the Tentative General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 1993-94.

 

President Bateman read a request to address the Board from Jean Knight on the subject of Social Studies Exit scores at Pine School. It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board allow Ms. Knight to address the Board. Motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Knight, a teacher at Pine School, stated she had a chance to briefly review the Cavenham proposal, and she didn't see the Exit scores in the statistics, just the figures showing failure rates. She wanted to know the source of the statistics. Dr. Schilling replied that the statistics were gathered from register sheets at Pine High School and Varnado High School (combined statistics).

 

Agenda Item 17 - Other business from board members

 

1.         It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board rescind the clear book bags, only, policy. Motion carried unanimously.

 

2.         Mr. Barker asked Anthony Triola to expedite a meeting of the newlyformed task force with Attorney Kuhn to work on measures to be undertaken to ensure a safe environment for students.

 

On motion by Harold Smith, seconded by John Dawsey, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.

 

BOB D. BATEMAN, PRESIDENT

 

EARLE R. BROWN, SECRETARY

 

NOTE:

Immediately prior to the board meeting, a Public Hearing on the Tentative General Fund Budget for the 1993-94 fiscal year was held.

 

The following ordinance was offered by Mr. B. H. Barker and was seconded by Mr. Harold Smith:

 

ORDINANCE

 

An ordinance providing for the creation of Consolidated School District No. 3 of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana, describing and defining the boundaries thereof and repealing all ordinances in conflict therewith.

 

BE IT ORDAINED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana (excluding Ward 4), for school purposes, that:

 

SECTION 1. Creation. Acting under and by virtue of the authority vested in this Parish School Board by the Constitution and Laws of this State, and particularly R. S. 17:1371(A)(2), a consolidated school district is hereby created in the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana, which said consolidated school district shall include and embrace all of the following four (4) existing school districts as said school districts are presently constituted and as outlined on the map attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

(i)         all of Angie School District of Washington Parish, Louisiana,

(ii)         all of Pine School District of Washington Parish, Louisiana,

(iii)        all of Thomas School District of Washington Parish, Louisiana, and

(iv)        all of Varnado School District of Washington Parish, Louisiana.

 

The boundaries of the underlying school districts listed as (i) through (iv) above, as shown on the attached Exhibit A, are hereby ratified and confirmed.

 

SECTION 2. Name. The said consolidated school district shall be known and is hereby designated as "Consolidated School District No. 3 of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana" and as such shall have all the powers and exercise all the rights, privileges and authority granted by the Constitution and Laws of this State to school districts, including the right to incur debt and issue bonds and the right to levy taxes.

 

SECTION 3. Publication. This ordinance shall be duly published in the official journal of this Parish School Board as provided by law.

 

SEC71ON 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its adoption.

 

SEASON 5. Repealer. That all ordinances or resolutions, or parts thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

 

This ordinance having been submitted in writing, having been read at a public meeting of said Parish school Board, was then submitted to an official vote as a whole, the vote thereon was as follows:

 

YEAS:     Harold Smith, Jimmie W. Corkern, Elaine W. Whaley, John Dawsey, Jr., Susanne Jones, Bob D. Bateman and B. H. Barker.

NAYS:     Richard "Ned" Thomas.

ABSENT:None.

 

ABSTAINING:None.

 

And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 9th day of September, 1993.

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Secretary                                                                                                      President