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, Susanne Jones, Richard N. Thomas, and Elaine Whaley. Absent: Bringier H. Barker. 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 Susanne Jones, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the minutes of the September 8, 1993, special board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board adopt the minutes of the September 9, 1993, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the September 13, 1993, special board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 11 -Consider granting an additional 1% salary increase for instructional and non-instructional employees effective the 1993-94 school year
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board grant an additional 1% salary increase for instructional and non-instructional employees effective the 1993-94 school year. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #2 -Presentations by Leland Lee, Chairman, United School Employees of Washington Parish; Fred Skelton, President, Louisiana Federation of Teachers; and Joseph P. Hollard, President, Trades and Crafts Union of America
Mr. Lee reviewed the USEWP's three-part proposal, as follows:
1. To accept the 8% permanent across-the-board raise retroactive to the beginning of the 1993-94 school year
2. To secure the Washington Parish School Board's permission to conduct an election for collective bargaining of all non-administrative school employees
3. To protect our right to petition, to assemble, and to free speech that is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Mr. Lee stated the 8% raise, alone, is unacceptable. It must be accompanied by the other two provisions.
Both Mr. Skelton and Mr. Hollard asked the Board to support Mr. Lee's request for collective bargaining.
It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board reject collective bargaining in the Washington Parish School System. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 13 - Consider proposals/recommendations presented by John Norris, Insurance Consultant
Following Mr. Norris' presentation, it was moved by Bob Bateman, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adopt the following insurance coverage through United Community Insurance Co. effective October 1, 1993:
(Note: Received no quotes except from existing company, United Community Ins. Co.)
A. Property Insurance - Annual Premium: $81,067 (Note: Board chose not to add $50,000 Extra Expense coverage that was recommended by Mr. Norris.)
B. Commercial General Liability - Annual Premium: $30,824
C. Automobile Fleet Policy - Annual Premium: $83,304
D. Umbrella Excess Liability - Annual Premium: $16,259
E. Blanket Fidelity under various policies ($100,000 Blanket with. $1,000 Deductible) - Annual Premium: $1,300
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #4 -Consider request for change of Policy -- Agenda Preparation and Dissemination - submitted by Washington Parish Association of Educators
Attorney Kuhn stated that on September 9, 1993, a lawsuit was filed against the Washington Parish School Board in the matter of Ricky Payne, Linda Magee, and Michelle Thomas versus Washington Parish School Board, No. 70,615, in the 22nd. Judicial District Court. The allegations contained in the Petition involve matters that are related to Item #4 on this meeting's agenda. A hearing on this matter has been scheduled for October 7, 1993. As the Board's legal counsel, Mr. Kuhn advised the Board that it should not discuss this matter due to litigation pending and the Board should not take any action until the litigation is completed. He advised the Board to table the matter until litigation is finalized.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by John Dawsey, that this matter be tabled until litigation is finalized. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider adoption of Sex Education Unit of Study for the parish school system
Following a brief review of the unit of study by Dr. Guy Schilling, Assistant Superintendent, including a few modifications approved by the Washington Parish Sex Education Advisory Council, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the Sex Education Unit of Study, with modifications, as presented by the Washington Parish Sex Education Advisory Council. Motion carried unanimously. Dr. Schilling stated this unit of study will be implemented before the end of the current semester. At the request of President Bateman, Dr. Schilling will send letters of appreciation to the advisory council members.
Agenda Item #6 - Review and consider agreement between the Washington Parish School Board and Fauntleroy and Latham, Inc., Architects
Following comments by Attorney Kuhn regarding his review of the proposed contract, it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board enter into agreement with Fauntleroy and Latham, Inc., Architects, for the new consolidated school in Consolidated School District No. 3. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, Susanne Jones, and Bob Bateman. AGAINST: Richard N. Thomas and Elaine Whaley. ABSENT: B. H. Barker. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider proposal for monitoring fire alarm system
Superintendent Brown informed the Board that consideration of this item is necessary because of changes in the Fire Marshal requirements concerning the type of equipment used to contact emergency personnel in the event of a fire. Under previous additions of the Life Safety Code, the automatic dialer with a taped message was permissible. This is no longer acceptable. A digitally activated signal is now being used by all newly-installed fire alarm systems as a source of notification.
Mr. Sam Fauntleroy has secured a proposal from Sentinel Electronic Security, Folsom, LA, for digitally monitoring the fire alarm systems being installed in the schools in Washington Parish. Sentinel will monitor the phone systems, on a 24-hour basis, for $ 17.55 per month per school, and will program units, if needed, and repair existing systems at cost of any materials and an hourly rate of $45.00.
It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board authorize Superintendent Brown to negotiate a contract with Sentinel Electronic Security, or another firm, if a lower proposal can be obtained, on a 1-year basis, for digitally monitoring the school system's fire alarm systems. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider approval of contracts for the JTPA Drop-Out Prevention Program
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board approve the following contracts for the JTPA Drop-Out Prevention Program:
(1) Bobby Pierce, Coordinator of Program - effective the 1993-94 school session -$2,880.0030
(2) Frank Green, Instructor, effective the 1993-94 school session - $13,000
(3) Glory Davis, Instructor, effective the 1993-94 school session - $28,000
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider support/distribution of a proclamation declaring October 3-9, 1993, as Louisiana Educational Assessment Teachers Week
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the Board declare October 3-9, 1993, as Louisiana Educational Assessment Teachers Week. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Personnel Adjustments
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve the following Personnel Adjustments as presented by Dr. Guy V. Schilling, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUST14ENTS
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Barbara Kerbow, Special Education Teacher, Mt. Hermon School (TTA), to Special Education Teacher, Mt. Hermon School (Circular #665), effective the remainder of the 1993-94 school year only.
Diane Corkern, Full-time Clerk/Technician, Franklinton High School Cafeteria, to Half-time Clerk, Franklinton High School Cafeteria, effective September 20, 1993.
Debra Norman, Half-time Technician, Franklinton High School Cafeteria, to Full-time Technician, Franklinton High School Cafeteria, effective September 24, 1993.
Kaye Spencer, Guidance Counselor, Franklinton High School (TTA), to Guidance Counselor, Franklinton High School (now certified).
Linda Sandifer, Special Education Teacher, Franklinton Jr. High School (TTA), to Special Education Teacher, Franklinton Jr. High School (now certified).
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Varnado School District: Lear Owens, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective October 1, 1993.
EMPLOY:
Enon Elementary School: Gretchen Witkowski, Chapter I Tutor, effective September 24, 1993.
Mt. Hermon School: Chance Smith, Cafeteria Porter, effective September 27, 1993.
Pine School: Darlene Nichols, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective September 24, 1993, and for the remainder of the 1993-94 school year only.
Parishwide: William Bell, Teacher for Academically Gifted, effective September 24, 1993, and for the remainder of the 1993-94 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton Elementary School: Gladys Magee, Chapter I Teacher, effective August 16, 1993, and for the Fall semester only of the 1993-94 school year (fill-in for Neva Crain who is on sabbatical leave).
Varnado School District: Patsy Owens, Bus Operator, effective October 4, 1993 (replacing Lear Owens who is retiring).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Karen Permenter, Regular Teacher, effective September 24, 1993, and for the remainder of the 1993-94 school year only (fill-in for Marie Wascom who is on sabbatical leave) Pending Louisiana certification.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Jill Jenkins, Special Education Teacher, effective September 24, 1993, and for the remainder of the 1993-94 school year only (Circular #665).
Motion carried unanimously.
Dr. Schilling announced that Outstanding Teachers for the 1993-94 school year have been selected, as follows: Jerry Wascom, Mt. Hermon School - Outstanding High School Teacher; Linda Fortenberry, Mt. Hermon School -Outstanding Junior High School Teacher; and Mary Henderson, Franklinton Elementary School - Outstanding Elementary School Teacher.
Agenda Item #11 - Superintendent's Report
At the request of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the following item be added to the agenda for consideration: Authorize advertisement for bids for compliance with State of Louisiana, Department of Natural Resources, Pipeline Safety Davision, Regulation 9, External Corrosion Control, Cathodic Protection. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for compliance with State of Louisiana, Department of Natural Resources, Pipeline Safety Division, Regulation 9, External Corrosion Control, Cathodic Protection. Motion carried unanimously. Bids will be accepted until 6:30 P.M., October 28, 1993, at which time they will be opened and considered during the regularly scheduled board meeting.
Agenda Item #12 - Other business from board members
President Bateman stated he would like to have an item added to the agenda relative to Drivers Education, at the request of Anthony Triola. It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Harold Smith, that this item be added to the agenda. Motion carried unanimously,.
Mr. Triola stated that, in reviewing costs of drivers education for the past year, the Board has had to come up with slightly over $3,000 to cover the cost of the program (including $300.00 per month to lease a car). He asked that the Board approve raising the drivers education course fee from $80.00 per student to $120.00 per student. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board raise the drivers education course fee from $80.00 to $120.00 per student. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, Susanne Jones, and Bob Bateman. AGAINST: Elaine Whaley. ABSTAINING: Richard N. Thomas. ABSENT: B. H. Barker. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #13 - Executive Session concerning pending litigation
It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board enter into Executive Session to discuss matters of litigation concerning Ricky Payne, et al, versus Washington Parish School Board, No. 70615, and 0. Glenn Daughtrey versus Washington Parish School Board, No. 70,471. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board go out of Executive Session. Motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business, on motion by Harold Smith, seconded by John Dawsey, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
BOB D. BATEMAN, PRESIDENT
EARLE R. BROWN, SECRETARY