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 Rev. Gene Richards. 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 September 23, 1993, board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #1 - Presentation by Bob Nowlin, Agency Director, State Farm Insurance
Mr. Nowlin presented the State Farm Good Neighbor Award for 1993 to Mrs. Martha Sumrall, Teacher for Academically Gifted, Franklinton Jr. High School. The Good Neighbor Award is given in national recognition of select members of the teaching profession who personify the "Good Neighbor" philosophy through their innovation, involvement, dedication, and leadership in the field of education. As part of this award, State Farm will run national advertising in the following publications during the months of October and November, 1993: U.S. News & World Report, Time, Life, The Atlantic, Smithsonian, Parents, and the Baltimore/Washington edition of the Wall Street Journal. Also, Mr. Nowlin presented Mrs. Sumrall a $5,000.00 contribution to Franklinton Jr. High School in her name.
Agenda Item #2 - Presentation by Murdock Brumfield
Mr. Brumfield voiced opposition to the changing of the Franklinton Jr. High School mascot from Devils to Falcons. Mr. Brumfield asked the Board to take this matter into consideration, as he would like to have the mascot changed back to the Devils. In addition, he requested that any matter concerning a school mascot be brought before the school board and made public.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board take this matter under consideration and give an answer to Mr. Brumfield at the October 28, 1993, board meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #3 - Consider renewal of Policy Updating Service
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board renew Policy Updating Service with forethought-, represented by James Prescott, Jr., for the period November 1, 1993, through October 31, 1994, in the amount of $1,585.00, and authorize Superintendent Brown and President Bateman to enter into agreement for this service. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #4 - Authorize the receiving of quotations for the sale of Official School Board Automobile (1987 Chevrolet Caprice Classic)
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board accept quotations for the sale of a 1987 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, as is, through October 26, 1993, at 4:00 P.M. A minimum bid of $1,500.00 will be required. Quotes will be opened and considered at the October 28, 1993, board meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Envelopes must contain a check for the full amount of the quote, along with the name, address, and phone number of person submitting quote.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider approval of agreements with various contractors who perform services for the Special Education Department
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve entering into the following agreements:
1. Agreement with Meshell Barker for catherization of a student at Franklinton Elementary School - $4.75 per hour - maximum of $900.00 Contract period: 8/1/93 - 7/1/94
2. Agreement with Washington Parish Health Unit for various services Contract period: Effective 8/17/93 - In effect until modified by mutual agreement.
3. Agreement with Dr. Richard 0. Bessent and Dr. Stephen R. Meyer, licensed Ophthalmologists - to provide ophthalmological exams @ $50.00 per exam and report -Contract period: 8/1/93 - 7/1/94
4. Agreement with Dr. George Ellis, licensed Pediatric Ophthalmologist to provide pediatric ophthalmologist exams @ $75.00 per exam and report - Contract period: 8/1/93 - 7/1/94
5. Agreement with B & B Rehabilitation Services, Inc., represented by M. A. Belcher, Registered Physical Therapist - to provide and deliver physical therapy evaluations and/or services to students referred by the Special Education Department - $35.00 per student visit - Contract period: 8/1/93 - 7/1/94
6. Agreement with Ed Desporte, licensed Audiologist - to provide audiological exams and Impedance measurements to students - $40.00 per audiological exam - $27-00 per case for students requiring an Impedance measurement - Contract period: 8/1/93 -7/1/94
7. Agreement with Dr. James L. Bradford, licensed Otolaryngologist - to provide otolaryngological exams and physical medical exams to specified students -$35.00 per case requiring medical exam - $35.00 per case requiring an Otolaryngologist exam only - Contract period: 8/1/93 7/1/94
8. Agreement with Margarita Cretini - Special Education School Nurse - Work for approximately 8 days per month at $100.00 per day - for the period 10/15/93 -6/30/94 - to be paid from Preschool funds and not to exceed 90 days; Work 5 days per month at $100.00 per day - for the period 10/15/93 - 6/30/94 - to be paid from IDEA funds and not to exceed 36 days.
Motion carried unanimously.
President Bateman stated that agenda items 6 & 7 were proposals to consider ratification of actions of the Board from two previous meetings. "There have been discussions and perceptions that the motions passed by the Board may have been contrary to the Louisiana Open Meetings Law. These items have been placed on the agenda. Public notice has been given that these matters will be brought before the Board tonight to consider either ratifying or rescinding the action taken by the Board in order to eliminate any suggestions that the Board is not in compliance with the Open Meetings Law."
Agenda Item #6 - Consider the ratification of the action taken at the school board meeting on July 29, 1993, wherein Superintendent Earle Brown's base salary was adjusted to $58,272.00
It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board ratify the action taken by the school board in the meeting of July 29, 1993, wherein Superintendent Earle Brown's base salary was adjusted to $58,272.00, from $54,072-00, a raise of $4,200.00 for his yearly contract. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, Bob D. Bateman, and Elaine Whaley. AGAINST: Richard N. Thomas. Motion carried. Mrs. Jones stated her vote was still "No" against the raise, even though she voted in favor of ratification.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider the ratification of the action taken at the school board meeting on August 12, 1993, wherein all 11-month principals were placed on 12-months employment and a revised salary schedule for principals was adopted
President Bateman asked Superintendent Brown to review the information presented at the August 12, 1993, board meeting. Superintendent Brown stated that ratification is being considered for the recommendation that the eight (8) 11-month principals be placed on a 12-month basis, with an additional month's salary added- In addition, a new salary schedule was devised that included the pro rata amount that they get from the State; the parish supplement that was added, which was in the old formula, and the new items in the new formula, which included factors for type of school (ranged from 3% to 6%); number of students enrolled in the school (ranged from 3% to 6%); activities (football, basketball, baseball, softball and band - $100.00/year per activity for elementary and junior high activities and $125.00/year per activity for high school activities); and longevity ($50.00 per year for every year served in capacity of principal). PIPS compensation, if applicable, was added to this amount to derive the total projected compensation. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board ratify the action taken at the school board meeting on August 12, 1993, wherein all 11-month principals were placed on 12-month employment and a revised salary schedule for principals was adopted, and that the attached salary schedule for principals become a part of the official minutes. Motion carried unanimously. See Attachment #1.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider the revision of the school board's policy on agenda preparation and dissemination
Following a review of the proposed policy by Attorney Wayne Kuhn at President Bateman's request, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board adopt the following revised policy for agenda preparation and dissemination:
AGENDA PREPARATION AND DISSEMINATION
The Board President shall direct the Superintendent to prepare, or cause to be prepared, an agenda for all regular Board meetings. Items of business may be suggested by Board members, administrative staff, employees, school patrons, or lay citizens of the school district for inclusion on the agenda. A request to be considered for a place on the agenda by any group or individual other than a Board member shall be filed in writing with the Superintendent at least five (5) working days prior to the next Board meeting. Any material to be used must be submitted at the time of request. Citizens of the school system shall be given special consideration for addressing the Board.
The Board shall give written public notice of its regular meetings at the beginning of each calendar year. Such notice shall include the dates, times and place of such meetings.
The Board shall give written public notice of any regular, special, or rescheduled meeting no later than twenty-four hours before the meeting. Such notice shall include the agenda, date, time, and place of the meeting.
Following the above information, there shall, also, be attached to the written public notice of the meeting, whether or not such matters will be discussed in an executive session held pursuant to R.S. 42:6.1(A)(2), and, if so: (1) A statement identifying the court, case number, and the parties relative to any pending litigation to be considered at the meeting; (2) A statement identifying the parties involved and reasonably identifying the subject matter of any prospective litigation for which formal written demand has been made that is to be considered at the meeting.
In cases of extraordinary emergency, such notice shall not be required; however, the Board shall give such notice of the meeting as it deems appropriate and circumstances permit.
Written public notice given shall include, but need not be limited to: (a) Posting a copy of the notice at the principal office of the Board or by publication of the notice in an official journal of the public body no less than twenty-four hours before the meeting; (b) Mailing a copy of the notice to any member of the news media who requests notice of such meetings. Any such member of the news media shall be given notice of all meetings in the same manner as is given to members of the Board.
Items of business not on the agenda may not be suggested from the floor for discussion except by approval of three-fourths of the Board present unless requested by the Board's legal advisors.
The order of business shall be as established by Board practice.
All Board meeting materials and supporting data shall be disseminated to the members of the Board so that they are received no later than 24 hours prior to any Board meeting, whenever possible.
Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Kuhn pointed out that the only change from existing policy is the addition of statements concerning executive sessions. Mr. Kuhn, also, pointed out that this revised policy contains wording straight from statutory law.
Agenda Item #9 - 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:
PERS0NNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Jr. High School: Peggy Turnage, One-half Time School Lunch Technician, Resignation effective September 29, 1993.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Brown requested the Board's permission to add the following item to the agenda: Report from Franklinton High school on schoolwide social studies project and consideration of request to administer semester exams prior to the dismissal for the Christmas holidays. It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the above item be added to the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Michael Henley, Principal, Franklinton High School, briefly reviewed the proposed project which is part of FHS's "High Schools That Work"/Tech Prep initiatives. The purpose of the project proposed by the social studies department is to promote common theme teaching and vocational-academic intergration. The schoolwide study will center on the decade of the 1940's. It is being recommended that the study be conducted during the 9-day period when students return from the Christmas holidays and the end of the first semester. The grades students earn on this project will be calculated as part of the third six-weeks grade. Franklinton High School is asking permission from the Board to administer semester exams prior to the dismissal for the Christmas holidays. It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the Board approve this social studies project at Franklinton High School on a ]-year trial basis, with approval being granted to adjust the semester exam schedule as requested. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Brown reported that an additional proposal for monitoring fire alarm systems had been obtained. St. Tammany Security Systems submitted a quote of $30.00 per month per school. At the September 23, 1993, board meeting, it was reported that Sentinel Electronic Security had submitted a quote of $17.55 per month per school, and the Board authorized Superintendent Brown to enter into contract with Sentinel Electronic Security or another firm, if a lower proposal could be obtained. Since a lower quote could not be obtained, Superintendent Brown signed a contract with Sentinel Electronic Security for a period of one (1) year.
Superintendent Brown announced that Linda M. Fortenberry, Teacher, Mt. Hermon School, is one of the 24 finalists in the State's search for the 1994 Louisiana Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Fortenberry was earlier chosen Washington Parish's Outstanding Junior High School Teacher for 1993-94.
Superintendent Brown announced that Franklinton Jr. High School has received a grant from the American Honda Foundation in the amount of $59,895.65 which will fund a computer lab that will be the final step in a three-phase career awareness program for grades 5-8. The monies will supply 26 computers, software, and printers to develop a computer-generated, hands-on simulation lab that will provide students with opportunities to explore careers within their pre-determined career paths.
Superintendent Brown made several statements concerning a report compiled by the central office administrative staff -- Project Improvement for Consolidated Pine-Varnado High School -- for Cavenham Forest Industries Division, at Mr. Lee Alford's request, when Cavenham was considering donating land for the new school. In reviewing the statistics and information presented in the report,some inaccuracies were found, which will be corrected in an amended report to Cavenham. In particular, reference to Graduation Exit Exam averages should have indicated "seniors" and not "students" for basis of statistics. Also, in terminology used, it appeared that the word "consistently" and similar words were used when referring to standardized test scores. Impression could have been drawn that Pine High School students were continually scoring lower than others. That is not the case. There were some "up" years and some "down" years. Regarding dropouts, numbers were similar to most other parish schools, sometimes higher, sometimes lower. Superintendent Brown stated he, in the report, was trying to show to Cavenham that environment was important to the achievement of students, to dropout prevention, and to improving standardized test scores. It was not the intent of the report to be derogatory to any teacher or school. Superintendent Brown stated he apologized if that was how the report was perceived by the faculty.
It was moved by Bob Bateman, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board allow Keitha Davidson to address the Board on the incident at Franklinton High School on Wednesday, October 13, 1993, concerning the safety of students. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Davidson asked various questions concerning board policy on discipline, the safety of her son who had been threatened at school, and the procedure followed in investigating a report of a drug deal or transaction. Principal Henley reviewed the investigation and the precautionary measures taken since the incident. Board Member Susanne Jones asked Anthony Triola to give a report of the Task Force studying school safety at the October 28, 1993, board meeting. Following a lengthy discussion regarding the October 13th incident and its investigation, Board Member Jones requested that Dr. Guy Schilling, Anthony Triola, and Michael Henley, as a committee, conduct an investigation of the October 13th incident and report back to the Board. Mr. Triola asked to be removed from the committee since he had already participated in the investigation. The Board then agreed that Dr. Schilling and Mr. Henley would serve as the committee.
Agenda Item #II - Other business from board members
Mr. Dawsey reported that the parish now has a tax collector, and a tax ordinance should be ready for consideration at the October 28, 1993, board meeting.
On motion by John Dawsey, seconded by B. H. Barker, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
BOB D. BATEMAN, PRESIDENT
EARLE R. BROWN, SECRETARY