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 John Dawsey. President Bateman welcomed the news media, School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn, and guests.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board adopt the minutes of the October 28, 1993, board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #1 - Recognize Parish Outstanding Teachers
Dr. Guy Schilling, Assistant Superintendent, assisted by Principals Karen Spears, Franklinton Elementary School, and Dennie Fowler, Mt. Hermon School, presented Washington Parish Outstanding Teacher Awards to the following teachers:
Outstanding Elementary School Teacher: Mary Henderson, Franklinton Elementary School
Outstanding High School Teacher: Jerry Wascom, Mt. Hermon School
Outstanding Junior High School Teacher: Linda M. Fortenberry, Mt. Hermon School
Mrs. Fortenberry was, also, recognized for being a State Finalist. Dr. Schilling and the Board congratulated these teachers for their accomplishments and expressed appreciation for the outstanding work they are doing in their classrooms.
Agenda Item #2 - Report from KPMG Peat Marwick, Certified Public Accountants, regarding the 1992-93 audit of general purpose financial statements
Ms. Lynn Burkart, Audit Engagement Manager with Peat Marwick, reviewed the audit report with the Board and informed the Board that the Washington Parish School Board received an unqualified opinion (no exceptions), which is the best report that is available. Ms. Beth Fussell, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager, thanked employees in the central office for contributing to the success of the audit. Superintendent Brown commented that this was the eighth straight year the Board has received an unqualified audit.
Agenda Item #3 - Response to Murdock Brumfield's request concerning Franklinton Jr. High School's mascot
The Board agreed to delay consideration of this item until a later meeting.
Agenda Item #4 - Presentation by Rev. Gene Richards, Spokesperson$ Franklinton High School P.T.O.
Rev. Richards presented the following "Report of the Franklinton Community Support Group Task Force and the Franklinton High School Parent, Teacher, and Student Organization."
In response to a serious fighting incident at Franklinton High School on October 13, 1993, a meeting of concerned parents, teachers, and citizens was held at the high school on October 26, 1993, to discuss and address issues of violence, drugs and other concerns at the school. As a result of that meeting, a task force was organized to consider the issues and to bring recommendations back to the community support group. Twenty-three of the twenty-five people who volunteered for the task force met on Saturday, October 30, 1993, at the School Board Office. The following concerns and recommendations resulted from the meeting of the task force. These concerns and recommendations were subsequently presented to the larger support group and Franklinton High School administrators meeting at the high school to hear the recommendations on Tuesday, November 2, 1993. At that meeting, the support group discussed the concerns and recommendations of the task force and then voted 1) to adopt the report, 2) to present the report to the Washington Parish School Board and 3) to organize a parent, teacher, student organization at the school.
On Tuesday, November 9, a meeting was held at the high school for the purpose of organizing the Franklinton High School Parent, Teacher and Student Organization. Following its organization and the election of officers, the PTSO voted to join with the support group in presenting the report of the task force to the school board. The following report is a joint recommendation of the Community Support Group and the Franklinton High School Parent, Teacher and Student Organization.
CONCERN I - That there be more accountability for responsibilities and performance at every level of the education process from parents to the school board.
Recommendations:
1. That there be a "tightening of the screws" of responsibility on all parties from the parent, the student, the teacher, school administrators, central office staff, superintendent to the school board members.
2. That volunteers be organized to assist with any school duties and work that could be done by parents.
3. That regularly scheduled faculty meetings be held to assess and evaluate the total education process at the school.
4. That the school never be left without the presence of an administrator during school activities.
5. That students not be allowed to work in decision-making roles in the school office, nor with confidential records.
CONCERN 2 That an organization of parents, teachers and students be developed for the purpose of assisting and supporting the total school program and the implementation of the task force recommendations
Recommendations:
1. That a parent volunteer program be developed to assist in the publishing of an informative daily school bulletin to be issued early in the day.
2. That a positive peer group be organized with professional, counselor and parental sponsorship to serve as a link between students, faculty and administration.
3. That the PTSO promote a better direct relationship between the school, students and parents.
CONCERN 3 - That a better teacher/student relationship be developed, including sensitivity training.
Recommendations:
1. That students be more respectful to teachers and that there be no use of profanity or ethnic name calling toward teachers.
2. That teachers be more respectful to students and that there be no use of profanity or ethnic name calling toward students.
CONCERN 4 - That there be consistency at all levels of the school system.
Recommendations:
1. That there be consistent enforcement of policies already established until such time as revisions are made.
2. That the same privileges, such as notification of parents, be allowed all students when disciplinary action is taken.
3. That disciplinary action and punishment fit the severity of an infraction.
4. That school administrators award privileges and punishments to students on an equal and consistent basis.
5. That there be consistency in communication so that teachers and administrators have an equal understanding of policies, programs, etc.
CONCERN 5 -That there is a problem with truancy and time of arrival at the school.
Recommendations:
1. That the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance investigate ways to facilitate a truant officer and/or solicit the assistance of local law enforcement agencies in discovering community trouble spots and discourage the loitering of students before school.
2. That the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance investigate why some students are arriving at the school before 7:30 A.M.
OTHER CONCERNS
That there are establishments in Franklinton that are selling alcoholic beverages to minors. That pocket pagers are being carried by students to school and school functions and should be banned from school premises. That the high rate of dropouts and suspensions at the high school be addressed and that alternative education possibilities, such as evening school or in-school suspensions, be reviewed. That congestion in the hallways between classes is causing mass student tardiness. That there are activities held in the name of Franklinton High School that are racially segregated. That all school related activities should represent the whole student body.
Rev. Richards concluded by asking for a response from the Board as soon as possible. It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the concerns and recommendations be taken under advisement. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 15 - Personnel and Transportation Adjustments
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as presented by Dr. Guy V. Schilling, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Pine School: Ronald L. Knight, Agriculture Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation, effective the Spring semester of the 1993-94 school year.
Varnado High School: Nancy B. Jenkins, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation, effective the Spring semester of the 1993-94 school year.
Central Office: Cynthia S. Cibic, Chapter I Resource Teacher, Sabbattical Leave for Professional Improvement effective the Spring semester of the 1993-94 school year.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton Elementary School: Mary Varnado, School Lunch Clerk, Leave Without Pay effective October 25, 1993, through May 31, 1994 (133 days).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Janice Ladner, School Lunch Technician,
Sick Leave effective November 18, 1993, through December 14, 1993 (14 days), and Leave Without Pay effective December 15, 1993, through December 17, 1993 (3 days), for a total of 17 days.
Varnado High School: Patricia Sheridan, School Lunch Technician, Leave Without Pay effective September 27, 1993, through May 31, 1994 ( 150 days).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Lisa Jenkins, Special Education Paraprofessional, Leave Without Pay effective November 9, 1993, through December 3, 1993 (13 days).
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Thomas Jr. High School: Beeman E. Seals, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective December 31, 1993.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Angie Jr. High School: Extend the route of Gladys Breland 2.8 miles one way to pick up Kathy Polk. Effective date: September 27, 1993.
Enon Elementary School: Extend the route of Ann Jenkins 7.3 miles one way to detour (bridge being replaced on Hwy. 60). Effective date: October 13, 1993.
Franklinton Schools: Extend the route of Violonia Edwards 17.5 miles one way to pick up a special education student. Effective date: September 28, 1993.
Extend the route of Mack Varnado 6.0 miles one way to detour (bridge out). Effective date: September 21, 1993.
Extend the route of Mary Simmons 6.1 miles one way to pick up two special education students. Effective date: September 22, 1993.
Extend the route of Mack Varnado 1.8 miles one way to pick up Roy Slaven. Effective date: October 25, 1993.
Deduct 1.8 miles one way from the route of Faye Newman (detour no longer necessary - bridge has been repaired). Effective date: September 27, 1993.
Extend the route of Robert Mizell 7.3 miles one way due to detour (bridge out on Hwy. 60). Effective date: October 12, 1993.
Extend the route of Robert Mizell .3 mile one way to pick up Dempsey Freeman. Effective date: October 26, 1993.
Extend the route of Mary Simmons .4 mile one way to pick up a special education student. Effective date: October 28, 1993.
Deduct .3 mile one way from the route of Wilda Rhoden due to a student moving off the route. Effective date: November 3, 1993.
Deduct 1.9 miles one way from the route of Faye Newman due to a child moving off the route. Effective date: September 27, 1993.
Thomas Jr. High School: Extend the route of Robert Hart 3.0 miles one way due to detour (bridge out). Effective date: November 4, 1993.
Varnado Schools: Extend the route of Martha Kennedy 3.9 miles one way to pick up Hollie Seay. Effective date: September 14, 1993.
FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman, and Richard N. Thomas. AGAINST: None. ABSTENTION: Elaine Whaley. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #6 - Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Brown requested that the following item be added to the agenda: Authorize advertis nt for bids for the installation of Fire Alarm System and Smoke Detectors at Franklinton Primary School, Varnado High School, Enon Elementary School, Mt. Hermon School, and Washington Parish Vocational Center. It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Susanne Jones, that this item be added to the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the installation of Fire Alarm Systems and Smoke Detectors at Franklinton Primary School, Varnado High School, Enon Elementary School, Mt. Hermon School, and Washington Parish Vocational Center. Motion carried unanimously. Official action on the bids received will be taken at the January 13, 1993, board meeting.
Superintendent Brown informed the Board that the only bid received for compliance with State of Louisiana, Department of Natural Resources, Pipeline Safety Division, Regulation 9, External Corrosion Control, Cathodic Protection will be rejected, specifications re-written, and the project re-bid in January, 1994.
Agenda Item 17 - Other business from board members
President Bateman stated the following requests to address the Board had been submitted: (1) Paul Crain - Education; (2) Mike Deshotels Pine Vocational Program; (3) Linda Spears - Pine High School Budget Allocations. It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board allow these individuals to address the Board, with a five minute time limit each. Motion carried unanimously.
1. Paul Crain's comments concerned the recent bond election held for the consolidation of Pine-Varnado High Schools, and how the consolidation issue was handled by the Superintendent and the Board. Mr. Crain stated that someone is totally out of touch with the community and called for the superintendent, as well as some of the board members, to "step down."
2. Mike Desholtels, Executive Director, Louisiana Association of Educators, spoke in favor of strong vocational funding for Pine High School, as well as all other schools.
3. Linda Spears requested equal treatment for Pine and Varnado High Schools relative to funding for vocational supplies and equipment. Mrs. Spears provided charts and a comparison study of funds allotted to the four high schools for the years 1990 - 1993, pointing out the apparent differences in fund receipts. She concluded by asking the Board to make some adjustments. Board Member Jimmie Corkern stated he wanted to go on record as being in favor of every student receiving what he or she is entitled to receive.
It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board enter into Executive Session for the next three (3) agenda items, as follows:
Agenda Item #8 - Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.IA(4) to hear reports involving investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct arising out of an incident occurring at Franklinton High School on October 13, 1993;
Agenda Item #9 - Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(2) concerning pending litigation in the matter of Kenneth Ard and Emma McIntyre Ard versus the Washington Parish School Board, No. 70773, 22nd. Judicial Court, Washington Parish, Louisiana;
Agenda Item 110 - Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.IA(7) for review of an administrative disciplinary hearing of a student.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the Board go out of Executive Session. Motion carried unanimously. President Bateman stated that the Board, after hearing the request of Attorney John N. Gallaspy to revise or amend the decision of expulsion of a minor student (Agenda Item #10), would now take a roll call vote to revise, as requested. Roll call vote was as follows:
District I Harold Smith NO
District 2 Jimmie Corkern NO
District 3 Elaine Whaley NO
District 4 Richard N. Thomas NO
District 5 John Dawsey NO
District 6 Susanne Jones NO
District 7 Bob Bateman NO
District 8 B. H. Barker NO
The roll call vote was unanimous to not revise or amend the decision of expulsion.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board enter into Executive Session. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board go out of Executive Session. Motion carried unanimously. President Bateman stated that the Board had heard the two investigative reports; the Board made no decision; the Board will continue to monitor the situation and make any necessary adjustments.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
BOB D. BATEMAN, PRESIDENT
EARLE R. BROWN, SECRETARY