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 Freddie Jefferson. 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 December 9, 1993, board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #1 - open and consider bids received for the purchase of Library Books
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board open bids received for the purchase of Library Books. Motion carried unanimously. Bids from the following vendors were opened by President Bateman: Children's Press, Follet Book Co., American Econo-Clad Services, Brodart, Steck-Vaughn (bid not in order - no bid bond enclosed), and Baker & Taylor Books. It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the bids be taken under advisement, with a report from Supervisor T. J. Butler, Jr., and his committee being presented at the next board meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #2 - Presentation by Dr. Pamela Williford, Supervisor of Special Education
Dr. Williford presented special grants to Mary Henderson, Teacher of Academically Gifted, Franklinton Elementary School, and Steve Knight, Special Education Teacher, Pine School.
Agenda Item #3 - Consider bids received for installation of Fire Alarm System and Smoke Detectors at selected schools
Sam Fauntleroy, Architect, reviewed the bid process and made his recommendation to the Board. It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board accept Mr. Fauntleroy's recommendation and enter into contract with Current Electric, Inc., Metairie, Louisiana, in the amount of $78,700.00 for installation of fire alarm and smoke detectors at five (5) schools: Franklin ton Primary School, Parish Vocational Center, Mt. Hermon School, Varnado High School, and Enon Elementary School. Upon the recommendation of Mr. Fauntleroy, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board accept a change order in the amount of $2,450.00 for some additional work required by the State Fire Marshal. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #4 - Presentation by Janice Branch, Vice-Chairperson, United School Employees of Washington Parish, regarding development of policy concerning reprimand of employees by administrators
Mrs. Branch presented the following policy for the Board's consideration:
The Washington Parish School Board agrees that-it is inappropriate to reprimand or criticize teachers or other employees in the presence of students, parents or others except as may be required at disciplinary conferences. grievance, hearings and at hearings conducted by or at closed meetings of the School Board.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the Board take the suggested policy under advisement until the February 10, 1994, board meeting, at which time a response will be given. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider adoption of policies regarding Sexual Harassment
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adopt the following policy, Sexual Harassment by Employees, as submitted by Dr. Guy Schilling, Assistant Superintendent:
SEXUAL HARASSMENT BY EMPLOYEES
The School Board recognizes that harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of state and federal law. The Board, therefore, will not tolerate any sexual harassment on the part of any employee towards another employee or a student within the workplace. Conduct in violation of this prohibition shall result in severe disciplinary measures, up to and including dismissal.
Harassment on the basis of sex is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or educational opportunity.
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting the individual, or as a basis for educational decisions affecting the individual.
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive working environment, or education environment.
Incidents of sexual harassment may include verbal harassment such as derogatory comments, jokes, or slurs, or remarks or questions of a sexual nature; physical harassment such as unnecessary or offensive touching; and visual harassment such as derogatory or offensive posters, cards, cartoons, graffiti, drawings, looks, or gestures. Harassment does not only depend upon the perpetrator's intention, but, also, upon how the person who is the target perceives the behavior or is affected by it.
If an individual has concerns or a complaint about the nature of any conduct or physical contact by another employee or student of the school district, the individual should immediately report such concern to the Superintendent or his designee. Administrators and supervisors who become aware of any allegation of possible harassment shall report such allegations to the Superintendent or designee. All reports received shall be properly and adequately investigated. All investigations shall be done in a discreet, yet thorough, basis. Appropriate disciplinary actions shall be taken when violations of this policy have been determine
The Board shall prohibit retaliation against any employee for a complaint made or for participating in an investigation of alleged harassment.
Any employee or student in the Washington Parish School System who wishes to make a complaint relating to possible sexual harassment should contact: Dr. Guy Von Schilling, Washington Parish School Board, 800 Main Street, Franklinton, La 70438, (504) 839-3436.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board adopt the following policy, Sexual Harassment of Students, as submitted by Dr. Schilling:
SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS
The School Board recognizes that harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of state and federal law. The Board, therefore, will not tolerate any sexual harassment on the part of any student towards another student within the jurisdiction of the Washington Parish School Board. Conduct in violation of this prohibition shall result in disciplinary measures, up to and including dismissal or expulsion.
Harassment on the basis of sex is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's education or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.
Incidents of sexual harassment may include verbal harassment such as derogatory comments, jokes, or slurs, or remarks-or questions of a sexual nature; physical harassment such as unnecessary or offensive touching; and visual harassment such as derogatory or offensive posters, cards, cartoons, graffiti, drawings, looks, or gestures. Harassment does not only depend upon the perpetrator's intention, but, also, upon how the person who is the target perceives the behavior or is affected by it.
Students experiencing incidents of sexual harassment from others should make it clear that such behavior is offensive to them.
It is recognized that instances occur within the school system involving individuals and personalities and the matters are best handled informally. If a student has concerns or a complaint about the nature of any conduct or physical contact by another student or a school employee, the student should contact the school principal. The principal will investigate the complaint and attempt to remedy it within five (5) working days of the date of the receipt of the complaint.
When the complaint involves an employee, and no resolution occurs to the satisfaction of the student after five (5) days, a formal complaint may be filed by the student within ten (10) working days. The school administrator will report the alleged incident to the superintendent or designee, who shall investigate the complaint and attempt to remedy it to the mutual satisfaction of all parties involved within ten (10) working days of the date of receipt of the complaint. The investigating office shall furnish copies to all concerned parties. Any further pursuit of the complaint shall be addressed to the School Board for review and disposition.
Administrators and supervisors who become aware of any allegation of possible harassment shall report such allegations to the Superintendent or designee. All reports received shall be properly and adequately investigated. Appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken when violations of this policy have been determined. The Board shall prohibit retaliation against any student for a complaint made or for participating in an investigation of alleged harassment.
Nothing contained in this policy and/or procedure shall restrict or diminish the authority of the Superintendent to suspend any student in accordance with the policies of the Parish School Board, state law, and applicable statutes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider approval of IDEA Budget Revision
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve a Special Education IDEA Budget Revision, as requested by Dr. Pamela Williford, Supervisor of Special Education. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Adoption of resolution supporting School Nurse Day on January 26, 1994
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board support Governor Edwin Edwards' proclamation designating Wednesday, January 26, 1994, as SCHOOL NURSE DAY in the State of Louisiana. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Personnel and Transportation Adjustments
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne -Jones. that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as presented by Dr. Guy V. Schilling, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
DISABILITY RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Varnado High School: Patricia Sheridan, Disability Retirement Resignation effective January 3, 1994.
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton High School: Pam W. Armstrong, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective December 30, 1993.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Enon Elementary School:
Ann K. Jenkins, Bus Operator, Sick Leave effective January 3, 1994, through January 13, 1994 (9 days), and Leave Without Pay effective January 14, 1994, through May 31, 1994 (99 days) for a total of 108 days.
Franklinton Elementary School: Theresa Goings, School Clerk, Leave Without Pay effective January 14, 1994, through April 19, 1994 (60 days).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Ramona Boyd, Special Education Teacher, Sick Leave effective January 18, 1994, through January 26, 1994 (7 days), and Extended Sick leave effective January 27, 1994, through February 25, 1994 (20 days), for a total of 27 days.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Terri W. Jones, Elementary Counselor, Enon/Franklinton Elementary Schools, to Elementary Counselor, Franklinton Elementary School, effective the beginning of the Spring semester of the 1993-94 school year.
David Lindsey, Regular Teacher, Franklinton High School, to Industrial Arts Teacher, Franklinton High School, effective the Spring semester only of the 1993-94 school year.
TRANSFER:
R. B. Tullos, Bus Operator, Franklinton School District, to Bus Operator, Thomas School District, effective January 18, 1994.
EMPLOY:
Enon/Mt. Hermon Schools: Cindy Stafford, Elementary Counselor, effective the beginning of the Spring semester of the 1993-94 school year.
Enon Elementary School: Janene M. Hollen, Regular Teacher, effective January 14, 1994 (replacing Cindy Stafford).
Franklinton High School: Marsha Moseley, Regular Teacher, effective the Spring semester only of the 1993-94 school year (replacing David Lindsey).
Franklinton High School: Ann Cuffee, Special Education Teacher, effective the Spring semester only of the 1993-94 school year (replacing Pam Armstrong).
Franklinton School District: Evelyn Polk, Bus Operator, effective January 18, 1994.
Mt. Hermon School: Michelle Miller, Regular Teacher, effective the Spring semester only of the 1993-94 school year.
Pine School: Michael Childers, Vocational Agriculture Teacher, effective the Spring semester only of the 1993-94 school year (fill-in for Ronald Knight who will be on sabbatical leave
Thomas Jr. High School: Christine Thomas, Special Education Teacher, effective the Spring semester only of the 1993-94 school year (new position added due to overload in the other classes).
Varnado High School: Ozelia Spikes, Part-time Lunchroom Technician, effective January 18, 1994.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Cynthia F. Smith, Regular Teacher, effective January 14, 1994 (replacing Karen Permenter who resigned).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Extend the route of Mary Knight 19.6 miles one way to pick up four (4) Special Education students. Effective date: November 17, 1993.
Varnado High School: Extend the route of Martha A. Kennedy 2.4 miles one way to pick up Angela Green. Effective date: December 2, 1993.
Franklinton, Schools: Extend the route of Juanita Tullos .6 mile one way to pick up Robert Brumfield. Effective date: December 10, 1993.
Deduct 7.3 miles one way from the route of Robert Mizell (detour no longer necessary). Effective date: January 4, 1994.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Superintendent's Report
At the request of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith,, that the following item be added to the agenda: Authorize withdrawal privileges for Matthew Tate on all Franklinton High School bank accounts, and terminate the withdrawal privileges of Michael Henley, effective December 13, 1993. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board authorize withdrawal privileges for Matthew Tate on all Franklinton High School bank accounts, and terminate the withdrawal privileges of Michael Henley, effective December 13, 1993. Motion carried unanimously.
At the request of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the following item be added to the agenda: Authorize the uninsured motorist portion of the school board's automobile policy to be limited to $20,000.00, and authorize the Superintendent to execute the form establishing that limitation. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board limit the uninsured motorist portion of the school board's automobile policy to $20,000.00, and authorize the Superintendent to execute the form establishing that limitation. Motion carried unanimously.
At the request of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider revision of composition of selection committee for Chapter I Tutors and Special Education Paraprofessionals. FOR: Harold Smith, John Dawsey, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman, Richard N. Thomas, and Elaine Whaley. OPPOSED: Jimmie Corkern. Motion carried. It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board table this matter until the principals can meet with T. J. Butler, Jr., and Dr. Pamela Williford to further discuss this matter and prepare a written statement for the next committee meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
At the request of Superintendent Brown, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the following item be added to the agenda: Authorize the purchase of eight (8) additional video cameras for buses. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman, and Richard N. Thomas. OPPOSED: Elaine Whaley. Motion carried. It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board authorize the purchase of eight (8) additional video cameras for buses. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, and Richard N. Thomas. OPPOSED: Elaine Whaley and Bob Bateman. Motion carried.
President Bateman informed the Board of two (2) requests to address the Board, Ricky Payne and Sally Bennett, who requested to address the Board on the subject of an additional Special Education paraprofessional for Thomas Jr. High School. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that these requests be added to the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. Both Mr. Payne and Mrs. Bennett spoke in favor of an additional Special Education paraprofessional being hired for Thomas Jr. High School. President Bateman responded with the suggestion that this matter be turned over to the Personnel Committee for review and recommendation. The Board was in agreement.
Agenda Item 110 - Other business from board members
Jimmie Corkern stated he was very concerned about the bad music that was played during a recent basketball tournament at Franklinton High School, and that he was opposed to music containing profanity being played. Following discussion, it was agreed that Attorney Kuhn would review the Board's policy manual and, if present policies do not cover this subject, then a specifically worded policy could be written and a specific motion to consider this policy could be made at the next board meeting on January 27, 1994.
Following an inquiry from Susanne Jones, it was agreed that the Board would discuss the matter of an Advisory Committee at the next committee meeting.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by John Dawsey, that a leave request for the Superintendent be added to the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. B. H. Barker, Chairman, Personnel Committee, distributed copies of and read the following letter to the Board:
Mr. B. H. Barker, Chairman
Personnel Committee
Washington Parish School Board
Dear Mr. Barker:
I have discussed with the Personnel Committee on two occasions during November, 1993, my personal situation as it applies to my continuing as Superintendent of the Washington Parish School Board through my contract period ending December 31, 1994. As indicated to the committee at these meetings, I had concerns about my health, age, years of service, and the ever-increasing demands of a school superintendent. You were advised at our last meeting that I scheduled an examination with my cardiologist, Dr. Thad F. Waites, on December 10, 1993.
Dr. Waites has reviewed my examination and, considering my past medical history, along with the demands of the position of superintendent, has advised that I leave this responsibility at the earliest possible date. As indicated above, serving 44 years in the school system, 15 years as Superintendent, has taken its toll. I now need to do what is in my best interest, as it relates to my health, before something occurs that would not let me enjoy the fruits of my labor.
At this time, I am requesting that I be granted sick leave from February 1, 1994, through June 30, 1994. A leave request is attached as part of this request. Also attached is the recommendation of Dr. Thad Waites, as it applies to this application.
In addition, this letter serves as official notice that I will retire as Superintendent on June 30, 1994. At that time, I will complete 44 years of service in the Washington Parish School System. My leave prior to my contract expiration will allow this board to replace this superintendent with one who is more in tune with its philosophy.
I am requesting that action be taken on this request at the board meeting on January 13, 1994. If additional information is needed, please contact my office.
Sincerely yours,
/s/
Earle R. Brown, Superintendent
It was moved by B. I H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve a sick leave request from Superintendent Earle R. Brown for the period February 1, 1994, through June 30, 1994, and accept Superintendent Brown's official notice of retirement effective June 30, 1994. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Barker state he would call a special meeting of the Personnel Committee and then report back to the Board regarding procedures to be followed in naming a replacement (Acting Superintendent) and making any necessary transfers.
On motion by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
BOB D. BATEMAN, PRESIDENT
EARLE R. BROWN, SECRETARY