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 B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the minutes of the March 24, 1994, board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the Board adopt the minutes of the April 4, 1994, special board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #1 - Recognize Outstanding School Support Employees
Mr. Freddie Jefferson, Assistant Superintendent, stated that the Outstanding School Support Employee Awards Program is mandated by Act 1081 of the 1990 Legislative Session and provides an opportunity to honor an outstanding employee at the elementary, middle/junior high, and high school level who supports and provides leadership in the operation of non-instructional activities within the school system. Nominations were submitted by each school principal, and the final selections were made by a central office committee composed of Freddie Jefferson, Chairman, T. J. Butler, Jr., Mary Jones, Cynthia August, Anthony Triola, and Beth Fussell. The following presentations were made by the school principals:
Lola Nell Knight, School Clerk, Varnado Elementary School Outstanding School Support Employee - Elementary Level Principal: Mickey Fornea
Joanna Bickham, Lunchroom Manager, Franklinton Jr. High School Outstanding School Support Employee - Junior High Level Principal: Beverly Young
Joyce Parker, Special Education Paraprofessional, Franklinton High School Outstanding School Support Employee - Senior High Level Principal: Matthew Tate
President Bateman congratulated the honorees for the outstanding jobs they are doing in their respective schools.
Agenda Item #2 - Recognize Nakeisha Brumfield, Pine High School student, as "McDonald's Black History Maker of Tomorrow"
Superintendent Guy Schilling recognized Ms. Brumfield who was recently named "McDonald's Black History Maker of Tomorrow" at a ceremony at Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. As part of McDonald's Black History Month celebration, the program honors outstanding high school juniors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, character and scholarship, along with the potential to be future Black history makers. Ms. Brumfield was awarded a $2,000 college scholarship. It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board send a letter of congratulations to Ms. Brumfield. Motion carried unanimously.
President Bateman stated that agenda items 3, 4(b), 5 and 6 would be heard at Franklinton Elementary School auditorium.
Agenda Item 4(a) - Presentation by Gifted/Talented Teachers Resolution to restore Gifted/Talented funds
Nelda Purvis, Academically Gifted Teacher, and Kay Bell, Talented Art Teacher, informed the Board that the program statewide is in jeopardy, financially. They requested that the Board direct mail to Senator Rayburn, Representative Thomas and Representative Strain requesting that they author an amendment to the state budget to restore funds for the State Gifted/Talented Coordinator's salary and travel, or support an amendment offered by another legislator, in the next legislative session. It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that these letters be written. Motion carried unanimously.
President Bateman declared a recess in order to move to the Franklinton Elementary School auditorium due to the large crowd in attendance.
Upon re-convening, President' Bateman stated requests to address the Board on the topic of the 7-period school day had been received from Jennifer Slaven, Jennifer Phelps, Jennifer Cooper, Sara Cook, Alicia Rester, and Drusilla Sumrall. It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that these individuals be allowed to address the Board. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #4(b) - Presentation by Gifted/Talented Teachers secondary 6/7 period school day
Nelda Purvis and Kay Bell spoke in favor of the 7-period school day and urged the Board to maintain the 7-period day.
Agenda Item #3 - Presentation by Lynn Morgan - Maintaining 7-period school day
Ms. Morgan stated she represented the parents who are in favor of keeping the 7-period school day. She read a prepared statement urging the Board to maintain the 7-period school day for the benefit of the students.
The Board then heard from Miss Cooper, Miss Phelps, Miss Cook, Miss Slaven, Miss Rester, and Ms. Sumrall. All these individuals spoke in favor of maintaining the 7-period school day.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider revision of the 7-period school day
President Bateman asked if any board member wanted to make a motion on this item. When no one responded with a motion, he stated that the Washington Parish School System will maintain the 7-period school day.
Agenda Item #6 - Presentation by United School Employees of Washington Parish, Leland Lee, Chairperson - Benefits of collective bargaining and a request for a collective bargaining election for all school employees
Mr. Lee read the following prepared statement, copies of which were given to all board members along with supporting material:
President Bateman, members of the board, Superintendent Schilling:
The Federation of United School Employees of Washington Parish is coming before you tonight asking once again for permission to conduct a collective bargaining election. Please understand that we are not asking you to grant collective bargaining rights to any organization. We just want you to agree to an election so that we employees may make that determination ourselves.
This request was first made to the board in September of 1993. At that time, the Federation stated that in lieu of the 10 percent pay raise we had requested, USEWP would accept an eight percent permanent pay increase and permission to conduct a collective bargaining election. From September 1993 until this date, the issue remains unresolved.
Employees of the Washington Parish School Board have been very patient and extremely willing to work with this board to help solve the problems which are evident in our school system. That spirit of cooperation still exists. In recent committee conferences, the educational focus of the school employees was evident and worthy of comment by your own consultants. This should demonstrate the sincerity of employees and our willingness to help improve the school system.
The Federation does not expect, nor would we ask, the board to support any action which is not for the betterment of the school system. We would not ask you to support any action which cannot be factually supported. Therefore, we have worked hard to give you factual evidence in support of our case.
On Tuesday of this week, members of the Federation hand-delivered to each of you a packet of information on collective bargaining election and the benefits of collective bargaining.
The members of the Federation have also distributed and collected petition cards signed by nearly 500 school board employees representing 73 percent of the work force, asking for a collective bargaining election. These signatures have been verified by the Registrar of Voters.
Ladies and gentlemen of the board, as elected officials it is your obligation to cast your vote based on facts and the will of the people, not on personal prejudices. You have had ample time to produce factual evidence to challenge the value of collective bargaining to the school system. If you do not have evidence to support your opposition, then you should be obliged to vote "yes" and grant this election. If you withhold permission without just cause, then you are violating the trust of the public, which was granted to you upon election to office.
Proposed Resolution (to be adopted by the Board):
Move that the Washington Parish School Board authorize a secret ballot election to be conducted to determine which organization the employees desire to have represent them. The election shall be conducted under the direction of the Washington Parish Registrar of Voters subject to, and in keeping with, the ground rules agreed to by the parties.
The following unit be deemed appropriate for the purpose of collective bargaining: All employees, by whatever job title, in the work divisions of the Washington Parish School Board, paid below the rank of assistant principal.
An employee organization wishing to participate in the election must demonstrate membership of 10% or submit to the Superintendent a petition of support signed by at least 30% of the eligible employees in this unit. The petition shall be worded as follows: I hereby petition the Washington Parish School Board to authorize an election to determine the exclusive representative for collective bargaining purposes of all non-administrative employees (paid below the rank of assistant principal) of the Washington Parish School System.
The Superintendent, or his designee, shall meet as soon as possible with all interested parties and the Washington Parish Registrar of Voters to approve ground rules for campaigning and conducting the election.
Each participating organization shall be bound by and shall be subject to all ground rules and regulations and shall share the costs incurred in the conduct and the administration of the election, if any.
The Washington Parish Registrar of Voters shall certify to the board as the exclusive bargaining agent the organization which receives a plurality of the valid ballots cast.
Upon the request of either party, the Board and the exclusive bargaining agent shall commence negotiations in good faith on a written agreement covering wages, hours, and terms and conditions of employment for all members of the unit.
Rationale:
Several organizations step forward to speak on behalf of Parish school employees, each advocating a different point of view.
Because the Board believes it is in its own best interest to deal with one organization authorized to represent all employees.
In a democratic society people exercise their citizenship by electing their representatives in a secret ballot election.
The Board has the legal authority to recognize and negotiate in good faith with a properly elected representative of employees.
Tonight, the Federation of United School Employees of Washington Parish is-asking you to be people of vision and commitment. We are asking you to take a roll-call vote on whether or not the employees of this school system should be allowed to hold a collective bargaining election. We extend our hand to you once more in a spirit of trust and in the belief that through cooperative effort, our school system will become united. A positive vote will be the first step on a great journey. The Federation of United School Employees asks you to begin this journey tonight. Thank you.
Following Mr. Lee's presentation, President Bateman asked if any board member wanted to make a motion at this time regarding the request made by the USEWP. It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board talk with a representative group of Washington Parish School System employees regarding USEWP's request. Motion carried unanimously.
President Bateman declared a recess in order to move back to the School Board Office to continue the meeting.
Agenda Item #7 - Authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of school supplies for the 1994-95 school year
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of School Supplies for the 1994-95 school year. Motion carried unanimously. Advertising dates will be April 20 & 27, 1994, and May 4, 1994. Bids will be received until 4:00 P.M., Thursday, May 5, 1994, and will be opened at the school board meeting scheduled for May 5, 1994.
Agenda Item #8 - Authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of lunchroom equipment
Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Jackie Smith, School Food Service Supervisor, it was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of lunchroom equipment. Motion carried unanimously. Advertising dates will be April 20 & 27, 1994, and May 4, 1994. Bids will be accepted until 6:30 P.M. Thursday, May 19, 1994, and will be opened at the school board meeting scheduled for May 19, 1994.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider adoption of the 1994-95 school calendar
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the following school calendar for the 1994-95 school year, which is the calendar favored by a majority of teachers:
SCHOOL CALENDAR - 1994-95
MONTH EVENT DATE DAYS TAUGHT
August In-Service Training August 15 (Monday) I Day
Classes Begin August 16 (Tuesday) 12 Days
September Staff Development September 2 21 Days
Labor Day September 5
October Washington Parish October 19, 20, & 21 18 Days
Fair
November Educational Conven- November 21, 22, & 23 17 Days
tions
Thanksgiving Holi- November 24 & 25
days
December Christmas Holidays December 19 - 30 12 Days
January New Year's Holiday January 2 20 Days
Martin Luther King January 16
Day
Staff Development January 17
February Mardi Gras February 27 & 28 18 Days
March No Holidays 23 Days
April Spring Holidays April 14 - 21 (Good Friday, Monday - 14 Days
Friday)
May No Holidays 23 Days
June School Closes June I I Day
TOTAL DAYS TAUGHT 180 Days
It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Harold Smith, that the motion be amended to add Veterans' Day (holiday) to the calendar. FOR AMENDMENT to the motion: Jimmie Corkern and Harold Smith. OPPOSED: John Dawsey, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman, Richard N. Thomas, and Elaine Whaley. Amendment failed. FOR ORIGINAL MOTION: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, Richard N. Thomas, and Elaine Whaley. OPPOSED: Bob Bateman. Original motion carried.
Agenda Item #10 - Approve Special Education Extended School Year Budgets
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Pamela Williford, Supervisor of Special Education, it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board approve the June, 1994, Special Education Extended School Year Budget (1993-94 fiscal year). Motion carried unanimously.
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Pamela Williford, it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve the July-August, 1994, Special Education Extended School Year Budget (1994-95 fiscal year). Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #II - Consider approval of Validation Form for Selection of Support Personnel
Superintendent Schilling recommended that the following Validation Form for Selection of Support Personnel be approved:
SELECTION OF SUPPORT PERSONNEL VALIDATION FORM
Selecting the most competent, qualified support personnel is important in helping to-build and maintain an effective learning environment at the school. Therefore, the screening committee will complete this form describing the superior attributes of the individual selected for the position. Each of the indicated categories must be addressed thoroughly and must pro vide specific reasons why the individual was selected over the other applicants.
Each member who agrees with the contents of this Validation Form will sign in the designated place.
This completed form will be submitted to the Personnel Director, along with the committee's recommendation. It will be filed as documentation at the central office.
The following items should be used as the framework for questioning the applicants. Address each item in narrative form.
Work Experiences: Job Related Experiences: Education and Training: Communication Skills: Public Relation Skills: Enthusiasm/Energy Level: Poise/Appearance: Willingness to Perform Extra Duties: Flexibility/Adaptability: Promptness/Dependability: Resourcefulness/Initiative: Temperament:
PERSON RECOMMENDED:
Name
*SCREENING COMMITTEE SIGNATURES:
*SIGNATURE INDICATES THAT YOU AGREE WITH THE ABOVE WRITTEN ASSESSMENT.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the Board delay action on this recommendation until the Supervisors have had the opportunity to review and have input in the development of the document. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith and B. H. Barker. OPPOSED: Bob Bateman, Susanne Jones, Richard N. Thomas and Elaine Whaley. Motion failed due to tie. It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board approve the Validation Form for Selection of Support Personnel as recommended by Superintendent Schilling. FOR: Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman, Elaine Whaley and Richard N. Thomas. OPPOSED: John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker and Jimmie Corkern. Motion failed due to tie.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider adoption of revised policy of student check-out procedure at the schools
Following review of the proposed policy and check-out form by Superintendent Schilling, it was agreed that revisions would be made and then the proposed policy would be presented to the Board again.
Agenda Item #13 - Personnel and Transportation Adjustments
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Schilling, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments, as presented by Mr. Freddie Jefferson, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Central Office: Jackie M. Smith, Food Service Supervisor, Retirement Resignation effective June 30, 1994.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton High School: Talma C. Watson, Regular Teacher, Sick Leave effective March 10, 1994, through May 31, 1994 (54 days).
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Thomas Jr. High School: Tammy R. Boyd, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the Fall semester of the 1994-95 school year.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Franklinton Elementary School: Betty Burton, Half-time Cafeteria Worker, to Full-time Cafeteria Worker, effective April 18, 1994 (replacing Dorothy M. Sumrall who retired).
Franklinton High School: Toni Tate, Half-time School Clerk and Halftime JTPA Paraprofessional, to Full-time School Clerk, effective August 13, 1993, and for the remainder of the 1994 school year only.
EMPLOY:
Enon Elementary School: Claire McGuire, Regular Teacher, effective April 4, 1994, through May 31, 1994 (fill-in for Gail Stiles who is on sabbatical leave); Certification: Elementary Grades, Supervisor of Student Teaching, Principalship.
Franklinton Elementary School: Debra Wood, Part-time Cafeteria Worker, effective April 18, 1994 (replace Betty Burton who is Full-time Cafeteria Worker).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Darlene Hammer, Regular Teacher, effective April 4, 1994, through May 13, 1994 (fill-in for Vicki H. Boone who was granted sick leave); Certification: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Grades.
Parishwide: Sara Burris, Homebound Teacher, effective April 11, 1994, and for the remainder of the 1993-94 school year only; Certification: General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Special Education Mild/Moderate, Secondary.
Franklinton High School: Gladys Magee, Regular Teacher, effective April 18, 1994, through May 31, 1994 (fill-in for Talma Watson who is on sick leave); Certification: Elementary Grades, Supervisor of Student Teaching, Principal, Parish or City School Supervisor of Instruction.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Franklinton Schools: Extend the route of Mary Simmons 1.2 miles one way to pick up several Special Education students. Effective date: April 4, 1994.
It was moved by Bob Bateman, seconded by Elaine Whaley, that the motion to approve Personnel and Transportation Adjustments be amended to specify Toni Tate's change of employment status to read "for the remainder of the 1993-94 school year only." FOR AMENDMENT to the motion: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Bob Bateman, Richard N. Thomas and Elaine Whaley. OPPOSED: Susanne Jones. Amendment carried. The original
motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Superintendent's Report
A. Superintendent Schilling informed the Board that the Summer JTPA program has been restructured. The number of student workers will be greatly reduced; job descriptions must be written; and a two-week training program will be required prior to on-the-job work assignments. Through the Vocational Education Summer program, Mr. Jefferson will arrange for training for custodial work so the school system can have some summer workers at the schools.
B. Dr. Schilling reminded the Board of the Louisiana School Boards Association Training Session scheduled for April 19, 1994, at 5:30 P.M., at the Franklinton High School Library.
Agenda Item #15 - Other business from board members
A. A tentative date of April 26, 1994, at 6:30 P.M., was set for the Board to meet with a representative group of Washington Parish School System employees on collective bargaining.
B. Board Member Thomas inquired about the Use of School Facilities policy which was discussed at the March 10, 1994, board meeting. He was told that a revised policy will be presented at the next committee meeting.
On motion by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
BOB D. BATEMAN, PRESIDENT
GUY V. SCHILLING, SECRETARY