The Washington Parish School Board met in special 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 Elaine Whaley, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the minutes of the May 5, 1994, board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #1 - Recognition of Chapter I Young Authors Winners
Mr. T. J. Butler, Jr., Supervisor, Federally Assisted Programs, and Mrs. Cindy Cibic, Resource Teacher, recognized the following Young Authors First Place Winners:
Santana Weary
Poetry
Wesley Ray Elementary School
Mary Brown, Teacher
Quentrellis Wright
Fiction
Wesley Ray Elementary School
Mary Brown, Teacher
Lee Ann Dykes
Non-Fiction
Franklinton Elementary School
Neva Crain, Teacher
Catandra Lewis
Fiction
Thomas Jr. High School
Mary Jane Crain, Teacher
Sara Waltman
Poetry
Enon Elementary School
Diana Cassanova, Teacher
Jeremy Corkern
Non-Fiction
Franklinton Primary School
Diane Caldwell, Teacher
Kenny Ishman
Fiction
Varnado Elementary School
Linda Steinwinder, Teacher
Adrian Bendich
Poetry
Thomas Jr. High School
Mary Jane Crain
Damian Owens
Non-Fiction
Varnado Elementary School
Linda Steinwinder, Teacher
Agenda Item #2 - Recognition of Washington Parish Reading Association Young Authors State Winners
Ms. Mary Jones, Supervisor, assisted by Mrs. Anita Wood, Co-Chairperson of the Young Authors Contest, recognized the following State winners in the contest:
Shawn Rice
Third Place - Fiction
Enon Elementary School
Tammy Jones, Teacher
Lea Witkowski
Third Place - Fiction
Enon Elementary School
Jeannie Tate, Teacher
Sarah Gedney
First Place - Non-Fiction
Enon Elementary School
Valinda Rester, Teacher
Teman Roberts (not present)
Second Place - Non-Fiction
Wesley Ray Elementary School
Luella Jackson, Teacher
Raymond Jenkins
First Place - Non-Fiction
Franklinton Primary School
Sonny Cothern, Teacher
Agenda Item #3 - Presentation by Federation of United School Employees of Washington Parish regarding pay increases for the employees of the school district board:
Leland Lee, Chairperson, USEWP, read the following press release to the
Franklinton - May 23, 1994 - The Federation of United School Employees of Washington Parish addresses the Washington Parish School Board on salary increases for school employees.
In August of 1993, the employees of this school system came before this board and bargained to gain increased salary compensation for the employees of the Washington Parish School System. After lengthy debate and actions by the members of the Federation of United School Employees of Washington Parish, we were successful in gaining an eight percent increase for the employees of this school system. While this increase was helpful in beginning to solve the lack of just compensation for our work, it is far short of eliminating the problem.
For too long, the Washington Parish School Board has failed to recognize the important contributions that the employees of this school system make toward the economic well being of this community. No group of employees has more potential to promote economic development. By ensuring that the public schools of this parish provide a quality education to our youth, a true return on the investment of public funds can be realized. Of all the investments of funds that are available to this board, none are more important than adequate pay for your employees.
Too often the employees of this parish are required to secure additional employment to meet the needs of their personal budget. These extra jobs take away from the effectiveness of the employee at their primary job and often lead to unfair perceptions of the quality of the employee. Employees of this parish are frequently forced to seek jobs in other school systems or leave the school system altogether so that they may care for their families in an acceptable manner. If this parish is to remain an active player in seeking economic development for our parish, then this school board must choose to invest in the future by retaining and seeking the best employees for our schools.
The Federation of United School Employees of Washington Parish in an effort to secure a sound economic future for the employees of this school system and with a sincere concern for the future development of Washington Parish is asking the board to grant a twelve percent permanent pay increase to all employees of this system paid below the level of principal. We believe that sense of urgency must be assumed and that this increase begin with the first pay period of the 1994-95 school term.
The Revised General Fund Budget for the 1993-94 school year indicates that as of June 30, 1994, a fund balance of $2,905,209.01 will exist. A twelve percent (12%) increase in employee salaries would cost an estimated $1,178,878.00, leaving a contingency fund of approximately $1,726,331.00 or nine percent (9%) of the operating budget. Proper accounting procedures dictate a five percent (5%) contingency fund as adequate.
The Federation of United School Employees believes that the amount of time which is available from now to the beginning of the 1994-95 school term is sufficient to make a decision on this request and we are again eager to work with this school board to help solve problems that exist in our school system.
Agenda Item 14 - Open and consider bids received for the purchase of lunchroom equipment
On motion by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, and unanimously carried, the following bids were opened by President Bateman: (1) Hotel & Restaurant Supply, Jackson, MS; (2) Buckelew Hardware Co., Inc., Shreveport, LA; and (3) Alack Refrigeration Co., Inc., Hammond, LA.
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Schilling, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board refer the bids to Mrs. Jackie Smith, Supervisor, School Food Service, and the Business Office for review and recommendation at the next regularly scheduled board meeting (June 9, 1994). Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of Milk, Bread and Other Food and Supplies for the 1994-95 school year
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Schilling, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of Milk, Bread and Other Food and Supplies for the 1994-95 school year. Motion carried unanimously. Advertising dates will be June 1, 8, & 15, 1994. Bids for Milk and Bread will be received until June 24, 1994, at 6:30 P.M., at which time they will be opened during the regularly scheduled board meeting. The following classes are bid for NINETY (90) DAYS. Without further notice, each bidder shall submit a new quotation by 10:00 A.M., on the following dates:
DATE
July 5, 1994
November 3, 1994
February 2, 1995
FOR THE PERIOD
August 1, 1994 - November 30, 1994
December 1, 1994 - February 28, 1995
March 1, 1995 - May 31, 1995
Class 3 - Cereals, Cereal Products, Dried Beans, Crackers, Cookies
Class 5 - Frozen Foods
Class 6 - Meat and Meat Products, Cheese
Class 7 - Poultry and Eggs
Class 8 - Fish
Class 9 - Processed Foods
Class 4 - Fresh Fruits and Vegetables - WEEKLY quotations will be accepted.
CLEANING SUPPLIES, PAPER GOODS, AND SMALL EQUIPMENT QUOTATIONS will be received at 10:00 A.M., July 15, 1994, and will be binding to January 31, 1995. Quotes will be received January 5, 1995, at 10:00 A.M., and will be binding from February 1, 1995, to May 31, 1995.
DISHWASHING MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES QUOTATIONS will be received at 10:00 A.M., July 15, 1994, and will be binding for the 1994-95 school year.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider adoption of Chapter I, Chapter II and Title II Budget Revisions for the 1993-94 fiscal year
Following a brief review by T. J. Butler, Jr., Supervisor, Federally Assisted Programs, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the Chapter I Budget Revision for the 1993-94 fiscal year. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the Chapter II Budget Revision for the 1993-94 fiscal year. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Elaine Whaley, that the Board adopt the Title II Budget Revision for the 1993-94 fiscal year. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 17 - Consider approval of Special Education 1994-95 Fiscal Year Application
Following a brief review by Dr. Pamela Williford, Supervisor of Special Education, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve the Special Education 1994-95 Fiscal Year Application as presented by Dr. Williford. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 18 - Consider allocation to schools for the 1994-95 Operations Budgets
Following review by Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, and discussion regarding a $50.00 allocation per classroom teacher for Instructional Materials and Supplies, it was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve the following allocation to schools for the 1994-95 Operations Budgets, along with the following letter to principals:
ALLOCATION-SCHOOLS FOR 1994-95 FISCAL YEAR OPERATING BUDGETS
$60.00 per pupil for elementary
$70.00 per pupil for high
School Total Per Pupil Adjustment Net Allocation
Angie $ 15,960.00 $15,960.00
Enon 14,700.00 14,700.00
Franklinton Primary 28,740.00 28,740.00
Franklinton Elementary 30,060.00 -$ 5,000.00 25,060.00
Franklinton Jr. High 34,740.00 34,740.00
Franklinton High 44,450.00 44,450.00
Mt. Hermon 37,750.00 37,750.00
Pine 41,440.00 -4,000.00 37,440.00
Thomas 26,760.00 26,760.00
Varnado Elementary 12,180.00 12,180.00
Varnado High 20,510.00 -2,500.00 18,010.00
Wesley Ray Elementary 20,640.00 -1,500.00 19,140.00
$327,930.00 $13,000.00 $314,930.00
Debts to General Fund after these adjustments:
Franklinton Elementary School: $ 8,611.36
Pine School 19,012.51
Varnado High School 87,500-00
Wesley Ray Elementary School -0
TOTAL $115,123.87
LETTER TO BE SENT TO PRINCIPALS:
On May 23, 1994, our Board allocated $60.00 per pupil for elementary pupils and $70.00 per pupil for high school pupils. This allocation is the first allocation for the 1994-95 school year and is to be used only for items relating to the 1994-95 and subsequent school years. As you will quickly recognize, this is $5.00 per pupil more than what you normally receive during the first allocation of a school year. In turn, there are some requirements attached.
You are required to follow an administrative policy that has been in effect for many years, which reads in part:
1. Each principal will develop with his faculty and departments an annual budget of receipts and expenditures with funds allocated to each school on sales tax ADM and school operational and maintenance tax.
2. Each teacher or department will submit a list of needs, purchases, or expenditures necessary for the proper operation of their classroom or department.
3. These needs will be integrated into the school budget under the proper category and, where funding is limited, priority will determine those included.
The Board wants to be certain that this policy is adhered to. It is obviously intended that there be sufficient funds placed into the line item "Instructional Materials and Supplies" to maintain or exceed the normal level of expenditures for that line item. In addition to the normal funding of Instructional Materials and Supplies, you are required to place, at a minimum, an extra $50.00 per classroom teacher into this line item to be used by each classroom teacher in accordance with priorities set by said teacher at her/his discretion. You are to make sure each teacher is made aware of these available funds. You are also to be certain that this particular spending is only for Instructional materials and Supplies and maintain sufficient auditable records to determine that each teacher stays within the quidelines of purpose and amount.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 19 - Award contracts for the purchase of School Supplies for the 1994-95 school year
Following review and recommendation by Adren Raybourn, it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board award contracts for the purchase of School Supplies for the 1994-95 school year as follows:
Alpha Office Supply, Arabi, LA - $1,934.10
Venable Office Equipment & Supply, Kentwood, LA - $18,568.09
Louisiana Teachers supply, West Monroe, LA - $3,277.70
Chasselle, Inc., Columbia, MD - $2,311.76
Total: $26,091.65
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 110 - Consider proposed 1994 Tax Levy
Following review by Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board levy the following ad valorem taxes for school purposes on the 1994 tax roll:
I. District Wide Tax for General Fund:
Constitutional Tax 3.91 Mills
General Operational Tax 5.12 Mills
General M & 0 Tax 5.12 Mills
General M & 0 Tax 4.83 Mills
Il. School District Taxes:
A. Special Taxes
Angie District Maintenance Tax 5.12 Mills
B. Bond and Interest Tax
Mt. Hermon District 24.0 Mills
Franklinton/Enon District 36.0 Mills
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item III -Status report from Anthony Triola on the School Safety Committee
Mr. Triola reported on several programs and methods being used in an effort to make the parish schools safer, including video cameras on school buses, the use of metal detectors, and behavior modification clinics.
Agenda Item 112 - Consider adoption of Selection of Support Personnel Validation Form
Superintendent Schilling reported that the proposed form had been reviewed by the central office staff and revised, and he was recommending that the form be adopted. Mr. Barker stated he would like for the new administrator to have input in the proposed form. It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that this matter be tabled until further consideration. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, and B. H. Barker. OPPOSED: Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman, Richard N. Thomas, and Elaine Whaley. MOTION FAILED. President Bateman stated it would take a three-fourths vote to pass this policy.
Agenda Item 113 - Appoint an Official Journal for the period beginning July 1, 1994, and ending June 30, 1995
It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board appoint The Era-Leader as Official Journal for the period beginning July 1, 1994, and ending June 30, 1995. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Personnel and Transportation Adjustments
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Schilling, it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as presented by Mr. Freddie Jefferson, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Primary School: Stephen Wirtz, Homebound Teacher, Resignation effective May 31, 1994.
Franklinton High School: David A. Dunham, Special Education Teacher/ Basketball Coach, Resignation effective May 31, 1994.
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Schools: Betty Thomas, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective May 31, 1994.
Franklinton High School: Michael E. Henley, Principal, Retirement Resignation effective June 30, 1994.
Thomas Jr. High School: Ruby H. Ballard, Retirement Resignation effective June 1, 1994.
Varnado High School: Hayward D. Boone, Principal, Retirement Resignation effective July 1, 1994.
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Franklinton Elementary School: E. Diane Jam es, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1994-95 school year.
Franklinton Elementary School: Ella Rose Bickham, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the Fall semester of the 1994-95 school year.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Velva Ann Fortenberry, Special Education Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1994-95 school year.
Thomas Jr. High School: Carol Belinda Jenkins, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the Fall semester of the 1994-95 school year.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton High School: Clarice Diane Corkern, -2 time School Lunch Clerk, Extended Leave Without Pay effective May 2, 1994, through May 31, 1994 (22 days).
EMPLOY:
Parishwide: Sarah Kuhn, School Psychologist - Period of employment pending outcome of legal inquiries and/or local board determination.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Mt. Hermon School: Deduct 1.0 mile one way from the route of Viola Bennett - Detour no longer necessary. Effective date: May 9, 1994.
Special Education: Extend the route of Mary Knight 11.2 miles one way to pick up a special education student. Effective date: May 3, 1994.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the following item be added to the agenda: Authorize advertisement for principalship positions at Franklinton High School and Varnado High School. Motion carried unanimously. Upon the recommendation of Mr. Freddie Jefferson, it was moved by Elaine Whaley, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board authorize advertisement, statewide, of principalship positions at Franklinton High School and Varnado High School, and that the advertisement/application period be May 30, 1994, through June 24, 1994. Motion carried unanimously.
Following an inquiry by Mr. Freddie Jefferson, it was agreed that the Board would discuss the employment of three (3) reading teachers at the June committee meeting, then consider this item at the June 9, 1994, board meeting.
President Bateman declared a ten-minute recess.
Agenda Item 115 - Superintendent's Report
(1) It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider resolution regarding House Bill 71. Motion carried unanimously. Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Schilling, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that a letter be sent to area legislators urging their support of House Bill 71, which is a proposed constitutional amendment that provides that industrial tax exemption contracts do not apply to millages levied for local public school educational purposes. Motion carried unanimously.
(2) Superintendent Schilling stated that a number of parents had contacted him regarding the practice of not allowing high school seniors to participate in graduation exercises if they do not, at the time of graduation, meet all graduation requirements and be eligible for a diploma. This practice was established as an administrative procedure several years ago. This year we have some 18 students across the parish who, because of the exit exam, do not meet all the requirements. These parents are asking us to re-consider the procedure of not allowing these seniors who missed making
a passing score on one or more parts of the exit exam to participate in graduation ceremonies, and allow these students to march with their classes, even though they would not receive a diploma. At the Board's request, Dr.Schilling talked with the four high school principals regarding this matter, and Dennie Fowler, Principal, Mt. Hermon School, and Hayward Boone, Principal, Varnado High School, are against changing the current procedure. Mr. Matthew Tate, Principal, Franklinton High School, and Ed Deas, Principal, Pine School, support changing the procedure to allow the students to participate in
graduation ceremonies.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board allow Vickie Phillips to address the Board. Motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Phillips requested that the Board allow the students to participate in graduation, even though they have not passed all parts of the exit exam. She asked if there is a written policy regarding this matter. Dr. Schilling responded that there is not a written policy; this was an administrative decision and procedure that was established from the beginning.
Following discussion, it was determined that this matter will be left in the hands of administration (Superintendent Schilling). Dr. Schilling stated he will have a consistent policy throughout the parish and will issue a decision Tuesday morning, with the principals being notified of such decision.
(3) Following discussion regarding the employment period for pupil appraisal personnel, it was determined that Superintendent Schilling and Assistant Superintendent Jefferson would meet with pupil appraisal personnel to thoroughly discuss this matter, and then make recommendations to the Board at the next committee meeting on June 6, 1994.
(4) Superintendent Schilling read the following statement to the Board:
To: Washington Parish School Board
I request to be removed from my current position as Interim Superintendent and that I be returned to my position as Assistant Superintendent in the school system effective at the end of the day on June 3, 1994. At such time, it will be necessary that I take leave. Effective June 6, 1994, through August 12, 1994, 1 shall request to take leave from my position as Assistant Superintendent under the established procedures and policies of the Board.
Beginning with the 1994-95 school year (August 13, 1994), 1 will request that the Board grant me Sabbatical Leave for the Fall semester of the 1994-95 school year. The sabbatical leave request will be made under the provisions of local Board policies and state laws that govern such leave.
Guy Von Schilling, Interim Superintendent
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board add to the agenda consideration of Dr. Schilling's request to be removed from the position of Interim Superintendent and returned to the position of Assistant Superintendent, and his request for annual leave and sick leave. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board grant Dr. Guy Schilling's request to be removed from the position of Interim Superintendent and returned to the position of Assistant Superintendent effective June 3, 1994, and a combination of annual leave and sick leave effective June 6, 1994, through August 12, 1994. Motion carried unanimously.
At the recommendation of President Bateman, it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that the following item be added to the agenda: Authorize Freddie Jefferson to sign checks on behalf of the Board during the period of transition. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Harold Smith, that Freddie Jeferson be authorized to sign checks on behalf of the Board during the period of transition. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #16 - Other business from board members
Mr. Dawsey stated he has been informed of pending legal action against the Washington Parish School Board to stop the Board from enjoining with the Sheriff in his suit against the Tax Commission.
President Bateman reported that several board members will be visiting Mr. Robert Coleman in LaSalle Parish on Wednesday, May 25, 1994.
On motion by Bob Bateman, seconded by B. H. Barker, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
BOB D. BATEMAN, PRESIDENT
GUY VON SCHILLING, SECRETARY