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 June 9, 1994, board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 11 - Open and consider bids received for the purchase of Milk and Bread for the 1994-95 school year
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board open bids received for the purchase of Milk and Bread for the 1994-95 school year. Motion carried unanimously. President Bateman opened the sole bid received for the purchase of Milk, which was from Dairy Fresh Corporation, as follows:
FIRM ESCALATOR
Item #1 - pint, Whole White Milk .1599 .1491
Item #2 - pint, Lowfat White Milk .1586 .1476
Item #3 - pint, Lowfat Chocolate Milk .1599 .1491
Item #4 - gal., Buttermilk 1.25 1.15
DELIVERY TO ALL SCHOOLS
President Bateman opened the sole bid received for the purchase of Bread, which was from Cotton Bros., as follows:
Item #1 - 24 oz. Sliced White Bread .98
Item #2 - 16 oz. Twin Pak French Bread .98
Item #3 - Hot Dog Buns, 6" bulk, per dozen .98
Item #4 - Hamburger Buns, 4", bulk, per dozen .92
Bids were referred to Mrs. Jackie Smith for review and recommendation prior to adjournment.
Agenda Item 12 - Presentation by John Norris, Insurance Consultant
Mr. John Norris, Insurance Consultant, addressed the Board expressing his concerns that United Community Insurance Company, our major insurance carrier, was down rated by Bests Rating Company in December, 1993, from an "A" rating to a "B" rating. On May 17, 1994, UCIC was again down rated by Bests from a "B" rating to a "D" rating, a "D" rating meaning "Very Vulnerable." Mr. Norris went on to explain that UCIC is a member of the Lawrence Group and was an "A" rated company when coverage was again placed with them in October of 1993, that Washington Parish School Board saved at least $100,000.00 in insurance premiums over the past three years by insuring through UCIC, and that UCIC has never failed to pay a claim. He further explained to the Board that the down rating came about as a result of UCIC's not having adequate reserves set aside, and that the Lawrence Group is reportedly taking steps to raise additional capital to increase the reserves. Mr. Norris stated that, while UCIC is a Louisiana Admitted Company, if it should fail, then the Washington Parish School Board would have protection through the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association only up to $150,000.00 per claim, which would leave the School Board uninsured for any claim in excess of the $150,000.00, and that as an insurance consultant, he felt it incumbent upon him to fully inform the Board of all known facts concerning the Board's insurance program. He pointed out that he had reported his concerns to the Superintendent and the Director of Finance even when the down rating was in the rumor stages. Mr. Norris stated that he recommended to Dr. Schilling on May 3, 1994, and Dr. Schilling agreed, it was necessary to have stand-by quotations in case of emergency. Mr. Norris obtained two quotes on that stand-by basis. The Board asked him what he recommended under the present circumstances. Mr. Norris said that, under the existing circumstances, he recommended cancelling coverage with UCIC and placing coverage with another company. The Board then asked Mr. Raybourn what he recommended under the existing conditions. Mr. Raybourn pointed out that the School Board still has two bond issues outstanding, and part of the Bonding Agreements was that the Board would maintain adequate insurance coverage. He said he agreed with Mr. Norris that coverage with UCIC should be cancelled and the insurance placed with some other company.
Upon the recommendations of John Norris and Adren Raybourn, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board cancel insurance coverage (Commercial General Liability; Auto Liability; Auto Physical Damage; Umbrella Liability; Fidelity, Forgery; and Building & Contents) with United Community Insurance Company and place insurance coverage with Mt. Airy Insurance Company (Agent: Southwest Louisiana Insurance Agency, Inc.) effective June 24, 1994, for the following premiums:
Commercial General Liability
Auto Liability
Auto Physical Damage
Umbrella Liability
Fidelity, Forgery
Building & Contents
Motion carried unanimously.
$ 65,702.00
95,282.00
555.00
19,000.00
1,443.00
64,950.00
$246,932.00
Upon the recommendation of Mr. Norris and Mr. Raybourn, it was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Harold Smith, that Workers Compensation insurance coverage be renewed for another year with Safety National Insurance Company for a premium of $44,425.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Upon the recommendation of Mr. Norris and Mr. Raybourn, it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Susanne Jones, that Errors and Omissions insurance coverage be placed with Mt. Airy Insurance Company for a premium of $6,406.00. Motion carried unanimously.
In reference to Agenda Item #1, upon the recommendation of Mrs. Smith and Ms. Beth Fussell, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager, it was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board award contracts for the purchase of Bread to Cotton Bros. and Milk to Dairy Fresh Corporation at the escalator clause amounts. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #3 - Consider renewal of Linda S. Crain's Contract of Employment as Principal, Enon Elementary School
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Coleman, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the Board renew Linda S. Crain's Contract of Employment as Principal, Enon Elementary School, for a period of three (3) years, effective August 1, 1994, through July 31, 1997. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 14 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning a change in the Washington Parish School Board hiring policy
Following review and recommendation by Superintendent Coleman, it was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Harold Smith, that the board adopt the following hiring policy for the Washington Parish School Board, which is to become effective immediately: SEE ATTACHED. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 15 - Personnel and Transportation Adjustments
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve the following Personnel Adjustments as presented by Mr. Freddie Jefferson, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Central Office: Guy Von Schilling, Assistant Superintendent and Supervisor, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the Fall semester of the 1994-95 school year.
Franklinton High School: Leland F. Lee, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Professional Improvement effective the 1994-95 school year.
Varnado Elementary School: Mary J. Lofthus, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the 1994-95 school year.
REQUEST FOR SICK LEAVE:
Franklinton Elementary School: Cecealine Tate, Custodian, Sick Leave effective July 5, 1994, through August 8, 1994 (25 days).
TRANSFER:
Melanie M. Knight, Regular Teacher, Thomas Jr. High School, to Chapter I Teacher, Thomas Jr. High School, effective August 15, 1994.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Elementary School: Sheryl M. Crain, Regular Teacher, effective August 15, 1994.
Franklinton Elementary School: Adam B. Kemp, Special Education Teacher, effective August 15, 1994.
Mt. Hermon School: Anita Joiner, Regular Teacher, effective August 15, 1994.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Sheila Billiot, Regular Teacher, effective August 15, 1994.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
None.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item 16 - Discuss and take appropriate action in establishing a parish grant facilitator
Following discussion and recommendation by Superintendent Coleman, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board advertise for employment of a Technology Director/Grant Facilitator, said position to be on a one-year trial basis only. The position will be a fulltime position, with salary paid 12/9, plus travel expenses. Motion carried unanimously. The position will be advertised in the Official Journal and notices will be posted at all schools in the system. Application deadline will be July 20, 1994, at 4:00 P.M.
Agenda Item #7 - Superintendent's Report
Following review of the Louisiana bid law by Attorney Wayne Kuhn regarding the possibility of declaring an emergency for roof repair at Pine School, it was recommended by Superintendent Coleman that the Board follow the normal bid procedures and advertise in the Official Journal for reroofing of Pine High School. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by John Dawsey, that this item be added to the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for re-roofing Pine High School. Motion carried unanimously. As recommended by Superintendent Coleman, bids will be accepted by committee before the next regularly scheduled board meeting (7/28/94), with the low bid brought before the Board for consideration at the July 28, 1994, board meeting.
Superintendent Coleman and Mr. Freddie Jefferson reported that roof work at Varnado High School has been accomplished, and work on the roof at Varnado Elementary School is in progress.
Superintendent Coleman stated that a special board meeting will be set within the next week to interview the top three (3) applicants for the principalships at Franklinton High School and Varnado High School.
On motion by B. H. Barker, seconded by John Dawsey, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
BOB D. BATEMAN, PRESIDENT
ROBERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY
ADOPTED BY WASHINGTON PARISH
SCHOOL BOARD 6/23/94
STANDARD FOR SELECTION OF STAFF AND ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL
The following is the Washington Parish School Board's objective criteria for the selection of Supervisors, Principals, Assistant Principals, Counselors, Athletic Directors/Head Coaches and Teachers (professional staff).
The Washington Parish School Board shall strive to employ the most effective person for all positions. When two applicants are deemed equal by the Board, if applicable preference will be given to the person from within the school system. In the event that there is not a qualified person within the school system, the Board shall go outside the Washington Parish School System to employ same. An individual to be assigned to any one of the aforestated positions shall be selected and evaluated by the herein below standard of professional preparation and experience:
PHASE I
PRELIMINARY EVALUATION
CRITERIA
A. Letter of Application
Thoroughness - It is the responsibility of the applicant 1 point
to see that his/her application is complete.
B. Formal Education Degrees
1. Master's 1 point
2. Master's degree plus 30 hours 2 points
3. Specialist's degree or Doctor's degree 3 points
C. Professionalism
Demonstrated by membership in professional organizations 1 point
D. Number of Years Supervised in Parish
1. 6 - 8 years 1 point
2. 9 - 11 years 2 points
3. 12- 14 years 3 points
4. 15 or more years 4 points
E. Administrative or Other Experience
1. One year or more as an assistant principal 2 points
2. One year or more as a principal 3 points
3. One year or more as a guidance counselor 2 points
4. One year or more as a parish supervisor 3 points
F. Total Cumulative Points
PHASE II
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
A committee consisting of five (5) individuals, no more than three (3) of any one race, chosen from the administrative staff shall be appointed by the Superintendent for the purpose of conducting this procedure of an administrative review.
The Committee then formed shall interview all prospective applicants for any of the aforesaid positions and shall assign, by majority vote, up to three (3) points for each of five (5) questions the committee asks the applicants concerning any of the following six (6) areas:
1. Scheduling 4. Curriculum
2. Personnel 5. Finance
3. Student Affairs 6. School Plant Facilities
Each applicant shall answer the same questions.
PHASE III
SELECTION
A list of the three (3) applicants, in order, who scored the highest point totals with all points from Phase I and II added together, shall be forwarded to the superintendent. For administrative personnel, the superintendent, with the board, shall interview and select one of the three applicants for the position for which the application is being considered. For teaching personnel, the superintendent shall recommend one of the top three applicants to the School Board for appointment to the position for which the application is being considered.
STANDARDS FOR SELECTION OF TEACHING PERSONNEL
1. Out-of-Parish supervised teaching experience:
I - 5 years 1 point
6 - 10 years 2 points
11+ years 3 points
2. In-Parish supervised teaching experience:
I - 5 years 1 point
6 - 10 years 2 points
11 - 15 years 3 points
16+ years 4 points
3. Membership in Professional Organizations:
1 point
4. Completed application:
1 point
5. Education: Maximum of 4 points
B.S. 1 point
Masters 2 points
M +30 3 points
Specialist 4 points
6. Three Letters of Recommendation:
1 point
7. One year or more of military service:
1 point
8. The Interview Committee shall interview teacher applicants and assign, by majority vote, up to five points (5) for each of the five (5) questions the committee asks the applicants concerning appropriate educational concerns. (Examples: Classroom management, Student motivation, etc.) Each applicant shall answer the same questions.
STANDARD FOR SELECTION OF NON-CERTIFIED PERSONNEL
The following is the Washington Parish School Board's objective criteria for the selection of non-certified personnel, with the exception of school bus drivers and school bus attendants.
PHASE I
PRELIMINARY EVALUATION
CRITERIA
A. Formal Education
1. G.E.D. 3 points
2. High School Diploma 5 points
3. Vo Tech School Certificate or 30 hours of college 6 points
4. Associate Degree 7 points
5. Bachelors Degree 8 points
B. Written Examination
1. Standardized Achievement Test
Score of 12.5 + 10 points
Score of 12.0 - 12.49 8 points
Score of 11.5 - 11.99 6 points
2. Local Developed Test
Score of 90% + 10 points
Score of 80% - 89% 8 points
Score of 70% - 79% 6 points
Score of 60% - 69% 4 points
C. School Related Work Experience Within the Washington Parish School System
1. 3 or more years related experience 3 points
2. 2 years related experience 2 points
3. 1 year related experience 1 point
D. Other Related Work Experience
1. 3 or more years related experience 3 points
2. 2 years related experience 2 points
3. 1 year related experience 1 point
E. Unrelated School Work Experience Within the Washington Parish School System
1. 1 - 5 years of work experience 1 point
2. 6 or more years of work experience 2 points
F. Each member of the committee will score the applicant on a range of 0 - 3 based on overall suitability for the job.
PHASE II
AMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
A committee of up to five (5) administrators, no more than three (3) of any one race, shall be appointed by the Superintendent and shall include the supervisor of the job class and the principal of the school where the vacancy exists. The committee shall interview the applicants and shall assign by majority vote up to fifteen (15) points, for each applicant, based on their interview of the applicant. Point total shall be maintained for a period of 18 months, and the applicant will not have to be reinterviewed for the same job classification during that period of time. After this period of time, it will be the responsibility of the applicant to reapply. The Assistant Superintendent shall be the Chairman of this interviewing committee. In case of his absence, the Superintendent shall appoint a replacement.
PHASE III
SELECTION
The name of the highest scoring applicant from Phase I and Phase II added together shall be forwarded to the superintendent. The superintendent shall recommend the applicant to the Board for the vacant position. As vacancies in the Washington Parish School System occur, notice of the vacancy and the qualifications for the position will be posted in the School Board Office and at all schools in the system.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF ATHLETIC DIRECTOR/HEAD COACH
A. Letter of Application
Thoroughness - It is the responsibility of the applicant
to see that his/her application is complete. 1 point
B. Formal Education - Degrees
1. Master's Degree 1 point
2. Master's Degree + 30 hours 2 points
3. Specialist's Degree or Above 3 points
C. Number of Years in Parish with Coaching Experience
1. 5 - 8 years 1 point
2. 9 - 11 years 2 points
3. 12 - 14 years 3 points
4. 15 or more years 4 points
D. Military Service 1 point
E. Hold a Valid Louisiana Teaching Certificate 1 point
F. Coaching Experience - Successful
Successful defined as a Winning Season
1. Junior High School Coach 1 point
2. High School Assistant Coach 1 point
3. High School Assistant Coach 5 or more years 2 points
4. High School Head Coach 1 point
5. High School Head Coach 3 - 5 years 2 points
6. High School Head Coach 6 or more years 3 points
G. Five (5) points for each of ten (10) questions the committee asks the applicants concerning any of the following areas:
1. Academics
2. Community Relations
3. Finance
4. Defensive Philosophy
5. Offensive Philosophy
6. Scheduling of Games, Practices, etc.
7. Discipline
8. Off Season Program
9. Feeder School Program
H. 1. Extensive background research of all applicants
2. Each applicant to explain their Program Criteria
3. Each applicant to explain what accomplishments can be expected with their proposed programs
4. Each applicant should be willing to work with the Booster Club, the community and all of those interested in all sports at the school where the vacancy exists.
5.Each applicant should be made aware that booster clubs will be fully supportive of the chosen applicant for the position of Athletic Director/ Head Football Coach.