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.
Agenda Item #1 - Opening of Meeting.
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. The Board recessed to continue interviewing for the position of Guidance Counselor for Varnado High School. (The Board met as a committee-of-the-whole at 6:30 P.M. for the purpose of interviewing for the position of Guidance Counselor for Varnado High School.)
Agenda Item #2 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the July 28, 1994, board meeting.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board adopt the minutes of the July 28, 1994, board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #3 - Consider a motion to employ a Guidance Counselor for Varnado, High School.
It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board employ Donna Pendarvis as Guidance Counselor, Varnado High School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #4 - Presentations by representatives of the following insurance companies concerning institution of a cafeteria plan: Aegon, American Family Life, First Financial Services, and Taylor & Sons.
Representatives of the above-named companies presented information on administration of their respective company's cafeteria plan. Representatives were as follows: Aegon -Tony Stikeleather; American Family Life Ed Martina; First Financial Services - Mark Kebadeaux; Taylor & Sons Francis Clement.
Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding instituting a cafeteria plan in the Washington Parish School System.
It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Elaine Whaley, that the Board accept for institution in the Washington Parish School System the cafeteria plan offered by American Family Life. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, Elaine Whaley, Richard N. Thomas, Harold Smith, Bob Bateman, and John Dawsey. OPPOSED: B. H. Barker and Susanne Jones. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to employ Ron Sharp as Bus Operator for Douglas Talley's old route.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board employ Ron Sharp as Bus Operator for Douglas Talley's old route. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Approve request for change order in the lint of $2,319.00 in labor and materials to furnish and install additional item in installation of Fire Alarm and Smoke Detectors.
Following review of the change order document by Sam Fauntleroy, Architect it was moved by L. II Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve request for change order in the amount of $2,319.00 in labor and materials to furnish and install additional items in installation of Fire Alarm and Smoke Detectors. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning an agreement with Johnson & Associates, Inc., to provide mental health services to clients attending Washington Parish schools.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that this item be deleted in order to allow time for Superintendent Coleman to talk with another company, which had contacted him. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman 'and Elaine Whaley. OPPOSED: Richard N. Thomas. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to accept bids for the sale of 1 the Official School Board Automobile - 1993 Chevrolet Caprice Classic 4-Door Sedan.
It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board accept bids for the sale of the Official School Board Automobile - 1993 Chevrolet Caprice Classic 4-Door Sedan. Bids will be received until September 7, 1994, at 2:00 P.M.. A minimum bid of the average of the loan value, wholesale value and retail value will be required. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning student transfer requests for the 1994-95 school year.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the Board approve the following transfer requests for the 1994-95 school year:
STUDENT HOME DISTRICT REQUESTED DISTRICT
Tony Dale Gerald, Jr. Wesley Ray Thomas
Kristen N. Calmes Varnado Pine
Preston D. Kinnonon Wesley Ray Pine
Brandon L. Kinnonon Wesley Ray Pine
John Beckett Pine Franklinton
Michael Hanson Pine Franklinton
Michelle Hanson Pine Franklinton
Randall Corbett Penton Mt. Hermon Franklinton
Shannon Griffith Varnado Franklinton
Rodney Stogner Franklinton Mt. Hermon
Shenika Nicole Magee Pine Franklinton
Benton Jawayne Magee Pine Franklinton
Shari Shanelle Bigalow Varnado Pine
Shawn Duncan Thomas Pine
Shane L. Pace Angie Thomas
Bennie R. Davis, Jr. Pine Franklinton
Heather Nicole Hunt Angie Pine
Jerry Wayne Hunt Angie Pine
Jonique MaShun Conerly Thomas Pine
Benita Lynn Aucoin Varnado Pine
Kylie Jenkins Pine Franklinton
Joshua Jenkins Pine Franklinton
John Jones Franklinton Enon
Brandy Jones Franklinton Enon
Beth Ann Guillot Mt. Hermon Franklinton
Aaron Branch Pine Thomas
Courtney D. Tyson Pine Franklinton
Armetra Tyson Pine Franklinton
Tyechia L. Tyson Pine Franklinton
Shalanda Guttuso Pine Franklinton
Joseph Jerome Guttuso Pine Franklinton
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning the policy for hiring school bus drivers and school bus attendants.
Superintendent Coleman presented the following options for selecting school bus drivers and attendants:
OPTION I NON-PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL
EMPLOYMENTENT OF BUS OPERATORS
Each person applying for a driving position must secure and have on file an application form secured from the Supervisor of Transportation giving the following data:
1. Name and address of applicant
2. Education and special training
3. Driving record
4. General physical condition
5. Armed Service record
Applicants applying for the position of school bus operator shall meet the following requirements:
1. Possess a CDL license
2. Take a physical examination
3. Take a psycho-physical
4. Must have completed the pre-service training course for school bus operators.
5. Provide the personnel director with the results of the fingerprinting test.
*No person shall be employed as a school bus driver if he or she has been convicted of any of the following:
1. Manslaughter or negligent homicide
2. Driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs
3. Hit and run driving
4. Failure to stop and render aid to an accident victim
5. Repeated convictions on reckless driving charges
*Above information will be secured from the Sheriff's office.
The following are some character traits the school bus driver should possess:
1. Is reliable
2. Is dependable
3. Possesses initiative
4. Is self-reliant
5. Has leadership qualities
6. Is of good moral character
7. Is honest
8. Refrains from using profanity
9. Does not indulge in the use of narcotic or habit forming drugs
10. Does not indulge in the excessive use of alcoholic beverages or liquors
11. Is neat, clean and well-mannered
The applicant should:
1. Be an emotionally stable person
2. Have an understanding of children
3. Be patient and considerate
4. Be respected in the community he or she will serve
5. Be able to get along agreeably with people, especially children and parents
All substitute drivers should possess the same qualifications as regular drivers.
No person under twenty-one (21) years of age shall drive a school bus containing children en route to and from school or a school function in Washington Parish.
Anyone applying for a bus operator position must be fully certified before an interview will be granted.
The employment of bus operators shall be as outlined below:
1. The transportation supervisor shall interview all applicants who apply for a bus operator's position.
2. The transportation supervisor shall meet with the school board member in whose district the vacancy occurrs after Revised Statute 17:493.1 has been followed allowing tenured drivers the opportunity to transfer to a vacant route.
3. The transportation supervisor and the school board member in the district where the vacancy ends up will confer and make a recommendation to the board.
4. No transaction shall be made between a school bus owner and a person seeking to buy a school bus, unless it has been approved by the Board. It should be clear to all bus operators that bus routes are under the control of the Washington Parish School Board and not individual bus operators. Therefore, an individual bus operator cannot sell his route.
OPTION II NONPROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL
EMPLOYMENT OF BUS OPERATORS
Each person applying for a driving position must secure and have on file an application form secured from the Supervisor of Transportation giving the following data:
1. Name and address of applicant
2. Education and special training
3. Driving record
4. General physical condition
5. Armed Service record
6. Personal and business references
A physical examination is mandatory. Examination form is attached to application.
*No person shall be employed as a school bus driver if he or she has been convicted of any of the following:
1. Manslaughter or negligent homicide
2. Driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs
3. Hit and run driving
4. Failure to stop and render aid to an accident victim
5. Repeated convictions on reckless driving charges
*Above information will be secured from the Sheriff's office.
Future bus drivers should have served as a substitute bus driver before being hired to a regular position.
He or she should have had the defensive driving course.
The following are some character traits the school bus driver should possess:
1. Is reliable
2. Is dependable
3. Possesses initiative
4. Is self-reliant
5. Has leadership qualities
6. Is of good moral character
7. Is honest
8. Refrains from using profanity
9. Does not indulge in the use of narcotic or habit forming drugs
10. Does not indulge in the excessive use of alcoholic beverages or liquors
11. Is neat, clean and well-mannered
The applicant should:
1. Be an emotionally stable person
2. Have an understanding of children
3. Be patient and considerate
4. Be respected in the community he or she will serve
5. Be able to get along agreeably with people, especially children and parents
All substitute bus drivers should possess the same qualifications as regular drivers.
No person under twenty-one (21) years of age shall drive a school bus containing children en route to and from school or a school function in Washington Parish.
Bus operators will be hired under the present employment policy.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Elaine 'Whaley, that the Board adopt Option 1. FOR: Richard N. Thomas, Elaine Whaley, Harold Smith and B. H. Barker. OPPOSED: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Susanne Jones and Bob Bateman. Motion failed. Since the motion failed, present Board policy remains in effect.
Agenda Item #12 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning Personnel Adjustments
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve the following Personnel Adjustments, as presented by Freddie
Jefferson, Acting Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Central Office: Woody Magee, Custodian, Retirement Resignation effective September 1, 1994.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Mt. Hermon School: Willie B. Schilling, Lunchroom Worker, Leave Without Pay effective August 15, 1994, through October 21, 1994.
Thomas Jr. High School: Pauline Mulford, Custodian, Extended Sick Leave effective July 1, 1994, through September 2, 1994.
TRANSFER:
Jane Jacobs, Regular Teacher, Franklinton Primary School, to Chapter I Teacher, Franklinton Primary School, effective August 15, 1994, and for the 1994-95 school year only (fill-in for Diane Caldwell who will be on sabbatical leave).
Claire McGuire, Regular Teacher, Enon Elementary School (fill-in for Gail Stiles who is on sabbatical leave - August 15, 1994 October 11, 1994) , to Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School, effective the Fall semester only of the 1994-95 school year (fill-in for Ella Rose Bickham who will be on sabbatical leave).
EMPLOY:
Adult Education: Willie M. Johnson, JTPA Teacher (Contractual), effective August 15, 1994, through June 1, 1995.
Adult Education: Mae Barnes, Project Independence Teacher (Contractual), effective July 1, 1994, through June 30, 1995.
Adult Education: Patricia Kemp, Project Independence Paraprofessional (Contractual), effective July 1, 1994, through June 30, 1995.
Angie Jr. High School: Chandra Harry, Special Education Teacher, effective August 15, 1994, and for the 1994-95 school year only (TTA).
Enon Elementary School: Sharon Lambremont, Regular Teacher, effective August 15, 1994, through October 11, 1994 (fill-in for Gail Stiles who is on sabbatical leave).
Franklinton Primary School: Melissa F. Moses, Regular Teacher, effective August 15, 1994, and for the 1994-95 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton Primary School: Betty Jean Morgan Thornhill, Regular Teacher, effective August 15, 1994.
Franklinton Primary School: Maxie James, Special Education Paraprofessional (Severe/Profound), effective August 15, 1994, and for the 1994-95 school year only.
Franklinton Elementary School: Mary Moses, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective August 15, 1994, through January 13, 1995 (fill-in for Sherri Thomassen, who will be on leave without pay).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Elizabeth Shipley, Special Education Teacher, effective August 15, 1994.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Telisa Edwards, Academically Gifted Teacher, effective August 15, 1994, and for the 1994-95 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Ray P. St. Pierre, Regular Teacher, effective August 15, 1994.
Franklinton High School: Marsha Moseley, Special Education Teacher, effective August 15, 1994, and for the 1994-95 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton High School: Gayle Ladner, Academically Gifted Teacher, effective August 15, 1994
Franklinton High School: Elizabeth Diane Wood, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective August 15, 1994, and for the 1994-95 school year only.
Pine High School: Joannie Jefferson, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective August 15, 1994, and for the 1994-95 school year only.
Pine High School: Theresa Young, Special Education Teacher, effective August 15, 1994, and for the 1994-95 school year only (TTA).
Pine High School: Renee Hillary, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective August 15, 1994, and for the 1994-95 school year only.
EMPLOY:
Thomas Jr. High School: Joetta Thomas, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective August 15, 1994, and for the 1994-95 school year only.
Varnado High School: Robert Kim Hunt, Regular Teacher, effective August 15, 1994, and for the 1994-95 school year only (fill-in for Lawana Penton who will be on sabbatical leave).
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton High School: Gregg Duvall, Head Football Coach/Teacher, Resignation effective August 10, 1994.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Superintendent's Report
At the request of Superintendent Coleman, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to include a Utility Bed in the specifications for purchase of a 1995 1/2 Ton Long Wheel Base Pickup. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board authorize inclusion of a Utility Bed in the specifications for purchase of a 1995 1/2 Ton Long Wheel Base Pickup, which the Board had previously authorized. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Other business from board members
In response to a question by Jimmie Corkern, Superintendent Coleman reported that Franklinton High School Principal Beverly Young had met with Mr. Mickey Murphy, Director, Sullivan Vo-Tech, this date, and the problems regarding night classes at Franklinton High School had been worked out.
Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
On motion by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, the Board adjourned.
BOB D. BATEMAN, PRESIDENT
ROBERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY