Franklinton, Louisiana

September 8, 1994

6:30 P.M.

 

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 for 10 minutes. (NOTE: The Board convened in official session at 6:45 P.M., immediately following a Public Hearing on the General Fund Budget for 1994-95 at 6:00 P.M.)

 

Agenda Item 12 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the August 25, 1994, board meeting.

 

It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the minutes of the August 25, 1994, board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #3 - Consider a motion to adopt the General Fund Budget for 1994-95, in conformity with section 88, Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes.

 

Following discussion, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the General Fund Budget for 1994-95, in conformity with Section 88, Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Richard N. Thomas and Elaine Whaley. OPPOSED: Susanne Jones and Bob Bateman. Motion carried. The Board discussed the drop in student enrollment, which has resulted in teacher overstaffing. The Board requested that Superintendent Coleman and staff perform a budget analysis, study alternatives to reduction in force and report back to the Board in several weeks.

 

It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adopt the Angie School District Maintenance Tax Budget for 1994-95. Motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the Board adopt the School Food Service Budget for 1994-95. Motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the ECIA Chapter I, Chapter II, and EESA Title II Budgets for 1994-95. Motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the Special Education IDEA Budget for 1994-95. Motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adopt the Special Federal Funds -Fund 11 Budget for 1994-95. Motion carried unanimously.

 

It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the Drug Free Schools - Fund 12 Budget for 1994-95. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for Fiscal Agency Contract for the period November 1, 1994 - October 31, 1996.

 

Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for Fiscal Agency Contract for the period November 1, 1994 - October 31, 1996. Motion carried unanimously. Bids will be accepted until 4:00 P.M., October 10, 1994, and opened October 11, 1994, at 10:00 A.M. A recommendation to the Board will be made at the regularly scheduled meeting on October 13, 1994.

 

Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding purchase Of maintenance vehicles -1995 3/4 ton utility van and 1995 1/2 ton long wheel base pickup.

Following a report by Frank Green, Interim Maintenance Supervisor, 14 5 it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board accept the bids submitted by John Brown Olds-Pont.-Buick-GMC, Inc., Slidell, LA, in the following amounts:

 

1995 3/4 Ton Utility Van - $14,329.27 1995 1/2 Ton Pickup Truck, Long Wheel Base - $16,914.93

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding sale of the Official School Board Automobile - 1993 Chevrolet Caprice Classic 4-Door Sedan.

 

Following a report by Superintendent Coleman, it was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board accept the bid of $13,000.00 submitted by Emma Ross. motion carried unanimously. Only one (1) bid was received, and it exceeded the required minimum bid of $12,691.67.

 

Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding entering into agreement with B & B Rehabilitation Services, Inc., represented by M. A. Belcher, to provide services to Washington Parish School Board, Special Education Department.

 

It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board enter into agreement with B & B Rehabilitation Services, Inc., represented by M. A. Belcher, a registered physical therapist, to provide and deliver physical therapy evaluations and/or services to students from the Washington Parish School Board referred to B & B Rehabilitation Services, Inc., by the Washington Parish School Board Special Education Department, to be determined by the I.E.P. Committee. The School Board will reimburse the contractor at a rate of $35.00 per student/visit for services provided. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to approve the recommended policy for Use of School Facilities.

 

It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith (a second by Richard N. Thomas was withdrawn), that the Board adopt the following policy for Use of School Facilities:

 

USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

 

The School Board believes the functions of school buildings and grounds shall be to accommodate approved school programs for students and to assist in meeting the educational, cultural, civic, social, and recreational needs of communities.

 

Use of school buildings by the community shall be considered a secondary function and shall be scheduled at times which do not interfere with regular school activities.

 

I.          General Provisions for Outside Non-profit Organizations

 

A.         Application for the use of school facilities by outside organizations or agencies will be submitted to the principal.

 

B.         The principal will designate the date the facility is available.

 

C.         An evaluation of the application shall be made by the principal, who will submit the request to the Superintendent with his recommendation.

 

D.         The application shall include:

 

I .         A "hold harmless" statement having the effect of holding the Board free from any liability that may arise while the facilities are in use.

 

2.         A group requiring long-term use (seasonal) of a school building, gym, campus or athletic field and/or a high risk group must purchase liability insurance identifying the Board as an additional insured. A certificate verifying the purchase of such insurance shall be presented to the principal, along with the signed application, prior to use of the facilities.

3.         A statement that the individual or group shall assume all responsibility for damages and/or maintenance expenses invested in the building, directly or indirectly resulting from their use.

 

4.         It will be understood that school programs will have priority over outside g ups when scheduling use of school buildings.

 

5.         Smoking will not be allowed at any school facility.

 

6.         The use of alcoholic beverages will not be allowed in the buildings or on the grounds at any time.

 

7.         It will be understood that all student and school equipment will not be disturbed unless authorized by the school principal.

 

8.         No activity will be allowed where possible danger to persons, building or equipment may occur, such as activities with open flames, excess water, etc.

 

9.         Putting up decorations, scenery, platforms, etc., will be allowed; however, permission must be granted by the principal.

 

10.        No scenery or material can be stored in any building except on nights or night that the building is being used. (Props and other equipment must be moved promptly after the event.)

 

11.        Nothing shall be sold, given, or exhibited without the permission of the principal of the school. Concessions and operations will be under the control of the school administration.

 

12.        The person or persons who request the use of the building will be charged and held responsible for the supervision of the building and keeping order and control of the group within the building or stadium.

 

13.        All fire codes must be followed, which state all access doors and corridors must be open, and buildings cannot be overly crowded.

 

14.        The School Board reserves the right to refuse the use or rental of any of its facilities.

 

15.        Political rallies, organizations which have for their purpose or advocate overthrow of the government, or money-making affairs to benefit individuals or for personal gain, shall be prohibited. In the event any individual is found using these facilities for his/her personal gain, such individual will be called in for a hearing before the Board.

 

II.           Specific Provisions

 

A.         No person except authorized personnel will be allowed to have a key to any school building, unless specific permission has been granted by the Principal (Applies to outside organizations.)

 

School food service personnel only are to be used in the preparation of any food in a school food service facility, and the school food service manager will be in charge. The principal shall determine the number of employees to be used.

 

B.         Pay for all custodial and school food service employees, in connection with the use of school facilities, will be paid to the employee.

 

C.         Outside agencies will compensate the employee according to the School Board salary schedule.

 

D.         Auditoriums (including auditorium-gymnasium when used as auditorium):

 

1.         Auditoriums may not be rented for use during school hours.

 

2.         Ticket sales or attendance must be limited to the normal seating capacity of the auditorium.

 

3.         Auditoriums may not be used as a regular meeting place by nonschool organizations.

 

E.         Organizations of parents and/or teachers shall not be required to pay for custodial help. If food service employees are used, these organizations will be required to pay employees in all instances.

 

III.         The use of a school building or grounds by community student athletic groups or by outside community adult organizations is authorized and monitored by the school principal. It is recommended that long-term use (seasonal) of a school building, gym, or athletic field be under the supervision of a school employee either on a paid or volunteer basis to assure the School Board that its facilities are being properly supervised and maintained. Energy costs are to be closely monitored and used in the proper manner.

 

            Where seasonal activities make it impractical for a school employee to be present at all activities, the requesting group must develop with the principal a yearly agreement that includes officers, director, or person(s) responsible for a group to use the facility. Agreement must include responsibility for opening and closing a facility, campus security, damages, hold harmless agreement, and clean-up responsibilities. A breach of any of the above could cancel the use of a facility by a group. When community students are members of these athletic groups, no fees will be charged.

 

IV.        No organization may make use of any facility owned by the Washington Parish School Board if that organization discriminates against participants on the basis of race, color, creed, sex or national origin. There shall be no discrimination based on handicap unless the handicap would affect the safety or health of the individual. Nothing herein shall prohibit reasonable academic requirements for participation subject to review by the Superintendent or his designee. Any organization using Board facilities shall provide notice to the general public by the media and to all Washington Parish students (or students within its geographical area) about its selection of participants and that the organization shall not discriminate against any participant upon the above set forth basis. The Superintendent or his designee shall determine the adequacy of the notice given hereunder and shall investigate complaints of noncompliance and report to the Board his findings. All organizations shall notify the Superintendent or his designee of their desire to use the facilities and submit proof of compliance with this policy.

 

V.        In the event of a declared emergency, school facilities may be used in order to provide shelter and services to the general public. The Principal or his designee shall be responsible for the facility.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to loan Varnado High School $17,294.50 for institution of a band program, with the loan being paid back at a rate of 5% each year of their maintenance and operation allocation.

 

It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board approve a loan to Varnado High School in the amount of $17,294.50 for re-institution of a band program, with the loan being paid back at a rate of 5% each year of their Maintenance and Operation allocation. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, Bob D. Bateman and Richard N. Thomas. OPPOSED: Elaine Whaley. Motion carried. Both Mr. Dawsey and Ms. Emma Ross, Principal, stated that fund raises will be planned every year to help re-pay the loan.

 

Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to allow ten (10) days for AFLAC to sign the "hold harmless" agreement for the cafeteria plan. If the agreement is not signed in the given time period, another agency will be contacted.

 

President Bateman requested that the wording in the motion be changed to ten (10) working days. It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board allow ten (10) working days for AFLAC to sign the "hold harmless" agreement for the cafeteria plan. If the agreement is not signed in the given time period, another agency will be contacted. Motion carried unanimously. Superintendent Coleman suggested that, if another agency is needed, an insurance committee, composed of the Superintendent, Director of Finance, principals and representatives from Louisiana Federation of Teachers and Louisiana Association of Educators, be formed to make a recommendation to the Board.

 

Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to allow 4-H Club Achievement Day to be scheduled on a school day.

 

It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Jimmie Corkern, that the Board overrule Superintendent Robert Coleman's administrative decision to hold 4-H Achievement Day on Saturday and allow 4-H Club Achievement Day to be scheduled on a school day. FOR: Jimmie Corkern, John Dawsey, Harold Smith. B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, Bob D. Bateman and Richard N. Thomas. OPPOSED: Elaine Whaley. Motion carried.

 

Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to institute a "call back" policy for the Washington Parish School System.

 

Superintendent Coleman reviewed the following two (2) options:

 

OPTION I - When a support person is not re-employed for a school year because of the elimination of a position, they shall - I be given the first option of filling a like position at that school for a period of two years. If two or more employees are left without a position, senority within the school system will determine who will be re-employed

 

OPTION II- When a support person is not re-employed for a school year because of the elimination of a position, they shall be given the first option of filling a like position in the school system for a period of two years. If two or more employees are left without a position, senority within the school system will determine who will be re-employed first.

 

It was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt Option I. Richard N. Thomas offered an amendment to the motion to table the matter for further discussion. The amendment died for lack of second. The vote FOR motion to adopt Option I was, as follows: Jimmie Corkern, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker and Richard N. Thomas. OPPOSED: John Dawsey, Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman and Elaine Whaley. Motion failed. It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt Option II. Jimmie Corkern offered an amendment to the motion to table this matter until after the next committee meeting. Harold Smith. seconded the amendment. FOR amendment: Jimmie Corkern and Harold Smith. OPPOSED: Bob Bateman, John Dawsey, Elaine Whaley, Richard N. Thomas, Susanne Jones and B. H. Barker. Amendment failed. The vote FOR motion to adopt Option II was, as follows: John Dawsey, Susanne Jones, B. H. Barker and Bob Bateman. OPPOSED: Jimmie Corkern and Harold Smith. ABSTAINING: Elaine Whaley and Richard N. Thomas. Motion carried.

 

It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by John Dawsey, to add to the "call back" policy just adopted that, when a senior person is offered a position and that position is declined, senority will be retained until the end of the original two-year period. FOR: John Dawsey, B. H. Barker, Susanne Jones, Bob Bateman, Richard N. Thomas and Elaine Whaley. OPPOSED: None. ABSTAINING: Harold Smith and Jimmie Corkern. Motion carried.

 

Agenda Item #13 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning Personnel Adjustments.

 

It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board approve the following Personnel Adjustments, as presented by Freddie Jefferson, Acting Assistant Superintendent:

 

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

 

RESIGNATION:

 

Varnado High School:  John N. Fornea, Jr., Regular Teacher, Resignation effective September 9, 1994.

 

REQUEST FOR LEAVE:

 

Franklinton Elementary School:  Elaine T. Conerly, Half-time Custodian, Extended Sick Leave effective August 29, 1994, through January 2, 1995.

 

CHANGE IN EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

 

Enon Elementary School:  Jacqueline Lambert, Special Education Teacher, to Pre-School 4-Year Old Program Teacher, effective September 9, 1994, and for the remainder of the 1994-95 school year only (TTA).

 

TRANSFER:

 

Clarence Miley, Custodian – Varnado High School, to Custodian, Franklinton Primary School, effective September 12, 1994.

 

EMPLOY:

 

Enon Elementary School:  Elizabeth Lyle, Special Education Teacher, effective September 9, 1994, and for the remainder of the 1994-95 school year only (TTA).

 

Enon Elementary School:  Lisa Williams, Paraprofessional for Pre-School 4-Year Old Program, effective September 7, 1994, and for the remainder of the 1994-95 school year only.

 

EMPLOY:                                                   

 

Franklinton High School:  Shanda Smith Addison, Special Education Teacher, effective September 9, 1994, and for the remainder of the 1994-95 school year only (TTA).

 

Varnado High School:  Melvin Carroll Bracey, Regular Teacher, effective September 12, 1994.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

At the request of Freddie Jefferson, it was moved by Jimmie Corkern, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the following personnel items be added to the agenda: RESIGNATION: Franklinton Elementary School - Teresa Goings, School Clerk, effective September 16, 1994. EMPLOY: Enon School - Teresa Goings, Bus Operator, effective September 19, 1994 (replacing Clarice Jones who retired). Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board approve these additional Personnel Adjustments, as presented by Freddie Jefferson. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #14 - Superintendent's Report.

 

Superintendent Coleman reported that he had attended a meeting in Baton Rouge as a member of a subcommittee on the Minimum Foundation Program discussing including Other Revenues as part of each parish's measure of local wealth. The subcommittee agreed to put the other revenue in the MFP for consideration of each parish's measure of local wealth. The subcommittee agreed today in a compromise to request that the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education consider at a rate of 75% of all additional revenues. If the BESE will approve, this will mean approximately $40 million additional revenue into the MFP, which means more money for Washington Parish to receive (approximately $100,000 more next year).

 

Agenda Item #15 - Other business from board members.

 

B. H. Barker requested that the Board re-consider its denial of a request the James Heyward Ard National Honor Society of Franklinton High School had made for a honorary seat on the Washington Parish School Board. Mr. Barker requested that a committee be formed to study this matter.

 

Mr. Barker requested that, at a later date, the Board President appoint a task force to study a parishwide dress code for possible implementation the next school year.

 

It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

 

ROBERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY