The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date. Invocation was given by John Dawsey.
Agenda Item #1 - Administer Oath of Office to Board Members.
Washington Parish Clerk of Court Johnny Crain administered the Oath of Office to the following board members: Harold R. Smith - District 1, Karl L. Bickham, Jr. - District 2, Bruce L. Brown - District 3, Richard N. Thomas District 4, Susanne Jones - District 6, Holly M. James -District 7, Bringier H. Barker - District 8, and Freddie Jefferson - District 9. John D. Dawsey, Jr. - District 5, did not take the Oath of Office due to an election re-call for District 5. School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn pointed out that, according to law, an elected official continues to serve until his successor is inducted into office. Since there is no successor at this time, Mr. Dawsey continues to serve until a successor is elected. For that reason, he has not been issued a commission, and he will continue to serve until the election, which will be held January 21, 1995.
Agenda-Item #2 - Meeting called to order.
The meeting was officially called to order by Superintendent Coleman, acting as Chairman until the election of a president.
Agenda Item #3 - Election of Officers of the Board.
Superintendent Coleman opened the floor for nominations for President of the Board. Bruce Brown nominated B. H. Barker; Susanne Jones nominated John Dawsey; Richard N. Thomas nominated Harold Smith. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that nominations cease. Motion carried unanimously. Voting in favor of B. H. Barker were Bruce Brown, Freddie Jefferson and B. H. Barker. Voting in favor of John Dawsey were Karl Bickham, Susanne Jones, and John Dawsey. Voting in favor of Harold Smith were Holly James, Richard N. Thomas, and Harold Smith. A three-way tie resulted. At the request of John Dawsey, Superintendent Coleman declared a five-minute recess.
Superintendent Coleman called the meeting back to order. He stated that, since the last request for nominations for President yielded a 3-3-3- tie, he opened the floor again for motion for nominations for President. Bruce Brown nominated B. H. Barker; Susanne Jones nominated John Dawsey; Richard N. Thomas nominated Harold Smith. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson that nominations cease. Voting in favor of B. H. Barker were Bruce Brown, Holly James, Freddie Jefferson, and B. H. Barker. Voting in opposition of B. H. Barker were Karl Bickham, John Dawsey, Susanne Jones, Richard N. Thomas, and Harold Smith. Voting in favor of John Dawsey were Karl Bickham, Susanne Jones, John Dawsey, and Harold Smith. Voting in opposition of John Dawsey were Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown, Freddie Jefferson, B. H. Barker, and Holly James. Voting in favor of Harold Smith was Richard N. Thomas. (Note: Opposition vote was not called for.)
Superintendent Coleman stated, "To be sure we have this correct, I'd like to be sure we understand that this is in the manner of a motion. The motion was to elect Mr. B. H. Barker as President, and, if it passes, Mr. Barker will become President. If it fails, we'll entertain another motion." Those voting in favor of B. H. Barker as President were Holly James, Bruce Brown, Freddie Jefferson, and B. H. Barker. Voting in apposition of B. H. Barker were Harold Smith, Karl Bickham, Richard N. Thomas, John Dawsey, and Susanne Jones. The vote being four (4) FOR and five (5) OPPOSED, the motion failed.
Superintendent Coleman called for a separate motion and vote on John Dawsey as President. Voting in favor of John Dawsey were Karl BickhaLn, John Dawsey, Susanne Jones, and Harold Smith. Voting in opposition of John Dawsey were Bruce Brown, Richard N. Thomas, Holly James, B. H. Barker, and Freddie Jefferson. The vote being four (4) FOR and five (5) OPPOSED, the motion failed.
Freddie Jefferson suggested that a vote be taken on the two candidates who received the same number of votes (Barker and Dawsey) and eliminate the candidate who received only one vote. Superintendent Coleman stated that a count would be taken of those numbers in favor of each of the two candidates and not ask for those opposed. FOR B. H. Barker: Holly James, Freddie Jefferson, Bruce Brown, and B. H. Barker. FOR John Dawsey: Karl Bickham, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, and John Dawsey. Richard N. Thomas did not vote for either candidate. He stated, "You (Superintendent Coleman) asked who was for them; I wasn't asked if I opposed."
Superintendent Coleman stated, "We have an equal number for each of the two candidates. I think it would be of benefit to the Board if we would go ahead and break this deadlock and elect a President." Superintendent Coleman declared another recess.
Superintendent Coleman called the meeting back to order and asked for re-nominations for the position of President of the Board. Bruce Brown nominated B. H. Barker. Richard N. Thomas nominated Harold Smith. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson that nominations cease. Those voting in favor of B. H. Barker were Karl Bickham, Susanne Jones, B. H. Barker, John Dawsey, Holly James, Freddie Jefferson, Bruce Brown, and Harold Smith, who stated, "Let's make it unanimous." Richard N. Thomas did not vote. B. H. Barker was declared President of the Board.
President Barker opened the floor for nominations for Vice-President. Susanne Jones nominated Karl Bickham. Holly James nominated Harold Smith. It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, and unanimously carried, that nominations cease. Voting in favor of Karl Bickham were John Dawsey, Susanne Jones, Bruce Brown, and -Karl Bickham. Voting in favor of Harold Smith were Holly James, Freddie Jefferson, Richard N. Thomas, B. H. Barker, and Harold Smith. The vote being four (4) for Karl Bickham and five (5) for Harold Smith, Harold Smith was declared Vice-President of the Board.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the December 8, 1994, special board meeting.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the December 8, 1994, special board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the December 8, 1994, regular board meeting.
It was moved by John Dawsey, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the December 8, 1994, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to recognize January 25, 1995, as a day to honor our school nurses.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board recognize January 25, 1995, as a day to honor our school nurses. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a change to Washington Parish School Board
Policy Manual to allow the school nurse to recommend exclusion of a student or employee for communicable disease or infestation.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board amend the Washington Parish School Board Policy Manual - Policy JGCC Communicable Diseases, to allow the school nurse to recommend exclusion of a student or employee for communicable disease or infestation. Motion carried unanimously. The policy now reads, "The Superintendent may exclude a student or employee from school or work on the recommendation of *the school nurse until reliable evidence or information from a public health officer or physician confirms him/her of having a communicable disease or infestation that is known to be spread by any form of casual contact and is considered a health threat to the school population."
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to contract with MEA Medical Services, Inc., for drug testing for school bus operators.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board contract with MEA Medical Services, Inc., for drug testing for school bus operators. Motion carried unanimously. According to Anthony Triola, Supervisor, a drug testing policy will be drawn up and reviewed by Attorney Kuhn prior to being presented to the Board for consideration at a later meeting.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to amend Washington Parish School Board Policy IKD -School Ceremonies and Observances - to include, "Only those students who have met all requirements for graduation may participate in graduation ceremonies."
According to Superintendent Coleman, the Board is required by state law to establish a policy stating whether senior students who fail to pass the Graduation Exit Examination, or senior students who fail a required subject, may participate in graduation ceremonies. Superintendent Coleman stated it was the feeling of the principals that only those students meeting all graduation requirements and the special education students actually receiving a certificate of achievement should be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that only those students who meet the requirements of Bulletin 741 and pass the Graduation Exit Examination and special education students receiving certificates of achievement will be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies. FOR: Harold Smith, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, John Dawsey, Susanne Jones, Holly James, B. H. Barker, and Freddie Jefferson. OPPOSED: Richard N. Thomas. Motion carried. Superintendent Coleman will send a letter to high school principals informing them of this policy so they, in turn, can notify all students.
Agenda Item #10 - Recognize Attorney Wayne Kuhn concerning suit against the Board by Jefferson Parish in relation to a use tax dispute.
Mr. Kuhn informed the Board that Washington Parish School Board is one of 20 to 30 defendants in a lawsuit filed by Harry Lee, Sheriff and Ex-Officio Tax Collector, Parish of Jefferson. Several years ago, the school board contracted with Revenue Recovery Group to perform an audit function to audit various taxpayers to be sure they were in compliance with paying our sales and use taxes. Following an audit of South Central Bell, it was determined that during 1991, 1992, and 1993, South Central Bell paid sales/use tax on goods brought into 17 Louisiana parishes, including Washington Parish, to Jefferson Parish, rather than to the parishes that received the goods, because the goods were stored in Jefferson Parish before they reached the ultimate location where they were placed, installed, or consumed. Mr. Kuhn stated that some $2,800 is due the Washington Parish School Board, and 50 percent of the tax due will have to be given to the tax recovery agency. Following a review of the Board's options, he stated that the Board will need to take some type of action soon.
Agenda Item #II - Consider a motion to advertise for the position of Assistant Principal, Pine School.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board advertise for the position of Assistant Principal, Fine School. FOR: Karl Bickham, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, Holly James, Susanne Jones, B. H. Barker, Richard N. Thomas, and Bruce Brown. OPPOSED: None. ABSTENTION: Freddie Jefferson. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to establish the position of Student Information System (SIS) Coordinator/Computer Programmer Technician/Payroll Clerk.
Superintendent Coleman reviewed the proposed position and the reasons why he was suggesting its formation. He further suggested that the salary for this position be the same as for Payroll Clerk, since this person would be working parttime in the payroll department. Board members Smith and Jones expressed the opinion that this matter needed further discussion. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board establish the position of Student Information System (SIS) Coordinator/Computer Programmer Technician/Payroll Clerk. Following discussion, President Barker called for a roll call vote, which was as follows:
District I - Harold Smith OPPOSED
District 2 - Karl Bickham OPPOSED
District 3 - Bruce Brown FOR
District 4- Richard N. Thomas OPPOSED
District 5- John Dawsey OPPOSED
District 6- Susanne Jones OPPOSED
District 7- Holly James OPPOSED
District 8- B. H. Barker FOR
District 9- Freddie Jefferson FOR
The vote being three (3) FOR and six (6) OPPOSED, the motion failed. Upon the request of John Dawsey, the Board agreed to discuss this matter at the February committee meeting.172
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to transfer Rita W. Magee from the position of Census Clerk/Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent, to SIS Coordinator/Computer Programmer Technician/Payroll Clerk.
Declared moot by President Barker.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to advertise for the position of Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent.
Declared moot by President Barker.
Agenda Item #15 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning Personnel and Transportation Adjustments.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as presented by Supervisor Anthony Triola:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Jr. High School: Elizabeth Shipley, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective January 20, 1995.
Franklinton High School: Russell E. Phelps, Head Football Coach, Resignation effective as per letter of resignation dated January 4, 1995.
Franklinton High School: Martha A. Phelps, Regular Teacher (English), Resignation effective as per letter of resignation dated January 4, 1995.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Laurie Pittman, Kindergarten Teacher, Resignation effective January 13, 1995.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton Elementary School: Mary Wood, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the Spring semester of the 1994-95 school year (January 16, 1995, through June 1, 1995).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Helen LaVerne Corkern, School Food Service Worker, Leave Without Pay effective January 23, 1995, through March 7, 1995 (30 working days).
Pine School: Margaret Shepherd, English/Spanish Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the Spring semester of the 1994-95 school year and the Fall semester of the 1995-96 school year (1 year).
TRANSFER:
Shanda Addison, Special Education Teacher, Franklinton High School, to Regular Teacher, Franklinton High School (English), effective January 16, 1995.
Helen Peters, Special Education Paraprofessional, Varnado High School, to Special Education Paraprofessional, Varnado Elementary School, effective January 16, 1995 (previously employed at Varnado Elementary School before being transferred to Varnado High School).
Barbara Sumrall, Bus Operator, Franklinton Schools, to Bus Operator, Thomas Jr. High School, effective January 16, 1995.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Elementary School: Helen "Cookie" Tageant Ruffino, Regular Teacher (Fourth Grade), effective January 16, 1995 (replacing Doris Pigott, who is retiring).
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Elementary School: Janet McDaniel, Regular Teacher (Third Grade), effective January 16, 1995, through June 1, 1995 (fill-in for Mary Wood, who will be on sabbatical leave).
Franklinton Elementary School: Keri M. Crowe, Regular Teacher (Third Grade), effective January 16, 1995, through June 1,1995 (fill-in for Olga Jackson, who will be on sabbatical leave).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Sandra S. McDaniel, One-half Time School Lunch Clerk, effective January 17, 1995 (pending outcome of physical exam).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Terri Manning, School Clerk (Fulltime), effective January 16, 1995.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Vicki Hassell, Special Education Teacher, effective January 23, 1995 (replacing Elizabeth Shipley).
Franklinton High School: Cole Sisung, Head Football Coach/Teacher, effective January 16, 1995.
Franklinton High School: Debbie Sisung, Special Education Teacher, effectÂive January 16, 1995.
Pine School: John Oliver McDaniel, Regular Teacher (English/Spanish), effective the Spring semester of the 1994-95 school year and the Fall semester of the 1995-96 school year (1 year) - Fillin for Margaret Shepherd, who will be on sabbatical leave.
Thomas Jr. High School: Sheryl Jones, Regular Teacher (Sixth Grade), effective January 16, 1995, through June 1, 1995 (fillin for Pam Ard, who will be on sabbatical leave).
Varnado High School: Mary Moses, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective January 16, 1995.
Varnado High School: Gary Wayne Bridges, Social Studies Teacher, effective January 16, 1995, through June 1, 1995 (fill-in for Jack Bacot, who will be on sabbatical leave).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Lisa Kennedy, Regular Teacher (Fifth Grade), effective the Spring semester of the 1994-95 school year only (January 16, 1995, through June 1, 1995).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Mt. Hermon School: Extend the route of Sue Burch 1.3 miles one way to pick up Benjamin Donald Stevens. Effective date: November 10, 1994.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Extend the route of Mary K Knight 3.5 miles one way to pick up a education student.Effective date: January 9, 1995.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Deduct 1.0 mile one way from the route of Mary K. Knight due to a special education student moving off the route. Effective date: January 10, 1995.
FOR: Karl Bickham, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, Holly James, Susanne Jones, B. H. Barker, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson OPPOSED: Richard N. Thomas. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #16 - Superintendent's Report.
Superintendent Coleman reminded the Board of a discussion at the committee meeting held January 9, 1995, concerning an individual's request for a leave of absence to take another job. He stated the request was not on this meeting's agenda because it conflicts with Board policy. Extensive research was conducted to be sure of the board's position on such leave requests, with nothing being found in the minutes which would indicate a change in the board's position from that of denying such requests (policy established July 26, 1984).However, two exceptions to the policy were found. Mr. Coleman asked Attorney Kuhn if making exceptions to a policy changed the policy. Mr. Kuhn replied that any test for the school board is reasonableness of its action and substantial compliance of its policy. As to exceptions changing board policy, Mr. Kuhn stated this was a procedural decision the Board would have to make. Superintendent Coleman stated that what is in the minutes is the policy of the Board, even if it doesn't get transferred to the policy manual, as it should be.
Superintendent Coleman reported on a state superintendent's meeting he attended this date, where the topic of discussion was the Minimum Foundation Program. If the superintendents' suggested changes are made by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Washington Parish will receive an extra $1 1/2 million next year. However, what is being requested is going to cost the state $92 million, and it is doubtful that the state will come up with that amount. Changes at a reduced rate are probable.
Request to Address the Board:
President Barker stated a request to address the Board had been submitted by Leland Lee on the topic, "Leave Request -Mona Waldrop - Remainder 1995 school term - Unpaid." It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by John Dawsey, that the Board allow Leland Lee to address the Board. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Lee asked the Board to grant leave without pay for the remainder of the 1995 school term to Mona Waldrop in order for her to work for the American Federation of Teachers. He stated, "Her principal has secured a proper replacement for her, and we feel it would only be fair, in lieu of the past recommendations that have been made, to grant this leave." Mr. Lee asked that a motion be made to grant the leave request.
Holly James stated that, as a new board member, she was depending heavily on the policy manual. She further stated that the Board's present policy manual states that leave can be granted when it's deemed in the best interest of the Board. The 1984 motion was in the minutes, but it was never put in the policy manual. There have been a couple of instances when the Board has granted leave in order for employees to take another job, and she asked the Board to consider that whenever a motion was made.
President Barker stated that the only way a policy can be changed by the Board is by a 3/4 vote. Freddie Jefferson commented that a policy is a policy, and the Board should be fair and consistent. He further stated that the Board should not look at personality; just look at policy. Susanne Jones stated it is the Board's responsibility to follow policy.
President Barker stated that the minutes of the school board are considered official, and they are binding upon this Board to adhere to them. "Simply because it is not in the policy book doesn't mean that it's not policy." He further stated he thought the Chair needed to entertain a motion as to whether the Board is going to delete the policy or keep the policy. It was moved by Richard N. Thomas that the Board delete the policy and formulate some new policies. President Barker then stated that the proper procedure would be to first consider a motion to add this item to the agenda; that is, to delete the policies concerning leave without pay, specifically as stated in the minutes dated July 26, 1984, as follows: "It: was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Dewey Thomas, that effective August 17, 1984, which is the beginning of the new school year, the Board will no longer grant leave of absence without pay for purposes of securing new or other employment except in case of a transfer to the State Department of Education for a one year period. FOR: Dewey Thomas, Toxie Gerald, Dan Slocum, Dewitt Bateman, James E. Carroll, and Arbie Corkern. AGAINST: B. H. Barker and Jimmie Corkern. ABSTAINING: Price Goings. Motion carried." It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Holly James, that this item be added to the agenda FOR: Holly James and Richard N. Thomas. OPPOSED: Karl Bickham, John Dawsey, Harold Smith, Susanne Jones, B. H. Barker, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. Motion failed.
Agenda Item #17 - Other business from board members.
Susanne Jones stated that for 6-8 months efforts have been made to have caution lights installed at Enon, Mt. Hermon, Pine and Thomas schools, at a cost of $2,000 each, if the Board approved of the expenditure. Superintendent Coleman informed the Board at the committee meeting that Sheriff Duane Blair has offered to pay one-half the total cost. Superintendent Coleman then informed the Board that the Town of Franklinton has requested that caution lights be placed at Franklinton Elementary School and Franklinton Jr. High School, and the Town has volunteered to pay one-half the cost of these two lights.
Freddie Jefferson asked that the superintendent and principals work with parents on a parishwide student dress code policy. Superintendent Coleman stated that this matter has already been discussed with principals, and a proposed parishwide dress code is presently being drawn up for submission to the Board. President Barker stated he felt the Board should also take a look at staff attire.
Leland Lee asked to address the Board again on the same issue as earlier addressed. President Barker agreed. Mr. Lee asked the Board to act in a sense of fairness to all employees. He stated the issue here is the Board's unfairness. He asked the Board to re-consider the issue of granting Ms. Waldrop's leave. "If we have done it for one, for another, and another, there is no reason not to grant it for her."
President Barker replied that the Board has voted, and that's the decision. Mr. Lee stated he "would like to go on record as saying that it's very unfair, and if there is legal avenues to be addressed in discrimination for our employees, we will find it."
President Barker thanked fellow board members for having the confidence in him to serve as President of the Board. He stated he felt the parents, teachers, and other employees in the school system are very vital for the education of our students. "It's going to take total commitment from everyone to make this school system move forward for the betterment of education, and our prime objective is our children . . . to provide a solid education for our children."
Agenda Item #18 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
On motion by John Dawsey, seconded by Susanne Jones, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned.
BRINGIER H. BARKER PRESIDENT
ROBERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY