The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: Bringier H. Barker, President, Harold Smith, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Richard N. Thomas, Susanne Jones, Holly James, Freddie Jefferson, and Hayward Boone. Invocation was given by Bruce Brown.
Agenda Item #1 - Administer Oath of Office to new representative for District 5, Hayward Boone.
Washington Parish Clerk of Court Johnny Crain administered the Oath of Office to Hayward Boone - District 5.
Agenda Item #2 - Opening of meeting.
The meeting was called to order by President Barker. President Barker made the following comments to the Board: "Id like to compliment the employees of the Washington Parish School System for having a successful first semester. I think that you all have gone through quite a bit of work. You have accomplished quite a bit during the first semester. I look forward to you continuing to do an outstanding job during the second semester. As Mr. Boone has become the last person to join the Board, you, along with the board members, can say that the campaign was a grueling one. We have a complete board of nine individuals who have pledged to accept our duties and responsibilities. I have talked with several of you, if not all board members, about issues and concerns of the Board. I'd like to take a minute and summarize some of the things that were told to me. First of all, there is a feeling that communication needs to be improved among the board and its employees. Secondly, there was concern regarding re-visiting selection process for administrative positions. Thirdly, we want to talk about reviewing the financial program of the school system. We feel that we need to take a look at the feasibility of giving our employees due consideration for a raise. Mr. Coleman mentioned this at the beginning of the school year in a conference that we attended at Franklinton High School. He said that he would religiously work to try and find money to finance a raise for all school employees. That's going to be a great challenge. Because of the fact that we have to work within the framework of our finances, we're going to have to do some studying in depth to see in which direction we're going. The objective is to give the raise to school employees and, hopefully, they will be patient and let us try to get this Board moving in the right direction. I also feel that we're going to need to take a look at developing a long-range planning committee to develop strategies to see where we want to go and where we want to be in four years. I think it's quite evident that we need to plan. We want to do things which we feel will be constructive. Some of the plans will consist of maybe looking at new school construction, school repairs, financial allocations to schools for enhancing the academic program, and many other things that we feel are necessary. I want the employees of the school system to know that you are included in this long-range planning. I'm issuing a plea as President of the Board, and I know the board members will support me, in asking that school employees, parents, students, and others allow the Board to get organized, to be functional and to move forward. We can make an awesome team - - school board members, parents, school employees and students - - as we harness our energies and not be too concerned with our personal agenda. I look upon this Board working in a cooperative nature, because I feel that cooperative ventures succeed and divisiveness creates doom. I'm asking each of you present tonight, along with this Board, to join us, and let's make our schools #1 for the most prized possessions we are dealing with, and that's our students."
Agenda Item #3 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the January 12, 1995, board meeting.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adopt the minutes of the January 12, 1995, board meeting as submitted to each board member. Moticn carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt drug policy for all employees who possess a commercial drivers license, as required by the Omnibus Transportation Employee Act of 1991.
Following review by Supervisor Anthony Triola, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the drug policy, with amendments, for all employees who possess a commercial drivers license, as required by the Omnibus Transportation Employee Act of 1991, as follows. See Attachment. Motion carried unanimously. In-services will be held for all persons who will be affected by this policy.
Agenda Item #5 -Discuss and take appropriate action concerning Personnel and Transportation Adjustments.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as presented by Supervisor Anthony Triola:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Elementary School: Janet L. McDaniel, Regular Teacher (fill-in for Mary Wood, who is on sabbatical leave for the Spring semester), Resignation effective January 20, 1995.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton High School: Grace Vernell Martin, Lunchroom Manager, Sick Leave effective February 6, 1995, through June 1, 1995 (76 days).
Mt. Hermon School: Anita Joiner, Regular Teacher, Sick Leave effective January 18, 1995, through February 17, 1995 (1/2 day) 22 1/2 days, and Extended Sick Leave effective February 17, 1995 (1/2 day), through June 1, 1995 - 66 1/2 days, for a total of 89 days.
Varnado High School: Bobbie Varnado, Librarian, Sick Leave effective February 1, 1995, through February 10, 1995 - 8 days, and Extended Sick Leave effective February 13, 1995, through March 31, 1995 - 33 days, for a total of 41 days.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Misty Dew Stogner, Regular Teacher, Sick Leave effective January 9, 1995, through January 12, 1995 (1/2 days) - 3 1/2 days, and Extended Sick Leave effective January 12, 1995 (1/2 day), through February 17, 1995 26 1/2 days, for a total of 30 days.
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE EXTENSION:
Central Office: Guy Von Schilling, Assistant Superintendent and Supervisor, Extend Sabbatical Leave granted for the Fall semester of the 1994-95 school year to include the Spring semester of the 1994-95 school year.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Elementary School: Mary Watts, Regular Teacher, effective January 23, 1995, through June 1, 1995 (fill-in for Mary Wood, who is on sabbatical leave).
Franklinton Schools: Linda Magee, Regular Bus Operator, effective February 6, 1995 (replacing Etta Magee, who was transferred to the Thomas School District).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Franklinton School District: Extend the route of Eugene Barber .8 mile one way to pick up Sarah and Carter Cudworth.. Effective date: November 1, 1994.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 -Recognize Leland Lee - To discuss MFP monies for Washington Parish.
Mr. Lee read a resolution from the Federation of United School Employees of Washington Parish concerning efforts to secure the MFP formula change that will provide the highest possible funding through the Minimum Foundation Program for the Washington Parish Public School System. He asked for the Board's endorsement of the Federation of United School Employees of Washington Parish in its efforts to secure additional funding for Washington Parish. He stated
that a group of teachers was going to the Board Of Elementary and Secondary Education meeting tomorrow (1/25/95) to lobby for the formula change.
A motion by Harold Smith, and a second by Freddie Jefferson, to take the request under advisement until the Board had a chance to study it were withdrawn. The resolution w as given to Attorney Kuhn for review, and President Barker stated the Board would return to this item later in the meeting.
Agenda item #7 – Superintendent’s Report-
Superintendent Coleman requested that the Board employ Frank Green to fill in for Dr. Guy Schilling, who was granted another semester of sabbatical leave. He stated that Mr. Green would fill in as supervisor, not as Assistant Superintendent, and would handle transportation and some personnel, and other administrative duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas seconded by Susanne Jones, that Superintendent Coleman's request be added to the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Richard N. Thomas that Frank Green be employed on a temporary basis until the end of the current school year in the capacity of Supervisor, with duties being assigned by the Superintendent. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Coleman and Supervisor William Brignac updated the Board on the schools’ fire alarm systems and the progress being made to eliminate the problems that have been experienced. It was reported that the only problem still existing was at Franklinton Primary School, which is not covered under warranty. Superintendent Coleman stressed that the project will not be finalized until all systems are operating properly for several months.
Superintendent Coleman informed the Board that telephone monitoring of fire alarm systems is not a requirement of the State Fire Marshal, as was told to the previous Board. However, telephone monitoring may be a good idea, if it works like it's supposed to work. This has been a major Problem area.
Return to Agenda Item #6 - President Barker called on Attorney Wayne Kuhn to comment on the resolution that Leland Lee presented to the Board. Mr. Kuhn suggested several minor changes in wording. It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adopt the resolution presented by the Federation of United School Employees of Washington Parish, with changes, as follows: See Attachment. Motion carried unanimously
Agenda Item #8 - Other business from board members.
Karl Bickham requested that, at the February committee meeting, the Board discuss the matter of changes in personnel adjustments between the committee meeting and the board meeting. He stated the Board needs to be aware of any changes prior to the board meeting.
Susanne Jones requested that notations be made on personnel adjustments as to certification areas of any teachers employed. Mr.Triola indicated this will be done.
Freddie Jefferson asked the Superintendent and staff to give a report of suspensions and expulsions since August, 1994, as soon as possible. He stressed the need of alternative programs for students with devious behavior.
President Barker asked Mr. Triola to develop an alternative Program for disruptive students to bring before the Board, and Mr. Triola agreed.
President Barker appointed the following temporary board committees to function until further study takes place on the matter of composition of committees: Personnel Committee: Freddie Jefferson, Chairperson, Holly James and B. H. Barker; Finance Committee: Harold Smith, Chairperson Hayward Boone and Karl Bickham; Transportation Committee: Susanne Jones, Chairperson, Bruce Brown and Richard N. Thomas. The board president and chairpersons will serve on the Executive Committee.
President Barker expressed appreciation to Martha Sumrall for organizing the technology in-service held recently for parish supervisors, principals and teachers
President Barker reported that the Washington Parish School Board was presented a $5,000 check from the Franklinton Chamber of commerce at a banquet held recently. The donation is to assist with technology work in our school system. He asked Superintendent Coleman to write a letter of thanks to the Chamber.
President Barker recognized Leland Lee, who had requested to address the Board. Mr. Lee asked the Board to reconsider Mona Waldrop's request for leave without pay for the remainder of the 1995 school term for the purpose of working for the American Federation of Teachers. He stated that, since exceptions have been made in the past, the Board could make an exception in this case. Mr. Lee further stated that, if the Board would not act on this request, he would then present her resignation. He then gave her resignation to President Barker. President Barker stated that the Board has made a decision, and unless it is changed, it will remain. He further stated that if the Board wanted to accept her resignation this board meeting, it would have to be added to the agenda. Following further discussion, President Barker stated that, since the Board is anticipating a lawsuit, it would be proper to enter into Executive Session. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board enter into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. Motion carried unanimously.
Following Executive Session, President Barker declared the Board back in regular session.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Bruce Brown, that consideration of Mona Waldrop's resignation be added to the agenda. FOR: Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown and Freddie Jefferson. OPPOSED: Holly James. Motion carried.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board accept Mona Waldrop's resignation effective January 25, 1995, as stated in her letter of resignation. FOR: Karl Bickham, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown and Freddie Jefferson. OPPOSED: Holly James and Hayward Boone. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
BRINGIER H. BARKER, PRESIDENT
ROBERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY