The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: President Bringier H. Barker, Karl Bickham, Jr., Hayward Boone, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: None.
Agenda Item #1 - opening of meeting.
The meeting was called to order by President Barker. Invocation was given by Bruce Brown.
Agenda Item #2 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the January 24, 1995, board meeting.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the minutes of the January 24, 1995, board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #3 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning appointment of Assistant Principal, Pine School.
Considered and acted upon during Special Session at 6:00 P.M., Thursday, February 9, 1995.
Agenda Item #4 - Recognize Dorothy Young - Presentation of Washington Parish Reading Council Officers.
Ms. Dorothy Young, President, Washington Parish Reading Council, reviewed some of the activities of the Reading Council during the past year and introduced the other officers, as follows:
Geraldine Drake - Vice President Betty Hughes Vice President-Elect Vickie Knight Recording Secretary Vicki Boone - Corresponding Secretary Juhn Marie Green -Treasurer Anita Wood - Membership Secretary
President Barker expressed appreciation for the dedication of the Washington Parish Reading Council officers and members.
Agenda Item #5 - Recognize Jesse Richardson - Cellular Phone and Pager Service.
Mr. Richardson briefly reviewed a proposal presented at the February 6, 1995, committee meeting for cellular phone and pager service for the employees of the school system. The rates would be $15.00 per month and $.28 per minute. In order to obtain government rate, the school board would be billed directly, then the school board would collect from participating employees. Mr. Richardson suggested that no action be taken on his proposal until Superintendent Coleman could obtain answers to some questions he had concerning this service. President Barker commented that, in fairness, other companies should be given a chance to make presentations to the Board. The Board agreed to table this matter.
Agenda Item #6 - Recognize Mark Kebodeaux - Section 457, Section 403(b) and 403(b)(7) administration by First Financial Capital Corporation.
Mr. Kebodeaux stated that, when First Financial Capital Corporation implemented the cafeteria plan in the Washington Parish School System, a great need was found among the employees to participate in what is referred to as other sections of the tax code -- Section 403(b) - Tax sheltered savings plans, Section 403(b)(7) -Mutual funds, and Section 457 - Deferred compensation. Mr. Kebodeaux proposed that the Board allow First Financial Capital Corporation to be the third party administrator of the tax sheltered savings plan for the employees. First Financial would meet at least once a year with an insurance committee, and the committee would decide which products (tax sheltered savings plans) should be allowed on payroll deduction.
President Barker asked for comments or questions from board members. Holly James expressed concern that seven (7) employees Mr. Kebodeaux had signed up for his plan had money deducted from their payroll checks in December. School board policy is that any company must have a least 50 employees signed up for their plan before payroll deduction can begin. These employees are now concerned that, if the Board doesn't approve this company's plan for payroll deduction, their money is stuck in an annuity and cannot be pulled out without a penalty.
Mr. Kebodeaux responded that first indications were that he would easily have 50 employees to sign up. Actually, 30 - 35 employees signed up. He told the employees that, if necessary, he would get a refund of their money from the insurance company, and if they had contributed to a mutual fund, something would be worked out to suit their needs. Mr. Kebodeaux expressed hope that the Board would allow payroll deduction to continue for these employees, beginning with the month of February. As for the seven employees who had payroll deduction in December, 1994, these employees indicated they wanted payroll deduction to begin in December, rather than January or February, as the other employees who signed up indicated.
Ms. Beth Fussell, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager, stated that she made the decision, in the absence of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, and Superintendent Robert Coleman, to allow payroll deduction in December for the seven employees after Mr. Kebodeaux indicated to her that he would have 50 employees signed up.
Following further comments by board members, President Barker stated, "Mr. Kebodaux has not met the 50-rule limit and, I don't think that we should break it." Mr. Barker also stated he didn't think the Board should be liable for any problems resulting from payroll deduction in December for the seven employees. The Board was in agreement with President Barker's statements. President Barker wished Mr. Kebodeaux luck in securing the necessary number of employees for payroll deduction.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider engaging the services of KPMG Peat Marwick to perform the audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 1995.
Upon the recommendation of Beth Fussell, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board authoirze the Superintendent or his designee to sign an engagement letter engaging the services of KPMG Peat Marwick to perform the audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 1995, at a fee of $27,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning Personnel and Transportation Adjustments.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as presented by Supervisor Anthony Triola:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
TERMINATION OF CONTRACT:
Terri M. Manning, Contracted to input 504 information into computer system - Grant her request to be released from contract effective February 6, 1995.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Franklinton High School: Doris Corkern, Fulltime School Lunch Technician, to Fulltime Acting Lunchroom Manager, effective February 6, 1995, and for the remainder of the 1994-95 school year (fill-in for Grace Vernell Martin, who is on leave).
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton High School: Shanda S. Addison, Regular Teacher, Sick Leave effective February 20, 1995, through March 6,1995 (9 days), and Extended Sick Leave effective March 7, 1995, through April 13, 1995 (28 days), for a total of 37 days.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton High School: Stephen Meyers, Regular Teacher, effective February 10, 1995 (replacing Mona Waldrop, who resigned) - Fully certified.
EMPLOY:
Adult Education: Rayfus Martin, Part-time Adult Education Teacher for Washington Parish Jail, effective February 13, 1995, through June 1, 1995 (pending State funding) - Fully certified.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Franklinton Schools: Extend the route of Ephfon Harvey, Jr., 2.1 miles one way to pick up Nuja Via. Effective date: January 18, 1995.
Extend the route of Norman McCain .4 mile one way to pick up Daniel Dubussion. Effective date: January 9, 1995.
Extend the route of Mary A. Simmons .6 mile one way to pick up Chasity Mizell, and Matthew and Cherre Mahl. Effective date: January 18, 1995.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Extend the route of Mary K. Knight 2.9 miles one way to pick up Nicholas Jones. Effective date: January 24, 1995.
Motion carried unanimously.
At the request of Mr. Triola, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that consideration of the following additional personnel item be added to the agenda: Franklinton Jr. High School: Faye Miller, Regular Teacher, Request for Sabbatical Leave effective February 7, 1995, and for the remainder of the 1994-95 school year. Motion carried unanimously.
At the request of Mr. Triola, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Holly James, that consideration of the following additional personnel item be added to the agenda: Franklinton Jr. High School: Larry Sylvest, Regular Teacher, Employ effective February 13, 1995, and for the remainder of the 1994-95 school year only (fill-in for Faye V. Miller), pending updating of teaching certificate within 30 days. Motion carried unanimously.
At the request of Mr. Triola, it was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Susanne Jones, that consideration of the following additional personnel item be added to the agenda: Pine School: Frances Varnado, Regular Teacher, Employ effective February 13, 1995, and for the remainder of the 1994/95 school year only (replacing Geary McKenzie) - Fully certified. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the following additional personnel adjustments, as recommended by Anthony Triola, Supervisor:
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Faye Miller, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective February 7. 1995, and for the remainder of the 1994-95 school year.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Jr. High School: Larry Sylvest, Re gular Teacher, effective February 13, 1995, and for the remainder of the 1994-95 school year (fill-in for Faye Miller, who will be on sabbatical leave) Pending updating of teaching certificate within 30 days.
Pine School: Frances Varnado, Regular Teacher, effective February 13, 1995, and for the remainder of the 1994-95 school year (replacing Geary McKenzie, who has been appointed Assistant Principal, Pine School.
Motion carried unanimously.
President Barker declared a five-minute recess.
President Barker declared the Board back in session.
Agenda Item #9 – Recognize Wade - Student Complaint at Franklinton High School
Prior to hearing from Mr. Wade, President Barker stated that he would like for Mr. Wade to meet with Anthony Triola to discuss his complaint, then let Mr. Triola investigate the matter as the Superintendent's designee. Mr. Wade refused to meet with Mr. Triola and stated that he wanted to talk to the Board. President Barker stated the Board would hear his complaint but would not get into a confrontation or personalities. Mr. Wade then stated his complaint, which was that his daughter got sick at school, and the principal would not let her use the phone to call home. He questioned the principal's right to do this. He further stated that he would be at the next board meeting, and he told President Barker to have the principal at that meeting.
President Barker stated a request to address the Board had been submitted by Sheriff Duane Blair, with the topic being, "Caution lights - School Zones, Agreement." It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board allow Sheriff Duane Blair to address the Board. Motion carried unanimously. Sheriff Blair informed the Board that, in order to proceed with his plan to pay one-half the cost of installing caution lights at Thomas, Pine, Mt. Hermon and Enon Schools, it will be necessary for the Board to enter into a joint agreement with him, as Sheriff of Washington Parish. He presented to the Board a draft of the proposed joint agreement, which reads as follows:
JOINT AGREEMENT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
BETWEEN
WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD STATE OF LOUISIANA
AND
DUANE BLAIR, SHERIFF OF WASHINGTON
PARISH PARISH OF WASHINGTON
JOINT AGREEMENT
This agreement is entered into on the dates indicated between Duane Blair, Sheriff of Washington Parish ("Sheriff"), and the Washington Parish School Board ("School Board"), both political subdivisions of the State of Louisiana. The Sheriff is represented herein by himself, and the School Board is parties represented herein by a duly authorized representative as evidenced by said authorizations which is attached hereto and made a part of this agreement.
WHEREAS, under the authority of Article VI Section 20 of the Constitution and of La. Rev. Stat. 33:121, et. seq., also known as "The Local Services Law, a political subdivision may exercise and perform any authorized power and function jointly or in cooperation with another political subdivision; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto desire to enter into an agreement to further the public safety and welfare of the citizens of Washington Parish in general, and the school children in particular; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto have determined that the addition of certain signs and traffic signals in and around the various schools in the parish will provide additional safety and protection for the school children of Washington Parish;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants hereinafter set forth, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows:
I. The parties hereto will share equally in the cost of acquisition and installation of warning signs or street lights or signs or any other equipment or devices which the parties deem necessary to enhance the safety of the school children. The cost thereof shall be shared only after agreement by both parties in advance of the cost and type of such equipment.
II. The School Board agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Sheriff from any costs of maintenance, repair or liability attaching to the operation and maintenance of such equipment.
III. This agreement is not assignable. However, successors in elected office for each party shall be bound by the terms of this agreement.
IV. In light of the mandate upon which this agreement is based, any legislation hereinafter enacted which materially affects the terms of this agreement, shall render it null and void.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED in the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana, on the date indicated hereon.
Isl Duane Blair, Sheriff of Washington Parish /s/ Washington Parish School Board
School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn reviewed the agreement and found it to be in order. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board enter into joint agreement with Duane Blair, Sheriff of Washington Parish, to install caution lights at Thomas, Pine, Mt. Hermon, and Enon Schools. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Superintendent's Report.
Anthony Triola gave board members copies of the proposed dress code for their review. Each administrator will be asked to share this information with parents in their school communities to give them opportunity for input.
Agenda Item #II - Other business from board members.
President Barker announced that a work session for the Board would be held Monday, February 13, 1995, at 6:30 P.M., at which time the Board would discuss goals and objectives for the next four years.
Freddie Jefferson stated he would like to see the Board look into the possibility of, once again, operating a bus for parish students to Southeastern Louisiana University, with cost being shared by the Washington Parish School Board, the Bogalusa City School Board and SLU. President Barker appointed a committee composed of Freddie Jefferson (Chairperson), Karl Bickham and Hayward Boone to investigate the cost of operating a bus to SLU and, also, Sullivan Vo-Tech.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
BRINGIER BARKER, PRESIDENT
BERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY