The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: President Bringier H. Barker, Karl Bickham, 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. The invocation was given by Bruce Brown, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. President Barker welcomed all in attendance.
Agenda Item #2 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the June 8, 1995, regular board meeting.
Hayward Boone requested that the minutes be corrected to show that the motion to adopt the Reduction in Force Policy for Support Personnel did not pass. President Barker stated that he declared the motion passed, but after adjournment realized that the motion did not have the three-fourths vote required for a change in policy. He further stated that his declaration was not questioned at the time it was made. Following discussion, Superintendent Coleman reminded the Board that Item #14 on the agenda would address this matter. President Barker stated Item #2 would, therefore, be omitted and discussed at that time.
Agenda Item #3 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the June 12, 1995, special board meeting.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the June 12, 1995, special board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to open, discuss and take appropriate action regarding audit proposals for eight (8) schools.
Superintendent Coleman and Beth Fussell, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager, opened and read the following proposals:
(1) Richard M. Seal, CPA, Bogalusa, LA - Fee to audit eight (8) schools $11,900.00
(2) Peat Marwick, New Orleans, LA - Fee to audit eight (8) schools Not to exceed $20,000
(3) Durden & Alonzo, Franklinton, LA - Fee to be actual cost, not to exceed $11,500.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board accept the low bid meeting specifications for auditing eight (8) schools for the 1994-95 fiscal year. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to approve/reject bid received for the sale of a 1985 Thomas built school bus, VIN #1GBJ6P1B6FV111874, owned by Franklinton High School.
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Coleman, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board accept the bid of $5,150-90 submitted by Kenneth W. Bickham. Motion carried unanimously. Only one (1) bid was submitted.
Agenda Item #6 - Hear presentation and recommendations by insurance consultant regarding coverage for property and liability insurance, and take appropriate action.
Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, introduced Mr. John Norris, the Board's insurance consultant, who presented his recommendations to the Board.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board accept John Norris' recommendations and place insurance coverage with Alexander & Alexander, Inc. - National Casualty Insurance Co., effective June 25, 1995, through June 24, 1996, for the following premiums:
Building and Contents $ 28,308.00
Fidelity, Forgery 1,265.00
Commercial General Liability 66,412.00
Automobile Policy 65,970.00
Umbrella Liability 18,500.00
School Board Errors & Omissions 8,487.15
Liability TOTAL $ 190,750.15
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Contract for Worker's Compensation Third Party Administrator.
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board enter into contract with Littleton Risk Services, Inc., to be the Board's Worker's Compensation Third Party Administrator, and authorize the Superintendent or his designee to sign a three-year contract with The Littleton Group. Motion carried unanimously.
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize the opening of a bank account with Community Bank, Beaumont, Texas, to be used as an Escrow Account from which the Third Party Administrator will pay claims. Motion carried unanimously.
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize the Superintendent or his designee to withdraw funds from the Escrow Account on behalf of the School Board. Motion carried unanimously.
President Barker declared a five-minute recess.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to approve Personnel Evaluation Program Revisions for the 1995/96 school year, as recommended by the Personnel Evaluation Program Steering Committee.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Bruce Brown, that this item be tabled until the Board has time to discuss it. Motion carried unanimously. Since the revisions were due in the State Department of Education last week, Superintendent Coleman will request an extension of time.
Agenda Item #9 - Receive report from Special Education Supervisor regarding student specific aide process.
The Board received Dr. Pamela Williford's report, which included state guidelines and plans to develop a policy for student specific aide procedures.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to approve Special Education IDEA and Preschool Budget Revisions for the 1994/95 fiscal year.
Upon the recommendation of Dr. Pamela Williford, Supervisor of Special Education, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve Special Education IDEA and Preschool Budget Revisions for the 1994/95 fiscal year. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to approve Alternative Curriculum Guide.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that this item be tabled in order to give board members time to review the Alternative Curriculum Guide. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to approve Chapter I, Chapter II and Title II Budget Revisions for the 1994/95 fiscal year.
Upon the recommendation of T. J. Butler, Jr., Supervisor of Federally Assisted Programs, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board, approve Chapter I Budget Revisions for the 1994/95 fiscal year. Motion carried unanimously.
Upon the recommendation of T. J. Butler, Jr., it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board approve Chapter II Budget Revision for the 1994/95 fiscal year. Motion carried unanimously.
Upon the recommendation of T. J. Butler, Jr., it was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board approve Title II Budget Revision for the 1994/95 fiscal year. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to approve Drug-Free Schools Budget Revisions for the 1994/95 fiscal year.
Upon the recommendation of Beth Fussell, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board approve Drug-Free Schools Budget Revisions for the 1994/95 fiscal year. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Discuss and take appropriate action for clarification of Reduction in Force Policy for Support Personnel.
President Barker stated this item would be considered later in the meeting.
Agenda Item # 15 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning grievance filed by Guy V. Schilling.
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Coleman, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board hold a grievance hearing for Guy V. Schilling on June 27, 1995, at 6:00 P.M. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Coleman stated that a lawsuit has been filed by Dr. Guy Schilling, and that Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn has asked that the Board retain independent counsel to represent it, since Mr. Kuhn worked closely with Dr. Schilling for an extended period of time. Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Coleman, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board retain Bob Hammonds, Louisiana School Boards Association Attorney, to represent the Board in the matter of the lawsuit. Roll call vote was as follows:
District I - Harold Smith FOR
District 2 - Karl Bickham FOR
District 3 - Bruce Brown FOR
District 4 - Richard N. Thomas FOR
District 5 - Hayward Boone FOR
District 6 - Susanne Jones FOR
District 7 - Holly James FOR
District 8 - B. H. Barker FOR
District 9 - Freddie Jefferson FOR
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #16 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding 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 Superintendent Coleman in the absence of Supervisor Anthony Triola:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Schools: Roger Moran, Bus Operator, Resignation effective August 1, 1995.
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Schools; Louise Simmons, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective July 1, 1995.
Pine School: Maxie Gerald, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective 1995.
Varnado Elementary School: Alice R. Walker, Chapter I Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective June 2, 1995.
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Mt. Hermon School: Richard Montet, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1995/96 school year.
REQUEST FOR SICK LEAVE:
Thomas Jr. High School: Doyle Ball, Regular Teacher, Extended Sick Leave effective August 13, 1995, through September 15, 1995, based on doctor's recommendation.
TRANSFER:
Jacqueline Diane Peters: Special Education Teacher, Franklinton Primary School, to Special Education Teacher, Varnado High School, effective the beginning of the 1995-96 school year (Fully certified transfer due to reduction in number of classes at Franklinton Primary School).
Freida Matschnig, Special Education Teacher, Thomas Jr. High School, to Special Education Teacher, Enon Elementary School, effective the beginning of the 1995-96 school year (Fully certified).
Rebecca Kennedy, Regular Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School, to Regular Teacher, Pine School, effective the beginning of the 1995-96 school year.
Linda Steinwinder, Chapter I Teacher, Varnado Elementary School, to Regular Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School, effective the beginning of the 1995-96 school year.
Terri Manning, School Clerk, Franklinton Jr. High School, to School Clerk, Franklinton High School, effective the beginning of the 1995-96 school year.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton High School: Ronald Bateman, Regular Teacher (English), effective the 1995-96 school year only (fill-in for Margaret Burch, who will be on sabbatical leave) - Fully certified.
Franklinton High School: Gilbert Hartzog, Regular Teacher (Science and Agriculture), effective the beginning of the 1995-96 school year (Fully certified - New position).
Mt. Hermon School: Michelle Miller, Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 1995-96 school year (Fully certified replacing Anita Joiner, who resigned).
Pine School: Karen Varnado, Special Education Teacher, effective the beginning of the 1995-96 school year (Fully certified replacing Steve Knight, who has been employed as Head Football Coach and Social Studies Teacher).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Darlene R. Hammer, Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 1995-96 school year (Fully certified - Filling a 5th grade position that is open).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Keri Lynette Magee Crowe: Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 1995-96 school year (Fully certified - replacing Mary Speed, who has resigned).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
None.
Motion carried unanimously.
Return to Agenda Item #14 - Discuss and take appropriate action for clarification of Reduction in Force Policy for Support Personnel.
Attorney Kuhn stated he would recommend that the Board not act on the June 8, 1995, minutes until Robert's Rules of Order can be reviewed and an official decision rendered. The Board was in agreement with Attorney Kuhn's recommendation.
Agenda Item #17 - Superintendent's Report
(1) Superintendent Coleman reported that quotes will be received from local medical doctors to perform bus operator physicals, with the most economical quote being accepted.
(2) At the request of Superintendent Coleman, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to adopt a Resolution urging that funds be provided through the Governor's Office of Rural Development for driveway and parking area improvements at Varnado High School. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adopt the following Resolution urging that funds be provided through the Governor's Office of Rural Development for driveway and parking area improvements at Varnado High School: See attached. Motion carried unanimously.
(3) At the request of Superintendent Coleman, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to appoint Annie Moses as Faculty Coordinator at Wesley Ray Elementary School effective the beginning of the 1995-96 school year. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board appoint Annie Moses as Faculty Coordinator at Wesley Ray Elementary School effective the beginning of the 1995-96 school year (replacing Luella Jackson, who is retiring). Motion carried unanimously.
(4) Superintendent Coleman informed the Board that changes in the Pupil Progression Plan must be reviewed by a parent committee, and he asked each board member to nominate a parent to serve on the committee.
(5) Dale Varnado, Coordinator, Testing and Evaluation Program, briefly reviewed this past school year's CAT scores.
(6) Superintendent Coleman informed the Board that four (4) bus operator vacancies will be advertised.
Agenda Item #18 - Other business from board members.
President Barker appointed Hayward Boone to replace John Dawsey on the Sales Tax commission, if an appointment is necessary.
Agenda Item #19 - Consider a motion to render determination in the grievance filed by Clara Graves.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board enter into Executive Session for the purpose of determining what will be the answer on the grievance filed by Clara Graves. Motion carried unanimously.
(A ten-minute recess was declared by President Barker prior to the Board's entering into Executive Session.)
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Holly James, that the Board return to regular session.
Agenda Item #20 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
President Barker declared the meeting adjourned.
BRINGIER H. BARKER, PRESIDENT
ROBERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY
R E S 0 L U T 1 0 N
WHEREAS, the driveway and parking area at Varnado High School is in need of major repairs; and
WHEREAS, the funds that might be used for this project have already been expended on repairs of the building; and
WHEREAS, this area is used by most members of the community at one time or another;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Washington Parish School Board urge that funds be provided through the Governor's Office of Rural Development to complete this worthy project.
C E R T I F I C A T I 0 N
This is to certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by the Washington Parish School Board in regular session held at Franklinton, Louisiana, on June 22, 1995.
Bringier H. Barker, President
Robert L. Coleman, Superintendent