Franklinton, Louisiana

August 14, 1995

6:30 P.M.

 

The Washington Parish School Board met in special 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. President Barker welcomed all in attendance.

 

Agenda Item #2 - Discuss scheduled retreat for school board members.

 

Superintendent Coleman reported that the retreat has been scheduled for September 23, 1995, at the Episcopal Conference Center, Robert, LA. More information will be forthcoming.

 

Agenda Item #3 - Recognize Dr. William Mizell for discussion of the possibility of establishing a school bus route from Washington Parish to Southeastern Louisiana University.

 

President Barker stated this item would be deleted from the agenda, since Dr. Mizell was unable to attend the meeting. However, Dr. Mizell would be able to meet Tuesday, August ]5th, at 5:00 P.M., with those board members who have been working on this bus route (Freddie Jefferson, Hayward Boone and Karl Bickham).

 

Agenda Item #4 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning request for a vote on collective bargaining.

 

It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board not allow a vote on collective bargaining. FOR: Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith. B. H. Barker, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown, and

 

Freddie Jefferson. AGAINST: Holly James. Motion carried.

 

Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning a one-cent sales tax dedicated to school employee pay raises.

 

Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, reported that currently the sales tax of the incorporated area of the parish is at the maximum - 8 1/2%. Special action of the legislature would be required to go higher than that amount. Excluding Ward 4 (Bogalusa), a one-cent sales tax would bring in a net of approximately $1 million per year.

 

President Barker recognized Mrs. Linda Spears, who had requested to address the board on the sales tax issue. Mrs. Spears stated she had a problem with the sole designation of a sales tax being for teacher salaries, when students are attending school in substandard facilities. She asked if some of the money derived from a sales tax could be designated for maintenance.

 

Following discussion among board members regarding forming a task force to study the feasibility of a one-cent sales tax, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that Harold Smith, Chairman of the Finance Committee, along with committee members Hayward Boone and Karl Bickham, and Leland Lee and Ricky Payne meet and form a task force of board members, school employees, parents, and business people to study the feasibility of a one-cent sales tax dedicated to the school system, including what has to be done to get legislative approval. The Board will hear a report from the task force at the September 28, 1995, board meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning the possibility of a pay raise for the employees of the Washington Parish School System.

 

Following a report from Mr. Raybourn regarding MFP funds and financial status of the system, Superintendent Coleman recommended that all employees be given a raise of 2% or $430.00 per employee.

 

Following discussion among board members, it was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Karl Bickham, that all employees be given a $430.00 per year raise effective the 1995/96 school year, with parttime employees receiving the same percentage for the amount of time they work. 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                               AGAINST

District 6                                                                                 - Susanne Jones                               AGAINST

District 7                                                                                 - Holly James                                    AGAINST

District 8                                                                                 - B. H. Barker                                    FOR

District 9                                                                                 - Freddie Jefferson                             FOR

 

The vote being six (6) FOR and three (3) AGAINST, the motion carried.

 

Bruce Brown expressed concern that the principal of Pine School has appointed a white faculty coordinator. He stated that, in all fairness, a black should be appointed as faculty coordinator, since the principal is white. President Barker asked Superintendent Coleman to talk with Principal Ed Deas to see if the problem can be rectified, then communicate with Mr. Brown.

 

President Barker declared the meeting adjourned.

 

ROBERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY