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. President Barker welcomed all in attendance.
Agenda Item #2 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the August 24, 1995, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board adopt the minutes of the August 24, 1995, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #3 - Presentation by Kathy David, Home Economist, and John Wyble, Assistant County Agent.
Mr. Wyble recognized Anna Fornea, a senior at Varnado High School and the District I Representative on the State 4-H Executive Committee. Ms. Fornea reviewed parish 4-H activities of this past year and recognized the following 4-H members for their accomplishments:
Lisa Kuhn, Franklinton Jr. High School - Parish and District winner in the Beef Cookery Contest.
Robert Clark, Karen Clark, Caleshia Clark - Mt. Hermon, and Rashad Harrison - Franklinton Jr. High - Attended Environmental Education Camp at Camp Grant Walker.
Chance Rhode, Franklinton Jr. High - Championship Award at District Livestock Show.
Jonathan Kennedy, Pine, and Anna Fornea, Varnado High - Attended State Leadership Conference at Camp Grant Walker.
Rust Nelson, Franklinton High - Blue Ribbon, Rice Cookery Demonstration, State 4-H Short Course Competition.
Holly Knight, Pine - Blue Ribbon, Ready-to-Wear Clothing - State 4-H Short Course Competition.
Autumn Miller, Franklinton High - State Winner Dairy Judging Contest - Will compete at National Contest in Madison, WI.
Ashleigh Lightfoot, Varnado High - State Winner in General Public Speaking Contest - Will attend National Club Congress in Memphis, TN.
Anna Fornea, Varnado High - State Winner, Dairy Record Contest - Will attend World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI.
Josh Sumrall, Pine - First Alternate, Electricity Contest - State Record Book Competition.
Rust Nelson, Franklinton High - First Alternate, Foods Records, State Record Book Competition.
Rust Nielson and Jeremy McKenzie - District I Good Provider Winner (Beef Records) -State Record Book Competition.
Jeremy McKenzie - Blue Ribbon, Overall Beef Records, State Record Book Competition; received Reserve Grand Champion and Louisiana Bred Champion with his Beefmaster heifer at the LSU State Livestock Show.
Billy Watts, Varnado High - Attended State 4-H Short Course.
Ms. Fornea expressed appreciation to the Board and Superintendent Robert Coleman for their support of the 4-H program.
President Barker declared a five-minute recess.
Agenda Item #3A - Presentation by Town of Franklinton
Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn presented a resolution for board consideration. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the following item be added to the agenda: Discuss and take appropriate action regarding entering into a sale and a cooperative endeavor with the Town of Franklinton to install a water tank at Franklinton High School. Motion carried unanimously.
Following discussion, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the following resolution: SEE ATTACHED. Motion carried unanimously.
Additional Agenda Item - It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Harold Smith, that the following item be added to the agenda: Presentation by Kerry Thomas regarding rental of trailers for use as temporary classrooms at Varnado High School due to extensive damage to the school by fire on September 14, 1995. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Thomas stated he had four (4) 36' x 60' trailers available for sale for $9,500.00 each, including central air and heat and delivery and blocking. He stated that rental terms could be arranged. The Board asked that he study rental terms and report back to the Board later in the meeting.
There followed a lengthy discussion among board members and audience members regarding the fire at Varnado High School, including concern for students’ health and security, desire for portable buildings as classrooms, and immediate needs at the school in order to resume classes. The Board assured the concerned audience members present of its support and commitment to getting students back in school as soon as possible. Superintendent Coleman stated his goal was to have classes resume on Tuesday, September 19, 1995.
President Barker recognized Mrs. Jean Collins, parent of a Varnado High School student, who asked the Board to not allow white students to transfer out of Varnado High School to other schools, especially since the fire.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board send letters of appreciation to all the fire departments who assisted in extinguishing the Varnado High School fire. Motion carried unanimously.
President Barker declared a ten-minute recess.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the General Fund Budget for 1995-96, in conformity with section 88, Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes.-
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the General Fund Budget for 1995-96, in conformity with section 88, Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to adopt the Angie School District Maintenance Tax Budget for 1995-96.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adopt the Angie School District Maintenance Tax Budget for 1995-96. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to adopt the School Food Service Budget for 1995-96.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adopt the School Food Service Budget for 1995-96. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to adopt the ECIA Title I Budget for 1995-96.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the ECIA Title I Budget for 1995-96. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to adopt the ECIA Title VI Budget for 1995-96.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adopt the ECIA Title VI Budget for 1995-96. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adopt the ECIA Title II Budget for 1995-96.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the ECIA Title II Budget for 1995-96. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to adopt the Special Federal Funds Budget for 1995-96.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the Special Federal Funds Budget for 1995-96. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to adopt the Drug Free Schools Budget for 1995-96.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adopt the Drug Free Schools Budget for 1995-96. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to approve Special Education IDEA and Pre-School budget revisions for 1995-96.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve Special Education IDEA and Pre-School budget revisions for 1995-96. 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 #13 - Consider a motion to approve the supervision of a graduate level social worker by a social worker in Pupil Appraisal.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board approve the supervision of a graduate level social worker by a social worker in Pupil Appraisal. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to accept/reject low bid received for the purchase of Title I Computers.
Martha Sumrall, Technology Director, reported that it was the recommendation of the principals (Dennie Fowler, Richard Kennedy, Wayne Penton, Linda Crain and Mickey Fornea) that the Board reject all bids received for the purchase of Title I Computers because of the following reasons:
(1) the need to research Windows ‘95 and its applications and functions with existing software programs written in DOS;
(2) the changes in operating systems from 486 x 4100 to a Pentium processor;
(3) the components needed to interface with the Internet connections.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board reject all bids received for the purchase of Title I Computers. Motion carried unanimously. The following bids were received for the purchase of Title I Computers:
Franklinton Computers $129,150.00
Sam’s $139,318.00
Campo $142,380.00
Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to advertise for a part-time school food service technician at Enon Elementary School and Angie Jr. High School.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board authorize advertising for a part-time school food service technician at Enon Elementary School and Angie Jr. High School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda item #16 - Hear report from committee regarding new specifications and recommendations for Goals 2000 Computers.
Martha Sumrall stated the Goals 2000 Committee met and revised the specifications for the computers. In order to expedite placement of the computers in the schools, the committee is recommending by-passing the bid process and purchasing the computers through State contract.
Agenda Item #17 - Consider a motion to hold a Board community meeting at Franklinton Primary School on September 21, 1995, at 6:00 P.M.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board hold a Board community meeting at Franklinton Primary School on September 21, 1995, at 6:00 P.M. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #18 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel Adjustments.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board approve the following Personnel Adjustments as presented by Supervisor Anthony Triola:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Enon Elementary School: Charlotte Ginn, Regular Teacher and Faculty Coordinator, Retirement Resignation effective August 25, 1995.
Franklinton Schools: Norman McCain, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective January 1, 1996.
Thomas Jr. High School: Doyle Ball, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective September 15, 1995.
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Jr. High School: Sandra McDaniel, One-half Time School Lunch Clerk, Resignation effective September 30, 1995.
Franklinton High School: Leland F. Lee, Jr., Industrial Arts Teacher, Resignation effective September 30, 1995.
Varnado High School: Bobbie Varnado, Librarian, Resignation effective September `11, 1995.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton Schools: Jeffrey Cotton, Bus Operator, Leave Without Pay, effective August 28, 1995, through May 30, 1996; employ his replacement: Sherrie Brumfield.
Vocational Center: Alfred A. Fuller, Welding Teacher, Military Leave, effective September 15, 1995, through September 28, 1995 (10 days).
Franklinton Primary School: Janice Branch, School Clerk, Extended Sick Leave effective September 11, 1995, through November 17, 1995.
TRANSFER:
Sherie B. Warren, Preschool Teacher, Varnado Elementary School - TTA (fill-in for Mary Lofthus, who is on sick leave for the 1995-96 school year) TO Regular Teacher, Franklinton High School (Certified), effective September 18, 1995.
Virginia Graves, Librarian, Pine School, TO Academically Gifted Teacher, Pine/Thomas Schools, effective September 18, 1995.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Jr. High School: Lucy F. Wascom, One-half Time School Lunch Clerk, effective September 25, 1995.
Franklinton High School: Rhonda J. Eisert, Business Education Teacher, effective September 6, 1995, and for the remainder of the 1995-96 school year only - Fully certified (fill-in for Jerry Wascom, who is on sick leave).
Franklinton High School: Eloise Magee, Special Education Teacher, effective September 18, 1995, and for the remainder of the 1995-96 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton High School: Annette Williams, Full-time School Lunch Porter, effective September 15, 1995.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #19 - Superintendent’s Report.
1. At Superintendent Coleman’s request, Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn addressed a request made by a resigning employee to transfer sick leave to another employee. According to an Attorney General’s opinion, a parish school board, in its discretion, may adopt rules or regulations to permit a teacher to give some or all of his accrued sick leave days to another school board employee. President Barker stated that this matter would be considered at a later date following review and study by the Board.
2. Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize establishing a new fund, “Varnado High School Re-Construction Fund.” Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board authorize opening a checking account for the new fund (Varnado High School Re-Construction Fund). Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize transferring $100,000.00 from General Fund to Varnado High School Re-Construction Fund. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board grant withdrawal privileges on the Varnado High School Re-construction Fund to the Superintendent or his designee and the Board President. Motion carried unanimously.
3. In response to a request, Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, gave the board information he had obtained from Moore & Jenkins Ins. Agency regarding theft insurance for computers in the school system.
President Barker asked for Mr. Kerry Thomas’ report on trailers for use as temporary classrooms at Varnado High School. Mr. Thomas reported that a lease of four (4) units (3-wide each) for a period of 8 « months would cost the Board $6,000 per 3-wide unit, including blocking and anchoring. Purchase price would be $9,000 per unit. He would have them set up by September 25, 1995.
Superintendent Coleman stated that Space Master Buildings can set up at least nine (9) buildings over the weekend.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board authorize Superintendent Coleman, Freddie Jefferson, and Hayward Boone to make a decision on Friday, September 15, 1995, regarding temporary classrooms for Varnado High School, then report back to the Board. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #20 - Other business from board members.
None.
Agenda Item #21 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session to conduct a grievance hearing for Evelyn T. Bickham, Title I Receptionist/Clerk.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board enter into Executive Session to conduct a grievance hearing for Evelyn T. Bickham, Title I Receptionist/Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #22 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
President Barker declared the meeting adjourned.
BRINGIER H. BARKER, PRESIDENT
ROBERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY
ATTACHMENT TO MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 14, 1995
RESOLUTION OF THE WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
At a meeting of the Washington Parish School Board, duly held in Franklinton, Louisiana, on September 14, 1995, at 6:30 P.M., pursuant to proper notice given, the following resolution was offered and adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Washington Parish School Board inter into a sale and a cooperative endeavor with the Town of Franklinton on the following described property, to wit:
0.115 acres of land located in Section 20, Township 2 south, Range 11 East, St. Helena Meridian, Greensburg District, Washington Parish, Louisiana, more particularly described as follows: commencing from the quarter-section corner common to Sections 19 & 20, South 84 degrees 18 minutes 05 seconds East, 63.06 feet to the point of beginning located on the eastern line of Section Line Road; thence from the point of beginning North 87 degrees 29 minutes 02 seconds East, 100 feet; thence south 00 degrees 57 minutes 05 seconds West, 50 feet; thence South 87 degrees 29 minutes 02 seconds West, 100 feet to the eastern line of Section Line Road; thence along the eastern line of Section Line Road, North 00 degrees 57 minutes 05 seconds East, 50 feet to the point of beginning. All as shown on survey by Richard B. Edwards dated September 7, 1995.
The Town of Franklinton is to pay the consideration of $3,000.00 to the Washington Parish School Board. In addition, the Town of Franklinton is to install a water tank on the property described herein above, which will increase the water pressure at Franklinton High School. As a further benefit to the Town of Franklinton, the installation of the water tank on the above described property will enhance the water pressure to the homes located in the vicinity.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Bringier H. Barker, President, is authorized to execute any and all documents necessary on behalf of the Washington Parish School Board in order to accomplish the desired objectives, in the name of the Washington Parish School Board in the property described herein above.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Washington Parish School Board, certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by the Washington Parish School Board on the date hereinabove set forth. I further certify that due and legal notice of said meeting was given in advance and that a quorum of said Board was present and participated in said meeting.
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Robert L. Coleman, Secretary