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, Harold Smith, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Susanne Jones.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order.
The meeting was called to order by President Barker.
Agenda Item #2 - Invocation.
The invocation was given by Bruce Brown.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the printed agenda be adopted as the official agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the September 28, 1995, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the September 28, 1995, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to renew policy updating service with Forethought Consulting, Inc.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board renew the policy updating service with Forethought Consulting, Inc., for the period November, 1995, to October, 1996, at a cost of $1,640.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to enter into agreement with Electronic Information Systems for obtaining Medicaid reimbursement for specific screening and health services.
Following review of agreement and discussion, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board enter into agreement with Electronic Information Systems for obtaining Medicaid reimbursement for specific screening and health services as follows, and including revisions recommended by Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn, and authorize the Board President to execute the agreement: SEE ATTACHMENT #1. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to support Governor Edward’s proclamation proclaiming October 15 through October 21, 1995, as Louisiana Educational Diagnosticians’ Week in Louisiana.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board support Governor Edward’s proclamation proclaiming October 15 through October 21, 1995, as Louisiana Educational Diagnosticians’ Week in Louisiana. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding recommendation of three-year graduate committee.
Following review of the committee’s recommendation, and discussion, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adopt an alternate proposal, as follows:
The Washington Parish School Board strongly encourages all students to attend high school for four (4) years. For a three-year graduate to be considered for senior honors, a student must declare his/her intention of graduating in three (3) years prior to the beginning of his/her third year in high school.
Motion carried unanimously. This policy becomes effective immediately.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution requesting that State Employees Group Benefits Program increase the number of phone lines for claim information.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the following Resolution requesting that State Employees Group Benefits Program increase the number of phone lines for claim information:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, it is vital that state employees are able to contact their health insurance carrier to ask about claims and/or resolve problems, and
WHEREAS, if one dials 1-800-272-8451 or 504-925-6625, numbers to the program office for claim information, one is almost guaranteed to receive a busy signal, and
WHEREAS, when the call is answered, the caller is placed on hold for such a long time (even when calling long distance), the caller eventually gives up, and
WHEREAS, health insurance premiums have increased;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Washington Parish School System request that State Employees Group Benefits Program install additional phone lines and hire sufficient employees so that members can receive answers to their questions within a reasonable time.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution be sent to Governor Edwin Edwards, members of the Louisiana Legislature, the Louisiana School Boards Association, all Louisiana Public School Boards, and State Employees Group Benefits Program.
CERTIFICATE
I, Robert L. Coleman, Secretary, Washington Parish School Board, do hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by said Board at its regular meeting on October 12, 1995.
______________________________
Robert L. Coleman, Secretary
Washington Parish School Board
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel Adjustments.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board approve the following Personnel Adjustments as presented by Supervisor Anthony Triola:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Angie/Wesley Ray Schools: Milton Delos Mingo, Bus Operator, Resignation effective September 7, 1995.
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Central Office: Sue Q. Macias, R.N., School Nurse, Retirement Resignation effective January 1, 1996.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton High School: Helen Magee, Regular Teacher, Sick Leave effective October 2, 1995, through December 31, 1995.
TRANSFER:
Gretchen Witkowsk, IASA Title I Paraprofessional, Franklinton High School, to Special Education Paraprofessional, Franklinton Primary School, effective September 20, 1995.
EMPLOY:
Angie Jr. High School: Sheila S. Phillips, Part-time Food Service Technician, effective October 16, 1995.
Enon Elementary School: Carol H. Dykes, Part-time Food Service Technician, effective October 16, 1995.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Superintendent’s Report.
1. The Board heard a report on Saturday detention by Supervisor Anthony Triola. He presented the following Detention Program Summary:
School Day Time # of Students Repeaters
MHS Fri. 3:00 - 4:30 PM 356
FHS Wed. 3:00 - 4:00 PM 330
FES Sat. 8:00 - 12:00 PM 30
ENON As Needed Before/After School 202
FJHS Sat. 8:00 - 12:00 PM 51
VHS Sat. 8:00 - 12:00 PM 290
Schools Utilizing In-School Suspensions:
Thomas Jr. High School Franklinton Primary School
Pine High School Angie Jr. High School
Varnado Elementary School Wesley Ray Elementary School
Schools utilizing in-school suspensions hold these at recesses, before and after school, and during P.E. periods.
Following discussion regarding the variations in detention schedules among the schools, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the following item be added to the agenda:
Consideration of uniform detention policy.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Hayward Boone, that consideration of a uniform detention policy be tabled until further study, with Supervisor Anthony Triola meeting with principals for discussion and reporting back to the Board at the next official board meeting. Roll call vote was as follows:
District 1 - 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 ABSENT
District 7 - Holly James FOR
District 8 - B. H. Barker FOR
District 9 - Freddie Jefferson FOR
Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that pay for detention teachers be increased from $10.00 to $15.00 per hour, effective October 12, 1995. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Supervisor William Brignac reported on estimated cost of erecting a fence to close off the portable buildings at Varnado High School. The following estimates were obtained:
A.Coward - $2,890.00 - $3,000.00 (including installation)
B.Tynes - $2,000.00 (includes installation, if he can find someone to install it)
C.Otha Schilling - $2,500.00 (including installation)
D.Perry Thomas - $2,980.00 (including installation)
The Board asked Mr. Brignac to check into the cost of fencing the entire Varnado High School campus, then report back to the Board.
3. Superintendent Coleman reported that fire alarms at four (4) schools are not operating. He suggested that the Board do away with the monitoring system and go to a pull down alarm system. He will investigate this matter further, then report back to the Board.
4. Superintendent Coleman announced that the week of October 15 through the 21, 1995, has been proclaimed School Bus Safety Week by Governor Edwards.
5. Director of Finance Adren Raybourn reported on the Varnado High School Re-Construction Fund. The checking account balance is $537,203.81, with a total of $62,887.97 in expenditures, thus far. Superintendent Coleman reported that the Board’s public adjuster has given a figure of $2,005,137.00 damage on the building alone.
6. Superintendent Coleman reported that the final student count was submitted to the State Department, with that count being 5,121 students.
Agenda Item #12 - Other business from board members.
Superintendent Coleman and Harold Smith were asked to review a request by some bus operators to allow school dismissal at noon on a Friday in order to allow bus operators to attend the bus operators convention in Shreveport, LA.
Karl Bickham expressed concern about the lack of a parish wide discipline policy. It was determined that this would be a topic of discussion at the next committee meeting, and that principals would be asked to attend the meeting.
Harold Smith requested that a date be set to discuss the hiring policy. Superintendent Coleman was asked to suggest several dates from which to choose and send to board members.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
BRINGIER H. BARKER, PRESIDENT
ROBERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY