The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Bringier H. Barker.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order.
The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Harold Smith in the absence of President Barker, who was unable to attend due to illness.
Agenda Item #2 - Invocation.
The invocation was given by Bruce Brown.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the January 23, 1996, board meeting.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the January 23, 1996, board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to accept or reject the bid received for the purchase of a computerized IEP program.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board accept the bid submitted by Learning Systems Technologies, Marblehead, MA, in the amount of $17,300.00 for the purchase of a computerized IEP program, as recommended by Dr. Pamela Williford, Special Education Supervisor. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to amend Washington Parish School Board Policy File: GBRJ - Substitute Teachers, to allow for substitute teachers with a high school diploma only to be placed on the salary schedule for substitute teachers with 2 years college credit for the purpose of this item.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that this item be tabled until the next committee meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to revise the present policy to increase the Chapter I revolving line of credit to $250,000.
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board revise the present policy to increase the Chapter I revolving line of credit to $250,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to revise the present policy to increase the Special Education IDEA revolving line of credit to $50,000.
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board revise the present policy to increase the Special Education IDEA revolving line of credit to $50,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning secretarial staff at Franklinton High School.
Superintendent Coleman stated that Beverly Young, Principal, Franklinton High School, has requested the hiring of an additional full-time secretary for Franklinton High School in order for the school to be in compliance with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools standards for accreditation. SACS standards require 2 « secretaries at Franklinton High School; currently the system employs 1 « secretaries. He stated thatother schools would also need additional secretaries to comply with SACS standards (Franklinton Primary School - «; Franklinton Elementary School - «; Franklinton Jr. High School - «; Mt. Hermon School - «).
Following discussion, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that this item be tabled until the next committee meeting to allow for further study and consultation with Dr. J. Berton Gremillion, Administrative Secretary, Louisiana Committee, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. FOR: Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Harold Smith, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown and Freddie Jefferson. AGAINST: Holly James and Susanne Jones. ABSENT: B. H. Barker. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #10 - Discuss 4 x 4 block scheduling for Franklinton High School.
Considerable discussion occurred between board members, Principal Beverly Young, FHS faculty members, and parents present regarding the 4x4 block scheduling plan. Principal Young stated that public forums held have been well received. Teachers stated that they are committed to this plan.
Vice President Smith declared a five-minute recess.
Upon re-convening, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board approve 4x4 block scheduling for Franklinton High School, contingent upon the public being sold on this idea and supportive of the plan. 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 FOR
District 7 - Holly James FOR
District 8 - B. H. Barker ABSENT
District 9 - Freddie Jefferson FOR
The vote being eight (8) FOR, zero (0) AGAINST, and one (1) ABSENT, the motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to support a proclamation by Governor Mike Foster proclaiming the week of February 11 - 17, 1996, as Vocational Education Week in the State of Louisiana.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board support a proclamation by Governor Mike Foster proclaiming the week of February 11 - 17, 1996, as Vocational Education Week in the State of Louisiana. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution in support of Bringier H. Barker’s candidacy for Second Vice-President, Louisiana School Boards Association.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Bringier H. Barker, a member of the Washington Parish School Board, will seek election to the office of Second Vice-President, Louisiana School Boards Association; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Barker has been a member of the Washington Parish School Board since January 1, 1975, having faithfully and conscientiously performed the duties of a school board member; and having served as Vice-President and President of the Board, a position he now holds; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Barker has been an active member of the Louisiana School Boards Association, having served on the Board of Directors since 1991, having served as a member of the Louisiana School Boards Association Resolutions Committee, presently serving as Chairman of that committee, and having regularly attended statewide meetings and conventions, thus making him knowledgeable in the operation of the association; and
WHEREAS, his interest in education on the local, state, and national levels, hisoutstanding character, his enthusiasm and dedication, and his willingness to serve are all indicative of his ability and qualifications; now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Washington Parish School Board does hereby unanimously endorse and support the candidacy of Mr. Bringier H. Barker as Second Vice-President, Louisiana School Boards Association, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copes of this resolution be forwarded to the Louisiana School Boards Association and to each school system in the State of Louisiana requesting support of Mr. Barker’s candidacy.
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This is to certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution unanimously adopted by the Washington Parish School Board in regular session held at Franklinton, Louisiana, on February 8, 1996, at which a quorum was present.
_____________________________________
Robert L. Coleman, Secretary
Washington Parish School Board
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments be approved as presented by Superintendent Coleman:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton High School: Ronald Bateman, English Teacher, Resignation effective January 22, 1996.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton High School: Cindy Creel, English Teacher, effective January 16, 1996, and for the remainder of the 1995-96 school year only (fill-in for Kim Magee, who is on sabbatical leave).
Varnado Elementary School: Jeanie Kay Bryant, Elementary Teacher, effective January 31, 1996, and for the remainder of the 1995-96 school year.
Franklinton Primary School: Tammy Denise May, Pre-School Special Education Teacher, effective February 12, 1996, and for the remainder of the 1995-96 school year only (CIRCULAR 665)
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Franklinton Schools: Extend the route of Robert Mizell 1.0 mile one way to pick up T. J. Hunt. Effective date: January 24, 1996.
Varnado High School: Extend the route of Martha Kennedy 1.5 miles one way to pick up Melody and Penny Hahn. Effective date: November 8, 1995.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Superintendent’s Report.
Superintendent Coleman stated that Attorney Bob Hammonds was scheduled to attend this meeting to review the case of Guy Von Schilling v. Washington Parish School Board, but he was selected for jury duty. Mr. Coleman stated he spoke with President Barker and Mr. Barker has set a special board meeting for February 15, 1996, at 10:00 A.M., for the purpose of entering into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(2) todiscuss litigation in the matter of Guy Von Schilling v. Washington Parish School Board, 22nd JDC No. 72,849-B.
At Superintendent Coleman’s request, it was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to enter into a contract or lease agreement with the Washington Parish Police Jury as the Sponsoring Agency of the Washington Parish School System’s lunchrooms for the Summer Food Feeding Program. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board enter into a contract or lease agreement with the Washington Parish Police Jury as the Sponsoring Agency of the Washington Parish School System’s lunchrooms for the Summer Food Feeding Program for a period between June 3, 1996, and July 31, 1996. Motion carried unanimously.
Hayward Boone stated that he has to report Monday morning (2/12/96) for jury duty, and if he is selected, he may be unable to attend the February 15th special meeting. He asked if the meeting could be re-scheduled. Superintendent Coleman stated he would inform President Barker of Mr. Boone’s possible conflict. Attorney Kuhn stated he would contact the Clerk’s office regarding Mr. Boone being released from jury duty.
There was discussion as to whether or not the Board would need to vote on holding the special meeting on February 15, 1996. Superintendent Coleman stated that the Board President can call a special meeting at anytime; it does not require Board approval.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board hold the special meeting on February 15, 1996, contingent upon Hayward Boone being able to attend. It was pointed out that this would first have to be added to the agenda. It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Harold Smith, that consideration of the date set for a special meeting to hold an Executive Session to discuss litigation in the matter of Guy Von Schilling v Washington Parish School Board, contingent upon Hayward Boone being able to attend, be added to the agenda. FOR: Hayward Boone, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown and Freddie Jefferson. AGAINST: Karl Bickham. Motion carried.
Freddie Jefferson then withdrew his motion to set the special meeting for February 15, 1996, and Richard N. Thomas withdrew his second to the motion.
Agenda Item #15 - Other business from board members.
None.
Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(2) to discuss litigation in the matter of Guy Von Schilling v. Washington Parish School Board, 22nd JDC No. 72,849-B.
This item was deleted since Attorney Bob Hammonds could not be present.
Agenda Item #17 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
This item was deleted since no Executive Session was held.
Agenda Item #18 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
Vice-President Smith declared the meeting adjourned.
BRINGIER H. BARKER, PRESIDENT
ROBERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY