Franklinton, Louisiana

March 14, 1996

6:30 P.M.

 

            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 - 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.

 

            The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jonathan Young, a student at Franklinton Jr. High School.

 

            It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, 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 February 8, 1996, regular board meeting.

 

            It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the February 8, 1996, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the February 15, 1996, special board meeting.

 

            It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the February 15, 1996, special board meeting as submitted to each board member.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #6 - Presentation by Dr. Pamela Williford, Special Education Supervisor - Recognize Freida Matschnig, Recipient of Council for Exceptional Children Grant.

 

            Ms. Freida Matschnig, Special Education Teacher at Enon Elementary School, was introduced to the Board by Mrs. Phyllis Thomas, Principal, Enon Elementary School.  Ms. Matschnig stated she plans to use the funds received to purchase physical education equipment for her students that will enable them to develop strength in their upper bodies and increase their agility and endurance.  President Barker extended congratulations on behalf of the Board.

 

            Agenda Item #7 - Presentation by Kay Bell, Talented Art Teacher - Recognize Louisiana School Boards Association Art Show Exhibitors.

 

            Mrs. Bell introduced the following students who participated in the Louisiana School Boards Association Art Show held during the recent convention in Bossier City, Louisiana:

 

                        Jonathan Young - Student at Franklinton Jr. High School

                        Leah Witkowsky - Student at Franklinton Jr. High School

Taffany Corkern, a student at Franklinton High School, participated but was unable to attend the meeting.

 

            Mrs. Bell also introduced another one her students, June Newman, a 10th grader at Franklinton High School, who recently placed First at State Rally with her entry, “SilentTears.”

 

            President Barker congratulated Mrs. Bell and her students.

 

            Agenda Item #8 - Presentation by Ricky Payne, President, Washington Parish Association of Educators, on the topic, “State Pay Raise for all Employees.”

 

            Ricky Payne presented a resolution to the Board and requested that it be adopted. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adopt the following resolution in support of a salary proposal for classroom teachers and support personnel:

 

RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, The Honorable Governor Mike Foster and members of the Louisiana House of Representatives and Senate have stated that increasing the salaries for teachers and other school employees is a top priority; and

 

WHEREAS, recruiting and retaining the best classroom teachers is a major factor in improving student achievement; and

 

WHEREAS, Louisiana classroom teachers’ salaries currently rank among the lowest in the nation; and

 

WHEREAS, local school boards do not have sufficient revenues to provide the funds necessary to significantly raise these salaries; and

 

WHEREAS, the Louisiana Association of Educators, the state affiliate of the Washington Parish Association of Educators, has announced a major initiative, which will require no additional state tax, in order to raise school employees’ salaries to the Southern average; and

 

WHEREAS, this multi-year permanent salary increase calls for an average $1,700.00 raise for the next three years for instructional personnel and a 5% raise in each of those three years for all support employees by using the proceeds from the present one-cent sales tax, which is currently used by the Louisiana Recovery District and due to expire in 1998.  The annual $605,000,000 that this tax currently brings in would more than cover the cost of this proposed salary initiative, with additional millions available for higher education, textbooks, and technology.

 

                        THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Washington Parish School Board join with the Washington Parish Association of Educators in support of this multi-year, major salary initiative which will significantly raise the salaries of all classroom teachers and support personnel in the public elementary and secondary schools throughout the State of Louisiana, and

 

                        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Washington Parish School Board join with the Washington Parish Association of Educators in petitioning The Honorable Governor Mike Foster and members of the Louisiana Legislature to support the salary proposal when it is presented in the 1996 Session of the Louisiana Legislature.

 

CERTIFICATION

 

            I hereby 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 March 14, 1996, at which a quorum was present.

 

                                                                        Robert L. Coleman, Secretary

                                                                        Washington Parish School Board

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #9 - Consider engaging the services of KPMG Peat Marwick to perform the audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 1996.

 

            Upon the recommendation of Beth Fussell, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board authorize the Superintendent to sign an engagement letter engaging the services of KPMG Peat Marwick to perform the audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 1996, at a fee of $27,000.00.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to renew the contract with Norris Insurance Consultants.

 

            Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board renew the contract with Norris Insurance Consultants for a one-year period at a fee of $7,080.00.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning secretarial staff at Franklinton High School.

 

            Superintendent Coleman stated that Franklinton High School is one (1) secretary under Southern Association of Colleges and Schools standards.  Franklinton High School has 1 « secretaries, whereas Pine School has two (2); Franklinton High School deserves as many as Pine.  Therefore, his recommendation would be to add a l/2 time secretary at Franklinton high School.  He further stated that, if he were to recommend that Franklinton High School be brought up to SACS standards, he would have to recommend additional secretaries for other schools in order to bring them up to standards.  (Compliance with SACS standards would require the following additional secretaries: Franklinton High School - 1; Franklinton Primary School - «; Franklinton Elementary School - «; Franklinton Jr. High School - «; Mt. Hermon School - l/2.)

 

            During discussion, it was pointed out that Dr. J. Berton Gremillion, Administrative Secretary, Louisiana Committee, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, had suggested that two schools per year be brought up to SACS standards.  Since Franklinton High School and Mt. Hermon School are being evaluated for SACS accreditation this year, it was suggested that additional secretaries be added at these schools this year.  Beth Fussell, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager, was asked to obtain salary information for two (2) additional l/2 time secretarial positions and report back to the Board later in the meeting.

 

            Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to allow Thomas Jr. High School to expend school funds in the amount of $1,118.00 for the purchase of playground equipment.

 

            Upon the request of Principal Carl Merritt, it was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board allow Thomas Jr. High School to expend school funds in the amount of $1,118.00 for the purchase of material for construction of playground equipment, with construction to be done by the school board maintenance crew.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to renew the contract of employment for Robert Al Johnson, Supervisor of Instruction.

 

            Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Coleman, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board renew the contract of employment for Robert Al Johnson, Supervisor of Instruction, for the period beginning April 1, 1996, and ending March 31, 1999.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to employ Frank Green, at a supervisory salary, to fill in for Guy V. Schilling during his absences.

 

            Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Robert Coleman, it was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board employ Frank Green, at a supervisory salary, to fill in for Guy V. Schilling during his absences.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to contract clerical assistance for Martha Sumrall, 68 hours @ $6.00 per hour, to be paid through Goals 2000.

 

            It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board contract clerical assistance for Martha Sumrall, 68 hours @ $6.00 per hour, to be paid through Goals 2000.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #16 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning the construction of a fence around Varnado High School.

 

            Following discussion, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize construction of a fence at Varnado High School, as requested by Principal Emma Ross, with $4,000.00 being taken from Varnado High School contingency fund and $4,000.00 being taken from the school allocation to be made to Varnado High School in May, 1996.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #17 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning allocation of Title I carryover funds.

 

            T. J. Butler, Jr., Supervisor, Federally Assisted Programs, presented the following three (3) proposals for Board consideration:

 

Plan I - TITLE I 95-066-59 CARRY-OVER TO 1996

 

BASED ON $100.00 PER STUDENT

 

SCHOOL                       % FREE AND                NO. OF                         AMT. ALLOCATED

                                    REDUCED LUNCH         STUDENTS

 

Varnado Elem.               98%                              185                               18,500.00

Varnado High                 98%                              282                               28,200.00

Wesley Ray Elem.         92%                              313                               31,300.00

Angie Jr. High                91%                              234                               23,400.00

Thomas Jr. High             91%                              392                               39,200.00

Franklinton Prim.           87%                              396                               11,400.00*

                                                            TOTAL ALLOCATED               $152,000.00

 

*This amount is the balance left.

 

This is carry-over money from last year ($152,000.00).  This money is being allocated to the schools in the highest poverty area (Free & Reduced lunches) at a rate of $100.00 per student until the money is depleted.  Our main concern was that the money would not be watered-down so that the schools could purchase computers and software.

 

PLAN II - TITLE I 95-066-59 CARRY-OVER TO 1996

 

BASED ON $37.62 PER STUDENT

 

SCHOOL                       % FREE AND                NO. OF             AMT. ALLOCATED

                                    REDUCED LUNCH         STUDENTS

 

Varnado Elem.               98%                              185                              6,974.90

Varnado High                 98%                              282                            10,608.84

WRES                          92%                              313                            11,775.06

Angie Jr. High                91%                              234                              8,803.08

Thomas Jr. High             91%                              392                            14,747.04

Franklinton Prim.           87%                              396                            14,897.04

Pine                              83%                              482                            18,132.84

Franklinton Elem.           79%                              358                            13,467.96

Mt. Hermon                   78%                              473                            17,794.26

Franklinton Jr. High        72%                              382                            17,370.84

Enon                             64%                              175                              6,583.50

Franklinton High             61%                              368                            13,844.16

                                                TOTAL TO SCHOOLS                      $152,000.00

 

This is carry-over money from last year ($152,000.00).  This money is being allocated to the schools at a rate of $37.62 per student.

 

PLAN III - TITLE I 95-066-59 CARRY-OVER TO 1996

 

BASED ON $152,000.00 DIVIDED BY 12 SCHOOLS

 

SCHOOL                                   ALLOCATED AMOUNT

 

Varnado Elem.                           12,666.74

Varnado High                             12,666.66

Wesley Ray Elem.                     12,666.66

Angie Jr. High                            12,666.66

Thomas Jr. High                         12,666.66

Franklinton Prim.                       12,666.66

Pine High                                  12,666.66

Franklinton Elem.                       12,666.66

Mt. Hermon                               12,666.66

Franklinton Jr. High                    12,666.66

Enon                                         12,666.66

Franklinton High                         12,666.66

 TOTAL TO SCHOOLS        $     152,000.00

 

This is carry-over money from last year ($152,000.00).  This plan shows the allocation divided between the twelve schools.

 

            Upon the recommendation of Supervisor T. J. Butler, Jr., it was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board approve Plan I - Title I 95-066-59 Carry-Over to 1996.  Roll call vote was as follows:

 

            District 1 - Harold Smith             AGAINST

            District 2 - Karl Bickham             AGAINST

            District 3 - Bruce Brown              FOR

            District 4 - Richard N. Thomas    FOR

            District 5 - Hayward Boone         FOR

            District 6 - Susanne Jones          AGAINST

            District 7 - Holly James              AGAINST

            District 8 - B. H. Barker              FOR

            District 9 - Freddie Jefferson        FOR

 

The vote being five (5) FOR and four (4) AGAINST, the motion carried.

 

            Agenda Item #18 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments.

 

            It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments:

 

                                                PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

 

REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:

 

Enon Elementary School: Beryl Jo Sharp, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the Fall semester of the 1996-97 school year.

 

REQUEST FOR LEAVE:

 

Franklinton Elementary School: Tonya Brumfield Payne, Regular Teacher, Sick Leave effective April 1, 1996, through May 2, 1996 (18 days), and Extended Sick Leave effective May 3, 1996, through May 30, 1996 (20 days).

 

Wesley Ray Elementary School: Yvonne Brumfield, Special Education Bus Attendant, Extended Sick Leave effective February 16, 1996, through February 23, 1996.

 

Wesley Ray Elementary School: Barbara Roberts, Lunchroom Worker, Leave Without Pay effective February 13, 1996, through March 25, 1996.

 

CHANGE IN LEAVE REQUEST:

 

Pine High School: Frances H. Varnado, Regular Teacher - Change effective date of Extended Sick Leave from March 13, 1996, through April 19, 1996, to February 23, 1996, through April 19, 1996.

 

EMPLOY:

 

Franklinton High School: Anna Beth Kuhn, English Teacher, effective February 15, 1996, and for the remainder of the 1995-96 school year only - Certified (fill-in for Margaret Burch, who is on sabbatical leave).

 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

 

Franklinton Schools:  Extend the route of Mary A. Simmons 4.0 miles one way to pick up a Special Education student.  Effective date: February 12, 1996.

 

                        Extend the route of Juanita Tullos 1.0 mile one way to pick up a Special Education student.  Effective date: February 12, 1996.

 

                        Extend the route of Ephfon Harvey, Jr., 2.3 miles one way to pick up Christopher Rome and Curt Rome, Jr.  Effective date: February 26, 1996.

 

Mt. Hermon School:       Extend the route of Leontine Wascom .4 mile one way to pick up Amanda Smith.  Effective date: January 3, 1996.

 

Pine School:      Extend the route of Cage Williams 2.7 miles one way due to detour (Hays Creek Bridge out).  Effective date: January 10, 1996.

 

                        Extend the route of Russell Barber 1.0 mile one way to pick up Nina and Alan Goings.  Effective date: February 27, 1996.

 

Varnado High School:     Deduct 1.5 miles one way from the route of Martha Kennedy due to students transferring to another school.  Effective date: January 30, 1996.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #19 - Superintendent’s Report.

 

            (A) Superintendent Coleman provided board members a Minimum Foundation Program simulation for next year’s funds.  If this formula is approved, Washington Parish will receive an additional $1 million.  He plans to meet with Senator Phil Short to encourage his support of the MFP change.

 

            (B) Superintendent Coleman stated that it appears the contents settlement for Varnado High School will be approximately $400,000.00.  As soon as a date can be set, architect Sam Fauntleroy is planning to meet with the architect for the insurance company to finalize scope of repairs at Varnado High School.

 

            Agenda item #20 - Other business from board members.

 

            (A) Freddie Jefferson requested that letters of commendation be sent to the parish basketball teams for their outstanding accomplishments this season.

 

            (B) President Barker stated two requests to address the Board were submitted--(1) Joy Jones - Topic: CAT Tests; (2) Red Hargrove - Topic: Reminisce.  It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that these two request to address the Board be added to the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Joy Jones, a senior at Franklinton High School, addressed the Board on the California Achievement Tests.  She asked the Board to reconsider requiring lst. through 12th. grades to take the CAT tests due to excessive financial costs and the validity of the testing process.  President Barker stated that the Board would consider her request.

 

            Red Hargrove, a teacher at Franklinton High School for 27 years, read a statement of support of Principal Beverly Young, which included a request for the Board to support the FHS staff and administrators as they strive to improve the educational environment at Franklinton High School.  President Barker stated that the Board would take his comments under consideration.

 

            The Board returned to discussion of Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action concerning secretarial staff at Franklinton High School.  Following a report from Ms. Beth Fussell, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that (1) the present « time secretary at Mt. Hermon School be made full-time and (2) the present « time secretary at Franklinton High School be made full-time, and advertise for one (1) person to be hired as « time secretary and « time school lunch clerk for Franklinton High School.  Motion carried unanimously.  (Note: The present « time secretary at Franklinton High School also serves as « time school lunch clerk.)

 

            Agenda Item #21 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(1).

 

            It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board enter into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(1).  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #22 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.

 

            It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Holly James, that the Board return to regular session.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #23 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss the matter of Franklinton High School v. Louisiana High School Athletic Association, 19th Judicial District Court, Parish of East Baton Rouge, under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(2).

 

            President Barker stated, “The Board has talked in the session we just had, and we are going to ask Mr. Coleman to continue to investigate this matter.  It is something that has slapped the Board in its face, and we don’t appreciate it.  It was something the Board was surprised with, and Mr. Coleman and our attorney were not advised that this happened.  This Board is going to turn it over to Mr. Coleman and ask him to investigate and take appropriate action where necessary.  That’s in the form of a motion.”  President Barker’s motion was seconded by Bruce Brown.

 

            Attorney Wayne Kuhn stated that, just for the record, no personnel matter was discussed under Agenda Item #21.

 

            Ms. Beverly Young, Principal, Franklinton High School, asked to address the Board and, upon being given permission to do so by President Barker, read the following statement to the Board:

 

March 14, 1996

 

TO:                   Members of Washington Parish School Board and

                        Superintendent Robert Coleman

 

FROM:  Beverly Young, Principal, Franklinton High School

 

            The following is an explanation of the chain of events leading up to and including the request for a temporary restraining order, which was requested following the Karr versus Franklinton quarter final game, which took place on Friday, March 1, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. at the Karr High School gymnasium across the river in Algiers.  These events were explained in a letter faxed to Mr. Tommy Henry, L.H.S.A.A. Commissioner on Monday, March 4, 1996.  The following is a review of that letter:

 

            When I arrived at Karr High School at approximately 6:00 p.m., I went to Coach Meyerchick and our team to make certain that they were ready.  I made a quick assessment of the gym and noticed in particular the gym floor.  I asked Coach Meyerchick what he thought about the floor, and he replied that he wasn’t satisfied with the performance of our team during warm up with regards to the condition of the floor.  I asked a Karr employee to find the Karr principal, and at approximately 6:40, the principal came to me and introduced himself.  I stated that I was very concerned about the condition of the floor.  The principal stated that he felt sure it was “playable” because it had just been waxed and that the yearbook staff had a dance in the gym that afternoon, and that everything seemed “O.K.”  He went on to say that they planned to have the court resurfaced during the summer.  I said that I could not believe that he had allowed a dance in the gym immediately prior to a quarter-final game.  He replied, “You can tell it wouldn’t have hurt it.” He then stated, “We’re gonna have a special show for the National Anthem and a fog show.”  I expressed concern at this and asked what he meant by “fog show.”  He stated that they were going to turn off all the lights except for a spotlight, and use fog for a special effect.  I then said that I had some experience using fog for special effects (at school and church programs) and that it probably would not be a problem if the person in charge used it properly, and that my primary concern was that the fog not be directed toward the court and that it not pose a problem for the players by causing them to slip and/or fall.  He assured me that it would not, and said that it would be aimed in the opposite direction from the court.

 

            When the show started, the lights went out, all of them including all emergency lights, and a young lady went toward the middle of the court, a small spotlight came on and she began to sing the National Anthem a capella.  The fog could be heard releasing from the containers, and then the mist began covering our half of the court.  It was very obviously pointed in the direction of the court, not away from it, and left a visible, shiny residue.  This residue was very evident and easily seen by those present.  When the lights came on, I called Coach Meyerchick’s attention to the residue.  He made an effort to call the referee’s attention to it, but I did not note if the referee responded at that time.

 

            Within the first few seconds of tip-off, there were numerous instances of players slipping and nearly falling, and, in fact, a few did fall.  The referee called time-out after only 30 seconds of play and stated that the floor was unplayable and had the host school run the large floor sweeper over the floor.  Coach Meyerchick again requested that he referee make a decision regarding the game due to the condition of the floor.  The referee would not acknowledge the request.

 

            During the first quarter, the scores were very close, but the condition of the floor definitely influenced both teams’ performances.  Again, Coach Meyerchick requested the referee to call the game.  Coach Meyerchick then walked over to me and stated that the referee had said that if he (Coach Meyerchick) pulled his players from the game, Franklinton High School would probably forfeit the game.  I asked him what we should do, and he said, “We can’t forfeit!”

 

            During half-time, I attempted to find the Karr principal and the Baton Rouge Area Official’s Assignment Secretary.  I was unable to speak with either one.  Numerous fans and supporters were voicing their concerns about the condition of the floor, and wondering why the referees did not call the game and reschedule it at another gym.  Karr did spread some “floor sweep” on the floor and swept it again during the half-time.  This did not help.

 

            During the entire game, the scores stayed relatively close.  During the 2nd. half, Coach Meyerchick made another request that the referee make a decision regarding the floor, and the referee told him, “You need to write a long letter to Mac Chauvin.”  (Assistant Commissioner of L.H.S.A.A.)  Throughout the course of the game, Coach Meyerchick made approximately thirty requests for the referee to make the decision to stop the game and reschedule it at another place, but these requests went unheeded.

 

            At the end of the game, I walked to middle of the court, waiting for Karr’s principal.  When I saw that I could speak with him, I congratulated him and his team, and stated that, unfortunately, I would be making a formal complaint to L.H.S.A.A. because of the condition of the floor.  I stated to him that he knew, professionally, that the floor was in no condition to have a quarter-final playoff game played in that gym.  He again stated that they were planning to have the floor resurfaced this summer, and I replied that this did not help us.

 

            Saturday morning, Coach Meyerchick called the L.H.S.A.A. office and spoke with Mac Chauvin and B. J. Guzzardo, also an assistant commissioner with L.H.S.A.A.  Mr. Meyerchick then said that I needed to talk with them myself, and so I also spoke to B. J. Guzzardo.  I voiced my concerns to him about the way in which the game was conducted, and asked what procedures I needed to follow to file a formal complaint.  After I described what had happened, he stated to me that never in L.H.S.A.A.’s history had a game been stopped in mid-game or rescheduled.  I stated that perhaps it was time to change history.  Mr. Guzzardo stated he would relay my concerns and the numbers where I could be reached to Mr. Tommy Henry, L.H.S.A.A. Commissioner.  He said he thought that Mr. Henry would contact me soon.  He also suggested that I follow up with a letter.

 

            Saturday afternoon, Coach Meyerchick called to say he had read an article from the Times Picayune that the playoff game between Belaire and Rummel High Schools had been stopped on Friday night and rescheduled for Saturday afternoon because of unsafe playing conditions.  The knowledge that the same circumstances had existed at this game, and that the officials had stopped this game when our players had been forced to continue under the same unsafe conditions, only added to our anger and frustration.

 

            Having not heard from Mr. Henry during the weekend, I began trying on Monday morning, March 4, to reach him by phone.  I also began to compose the letter expressing my formal complaint over the way the game was handled and the official’s failure to take action.  I requested that an investigation be conducted and a hearing be held to review the tape before Karr was allowed to play in the state semi-finals.  I asked also that the L.H.S.A.A. Executive Board consider allowing the game between Franklinton High School and Karr High School to be replayed at another site approved by L.H.S.A.A. officials.  I also expressed my plan to file a formal grievance against the head official, Mr. Frank Ourso, for his disregard for the safety of the young people of the two teams.

 

            During the latter part of Monday morning, I received a call from Dr. Jerry Thomas who is a parent of one of the Senior members of the team.  He stated that he had spoken with several of the other basketball parents and that they were all in agreement that we should do something about the game.  He stated that he had spoken with a Baton Rouge attorney, Mr. Randy Trelles, and that Mr. Trelles was prepared to seek an injunction to stop the next round of playoffs until this matter was settled.  I understood Dr. Thomas’ and the other parents’ anger at the way in which the game had been handled, and their desire to have this issue resolved fairly and quickly before the next semi-final games took place.  However, I felt that the best course of action would be to work with L.H.S.A.A., and so I continued trying to reach Mr. Henry.  I left several messages for him at his office during the course of the day Monday, and he finally returned my calls at around 4:00 p.m. that afternoon.  We spoke about what had occurred, and he stated that he would try to contact the L.H.S.A.A. Executive Board, and that he would call me back when he knew something. 

 

            At around 9:30 on Monday night, Mr. Henry called and stated that there was no way he would be able to convene a meeting of the Executive Board members on such short notice, and that a hearing of this matter would be held in June.  I replied that a hearing in June would be of no help to us, since our request was related to the playoffs, which were continuing over the course of the next few nights.  He said that he was sorry, but that this was the best he could do.  I then stated to Mr. Henry that this decision would require me to take further action.

 

            After my conversation with Mr. Henry, I called Mr. Randy Trelles at 10:30 and stated that Coach Meyerchick and I had decided to go ahead and try to get a temporary restraining order to stop the game for Tuesday night.  I ended my conversation with Mr. Trelles around 11:00 P.M., and because of the lateness of the evening, I did not call the Superintendent; I thought I would be able to reach him the next morning.  It was my understanding that the request for the restraining order would be filed as “Beverly Young and Paul Meyerchick, on behalf of Franklinton High School’s Basketball Team.”  I did not learn until after the hearing that the wording on the request read “Franklinton High School, through its Principal, Beverly Young, and Paul Meyerchick.”  Members of the Board, please understand that I have never been placed in this situation before, and I truly was not aware of the “law.”  Please also understand that we were not attempting to “file suit”, as the newspaper reported; we were asking only for a temporary restraining order. If the judge had granted this request, it would have provided ten days for the L.H.S.A.A. to hold a hearing and make a decision.  The judge did state, in an informal meeting in his chambers before the hearing, that it is proper for a principal to seek a temporary restraining order, especially when safety of students is an issue.  In the official transcript of the hearing, the judge again stated this.

 

            Early Tuesday morning I attempted to contact Mr. Coleman before leaving for Baton Rouge but was unable to reach him.  I left a note at school for my secretary to call the school board office when it opened at 8:00 A.M. and leave word for Mr. Coleman.  She left the message with Mrs. Perry.  I also attempted to reach Mr. Coleman while en route to Baton Rouge, but was told that he was not in and that his office did not know where to contact him.  I learned later that Mr. Coleman had taken an annual day.

 

            In retrospect, I realize that I should have made a more determined effort to contact Mr. Coleman and board members to keep you informed about what was happening.  I can only ask that you understand that we were literally working against the clock to try and remedy what we felt was an injustice to our students.  The playoffs were in progress, and we felt we had to take some action in light of the deplorable and unsafe conditions under which our team had been forced to play. When Mr. Henry stated that they would not review our grievance until JUNE, it left us little recourse, with literally only hours in which to try and obtain action which could have been of benefit to our team.  If our actions were overzealous, it was because we were literally fighting against the clock, and the best interests of our students were at stake.

 

            Emotions were running high for all the school supporters who had attended this and every other game this season and watched the team do so well, and then saw them lose that night due to the substandard conditions of the playing area and the officials’ negligence of duty.  Mrs. James and Mr. Bickham, you have attended some games, and you have witnessed the overwhelming positive support of the community.  If any of you had been able to attend the game at Karr, I feel sure that you, too, would have felt similar disappointment and frustration, and would be better able to understand the situation.  The general consensus among the players, their parents, and everyone who watched that game was that we could accept defeat, but not when the conditions under which the boys were forced to play were so substandard.  As principal, and as someone who has watched this team grow and excel, I felt I had a responsibility to do everything within my power to insure that the best interests of my students were served.  I did not know if the judge would grant the restraining order, or if the game would be allowed to be replayed.  I only wanted my students to be treated fairly, and I felt compelled to take action.  I felt that seeking this temporary restraining order was the only action which L.H.S.A.A. had left for me to take, and I was fighting against time. Even though the judge did not grant the restraining order, many positive changes will be the result of this action, such as the judge’s suggestion to L.H.S.A.A. that the playing areas be inspected twenty-four hours before games and that all playoffs be held in neutral locations so that neither team runs the risk of being placed at a disadvantage.

 

            In order that you may better understand what the fans and supporters witnessed at Karr, a video tape is available for you to view this evening, if you so desire.

 

            Again, I realize that you should have been contacted about what was going on so that you would not be caught “off guard” when questioned; and I apologize for any inconvenience or embarrassment my lack of communication may have caused.  Even though these were extenuating circumstances, in the future, I will be more diligent about contacting the appropriate persons and explaining actions on my part which may affect public perception of Franklinton High School or this Board.

 

            At the conclusion of Ms. Young’s statement, President Barker stated, “I want to commend you and Coach Meyerchick for wanting to look out for the welfare of your students and the welfare of the players. I feel that there was one thing that was missing and that was a notification to the superintendent or to our attorney.  These are the people that we have to represent us and not a private attorney, because when it comes back, Washington Parish School Board is holding the ball.”

 

            Harold Smith offered an amendment to President Barker’s motion that, before taking any action, Superintendent Coleman report his findings to the Board.  Holly James seconded the amendment.  Roll call vote on the amendment 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              FOR

            District 9 - Freddie Jefferson        FOR

 

Amendment to motion carried unanimously.

 

            Roll call vote on the original motion, as amended, 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         AGAINST

            District 6 - Susanne Jones          FOR

            District 7 - Holly James              FOR

            District 8 - B. H. Barker              FOR

            District 9 - Freddie Jefferson        FOR

 

The vote being eight (8) FOR and one (1) AGAINST, the original motion, as amended, carried.

 

            Agenda Item #24 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.

 

            Deleted.

 

            Agenda Item #25 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

 

            It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board adjourn.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

BRINGIER H. BARKER, PRESIDENT

 

ROBERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY