Franklinton, Louisiana

April 4, 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 Freddie Jefferson.

 

            Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the March 14, 1996, regular board meeting.

 

            It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the March 14, 1996, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of considering a problem with student personnel records.  Motion carried unanimously.  It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board enter into Executive Session for the purpose of considering a problem with student personnel records.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            At the conclusion of the Executive Session, President Barker declared the Board back in regular session.

 

            Agenda Item #5 - Recognition of Outstanding School Support Employees.

 

            Mr. Frank Green, Supervisor, briefly reviewed the Outstanding School Support Employee Awards Program, which is mandated by legislation.  The following presentations for the 1995-96 school year were made by the school principals:

 

            Doris R. Holmes, Chapter I Tutor, Pine School

            Outstanding School Support Employee - Elementary Level

            Principal: Edward Deas

 

            Anita F. Thomas, Special Education Paraprofessional, Franklinton Jr. High School

            Outstanding School Support Employee - Junior High Level

            Principal: Linda S. Crain

 

            Arlene Weary, Custodian, Varnado High School

            Outstanding School Support Employee - Senior High Level

            Principal: Emma Ross (Award presented by Rhonda Gunnell on behalf of Ms. Ross, who was unable to be present)

President Barker congratulated the honorees and expressed appreciation for the outstanding jobs they are doing.

 

            Agenda Item #6 - Recognize Dr. Pam Williford and Ms. Charlotte Harris to present proclamation for Child Search Month.

 

            Dr. Pamela Williford presented the following proclamation by Governor Mike Foster and requested that the Board support the proclamation:

 

PROCLAMATION

 

            WHEREAS,      each year all over Louisiana, some children will need special

                                    help in reaching their potential and in gaining an education

                                    commensurate with their abilities; and

 

            WHEREAS,      there are children currently enrolled in the public schools who are

                                    having difficulty working at their age levels; and

 

            WHEREAS,      children with exceptional talents and academic abilities must have

                                    special services to meet their potential; and

 

            WHEREAS,      children must be the center of all educational programming; and

 

            WHEREAS,      early identification is a key to helping Louisiana’s children

                                    overcome their developmental and learning problems as well as

                                    developing their talents and academic abilities in order to gain an

                                    education; and

 

            WHEREAS,      time is of the essence in providing an early opportunity for these

                                    children that will help them become productive citizens and to lead

                                    fulfilled lives; and

 

            WHEREAS,      children need to remain in school and have access to appropriate

                                    educational programs; and

 

            WHEREAS,      the Louisiana Child Search/ChildNet Project, the Office of Special

                                    Educational Services of the Department of Education, the State

                                    Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the public

                                    schools of the State of Louisiana are working to offer our children

                                    special help so that they can obtain an appropriate education.

 

            NOW, THEREFORE, I, M. J. “Mike” Foster, Jr., Governor of the State of

                                    Louisiana, do hereby proclaim the month of April, 1996, as

 

CHILD SEARCH/CHILDNET AWARENESS MONTH

 

            in the State of Louisiana.

 

            It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board support Governor Mike Foster’s proclamation.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #7 - Recognize Annie Moses - Address the Board regarding compensating Speech Therapist from Medicaid monies generated from work required beyond the regular school day.

 

            This item was deleted.  It will be considered at the next board meeting.

            Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to adopt the General Fund Budget Revision for 1995-96.

 

            Following a brief review by Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the General Fund Budget Revision for 1995-96.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to change the method of distribution of Title I carryover funds.

 

            It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Holly James, that the Board reconsider the way the Title I carryover funds were allocated at the last board meeting.  Discussion was held prior to the vote.  Holly James stated she would like to see the funds distributed the same way the funds were distributed last Fall, which was on a percentage basis, whereby all schools received funds.  Mrs. James stated, for the record, that she resented the fact that “teachers ran into a principal buying supplies today, and his remark was that he was told to buy them today before the Board met tonight.  I think it’s sad that we’ve got these schools pitted against each other, instead of just looking at the kids that need it all the way across.”

 

            Roll call vote was as follows:

 

                        District 1 - Harold Smith                         FOR

                        District 2 - Karl Bickham                        FOR

                        District 3 - Bruce Brown                         AGAINST

                        District 4 - Richard N. Thomas                AGAINST

                        District 5 - Hayward Boone                     AGAINST

                        District 6 - Susanne Jones                     FOR

                        District 7 - Holly James                          FOR

                        District 8 - Bringier H. Barker                  AGAINST

                        District 9 - Freddie Jefferson                   AGAINST

 

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

 

            Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to allow Wilda Rhoden, Bus Operator, to purchase a 1988 Chevrolet school bus (65-passenger) to replace the 1976 GC she presently owns.

 

            It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board allow Wild Rhode, Bus Operator, to purchase a 1988 Chevrolet school bus (65-passenger) to replace the 1976 GC she presently owns.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to purchase a voting panel.

 

            It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that this item be withdrawn from the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to list the name of the individual who had a motion placed on the agenda.

 

            It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, to list the name of the individual who had a motion placed on the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to require Franklinton High School to follow the 4 X 4 proposal that was presented to the Board on December 11, 1995.

 

            Mrs. Kay Crain, Guidance Counselor, Franklinton High School, commented on a few minor changes from the original proposal presented to the Board in December.  Board members were given copies of the final proposal.  Regarding Holly James’ concerns regarding honors classes, Mrs. Crain stated that three (3) honors classes will be offered next year, with others being offered on a gradual basis.

 

            It was moved by Holly James, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the motion to require Franklinton High School to follow the 4 X 4 proposal that was presented to the Board on December 11, 1995, be tabled.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to change the hiring procedure for supervisors and principals.

 

            Holly James reviewed the following two proposals for board consideration:

 

            PHASE II

 

            Administrative Review

 

An out-of-parish committee consisting of two men and two women, no more than two of one race, chosen by the elementary supervisor, the secondary supervisor, and the superintendent, shall be appointed by the superintendent for the purpose of conducting this procedure of an administrative review.

 

                        OR

 

An out-of-parish committee consisting of five individuals, no more than three of one race or gender, chosen by the elementary supervisor, the secondary supervisor, and the superintendent, shall be appointed by the superintendent for the purpose of conducting this procedure of an administrative review.

 

            It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that this matter be taken under advisement until the next committee meeting.  FOR: Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, Bringier H. Barker, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson.  AGAINST: Holly James.  Motion carried.

 

            Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to separate the school clerk/school lunch clerk position at Franklinton High School to make two (2) one-half time positions.

 

            It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board separate the school clerk/school lunch clerk position at Franklinton High School to make two (2) one-half time positions, as requested by the School Food Service Supervisor and the Franklinton High School Principal.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #16 - Receive report from Superintendent Robert L. Coleman regarding Franklinton High School v. Louisiana High School Athletic Association.

 

            President Barker stated this item would be considered at the end of the meeting, at which time the Board would enter into Executive Session.

 

            Agenda Item #17 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments.

 

            The following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments were presented by Anthony Triola, Supervisor:

 

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

 

RESIGNATION:

 

Franklinton High School: Stephen M. Meyers, Special Education Teacher/Coach, Resignation effective March 15, 1996.

 

REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:

 

Varnado High School:     Annette P.  Seal, Special Education Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1996-97 school year.

 

Wesley Ray Elementary School: Joan P. Kennedy, Librarian, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the Fall semester of the 1996-97 school year.

 

REQUEST FOR LEAVE:

 

Franklinton High School: Matthew Tate, Assistant Principal, Sick Leave effective April 15, 1996, through June 14, 1996 (45 days).

 

Thomas Jr. High School: Angela A. Thomas, Sick Leave effective April 1, 1996 through April 18, 1996 (8 working days), and Extended Sick Leave effective April 19, 1996, through May 3, 1996 (11 days).

 

EMPLOY:

 

Franklinton High School: Alicia McNease, Special Education Teacher, effective March 25, 1996, and for the remainder of the 1995-96 school year only (Mississippi provisional certificate; has applied for Louisiana certification).

 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

 

Franklinton Schools:      Extend the route of Hilda Alexander 1.0 miles one way to pick up Dakota Gilmore.  Effective date: March 13, 1996.

 

Franklinton Schools:      Extend the route of Mary Simmons 4.0 miles one way to pick up two special education students. Effective date: February 12, 1996.

 

                         Extend the route of Mary Simmons 5.1 miles one way to pick up two special education students. Effective date: March 25, 1996.

 

 Mt. Hermon School:      Extend the route of Viola Bennett .5 mile one way to pick up Jonathan Badon, Juanita Quinn, and Brittany Quinn.  Effective date: March 19, 1996.

 

            Following discussion, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the Personnel Adjustments and Transportation Adjustments, but delete the employment of Alicia McNease, Special Education Teacher, Franklinton High School, with Ms. McNease being used as a day-by-day substitute until a certified person from Washington Parish can be found to fill this position.   FOR: Karl Bickham, Susanne Jones, Bringier H. Barker, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson.  AGAINST: Holly James and Harold Smith.  Motion carried.

 

            Agenda Item #18 - Superintendent’s Report.

 

            Superintendent Coleman reported that a survey will be conducted after the Spring holidays on uniforms in the school system.

 

            Superintendent Coleman stated that, at the request of a board member, he had looked into the use of a lot of the Chapter I money for paying employees to conduct workshops.  He found that it could be possible for an employee to make $4,750.00 extra in salary this year.  He further stated that the Board needs to examine this and decide how much it is going to pay the Board’s own employees, whose training has been paid for by the Board, to conduct workshops.  President Barker asked Superintendent Coleman to continue reviewing this matter and report back to the Board.

 

            Agenda Item #19 - Other business from board members.

 

            Karl Bickham stated he would like for the following item to be on the agenda for the next regular board meeting: Discuss and take appropriate action regarding expenses incurred by Franklinton High School for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Accreditation Committee.

 

            Holly James stated that Franklinton High School is now accredited for fifteen (15) years.

 

            It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to delete the portion of Washington Parish School Board Policy IDE-R, Extracurricular Activities Regulations, which reads, “Transfer students must be enrolled at the school for 18 calendar weeks preceding the tryout date.”  Motion carried unanimously.  It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the following portion of Washington Parish School Board Policy IDE-R, Extracurricular Activities Regulations, parishwide, be deleted: “Transfer students must be enrolled at the school for 18 calendar weeks preceding the tryout date.”  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to continue administering the California Achievement Test this year as it has been administered in previous years, until a committee can study the procedure and make any recommendations for changes.  It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board continue administering the California Achievement Test this year as it has been administered in previous years, until a committee can study the procedure and make any recommendations for changes.  FOR: Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, B. H. Barker, Richard N. Thomas and Bruce Brown. AGAINST: Freddie Jefferson.  Motion carried.  This means that Juniors and Seniors will not be tested this year.

 

            It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the following item be added to the agenda: Discuss and take appropriate action regarding installing a fence at Varnado High School.  Motion carried unanimously.  Mr. Jefferson stated that, since the last board meeting when the Board granted Varnado High School permission to build a fence around the campus at a cost of $8,000.00, it was determined that the span could be shortened and the price lowered to $4,800.00.  It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board grant permission for Varnado High School to install a fence at a cost of $4,800.00, with Varnado High School contingency funds being used first and the balance to be taken from the school allocation to be made in May.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Freddie Jefferson stated that requests have been received from out-of-state and out-of-parish religious groups to use school facilities on a continuous monthly basis.  He stated that he didn’t think facilities should be used on a continuous basis for religious activities.  It was pointed out by Superintendent Coleman that the board’s Use of School Facilities policy does not disallow use of a facility on a month-to-month basis. Mr. Jefferson requested that Superintendent Coleman draft a proposed change in the policy for discussion at the next committee meeting.

 

            Freddie Jefferson stated that it has been brought to his attention that teachers  and school secretaries are calling substitutes, rather than them being called by the principal or his/her designee. Superintendent Coleman stated that this matter was discussed at the last principals’ meeting, and the principals know that they are the ones who should be calling substitutes and trying to get the most qualified persons available.

 

            President Barker stated that Richard Wade had requested to address the Board on the topic, “Agenda Item #14.”  It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Susanne Jones, that his request be added to the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.  Mr. Wade stated that the present hiring policy seems to working well, so it should not be changed.

 

            President Barker recognized Karen Spears, Principal, Franklinton Elementary School.  Mrs. Spears asked the Board what financial assistance could be expected from the Board for expenses incurred by those schools which will be evaluated for accreditation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.  President Barker replied that Dr. Berton Gremillion, Chairman, Louisiana Committee, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools,  has stated that the Board is responsible to help with expenses since the Board is requiring all schools to work toward accreditation; therefore, the Board will work toward this.

 

            President Barker declared a two-minute recess.

 

            Upon reconvening, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that Agenda Item #16 (Receive report from Superintendent Robert L. Coleman regarding Franklinton High School v. Louisiana High School Athletic Association)  be deleted and placed on the agenda for the April 18, 1996, board meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #20 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

 

            It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adjourn.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

BRINGIER H. BARKER, PRESIDENT

 

ROBERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY