The Washington Parish School Board met in special 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 and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Bruce Brown.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order.
The meeting was called to order by President Barker.
Agenda Item #2 - Invocation.
The invocation was given by Troy Ginn.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance.
Following a request by President Barker, the Board agreed to move Agenda Item #6 to follow Agenda Item #11.
Agenda Item #4 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the School Board’s major insurance policies (Adren Raybourn).
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, and John Norris, the Board’s insurance consultant, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board renew its property and liability insurance coverage with National Casualty Insurance Company for a one-year period at a total premium of $196,411.15. Motion carried unanimously. This amount reflects a $5,661.00 increase in building and contents; otherwise, the rates and terms are the same as those last year.
Additional Agenda Item: It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Holly James, that the following item be added to the agenda, “Authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with the lowest bidder for the renovation to the North wing at Varnado High School.” Motion carried unanimously. This was made Agenda Item #13.
Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding salary adjustment for Anthony Triola, Acting Superintendent (B. H. Barker).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that Anthony J. Triola be compensated at 8% of his base salary during the periods when serving as Acting Superintendent, which, at present, totals sixty (60) days. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Triola is presently serving as Acting Superintendent, and he also served in that capacity while Robert L. Coleman was recuperating from surgery.
Agenda Item #6 - Moved to Agenda Item #11.
Agenda Item #7 (Interview applicants for the position of Superintendent of Schools (Board) and Agenda Item #8 (Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(1) concerning the discussion of character, professional competence or physical or mental health of candidates for the position of Superintendent (Board) were combined.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(1) concerning the discussion of character, professional competence or physical or mental health of candidates for the position of Superintendent. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to return to regular session (Board).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
President Barker stated that the Board would first conduct an open interview of the sole candidate for Superintendent, Mr. Gary D. “Dennie” Fowler, Principal, Mt. Hermon School, and would then return to Executive Session to continue the interview process. Mr. Fowler was asked approximately 17 questions by board members during the open session.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board return to Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(1) concerning the discussion of character, professional competence or physical or mental health of candidates for the position of Superintendent. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board employ Gary D. “Dennie” Fowler as Superintendent, subject to approval of contract with Mr. Fowler. FOR: Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, and Richard N. Thomas. AGAINST: B. H. Barker and Freddie Jefferson. ABSENT: Bruce Brown. The vote being six (6) FOR, two (2) AGAINST, and one (1) ABSENT, the motion carried.
Agenda Item #11 - Deleted.
Agenda Item #12 - Deleted.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for the position of Assistant Superintendent and Supervisor (Board).
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board advertise for the position of Assistant Superintendent and Supervisor for a period of two (2) weeks. Motion carried unanimously. A draft of the advertisement will be mailed to board members prior to publication.
Agenda Item #13 - Authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with the lowest bidder for the renovation to the North wing at Varnado High School.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board authorize the Acting Superintendent to enter into contract with the lowest bidder for the renovation to the North wing at Varnado High School. Motion carried unanimously. Bid opening is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17, 1996, at 2:00 P.M., at the School Board Office.
Business from board members:
Harold Smith asked if Varnado High School would have enough space for classes when school opens. Ms. Emma Ross, Principal, stated that, with the renovation of the North wing, there would be enough space.
President Barker mentioned a letter he had received from Louisiana Federation of Teachers regarding reapportionment of the school system. Since all board members have not received a copy, this matter will be placed on the July 22, 1996, agenda.
Freddie Jefferson stated, “I would like to qualify my negative vote with reference to the employment of a superintendent. It was my conviction that I would liked to have seen a pool of applicants to give me some choices in order to make a selection. I have no axe to grind, no vendetta against Mr. Fowler. I respect and support the majority vote of this board, and I just want the public to know that.”
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
BRINGIER H. BARKER, PRESIDENT
ANTHONY J. TRIOLA, ACTING SECRETARY