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.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the June 27, 1996, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the June 27, 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 July 8, 1996, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board adopt the minutes of the July 8, 1996, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the July 15, 1996, special board meeting.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the minutes of the July 15, 1996, special board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to approve contract for Superintendent Gary D. “Dennie” Fowler (Board).
School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn briefly reviewed the proposed contract for Superintendent Fowler. He stated Mr. Fowler had requested that a cellular phone be provided for his automobile. The Board agreed to add this provision to his contract. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board approve the following contract to be executed by Superintendent Fowler and Attorney Kuhn: SEE ATTACHED. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Karl Bickham, that President Bringier H. Barker be authorized to sign the Superintendent’s contract on behalf of the Board. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Holly James, that the Board authorize withdrawal privileges for Gary D. “Dennie” Fowler on all Washington Parish School Board bank accounts and terminate withdrawal privileges for Anthony J. Triola. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for the position of Principal, Mt. Hermon School (Board).
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Holly James, that the Board advertise for the position of Principal, Mt. Hermon School, for the period beginning July 23, 1996, and ending August 2, 1996. Motion carried unanimously.
Following discussion, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board interview candidates for the positions of Assistant Superintendent and Principal of Mt. Hermon School at 5:30 P.M., on August 8, 1996, with the regular board meeting being moved to 7:00 P.M. on August 8, 1996. Motion carried unanimously. The August committee meeting will be held, as scheduled, on August 5, 1996, at 6:30 P.M.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for the position of Full-time Food Service Technician at Thomas Jr. High School (Marsha Newman).
Upon the recommendation of Marsha Newman, Food Service Supervisor, it was moved by Holly James, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board authorize advertisement for the position of Full-time Food Service Technician at Thomas Jr. High School. Motion carried unanimously. Advertising dates will be July 31, 1996, and August 7, 1996, with a recommendation being made to the Board at the August 8, 1996, board meeting.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to accept or reject the recommendation of the selection committee for the position of Full-time Food Service Technician at Franklinton High School (Marsha Newman).
Mrs. Marsha Newman, Food Service Supervisor, informed the Board that she was unable to get the required selection committee together to interview the applicants for Full-time Food Service Technician at Franklinton High School and Full-time Food Service Technician at Pine School. It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that action on agenda items # 10 and #11 be delayed until further notice. Motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Newman requested that the hiring policy for food service employees be reviewed for possible revisions because of the difficulty experienced in trying to form the selection committees.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to accept or reject the recommendation of the selection committee for the position of Full-time Food Service Technician at Pine School (Marsha Newman).
Deleted. See #10.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to accept or reject the recommendation of the selection committee for the position of Full-time Custodian at Enon Elementary School (Anthony Triola).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board accept the recommendation of the selection committee and employ Darrie Moore as Full-time Custodian at Enon Elementary School effective July 23, 1996. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to authorize Naomi Tarver to purchase a 1988 Chevrolet 66-passenger bus (Frank Green).
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board authorize Naomi Tarver to purchase a 1988 Chevrolet 66-passenger bus. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Kimberly Easterling’s request that the Board waive requirement of returning to service following sabbatical leave and accept her resignation (Anthony Triola).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board waive requirement of returning to service following sabbatical leave and accept Kimberly Easterling’s resignation as a regular teacher. Motion carried unanimously. Superintendent Fowler was asked to study the matter of board waivers of requirement to return to service following sabbatical leave and suggest a policy for board consideration.
Agenda Item #15 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding request from Louisiana Federation of Teachers.
President Barker stated that the Board’s reapportionment plan was approved by the Justice Department, with approval letter stating that the plan met all the guidelines and stipulations according to law. He added, “Personally, I don’t see where we have violated any statutes. We feel that we are legal.”
Agenda Item #16 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel Adjustments.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board approve the following Personnel Adjustments as presented by Anthony Triola, Supervisor:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Elementary School: Sherry Baughtman-Cooper, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 31, 1996.
Franklinton Elementary School: Glynda Toney, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective July 31, 1996.
Mt. Hermon School: Mary M. Rester, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective July 31, 1996.
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Schools: Wardell Tate, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective July 31, 1996.
Pine School: Jessie Marks, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective July 31, 1996.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton Primary School: Lizzie Butler, Regular Teacher/Assistant Principal, Sick Leave effective the entire 1996-97 school year.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Primary School: Mamilyn Dupre, Special Education Teacher (Non-Categorical Pre-School) effective the 1996-97 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton Primary School: Joyce Magee, Special Education Teacher (Non-Categorical PreSchool) effective the 1996-97 school year - Certified.
Franklinton Primary School: Jana Wood, Special Education Teacher (Non-Categorical PreSchool) effective the 1996-97 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton Primary School: Sondra Boone, Special Education Teacher (Non-Categorical PreSchool) effective the 1996-97 school year - Certified.
Franklinton Elementary School: Sylvia “Gail” Bond, Regular Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year - Certified (replacing Sherry B. Cooper, who resigned).
Franklinton Elementary School: Melanie Cruce, Regular Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year - Certified (replacing Glynda Toney).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Ronnie L. McCall, Band Director, effective the 1996-97 school year only (Circular 665).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Lisa Rawls, Special Education Teacher (Mild/Moderate) effective the 1996-97 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Sonja Angelo, Regular Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year only - Certified (fill-in for Debra McElveen, who will be on sabbatical leave).
Franklinton High School: Clay Magee, Instrumental and Vocal Music Teacher,effective the 1996-97 school year only - Circular 665 (fill-in for Beverly Bailey, who will be on sabbatical leave).
Franklinton High School: Paulette Smith, Special Education Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year only (Circular 665).
Franklinton High School: Mike Wilcox, Special Education Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year only - TTA (fill-in for Velva Fortenberry, who will be on sabbatical leave).
Franklinton High School: Jeff Boone, Regular Teacher, effective the Fall semester only of the 1996-97 school year - Pending Louisiana certification (fill-in for William Hargrove, who will be on sabbatical leave).
Mt. Hermon School: Larry Sylvest, Academically Gifted Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year only (TTA).
Mt. Hermon School: Jacki C. Grady, Special Education Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year only - TTA (replacing Mary M. Rester).
Mt. Hermon School: Daryl E. Noll, Special Foreign Language Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year only - Circular 665 (will also serve Thomas Jr. High School).
Pine School: Charles D. Reeves, Special Education Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year only (TTA).
Pine School: Theresa Young, Special Education Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year (Certified).
Thomas Jr. High School: Stacy Payne, Special Education Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year only (TTA).
Thomas Jr. High School: Christine Thomas, Special Education Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year only (TTA).
Varnado Elementary School: Janice Campbell, Special Education Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year (Certified).
Varnado High School: Stephen M. DeSandro, Regular Teacher (English)/Assistant Football Coach, effective the 1996-97 school year (Certified).
Varnado High School: Shannon Hope Chatmon, Regular Teacher (Math), effective the 1996-97 school year (Certified).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Shelia Davis, Special Education Teacher (Non-Categorical PreSchool), effective the 1996-97 school year only (TTA).
Vocational Center: Wayne Taylor, Auto Mechanics Instructor, effective the 1996-97 school year only (fill-in for Ronald McKenzie, who will be on sabbatical leave) - Certification applied for.
Franklinton Primary School: Keri Lynette Crowe, Regular Teacher, effective the 1996-97 school year (replacing Liz Butler).
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #17 - Superintendent’s Report.
Superintendent Fowler thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve as Superintendent of the Washington Parish School System and expressed the hope that he and the Board can work well together.
A. Superintendent Fowler requested that a financial audit of Mt. Hermon School be performed due to a change in principalship. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Holly James, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to engage the services of Durden & Alonzo to perform an audit of Mt. Hermon School’sfinancial records and, also, any other school, when necessary, due to principalship changes. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board engage the services of Durden & Alonzo to perform an audit of Mt. Hermon School’s financial records and, also, any other school, when necessary, due to principalship changes. Motion carried unanimously.
B. Superintendent Fowler reported that athletic physicals will be performed at Franklinton High School on Friday, July 26, 1996, at 8:00 A.M.
C. Superintendent Fowler asked Supervisor William Brignac to give the Board his report on the Varnado High School situation. Mr. Brignac’s report was as follows: “At the time that I was given the responsibility to look into the existing trailers, as far as setting up and making sure they were completed by August 14th, I asked Mr. Triola to give me what information he had on that, and he gave me a copy of the bid, which did say that these trailers, as portable buildings, would meet the existing fire codes. At that time, I did not know what those existing fire codes were, so I picked up the telephone and called the Fire Marshal’s office in Baton Rouge and talked to Robert Miller, an architect in that office. He gave me a list of three things that these temporary buildings must have in order to be approved by his office - - (1) must be handicapped accessible, (2) must have some type of alarm system (pull station or intercom system), and (3) ceilings can be no lower than 7' 6". At that time, I went out and physically looked at these buildings. There is a lot of work that needs to be done. I measured the ceilings in those buildings, and I found that, of the four trailers that are on site at Varnado High School, three of them do not meet the codes for ceilings. I informed Mr. Miller of this, and he told me the only option we had was to request a waiver through the Fire Marshal’s Office, asking them to waive the height of the ceilings for whatever period of time we felt was necessary. I drafted a letter to the Fire Marshal’s Office requesting a waiver, with copies of that letter sent to Fauntleroy & Latham and Kerry Thomas, of Thomas Mobile Homes. At the same time, Mr. Fauntleroy’s office is in the process of working up the plan application review that has to, also, be submitted to the Fire Marshal’s Office for approval before we can occupy those buildings. Today, Mr. Dean Guidry, who works in the Fire Marshal’s Office in the planning and review section, called me and told me, upon their review of the letter I sent them, they had determined that they could not accept those trailers for occupancy based on the height of the ceilings. He told me the only recourse we had was to contact Henry Reed, the department head, who was the only person who could overrule the decision. I tried several times today to contact him, but I have not talked with him at this time. I really don’t think he can tell me anything different from what we have already been told. I think the three portable buildings we have on site are not going to be able to be used. One of those is one we have already purchased.”
Following discussion, it was determined and agreed upon by the Board that a committee will be formed, composed of Hayward Boone, Freddie Jefferson, Richard N. Thomas, William Brignac, Emma Ross and Superintendent Fowler, to meet and discuss what can be done about the trailers not meeting fire codes, using all resources needed to try and resolve this matter, staying within the law and guidelines.
D. William Brignac stated that Ed Deas, Principal, Pine School, is requesting approval of an expenditure for repairs and maintenance in excess of $500.00 for replacement of doors and construction of cabinets in several classrooms. It was determined that Mr. Deas would submit an itemized request at the next board meeting, and that principals would make a recommendation regarding raising the amount requiring board approval.
E. Board members were given a copy of a letter sent by Attorney Wayne Kuhn to Jansen & Company in which Mr. Kuhn informed the company of the Board’s position that Jansen & Company has failed to properly measure and document the school board’s loss resulting from the fire at Varnado High School, and that the company’s performance in the adjusting of this claim has actually delayed the settlement and, in turn, the rebuilding of Varnado High School. The following was proposed:
1. Jansen and Company immediately agree to cancel the assignment dated or
effective September 19, 1995, so that any future checks issued by the insurer
will be paid directly to the Washington Parish School Board.
2. It is my (Attorney Kuhn) opinion that any party contracting with a public body
in Louisiana can only be paid a fee for services actually rendered. Since
there was no written contract outlining your services, I am requesting an
itemization of the services actually performed in order to reach an amicable
agreement on the amount which should be paid to you for your services.
This will include the time of all employees, their positions and services
performed, as well as your (Tom Krautner) expenses, including travel,
telephone and the fee paid to Gemstar (Jansen & Company’s agent who
issued an estimate for the building replacement totaling $2,002,416.69). We
would then agree on an actual dollar amount of the fee due you.
Mr. Kuhn stated he has not received a response from Jansen & Company regarding this letter. Mr. Kuhn also stated that the Board’s insurance company has agreed to a hold harmless and indemnity agreement, with all future payments being made directly to the School Board.
At Mr. Kuhn’s suggestion, and following discussion, it was agreed that Superintendent Fowler will handle the matter of determining the interim architectural fee and presenting a contract to the Board for approval.
F. Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, presented a report on Varnado High School proposed insurance settlement, as follows: SEE ATTACHED. Mr. Raybourn stated that the Board would need to authorize acceptance of settlement with the stipulation that the Board not request the money until the hold harmless is received by the insurance company.
Following discussion, it was agreed that Mr. Raybourn would meet with the Varnado High School committee (Hayward Boone, Freddie Jefferson, Richard N. Thomas, William Brignac, Emma Ross and Superintendent Fowler) and review the proposed settlement in detail prior to the Board taking any action. Superintendent Fowler was asked to schedule the meeting.
G. Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fowler, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that, due to the principal vacancy at Mt. Hermon School, Kathy Dykes’ duties as School Clerk commence July 22, 1996, and continue until July 31, 1996, the date she would normally report for work, in order for the school office to remain open to take care of routine business. Motion carried unanimously.
H. The Board heard a request by Mike Gill and Sharon Stam, representing the Franklinton Area Economic Development Foundation, that the Board support an educational project to obtain funding for transporting students to Sullivan Vo-Tech and Southeastern Louisiana University. The Board was in agreement, and President Barker appointed Freddie Jefferson, Karl Bickham, T. J. Butler, Jr., and Martha Sumrall to work with Mrs. Stam and the FAEDF on this project.
Agenda Item #18 - Other business from board members.
President Barker read the following statement:
“A lot has happened since June 13, the date that the proposed buy-out of Mr. Coleman’s contract was placed on the agenda. Since that time, as a board, we have been under scrutiny - - receiving lots of press, as well as being the topic of many discussions among citizens of the parish.
The chain of events that took place since that time has brought us to where we are tonight, and that is to the threshold of the administration of a new superintendent. Before we move into that realm, I think we need some statements of closure for what has been a very frustrating time for some members of the board, as well as for many, many citizens of this parish.
Let me offer a brief review of what has taken place. On June 18, the proposed buy-out of the superintendent’s contract was placed on the agenda for a regularly scheduled school board meeting. Some of us, including myself, did not know about this until shortly before the meeting. Word, of course, had traveled fast throughout the public, and because of public concern and enthusiasm, we had to move the meeting to the Franklinton Elementary School auditorium. In that meeting, various citizens expressed their feelings concerning what was about to take place. Most of the expressions were in opposition to the buy-out. Some literally begged for a better explanation of the reasons - - but to no avail. As board president, I apologize for such lack of consideration for your wishes (I’m sorry, but some of us have not been told any more, either).
It was at that meeting that it was voted 5/4 to buy out the superintendent’s contract effective immediately. The board also voted to advertise immediately for a new superintendent and to keep our search within the parish. Later, there was a public meeting held by the board with citizens of the parish to hear what you, the public, would want in a new superintendent. Your suggestions were added to a previously published list that had been submitted to the press by 5 board members, ignoring the wishes of the remaining 4. We advertised for a new superintendent. Only one applicant sought the position. We interviewed that applicant in a public meeting, made an offer, and he accepted. He was voted in by a vote of 6/2.
During the chain of events, some of the board members have come to me, one on one, and acknowledged that something is wrong. They sense that the board is not together and want to know what can be done to bring us back together again. Well, until the date that the proposed buy-out was placed on the agenda, I thought that the board was together. Sure, we disagreed on some things; we are supposed to. But, we have always been able to discuss our differences, to communicate with each other, and to move on in a cooperative manner. Therefore, never in a million years would I have thought that anyone on this board, especially those I have worked with for many years, as well as those who have been on the board for the past 2 years - - never in a million years would I have thought that any one would have dared to venture into a project of the magnitude to buy out the superintendent’s contract without making sure that all members of the board be made aware. Who knows, some of us who were not contacted may could have offered a less expensive route, and accomplished the very same results. I consider this lack of communication with all board members for a project of such magnitude to be contrary to any code of professional ethics. The very thought of it still overwhelms me.
So, here we are. How do we get back together? I think you will agree when I say that, “This is a tough one to overcome!! Very, very tough!!” And, yet, overcome we must. How to we do it? Some have suggested that we go on another retreat. But I submit to this board that we can go on all the retreats available, but, unless we are all willing to adhere to the training that we receive at the retreats, it will be to no avail, and we stand in danger of this same type history repeating itself. The training we received at our first retreat was excellent, yet it was ignored as some of us violated it time, after time, after time! Mr. Fowler, I think it is important that you be made aware of the conduct of this board that led up to where we are tonight. It is my desire that you will receive more respect, loyalty and trust...from board members, office staff, principals and other employees, for these are all very necessary ingredients in order for any administrator’s tenure to be successful. To you, Superintendent Dennie Fowler, let me say to you, as president of this board, a citizen of this parish, and a product of this school system, I take great pride in the education system of this parish. I know for a fact that we have outstanding students scattered around the country - - in colleges, the armed services, technical schools and other institutions of higher learning who are doing well. We have graduates scattered throughout this country who are making valuable contributions to our society. I credit the well prepared and dedicated teachers and other staff members of our system with their success.
Superintendent Fowler, I congratulate you on your appointment and welcome you to your challenging position as leader of a school system that has tremendous potential. As I congratulate and welcome you, I acknowledge that my vote in this process was negative. As I have already told you, I do have a problem with a public school superintendent having such close ties with a private school, and I know that many, many of our parish citizens feel the same. But, be that as it may, you are our superintendent now, and we must move on.
So, let us all roll up our sleeves and try to work together for the common goal of the boys and girls of this parish, so that we can continue to supply our society with well prepared citizens. Mr. Fowler, I wish you well.”
Agenda Item #19 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
BRINGIER H. BARKER, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY