The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: President Harold Smith, Karl Bickham, Juanita Barker, Holly James, Hayward Boone, Bruce Brown, Freddie Jefferson, Richard N. Thomas, and Susanne Jones. Absent: None.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order.
The meeting was called to order by President Smith. He welcomed guests and news media present.
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 November 14, 1996, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the November 14, 1996, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to adopt the schedule of school board meetings for 1997 (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the following schedule of school board meetings for 1997:
THURSDAYS –
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS MONDAYS - COMMITTEE
January 9, 1997 January 6, 1997
January 23, 1997
February 6, 1997 February 17, 1997
February 20, 1997
March 13, 1997 March 24, 1997
March 27, 1997
April 10, 1997 April 7, 1997
April 24, 1997
May 15, 1997 May 12, 1997
May 29, 1997
June 12, 1997 June 23, 1997
June 26, 1997
July 31, 1997 July 28, 1997
August 14, 1997 August 25, 1997
August 28, 1997
September 11, 1997 September 22, 1997
September 25, 1997
October 9, 1997 October 20, 1997
October 23, 1997
November 13, 1997 November 10, 1997
December 11, 1997 December 8, 1997
NOTE: ONLY ONE (1) REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR THE MONTHS OF JULY, NOVEMBER, AND DECEMBER, 1997.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to follow State guidelines and qualifications for filling administrative positions (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board follow State guidelines and qualifications for filling administrative positions, and drop the Plus 30 requirement. FOR: Karl Bickham, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Hayward Boone, Harold Smith, and Richard N. Thomas. AGAINST: Juanita Barker, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
Upon the request of Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the following item be added to the Personnel Adjustments: Employ: Franklinton Jr. High School - Stephen Burris, Regular Teacher, effective January 6, 1997, and for the remainder of the 1996-97 school year only (TTA). Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Pine School: Deanna Thomas, Food Service Technician, Resignation effective December 2, 1996.
DISABILITY RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Franklinton High School: Margaret Ann Burch, Disability Retirement Resignation effective November 25, 1996.
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Jr. High School: Elizabeth W. Ard, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective December 31, 1996.
Mt. Hermon School: Ruth Smith Alford, Food Service Technician, Retirement Resignation effective December 6, 1996.
Mt. Hermon School: Natha Lee Alford, Title I Tutor, Retirement Resignation effective November 22, 1996.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton Jr. High School: Betty Durr, Food Service Technician, Leave Without Pay effective November 20, 1996, through January 3, 1997.
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Special Education Department: Jerry Lee Kennedy, Homebound Instructor, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the Spring semester of the 1996-97 school year.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Primary School: Nancy Copp, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective December 16, 1996, and for the remainder of the 1996-97 school year only.
Franklinton Primary School: Wendy Manning, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective December 16, 1996, and for the remainder of the 1996-97 school year only.
Franklinton Primary School: Olene Mathers, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective December 16, 1996, and for the remainder of the 1996-97 school year only.
Franklinton Primary School: Dwanna Barber, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective December 16, 1996, and for the remainder of the 1996-97 school year only.
Franklinton Primary School: Tammy Melancon, Special Education Bus Attendant, effective December 16, 1996.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Stephen Burris, Regular Teacher, effective January 6, 1997, and for the remainder of the 1996-97 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton High School: Sgt. Maj. Lance A. Brown, JROTC Military Instructor, effective January 13, 1997.
Franklinton High School: Julie Anne Perry, Regular Teacher (English), effective January 10, 1997, and for the remainder of the 1996-97 school year only (Certified).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Franklinton Schools: Extend the route of Juanita Tullos 1.1 miles one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: November 6, 1996.
Extend the route of Juanita Tullos .2 mile one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: October 21, 1996.
Extend the route of Juanita Tullos .6 mile one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: November 13, 1996.
Extend the route of Juanita Tullos 3.0 mile one way to pick up two Special Education students. Effective date: November 11, 1996.
Extend the route of Mary Simmons 5.0 miles one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: October 7, 1996.
Extend the route of Mary Simmons 21.3 miles one way to pick up two students. Effective date: October 23, 1996. (This Special Education bus had to be rerouted to pick up these students who had behavior problems and could not ride a regular bus.)
Franklinton Schools: Extend the route of Gilda McCain 1.0 mile one way to pick up Cody Magee. Effective date: November 13, 1996.
Extend the route of Faye Newman 2.1 miles one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: November 14, 1996.
Extend the route of Faye Newman 15.4 miles one way to pick up three Special Education students. Effective date: October 23, 1996.
Extend the route of Violonia Edwards 6.6 miles one way to pick up two Special Education students. Effective date: December 2, 1996.
Varnado High School: Extend the route of Opal Boone 3.8 miles one way to pick up Danny Branch, Jr. Effective date: December 2, 1996.
Wesley Ray School: Extend the route of Veona Gaille 7.2 miles one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: November 11, 1996.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Superintendent’s Report.
Superintendent Fowler stated that Architect Sam Fauntleroy should have Varnado High School plans finalized by mid January.
Agenda Item #9 - Other business from board members.
Mrs. Juanita Barker thanked the Board for its cooperation in naming Franklinton Primary School Auditorium the “R. W. Johnson Auditorium.”
Hayward Boone inquired about the possibility of in-servicing potential bus operators in the parish. Transportation Supervisor Anthony Triola stated that, with Board approval, he could offer a three-day training on January 7, 8, & 9, 1997, to certify new people and provide in-service for present drivers who need additional hours to meet State requirements. The total cost would be $250 - $300 for the consultant, who would be Rupert Breland.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that consideration of this item be added to the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board hold a three-day training to certify potential bus operators and provide in-service for present operators needing additional hours to meet State requirements, with training to be held January 7, 8, & 9, 1997, and conducted by Consultant Rupert Breland. Motion carried unanimously.
At the request of Anthony Triola, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to authorize Bus Operator Keith Sumrall to purchase a 1988 Chevrolet 65-passenger school bus. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board authorize Bus Operator Keith Sumrall to purchase a 1988 Chevrolet 65-passenger school bus, with the stipulation that, within ten (10) days from date of purchase, the bus must be inspected and approved and meet all State requirements. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY