Franklinton, Louisiana

January 23, 1997

6:30 P.M.

 

            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, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Susanne Jones.

 

            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 January 9, 1997, regular board meeting.

 

            It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the January 9, 1997, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to terminate access authority of Guy V. Schilling to the school board’s safe deposit box and grant access authority to Dennie Fowler (Adren Raybourn).

 

            Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board terminate access authority of Guy V. Schilling to the school board’s safe deposit box and grant access authority to Dennie Fowler, Superintendent.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #6 - Recognize Cheryl Carey, President, Franklinton Area Concerned Parents Association, who will speak to the Board on behalf of Mrs. Linda Miller and her daughter (Harold Smith).

 

            The item was delayed until later in the meeting to allow time for a conference between Ms. Carey and School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn.

 

            Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).

 

            It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board approve the following Personnel Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:

 

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

 

RESIGNATION:

 

Franklinton Jr. High School: Donna Bassett, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective January 24, 1997.

 

Franklinton Elementary School:   Marie Bateman, Librarian, Resignation effective January 20, 1997.

 

TRANSFER:

 

Carol Dillon, Librarian, Franklinton Primary School and Enon Elementary School, TO Librarian, Franklinton Elementary School, effective January 28, 1997.

 

REQUEST FOR LEAVE:

 

Franklinton High School: W. A. Hargrove, Agriculture Teacher, Sick Leave effective January 14, 1997, through June 30, 1997.

 

Wesley Ray Elementary School: Ramona Boyd, Extended Sick Leave effective March 4, 1997, through April 14, 1997.

 

EMPLOY:

 

Pine School: Gladys Magee, Regular Teacher, effective the Spring semester only of the 1996-97 school year (TTA).

 

Pine School: Anna Pittman, Regular Teacher, effective the Spring semester only of the 1996-97 school year (Certified) - Fill-in for Rita Wood, who is on sabbatical leave.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

            It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the following Transportation Adjustments, as approved by Anthony Triola, Transportation Supervisor:

 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

 

Franklinton Schools:                              Extend the route of Billy Joe Dillon 2.2 miles one

                                                            way to pick up Stephen and Sara Corkern. 

                                                            Effective date: January 15, 1997.

 

                                                            Extend the route of Max Gary Brumfield .4 mile one

                                                            way to pick up Glenn Burton.  Effective date:

                                                            January 15, 1997.

 

                                                            Deduct 3.3 miles from the route of Mary Simmons.

                                                            A special education student on her route has been

                                                            expelled.  Effective date: January 10, 1997.

 

Wesley Ray Elem. School:                     Extend the route of Mary Knight 2.1 miles one way

                                                            to pick up a special education student.  Effective

                                                            date: December 18, 1996.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #8 - Superintendent’s Report.

 

            Superintendent Fowler commented on Major Vernon Creecy’s visit to Washington Parish January 16 & 17, 1997, for the purpose of presenting information on gangs to parents on January 16th and to teachers on January 17th during staff development.  Major Creecy is employed by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Department.  Superintendent Fowler stated his presentations were excellent and were well received by parents and teachers.

 

            Agenda Item #9 - Other business from board members.

 

            Freddie Jefferson requested that Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, give a report to the board at the next committee meeting on ad valorem tax collections.

 

            At the request of Hayward Boone, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the following items be added to the agenda: (1) Consider a motion to support legislation enacting a processing tax on foreign oil and gas, the revenue from which will be used to benefit education, and (2) Consider a motion to go on record opposing the fact that the State does not reimburse the Board for cost of transporting students who live within one (1) mile of the school they attend, and urge legislation to provide for reimbursement.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board support legislation enacting a processing tax on foreign oil and gas, the revenue from which will be used to benefit education, and that the Board go on record opposing the fact that the State does not reimburse the Board for cost of transporting students who live within one (1) mile of the school they attend, and urge legislation to provide reimbursement.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Return to Agenda Item #6 - Recognize Cheryl Carey, President, Franklinton Area Concerned Parents Association, who will speak to the Board on behalf of Mrs. Linda Miller and her daughter (Harold Smith).

 

            School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn asked that he be allowed to address some procedural matters.  He stated, “This is a discussion involving a child who is a special education student.  Under R.S. 42:6, this matter can be held in Executive Session; however, the parent can request that the matter be held in public, but it’s only at the option of the parent.”  He then asked Mrs. Miller if she wanted the matter to be held in open or closed session.  Mrs. Miller responded, “Open session.”  To Mrs. Miller, Mr. Kuhn stated, “It is my understanding that you have given a written notice to Mr. Fowler that you wish for Ms. Carey to be your spokesman.”  Mrs. Miller stated, “Yes, that’s correct.”

 

            Mr. Kuhn stated, “From the last meeting, it was my interpretation that there had been an expulsion hearing held on this student; the expulsion hearing had gone to Mr. Fowler, and then was coming before the Board as an appeal.  Mr. Fowler sent me the complete record on this.  As I reviewed the record, the expulsion hearing never took place. What took place was an IEP (Individual Educational Program) committee convened prior to the expulsion hearing, and, apparently, as a result of the IEP committee, no expulsion hearing was held.”

 

            Anthony Triola, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, stated, “We set up a hearing and met with the parent and the people responsible for the IEP.  The parent had agreed to that, and because she agreed to that, I concurred and said I would accept that agreement.  It’s not quite correct to say the hearing wasn’t held.”

 

            Mr. Kuhn stated, “I think that’s correct, Mr. Triola.  The hearing was not held because of the IEP committee convening.  At that time, the IEP forms were signed by the parent, and I think Mr. Triola understood that the matter had been resolved, and, therefore, there was no need for an expulsion hearing.”

 

            At this point, Mr. Kuhn read a memo he had sent to Superintendent Fowler.    He stated, “My purpose of this is to try to put the matter into perspective as I see it at this time.”  The memo read, as follows:

 

            “I have reviewed the record of Cochita Miller which was delivered to me on January 14, 1997.  A hearing on a recommendation for expulsion was scheduled for November 11, 1996.  I am informed that on this same day an IEP conference was held.  It was determined at this conference that the student had fulfilled the goals of her IEP, and that based upon the discussion held in the conference, the student would begin pursuing a GED at the Adult Learning Center.  It was also noted that the certificate of achievement would be mailed at the time of graduation.  The IEP was signed by the student’s parent, Melinda Miller.

 

            The record does not reflect that the expulsion hearing followed.  By letter dated December 16, 1996, the mother, Melinda Miller, stated her dissatisfaction with the determination made at the hearing on November 11th.  Although Mrs. Miller originally signed the IEP, her letter of December 16th obviously states that she changed her position as to the action taken concerning her child.

 

            Therefore, it is my opinion that since the expulsion hearing did not formally take place, the findings in the IEP conference of November 11th were accepted, and that Mrs. Miller later indicated her dissatisfaction with the November 11th conference by her letter dated December 16th, then an IEP conference should be reconvened to further determine the individual educational needs of the student and the concerns of the parent.  The record shows that Mrs. Miller has made a written request that Mrs. Cheryl Carey be her spokesperson concerning her child.  Accordingly, Mrs. Carey should be given notice of the IEP conference so that she may attend with Mrs. Miller if she wishes.

 

            In the event that the parent is displeased with the decisions made at the IEP conference, then notice should be given to the Louisiana State Department of Education, Department of Special Education, so that a due process hearing could be held before an impartial special education hearing officer.”

 

            Superintendent Fowler informed the Board that an IEP conference was scheduled for January 22, 1997, but since neither Mrs. Miller nor Ms. Carey were present, with no notification from them as to their inability to attend, the conference was not held.  Mr. Fowler stated that notices of the meeting were sent.  Mrs. Miller and Ms. Carey both stated they did not receive notification.

 

            Ms. Cheryl Carey then addressed the Board, as follows:

 

“Superintendent Fowler and Members of the Washington Parish School Board:

 

            We, as members of the Franklinton Area Concerned Parents Association, on behalf of Mrs. Linda Miller and her daughter Cochita Nicole Miller, would like to express firmly and openly that we do not condone the behavior of Cochita.  We have expressed to Cochita in the presence of her mother that we are not in favor of the behavior exhibited by her to Mrs. Young and others in the school system.  We also emphatically state that we most certainly do not accept the actions taken against Cochita by Ms. Young, Principal of Franklinton High School.  The actions taken against Cochita were unfounded and unwarranted.  The information presented to you in this packet does not substantiate the actions taken by Ms. Young.  Document after document notes two areas of behavior - -profane language and disrespect, resulting in disturbing the peace.  The allegations made by Ms. Young in a separate letter to Mr. Fowler and read by Mr. Sisung are not supported in these documents or in any other documents that we have reviewed.  We agree that disciplinary action should have taken place against Nicole for her behavior; however, we do not believe arrest is an action that was warranted under the circumstances.  You must remember that Nicole is an 18 year old special student who is learning disabled and has never, I repeat, never, been arrested nor been in a situation where arrest would have been a result.

 

            In a letter read by Vice-Principal Mr. Sisung, Ms. Young stated that the reason she had Cochita arrested was because Cochita intimidated her, that Cochita bumped her and pressed her chest up against her in an aggressive manner.  Nowhere is this action mentioned except in a letter to Mr. Fowler.  It is not mentioned in any official document we have.  We want to bring to your attention that Ms. Young took Cochita aggressively by the arm and escorted her into her office and closed the door.  These are not the actions of someone who is intimidated.  Remember, Cochita was already in an agitated state when Ms. Young took her behind closed doors.  No one in their right mind would have gone into a closed door situation with her under those conditions, if she felt intimidated.  Yet Ms. Young wants us to believe that an 18 year old black child intimidated her.  The Ms. Young the black community knows would not be intimidated but cause intimidation, because she has support of the Board.  Remember, to intimidate implies that you have power to cause harm.  Nicole has no power.

 

            Members of the Board, the black children in the parish school system are being discriminated against, abused, subjugated, rejected and demeaned.  The parish school board, who we, as black parents and law abiding black taxpayers, pay to oversee our schools, is condoning this mistreatment of our children, because nothing has been put into place to eliminate the abuse, the neglect and the discrimination.  Therefore, we feel you openly support it.  The black children in the parish school system are in a hostile environment every day.  They are in a classroom situation where teachers ignore them, where teachers allow students to throw objects at them, where teachers allow students to make derogatory gestures at them, use derogatory language to them and against them. When black children go to teachers and tell them what is happening, they are ignored. We, as parents and law abiding taxpayers, will not allow our children to be subjected to this kind of environment any longer.  Hence, we find ourselves at this point in time standing before you pleading for corrections to a grievous error.  You have allowed the parish school system to degenerate into an institution where the agenda of the day seems to be exerting power.  The concerns of black parish school children are put on the back burner or their concerns thrown out the window altogether.  We want that condition reversed.  We want teachers and administrations in our school system who do not have a private agenda or prejudice.  We want children of the parish in a school environment that is conducive to learning.

 

            In the situation that we bring before you today, it was stated that Nicole would not be allowed to march or go back to the high school.  We find that the board did not have any say on whether this student would be allowed to march, and I think that is a decision that the board should make and not a school administrator.  This is why we are bringing this case to the board, because there was an error made.  We agree Nicole should have been disciplined, but we don’t believe that she should have been arrested.  Three days suspension is the only thing that she should have had according to the school handbook. Yet, all the other progressive steps that would have led up to expulsion were ignored.  We want you to remedy it.”

 

            Freddie Jefferson stated, “Ms. Carey made some strong accusations, and it really shocks me.  I think, as one board member, I need to see some documentation of proof of all these accusations.  If they’re relevant and if they’re true, then we’ve got some serious problems.  Just to say something and not have any documentation in support is something else.  Ms. Carey is not an employee of ours.  How did these things come about?  She needs to tell us and give us some documentation so we can deal with it.”  Mr. Jefferson asked Ms. Carey to state specifically what she is asking the Board to do.  Ms. Carey replied, “to allow Nicole to march and return to Franklinton High School.  She should have only been suspended three (3) days.”

 

            Superintendent Fowler stated, “To my knowledge, the actions of the Board cannot change an IEP.  You can reconvene for an IEP meeting and address the educational needs of the child.  Those decisions come from the IEP meeting.  These decisions cannot be changed by the Board.  Another date has been set up for the IEP committee to reconvene.  The educational needs of this child can be looked at and probably something can be done.”

 

            President Smith stated, “I suggest that the Board direct the IEP committee to reconvene and determine the needs of the student and the parent.”

 

            It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board allow Susan Thomas to address the board.  Motion carried unanimously.  Mrs. Thomas stated, “ I teach at Franklinton High School.  I’m a Math teacher.  I’ve taught a lot of your children, and I take real exception to the statements that were made that “ the teachers.” I know if they didn’t mean “all” they should have said not all; that the teachers are prejudiced, that we’re allowing the black students to be hurt and hit and thrown things at. I do not allow that in my classroom.  It hurt my feelings to sit in that chair and listen to that. I’ve taught a lot of your children, and they’ll tell you that I’m not prejudiced and I don’t mistreat the black children.  You know that.  I’m good buddies with a lot of your children. I take them places; I give them rides.  It offends me that you said that, I want that on the record.  Also, I was in the principal’s office and heard the principal say to Nicole on the telephone,  “We need to get together and talk about this.”  She made all kinds of mention of “we’ll be able to work out that you can walk.” 

 

            Again, President Smith suggested that the Board direct the IEP committee to reconvene to further determine the needs of the student and concerns of the parent in this matter.

 

            It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board direct the IEP committee to reconvene to further determine the needs of the student and concerns of the parent in this matter.  Motion carried unanimously.  Superintendent Fowler stated that the second IEP committee meeting has already been scheduled.

 

            Holly James suggested that Superintendent Fowler meet with a select group to talk about concerns of the black community.  Ms. Carey suggested five (5) would be a good number.

 

            Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

 

            It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adjourn.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT

 

DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY