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, Susanne Jones, Hayward Boone, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. 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.
Statement by Harold Smith, President.
President Smith read the following statement:
Public Participation at School Board Meeting
As President of the Board, I wish to provide the following information concerning public participation during board meetings:
School board policy states as follows:
“The Washington Parish School Board shall encourage the citizens of the community to appear and bring before the Board any matter deemed important to the improvement of the school district.
All delegations or individuals who wish to appear before the Board shall submit their requests in writing to the Superintendent at least five (5) days prior to the meeting date, stating what matters they wish to take up with the Board, the names of those who wish to address the Board, and the approximate time such matter should consume at the meeting. Such items will normally be included on the agenda of the meeting at which the delegation or individual wishes to appear before the Board. Each delegation appearing before the board shall select one person in advance as its spokesman.
The President of the Board may recognize persons at the Board meetings for the purpose of introducing such persons. However, a person is not entitled to take up business before the Board unless the item in which he is interested has been placed on the agenda of the meeting.”
“...Items of business may be suggested by Board members, administrative staff, employees, school patrons, or lay citizens of the school district for inclusion on the agenda. A request to be considered for a place on the agenda by any group or individual other than a Board member shall be filed in writing with the Superintendent at least five (5) working days prior to the next Board meeting. Any material to be used must be submitted at the time of request. Citizens of the school system shall be given special consideration for addressing the Board.”
In addition to the written school board policy, this board allows public participation at the end of each meeting by the completion and submission of a form at the beginning of a board meeting.
While the board has guaranteed that citizens are given reasonable access to its public meetings, this can only be done with a standard of accountability by the participants as to statements that are made in public. General allegations against teachers and/or administrators in the parish school system without specific supporting facts do not provide the board with information on which action can be taken and are not appropriate. Any misconduct by a teacher or administrator should be addressed at the time of the occurrence and handled through the appropriate chain.
There are occasions when the board calls upon administrators or teachers for input on matters before the board. However, in order for the business of the board to be conducted in an orderly manner, public comment will be permitted only during the time allotted during the board meeting. (End of statement)
President Smith further stated, “Last board meeting, there were statements made against the teachers of this school system. I think we have a very good group of teachers throughout the system. They work very hard, and they are to be commended for that. I think we should support them in every way possible.”
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the January 23, 1997, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the January 23, 1997, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Presentation by James Milner, President, Federation of United School Employees of Washington Parish, on the following topics: (a) Concerns about a statement in the Pupil Progression Plan on page 3.15, which indicates that a 90% average MAY exempt students from midterms and finals, and (b) The 55% grade floor that is in place for Washington Parish School District students (James Milner).
Mr. Milner’s presentation addressed two areas of concern -- (1) the use of the word “may” in the Pupil Progression Plan, referring to students’ exemption from midterms and finals, and (2) the absence of reference in the Pupil Progression Plan to the 55% grade floor in place for parish students.
Mr. Milner stated, “The word ‘may’ is ambiguous. It does not indicate who actually decides if the student may be exempt from their tests. Is the decision made by the student, by the teacher, the parent, the principal, or even the Superintendent? Furthermore, many teachers feel that exempting a student at 90% is too low, and that if we must exempt a student for performance, it should be at the 94% level, which would be an ‘A’ average. Too, because students desire to know their midterm or final averages quickly for the purpose of being exempt, teachers must schedule their finals to be completed early so that time permits for grading, calculating the 6-week or quarter grades and then completing the calculation of the three six weeks or the two quarter grades. I’m really just asking to have some clarification and understanding of what this 90% means.”
Regarding the 55% grade floor, Mr. Milner stated that he was unable to find any references to a 55% floor for student grades in the Pupil Progression Plan. He asked if the floor had received state approval.
Superintendent Fowler responded that the Pupil Progression Committee had been unable to determine a grade floor, and in order to meet the deadline for submission to the State Department, the Board approved the Pupil Progression Plan as submitted and gave permission for the central office and principals to make the grade floor determination. When this matter was discussed with the principals, the junior high principals thought the high school principals should make the determination. Therefore, the high school principals were contacted, and the 55% grade floor was agreed upon. He stated that all schools were notified and told to discuss this item with the faculties.
Mr. Milner stated, “If this is truly a part of the plan, we would like to see it in print, but, also, we would petition the school board to remove this grading floor from the Washington Parish Pupil Progression Plan.”
Superintendent Fowler stated that another committee will be formed to study the Pupil Progression Plan and make recommendations for revisions for the 1997-98 school year. He further stated, “I truly hope that a great deal of what you are talking about is introduced to the committee, studied, and recommendations made to the Board.”
Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the following Personnel Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
TRANSFER:
Adult Education Center: Patricia Kemp, Project Independence Paraprofessional, TO Adult Education Paraprofessional, effective January 20, 1997 (transfer of funding for salary).
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Central Office: Martha Sumrall, Technology Director/Grant Facilitator, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective February 3, 1997, and for the remainder of the Spring semester of the 1996-97 school year.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton High School: Debra Wilkerson, Regular Teacher, Sick Leave effective January 13, 1997, through February 18, 1997, and Extended Sick Leave effective February 19, 1997, through May 30, 1997.
Mt. Hermon School: Richard Montet, Regular Teacher, Sick Leave effective January 4, 1997, through May 30, 1997.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Ramona Boyd, Regular Teacher, Change effective date of Extended Sick Leave FROM March 4, 1997, through April 14, 1997, TO February 3, 1997, through April 14, 1997.
EMPLOY:
Enon/Franklinton Primary Schools: Rebecca P. Morgan, Librarian, effective February 12, 1997, and for the remainder of the 1996-97 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Claire McGuire, Regular Teacher, effective January 29, 1997, and for the remainder of the 1996-97 school year only - CERTIFIED (replacing Donna Bassett, who resigned).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Kevin Lawson, In-School Suspension Teacher, effective January 27, 1997, and for the remainder of the 1996-97 school year only - CIRCULAR 665.
Franklinton High School: Robin Edwards, Regular Teacher, effective January 13, 1997, and for the remainder of the 1996-97 school year only - CIRCULAR 665 (fill-in for Debra Wilkerson, who is on leave).
Pine School: Sheila Phillips, Full-time Food Service Technician, effective February 12, 1997, pending outcome of physical examination.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the following Transportation Adjustments, as recommended by Anthony Triola, Supervisor of Transportation:
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Franklinton Schools: Extend the route of Elmer Williams .8 mile one way to
pick up Dustin Pickering. Effective date: January 6, 1997.
Extend the route of Elmer Williams 1.3 miles one way
to pick up Troy Conklin. Effective date: January 27, 1997.
Extend the route of Janice Varnado 3.0 miles one way to pick up Clayton,
Audrey, and Kristen Taylor. Effective date: January 7, 1997.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Superintendent’s Report.
A. Superintendent Fowler recommended that the Board employ someone as soon as possible to fill-in for Martha Sumrall, Technology Director/Grant Facilitator, while she is on sabbatical leave. He stated, “Her position is quite involved when it comes to responsibility that governs the grants that we have in our parish. We’re actually looking at over a quarter of a million dollars worth of grants that are laid out here to be dealt with at this time. It’s imperative that we get somebody as soon as possible to step in, take charge and safeguard these grants-- make sure that the documentation is in order and that we comply. Also, we have some other work to do on future grants. This is something we’ve got to address immediately. I would simply state that this is an emergency situation.”
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that consideration of this item be added to the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fowler, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board seek a fill-in for the position of Technology Director/Grant Facilitator, employment period being February 24, 1997, through May 30, 1997. Interested persons must apply by 4:00 P.M., Friday, February 14, 1997. Interviews will be conducted February 17, 1997, with a recommendation being made to the Board at the February 20, 1997, board meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
B. Superintendent Fowler reported that the Varnado High School Steering Committee will be meeting with Architect Sam Fauntleroy on February 13, 1997, and Mr. Fauntleroy will attend the February 20, 1997, board meeting to discuss recommendations from the committee.
C. Superintendent Fowler reported on the recent Science Fair for parish students in grades 3 - 12 held at Enon Elementary School. He commended the students for their excellent projects and the 4-H Extension Office for reintroducing this program. Participation of schools was by choice, with ten (10) schools choosing to participate this year. He thanked Mrs. Phyllis Thomas, Principal, for providing the fine facility in which the Science Fair was held.
D. Superintendent Fowler stated that the 10-year accreditation study for Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation was presently ongoing at Mt. Hermon School, and he would report further at the next board meeting.
E. Superintendent Fowler stated that qualifying dates for the special election for District 8 board member will be February 12 - 14, 1997.
Agenda Item #8 - Other business from board members.
Susanne Jones thanked James Milner for his presentation to the Board. She stated she doesn’t believe there should be any exemptions from tests, nor should there be a grade floor.
Juanita Barker complimented Mr. Milner and stated we should work for higher standards.
Freddie Jefferson requested that Superintendent Fowler send a memo to the schools indicating who was responsible for setting the grade floor.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY