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.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the February 6, 1997, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the February 6, 1997, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Recognize Monica Ellis, UniServ Director, Louisiana Association of Educators, who will address the Board regarding a grievance filed by WPAE members from Mt. Hermon School regarding their extended instructional day (Dennie Fowler).
Ms. Ellis requested that this matter be addressed in Executive Session. It was agreed that the Executive Session would be held at the end of the meeting.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to approve contract with Sam Fauntleroy, Architect, for construction of new facilities for Varnado High School (Dennie Fowler).
Following a brief review of the contract by School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board approve the contract with Fauntleroy & Latham, Inc., Architects, Engineers, Planners, 229 St. John Lane, Covington, LA, to provide all architectural services as defined in contract for construction as follows: Phase I - Construction of a new classroom/administrative wing and a new cafeteria, and Phase 2 - Construction of a new gymnasium and renovation of existing buildings for Varnado High School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to create the position of Accounting/Data Processing Clerk in the Central Office (Dennie Fowler).
Upon the request of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board create the position of Accounting/Data Processing Clerk in the Central Office. Motion carried unanimously. Applications will be accepted from February 24, 1997, through March 7, 1997, at 4:00 P.M. Interviews will be conducted March 10, 1997, with a recommendation being made to the Board at the March 13, 1997, board meeting. Superintendent Fowler stated that the person selected for this position will be hired on a 6-months probationary period.
Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton High School: Gilbert Dale Bond, Regular Teacher, Sick Leave effective March 3, 1997, through May 30, 1997.
EMPLOY:
Central Office: Rebecca Kemp, Technology Director/Grant Facilitator, effective February 20, 1997, through May 30, 1997 (Emergency Transfer from her position as Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School) - Fill-in for Martha Sumrall, who is on Sabbatical Leave.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Central Office: Change employment status of Melanie Kennedy, Coordinator/Resource Teacher for Dyslexia and Related Disorders - 504 Coordinator, FROM 10 months annual employment TO 11 months annual employment.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Pine School: Extend the route of Glen Thomas 2.5 miles one way to pick up Todd Robertson. Effective date: October 22, 1996.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Superintendent’s Report.
A. Superintendent Fowler reported that Mt. Hermon School successfully completed the 10-year review for accreditation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. He commended the administrative staff and faculty for this achievement. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Bruce Brown, that adoption of a resolution commending Mt. Hermon School be added to the agenda. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board commend Mt. Hermon School administrative staff and faculty for successfully completing the 10-year review for Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation. Motion carried unanimously.
B. Superintendent Fowler reviewed the plans for Phase I and Phase II of construction for Varnado High School. He stated that Phase I, which is construction of a new classroom/administrative wing and cafeteria, should begin soon after school ends in May and should be completed in approximately one (1) year at an estimated cost of $1,250,000.00 - $1,350,000.00. Phase II, which is construction of a new gymnasium and renovation of existing buildings, will have to be financed by other means, such as a bond issue.
C. Anthony Triola, Supervisor of Transportation, gave the Board information regarding mileage adjustments for bus operators. He stated that all six (6) substitute buses have passed inspection and are eligible to make runs, and no mileage adjustments have been made thus far this year due to bridges being out. Susanne Jones stated she has been receiving complaints regarding bus operators changing routes without going through the central office. She asked if, during the summer, all routes could be checked to make sure they are in order. Mr. Triola stated he would be glad to present a workshop to principals on measuring bus routes. Freddie Jefferson suggested that a percentage of bus routes be audited, at random, each year. President Smith suggested that Mr. Triola meet with the Transportation Committee and come up with some recommendations.
Agenda Item #10 - Other business from board members.
None.
President Smith stated two (2) requests to address the Board had been submitted. He first recognized Ricky Payne, President, Washington Parish Association of Educators. Mr. Payne asked for an explanation of why the school clerks’ request for a salary adjustment was not honored. President Smith stated that the request was considered by the Finance Committee and the Board, and this matter, along with inequities in the salaries of school clerks, would be addressed again after July 1, 1997, the beginning of a new fiscal year. He stated there would be no increases for the balance of the current school year.
President Smith next recognized Roxanne Lewis, who requested “clarification about meetings that are held with community people or school employees, while school board members are present, regarding policies at schools and/or the way they are enforced. I would like to know who is allowed at those meetings and if it is possible to not allow people at those meetings.” Superintendent Fowler stated that a board member had requested that he sit down with a group to discuss matters/problems throughout the system. Superintendent Fowler stated, “When it comes time to sit down and discuss this, this is what we are going to allow. It’s going to be discussion of problems within the system. As far as spelling out individuals or schools, no, that will not be allowed. What was stated was, ‘Problems within the system.’ Those in attendance at this meeting will be the individuals chosen to meet, plus three (3) observers, one from one side, and two from the other side.”
Referring to Agenda Item #5, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board enter into Executive Session under R.S. 42:6.1A(1)&(2). Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board have Principal Alan Graham work with the elementary teachers at Mt. Hermon School in scheduling to help provide a planning period each day for each elementary teacher. This scheduling process should be completed by July 15, 1997. Also, Anthony Triola and Richard Kennedy may serve as advisors in helping solve the scheduling problems. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
HAROLD SMITH, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY