Franklinton, Louisiana

March 13, 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, Susanne Jones, Hayward Boone, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Richard N. Thomas.

 

            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 20, 1997, regular board meeting.

 

            It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the minutes of the February 20, 1997, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #5 - Presentation by Franklinton Jr. High School Historical Preservation Committee (Dennie Fowler).

 

            Rashad Harrison, Chairman, Historical Preservation Committee, informed the Board of its goal to get the Franklinton Jr. High School building on the National Register of Historical Places.  He requested the Board’s support of the committee’s plans and cooperation of the central office in providing information about the building.

 

            It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Bruce Brown, that consideration of this request be added to the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously.  It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board fill the request made by Rashad Harrison on behalf of the Franklinton Jr. High School Historical Preservation Committee. Motion carried unanimously.  Hayward Boone requested that a letter of commendation be written to the committee and its advisors, Jo’el Givens and Gerald Wood.

 

            Agenda Item #6 - Presentation by James Milner, President, Federation of United School Employees of Washington Parish, on the following topic: Board policy on how school board employees are to deal with violent students (Dennie Fowler).

 

            Mr. Milner voiced concerns regarding school employees’ involvement in breaking up fights between students.  He shared some suggestions with the Board and asked for the Board’s consideration of the suggestions.  The Board agreed to discuss this subject at the next committee meeting.

 

            Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a contract with the Washington Parish Police Jury for the Summer Food Feeding Program (Dennie Fowler).

 

            Following a brief review of the contract by Marsha Newman, School Food Service Supervisor, it was moved by Holly James, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board enter into contract with the Washington Parish Police Jury for the Summer Food Feeding Program, as follows:

 

CONTRACT

 

AN ORDINANCE, authorizing the President of the Washington Parish Police Jury to enter into a contract or lease agreement between the Washington Parish Police Jury and the Washington Parish School Board with regard to the use of Washington Parish Police Jury; providing the details thereof.

 

BE IT ORDAINED, by the Washington Parish Police Jury, Parish of Washington, Louisiana, that:

 

WHERE, THE HONORABLE Hollis A. Stafford, III, President of the Washington Parish Police Jury, be and he is hereby authorized to enter into a contract or lease agreement between the Washington Parish Police Jury as the Sponsoring Agency of the Washington Parish School System’s lunchrooms for the Summer Food Feeding Program for a period between June 2, 1997, and July 31, 1997, according to the following provisions:

 

I.

The Washington Parish Police Jury shall be the Sponsoring Agency.  (Throughout this lease agreement, they shall be referred to as the Sponsoring Agency.)

 

II.

The Sponsoring Agency shall have the responsibility of administering the program.

 

III.

The Sponsoring Agency shall have the responsibility for hiring managers and cooks for food preparation (must be those in employment by the School System).  The Sponsoring Agency will provide Workmen’s Compensation for employees during the covered period.

 

IV.

The Sponsoring Agency shall pay the WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD the sum of $14,285.71 for rental fees in leasing the following parish schools:

 

            a.         Angie Jr. High School

            b.         Franklinton Elementary School

            c.         Pine High School

            d.         Thomas Jr. High School

            e.         Wesley Ray Elementary School

 

V.

The Sponsoring Agency shall be responsible for all kitchen and dining room equipment and facilities.  Any damaged or lost equipment shall be repaired or replaced by the Sponsoring Agency to the satisfaction of the WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD.

 

VI.

Inventories shall be made prior to June 2, 1997, of all equipment in lunchrooms and kitchens.  This inventory will be reviewed by both parties.  The Sponsoring Agency will be able to serve meals on June 2, 1997.

 

VII.

Lunchrooms will be the only part of the building open; no other area will be available for use.

 

VIII.

The Sponsoring Agency shall provide adequate supervision, inside lunchrooms and on the yard, prior to and when meals are being served.

IX.

Periodic checks will be made by the Washington Parish School Administrative Staff to determine the condition of the buildings and equipment.

 

X.

The Summer Food Feeding Program will not use food belonging to the Washington Parish School System.

 

XI.

The Washington Parish School Board shall not be responsible for any debts or financial obligations incurred by the Sponsoring Agency.

 

XII.

The Sponsoring Agency shall be responsible for and shall provide general liability insurance which will prevent the Washington Parish School Board from being responsible for any accidents or incidents occurring during the time of operation of the Summer Food Feeding Program, and shall furnish the Washington Parish School Board with a Certificate of Insurance.

 

XIII.

All inventory of all equipment will be made and reviewed by both parties at the conclusion of the Summer Food Feeding Program.

 

_________________________________ ____________________________________

President, Washington Parish Police Jury            President, Washington Parish School Board

 

                                                                        ____________________________________

                                                                        Superintendent, Washington Parish School

                                                                        Board

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).

 

            In the absence of Assistant Superintendent Richard Kennedy, Anthony Triola, Supervisor, Child Welfare and Attendance, reviewed the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments.  It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:

 

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

 

REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:

 

Franklinton Primary School: Aylene B. Crain, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1997-98 school year.

 

REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:

 

Franklinton Primary School: Carolyn J. Knight, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1997-98 school year.

 

Thomas Jr. High School: Billy W. Knight, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1997-98 school year.

 

REQUEST FOR LEAVE:

Varnado Elementary School: Mary Lofthus, Regular Teacher, Leave Without Pay effective January 14, 1997, through May 30, 1997.

 

EMPLOY:

 

Angie Jr. High School:    Jackie Greely, Part-time Food Service Technician, effective March 17, 1997 (pending outcome of physical examination).

 

Central Office:    Mary Lynn Minarik, Accounting/Data Processing Clerk, effective April 7, 1997.

 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

 

Franklinton Schools: Extend the route of Faye Newman 4.2 miles one way to pick up a Special Education student.  Effective date: February 25, 1997.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #9 - Superintendent’s Report.

 

            A.  Superintendent Fowler reported that Career Day was held last week at Pine School.  He expressed appreciation to the principal and faculty for their efforts in making this event successful.

 

            B.  Superintendent Fowler reported that a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Visiting Team will be at Franklinton Elementary School next week.

 

            C.  Architect Sam Fauntleroy updated the Board on the Varnado High School construction project.  He stated, “We are still on target to advertise for bids by the end of this month.”

 

            Agenda Item #10 - Other business from board members.

 

            Karl Bickham inquired if the search for counselors is continuing.  Superintendent Fowler replied that counselors are still being sought, and there are two prospects for the end of the current school year.

 

            Juanita Barker asked Superintendent Fowler to report on the meeting with representatives of Franklinton Area Concerned Citizens Association.  Superintendent Fowler stated, “We met and heard some of the concerns from the group. This past Monday, Mrs. (Cheryl) Carey submitted to me some individual cases that she would like for us to look into.  I have sent the information to the schools from where the cases came and asked for the documentation, so I can start looking at that and then give a written response to the group.”  Mrs. Barker asked if the board members who met with the group would have input in the response, and Mr. Fowler replied, “Yes.”

 

            Susanne Jones asked Anthony Triola, Supervisor of Transportation, if another special education bus could be added.  He responded that he would pursue the possibility.

 

            Freddie Jefferson asked Superintendent Fowler to update the Board at the next committee meeting on insurance for athletes.

 

            On motion by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, and unanimously carried, the Board approved a request by Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Walker to address the Board on the topic, “ School policies and discipline policies.”  Mrs. Walker voiced concerns regarding the board policy on extracurricular activities regulations.  Following discussion, President Smith suggested that all principals meet with Superintendent Fowler to review current policy and suggest revisions, where needed, for the next school year.  He stated, “We will revise the policy, but not now, as far as I’m concerned.”

 

            On motion by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, and unanimously carried, the Board approved a request by Mrs. Cheryl Carey to address the Board on the topic, “Questions.”  It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board hear Mrs. Cheryl Carey’s questions.  Motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Carey had some questions regarding the suspension and expulsion report obtained from Superintendent Fowler.  These questions were addressed and discussed.

 

            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 R. SMITH, PRESIDENT

 

DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY