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 April 10, 1997, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the April 10, 1997, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Presentation by Bobby Pierce, Coordinator of Substance Abuse Program, on the topic, “Alternative Schools” (Dennie Fowler).
Bobby Pierce presented three (3) plans to the Board for review and consideration. These plans will be discussed at the May 12, 1997, committee meeting, with a decision being made at the May 15, 1997, board meeting.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to adopt a 1997-98 School Calendar (Dennie Fowler).
Superintendent Fowler reported that two (2) proposed calendars had been sent to the schools for employees’ review and vote. His recommendation was that the Board adopt the calendar that was the overwhelming choice of school system employees.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board adopt the following 1997-98 School Calendar:
SCHOOL CALENDAR - 1997-98
MONTH EVENT DATE DAYS TAUGHT
August Teachers Report August 14
Staff Development August 15*
Classes Begin August 18
Staff Development August 29 12 Days
September Labor Day September 1 21 Days
October Washington Parish Fair October 15, 16, 17 20 Days
November Educational Conventions November 24, 25, 26
Thanksgiving Holidays November 27 & 28 15 Days
December Christmas Holidays December 22 - 31 15 Days
January New Year’s Holidays January 1 & 2
Staff Development January 16
Martin Luther King Day January 19 19 Days
February Mardi Gras February 23 & 24
Staff Development February 25* 18 Days
March No Holidays 22 Days
April Spring Holidays April 10 - 17 16 Days
May No Holidays 21 Days
June School Closes June 3 3 Days
DAYS TAUGHT 182 DAYS
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding closing school on April 30, 1997, in order for employees to attend a rally at the State Capitol (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board close school, along with the central office, on April 30, 1997, in order for employees to attend a rally at the State Capitol. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - 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 and Transportation Adjustments as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Franklinton High School: Jerry Wascom, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective May 6, 1997.
Mt. Hermon School: Richard Montet, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective June 1, 1997.
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton High School: Cole Sisung, Head Football Coach/Teacher, Resignation as Head Football Coach effective April 25, 1997.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Franklinton High School: Ethel Ogborn, Regular Teacher, Leave Without Pay effective February 18, 1997, and for the remainder of the 1996-97 school year.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Thomas Jr. High School: Extend the route of Kaye Magee .6 mile one way to pick up Brandy Michelle Stogner. Effective date: April 7, 1997.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Superintendent’s Report.
A. Superintendent Fowler read the following statement regarding an alleged rape of a student at Franklinton High School on April 18, 1997:
“Though we in the school system are shocked and saddened by the incident which occurred here last week, we realize that such violence is a reflection of today’s society and, unfortunately, Washington Parish, nor our schools, are immune to that violence. Throughout this, classes at Franklinton High School have continued uninterrupted and school is proceeding as usual. Certainly, we sympathize with all parties regarding this situation. We realize they are going through a lot. We do have feelings and concerns for them.
We’ve already begun a long and intense process of reviewing security measures at our schools. In a community meeting at the school this week, our parents and members of the school system offered valuable input on areas where we feel we can improve our schools. But, the overwhelming response of our parents and students has been concern, but calm. We absolutely feel that this is an isolated incident of violence, and we are prepared to take whatever steps necessary to ensure that our students are safe in the learning process.”
B. Superintendent Fowler reported that Net Day held Saturday, April 19, 1997, was a success. Five(5) schools are Internet-ready. Franklinton Elementary, Angie Jr. High, Mt. Hermon and Varnado High Schools were wired for Internet with the help of many volunteers. Pine High School held Net Day on Thursday, April 17th because of the volunteer schedule. Wesley Ray is planning to wire the last week of school; Franklinton High School is waiting on additional donations for Net Day kits; Enon and Franklinton Primary are planning to wire this summer; Varnado Elementary and Thomas Jr. High are searching for donations to purchase kits. Superintendent Fowler expressed appreciation to all the volunteers who donated their time on Net Day and to the businesses and Parent/Teacher Organizations who donated money to purchase kits.
C. Superintendent Fowler reported that board member Richard Ned Thomas was doing well following surgery on April 22, 1997.
D. Superintendent Fowler reported that, according to the State Department of Education, IASA, Title I, 1996-97 fiscal year’s unbudgeted funds cannot be divided equally among all twelve parish schools. This action would put the system’s program out of compliance with IASA, Title I law. These funds must be distributed on the basis of the number of students from low-income families. Mr. T. J. Butler, Jr., Supervisor of Federally Assisted Programs, was asked to work up several proposals for distribution of funds for review at the next committee meeting.
E. Superintendent Fowler reported that the pre-bid conference on the Varnado High School project was held Thursday, April 24, 1997, with a total of nineteen (19) general contractors, subcontractors, and engineers present. Bid opening will take place May 13, 1997.
Agenda Item #10 - Other business from board members.
None.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY