Franklinton, Louisiana

February 12, 1998

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, 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 January 29, 1998, regular board meeting.

 

            It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the minutes of the January 29, 1998, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the following agenda items be deleted:

 

            Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(1) for the purpose of holding a tenure hearing for Jeffery Cotton (Dennie Fowler).

 

            Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.

 

            Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the employment status of Jeffery Cotton (Dennie Fowler).

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding official list of insurance companies allowed to solicit business and have premiums payroll deducted (First Financial Services).

 

            This item was delayed to allow time for representative of First Financial Services to arrive.

 

            Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the recommendation of the Accountability Task Force Committee regarding compliance with Act 478 (Dennie Fowler).

 

            Superintendent Fowler stated, “Monday night (2/9/98) we had the open meeting and discussion about the accountability, Act 478, and it was at that time that we acknowledged that we were targeting our four (4) high schools.  For the requirement of law, as far as the naming of our 20%, in alphabetical order they were named, those being Franklinton High School, Pine High School, and Varnado High School.  I recommend that you follow the recommendation of the Accountability Task Force Committee.”

 

            There was no discussion regarding this item.  It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board accept the recommendation of the Accountability Task Force Committee.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #10 - Presentation by Central Office Support Staff (Carolyn Combel).

 

            Ms. Carolyn Combel, Administrative Secretary, Title I, addressed the Board as follows:

 

            “Monday night it was stated that the Board cannot single out certain groups; however, it was admitted that school clerks were granted what they wanted in August of this past year.  Also, five years ago, principals came to the Board with a request regarding salaries.  Their request was approved, creating inequities in salaries of supervisors.  In August of 1997, the Board granted an adjustment in salaries of supervisors to correct the inequities.  Supervisors had to wait five (5) years for their inequities to be corrected. Administrative positions in this system automatically get adjustments to their salary schedules to prevent inequities.  This is called indexing.  (Presented copies of proposals #2, #3 and #4 to board members, outlining above-referenced transactions). 

 

            Also, it was stated that we, the central office support staff, cannot be allowed to create our own salary schedules.  However, one employee was granted the salary schedule that they devised.  Also, how is it that a salary schedule can be changed to suit a certain hiring situation?  Incidences like the above have happened in our system over the years.  These are only the most recent.  It is beyond our understanding how some individuals and groups are singled out and others have to keep coming back to the Board over and over. 

 

            Implied selfishness and a call for patience?  Fourteen years does not constitute selfishness, and fourteen (14) years is patience past endurance.  It is said that perseverance and endurance is the key to strength in character and the ability to stand against all odds.  With that thought in mind, I will now come to the decision made by our group.  First, Mr. Fowler, are all the support classifications being addressed in this committee?” 

 

            Superintendent Fowler replied that all are subject to being brought up for discussion by the Salary Study Committee.  He stated that the committee’s study should be completed by the end of March, at which time it will be given to the respective committees who need to see the report first, and then presented to the full Board.  Ms. Combel asked, “When will we be able to get a copy of the findings - at the time it’s given to the Board?”  Mr. Fowler replied, “Yes, I’m assuming.”  Ms. Combel stated, “Our decision at this time is to be patient a little longer and ask that you, the Board, give us your decision in April, 1998.”

 

            It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Holly James, that there be no further action taken by the Board regarding this salary study, nor any further discussion by the Board during public meetings, until the salary study has been completed, referred to the appropriate Board committees, and then presented to the full Board, along with recommendation for action.   FOR: Karl Bickham, Holly James, Harold Smith and Susanne Jones.  AGAINST: Freddie Jefferson, Bruce Brown, Richard N. Thomas, Juanita Barker and Hayward Boone.  Motion defeated.

 

            Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).

 

            It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:

 

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

 

RESIGNATION:

 

Franklinton Schools: Jeffery Cotton, Bus Operator, Resignation effective February 12, 1998.

 

EMPLOY:

 

Franklinton High School: Timothy Brumfield, Full-time Food Service Porter, effective February 13, 1998 (pending outcome of physical examination).

 

Franklinton Schools: Angel Yvette Brock, Bus Operator, effective February 10, 1998 (replacing Cherrie C. Brumfield).

 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

 

Enon Elementary School:  Extend the route of Michael Sharp 1.8 miles one way to pick up Steven Brown, Melinda Brown, and Megan Landry.  Effective date: January 13, 1998.

 

                        Deduct .3 mile from the route of Michael Sharp due to student (Ashley Lott) moving off route.  Effective date: January 13, 1998.

 

                        Extend the route of Gilda McCain 1.0 mile one way to pick up Victoria Easterling.  Effective date: January 14, 1998.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #12 - Superintendent’s Report.

 

            Superintendent Fowler reported that construction work was going well at Varnado High School, with April 17, 1998, being the target completion date.

 

            Agenda Item #13 - Other business from board members.

 

            Hayward Boone stated that the termite problem at Angie Jr. High School needs to be addressed.

 

            Return to Agenda Item # 8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding official list of insurance companies allowed to solicit business and have premiums payroll deducted (First Financial Services ).

 

            This item was postponed until the February 26, 1998, board meeting, since a representative of First Financial Services was not in attendance.

 

            Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

 

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

 

HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT

DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY