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, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Bruce Brown.
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 Freddie Jefferson.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the February 26, 1998, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adopt the minutes of the February 26, 1998, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding termite treatment at Angie Jr. High School (William Brignac).
William R. Brignac, Jr., Supervisor of Maintenance, reviewed the quotations received for termite treatment at Angie Jr. High School, which were, as follows: Orkin Pest Control - $4,880.00; Mr. Termite Control Company - $4349.50; Southeast Regional Pest Control - $3,095.00. It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board accept the low quotation submitted by Southeast Regional Pest Control in the amount of $3,095.00, for termite treatment at Angie Jr. High School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding repairs to existing roof on main building at Wesley Ray Elementary School (William Brignac).
William R. Brignac, Jr., Supervisor of Maintenance, reviewed the quotations received for repairs to existing roof on main building at Wesley Ray Elementary School, which were, as follows: Bell Roofing Co., Inc. - $5,988.00; Broussard & Winn Contractors, Inc. - $8,690.00; Fischer’s Inc. - $7,356.00. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board accept the low quotation submitted by Bell Roofing Co., Inc., in the amount of $5,988.00 for repairs to existing roof on main building at Wesley Ray Elementary School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for the sale of buildings/trailers located at Varnado High School (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of William R. Brignac, Jr., Supervisor of Maintenance, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the sale of buildings/trailers located at Varnado High School. Motion carried unanimously. Bids will be received until 10:00 A.M., Monday, April 20, 1998, the time of the bid opening.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for a new gymnasium and music suite and miscellaneous renovations at Varnado High School (Dennie Fowler).
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fowler, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for a new gymnasium and music suite and miscellaneous renovations at Varnado High School. Motion carried unanimously. Bids will be opened on Friday, April 17, 1998, at 2:00 P.M.
Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a contract with the Washington Parish Police Jury for the Summer Food Feeding Program (Marsha Newman).
In the absence of Marsha Newman, Food Service Supervisor, Superintendent Fowler reviewed the proposed contract, which calls for the program to be conducted at Angie Jr. High School, Thomas Jr. High School, Wesley Ray Elementary School, and Franklinton Elementary School, for which the Board will be paid $12,000.00 in rental fees for leasing the school facilities. It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board enter into contract with the Washington Parish Police Jury for the Summer Food Feeding Program at Angie Jr. High School, Thomas Jr. High School, Wesley Ray Elementary School, and Franklinton Elementary School, for which the Board will be paid $12,000.00 in rental fees. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to waive Board policy for Linda Corkern, Bus Operator, that requires new bus operators to purchase a bus and have it on the route within ten (10) working days from date of employment (Susanne Jones).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Holly James, that the Board waive Board policy for Linda Corkern, Bus Operator, that requires new bus operators to purchase a bus and have it on the route within ten (10) working days from date of employment. Motion carried unanimously. It was agreed that these situations will be handled on an as needed, individual basis.
Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
Superintendent Fowler presented the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments in the absence of Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent. It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments, as recommended:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Franklinton High School: Troy Ginn, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective March 20, 1998.
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Elementary School: Chat L. Jones, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective February 27, 1998.
Franklinton Schools: Rex McCain, Bus Operator, Resignation effective March 13, 1998.
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Franklinton Primary School: Misty A. Wyble, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1998/99 school year.
Franklinton Primary School: Clyde S. Cothern, Special Education Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1998/99 school year.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Ramona R. Boyd, Kindergarten Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1998/99 school year.
EMPLOY:
Enon Elementary School: Marilyn K. Russell, Model Early Childhood Teacher, effective March 9, 1998, and for the remainder of the 1997/98 school year only - TTA (fill-in for Jacqueline Freeman, who is on sabbatical leave).
Franklinton Elementary School: Julie Wascom, Special Education Teacher, effective March 2, 1998, and for the remainder of the 1997/98 school year only - CIRCULAR 665 (replacing Chat Jones, who resigned).
Franklinton High School: Jennifer Thomas, Regular Teacher, effective March 23, 1998, and for the remainder of the 1997/98 school year only - CIRCULAR 665 (replacing Troy Ginn, who has submitted his retirement resignation).
Mt. Hermon School: Brenda W. Alford, Regular Teacher, effective March 9, 1998, and for the remainder of the 1997/98 school year only - CERTIFIED (fill-in for Cynthia Alford, who is on sabbatical leave).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
FRANKLINTON SCHOOLS: Deduct 9.7 miles one way from the route of Faye Newman. Detour no longer necessary; bridge now open for traffic. Effective date: February 13, 1998.
THOMAS JR. HIGH SCHOOL: Extend the route of Barbara Sumrall 1.6 miles one way. Effective date: February 27, 1998.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Superintendent’s Report.
At Superintendent Fowler’s request, it was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Holly James, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for the sale of surplus water system equipment at Mt. Hermon School. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the sale of surplus water system equipment at Mt. Hermon School. Motion carried unanimously. Bids will be received until 11:00 A.M., Monday, April 20, 1998, the time of the bid opening.
Superintendent Fowler reported that the salary study has been completed, except for typing the last draft of the report. A meeting will be held March 23, 1998, at 1:00 P.M, with one (1) representative from any support group wishing to attend. A short presentation will be made, and copies of the report will be given to those in attendance. The report will be presented to the Board at the March 26, 1998, board meeting.
Superintendent Fowler offered congratulations to the parish basketball teams for their outstanding season. Pine High School boys were in the play-offs. Franklinton High School girls advanced to the State championship game, as did the Mt. Hermon boys. The Board requested that letters of congratulations be sent to the schools.
Agenda Item #13 - Other business from board members.
Holly James mentioned that the Gifted and Talented Association will become active again. A recent meeting was held with parents of Franklinton Jr. High School gifted students.
Susanne Jones requested that the minutes reflect that, after ten (10) days, Bus Operator Linda Corkern picked up all expenses for operating a bus.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY