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 March 26, 1998, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board adopt the minutes of the March 26, 1998, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding District and School Improvement Plans (Richard Kennedy and Mary Jones).
Following a brief review of the plans and discussion, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board approve the District and School Improvement Plans as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for the purchase of Telecommunications Services and Equipment (Rebecca Kemp).
Following review of bids by Rebecca Kemp, Technology Director, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that BellSouth be awarded the following contracts:
(1) Pre-existing Contract for Internet Access - Upgraded from 64K to T-1: $2,058.00 per month;
(2) Frame Relay Data Lines: 11 - 64K lines @ $120.33 per month 2 - T-1 lines @ $699.83 per month
(3) Network Information Service: $516.00 Installation Fee, $2.00 per line per month (13 lines)
(4) Telephone Service
Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Holly James, that FMI Paging be awarded the contract for paging services, with a setup fee of $580.00 and a total fee of $799.55 per month for all schools. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Holly James, that Hunt Brothers of LA, Inc., be awarded the contract for Network Services (wiring, setup and file servers) for a total of $122,360.35 for all schools. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that BellSouth Mobility be awarded the contract for cellular service for all schools. Motion carried unanimously.
At the request of Mrs. Kemp, it was moved by Holly James, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the contract with Hunt Brothers of LA, Inc., be extended from 30 days to 120 days due to time lines with E-Rate funds, thus making prices firm for 120 days, rather than 30 days. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding renewing the contract of Norris Insurance Consultants, Inc. (Adren Raybourn).
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Holly James, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board renew the contract with Norris Insurance Consultants, Inc., which is a three-year revocable contract with a guaranteed annual fee of $7,292.00, and includes the right to cancel future years on any April 26th, with a 30-day notice. 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 Holly James, 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: Melanie Primes, Regular Teacher, Extended Sick Leave effective March 25, 1998, and for the remainder of the 1997/98 school year.
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Misty D. Mulford, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1998/99 school year.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
None
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Superintendent’s Report.
Superintendent Fowler informed the Board that a pre-bid conference for Phase 2 construction at Varnado High School was held April 2,1998, with five (5) construction companies in attendance.
Agenda Item #10 - Other business from board members.
Hayward Boone requested that Gregory Brumfield be placed on the agenda for the May committee meeting to discuss his proposal, “Comprehensive Educational Incentive Program for Education.”
Holly James requested a status report on the schools working toward accreditation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Superintendent Fowler responded that Angie Jr. High School is working on accreditation, and Pine School’s accreditation will take a longer period of time due, in part, to facilities. He will continue assigning two (2) schools each year to work toward SACS accreditation.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY