Franklinton, Louisiana

April 23, 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, Hayward Boone, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Susanne Jones.

 

            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 9, 1998, regular board meeting.

 

            It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adopt the minutes of the April 9, 1998, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for a new gymnasium and music suite and miscellaneous renovations at Varnado High School (Dennie Fowler).

 

            Architect Sam Fauntleroy reviewed the bids received for a new gymnasium, music suite and miscellaneous renovations for Varnado High School.  They were as follows:

 

            Brunt Construction - Base Bid: $1,193,300.00

            Independence, LA

 

            K.C. General Contractors - Base Bid: $1,194,000.00

            Mandeville, LA

 

            Polk Construction - Base Bid: $1,265,600.00

            Columbia, MS

           

            According to Mr. Fauntleroy, the base bid will need to be adjusted down due to an approximately $74,000 shortage of available funds.  Three (3) alternate items totaling $100,000 can be pulled out of the base bid, resulting in approximately $25,000 to the good. This will give about a 5% contingency going into the project with which to take care of any change orders during the project.

 

            It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the contract for construction of Phase II of Varnado High School, which includes a new gymnasium, music suite and miscellaneous renovations for Varnado High School, be awarded to Brunt Construction, Independence, LA, Brunt having submitted the lowest base bid of $1,193,300.00, with the provision that the actual contract amount be determined by deducting the aggregate value of change orders from base bid, once the values of the various change orders have been established.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to approve Special Education Extended School Year Budget for June, 1998 (Pamela Williford).

 

            Upon the recommendation of Dr. Pamela Williford, Special Education Supervisor, and Superintendent Dennie Fowler, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board approve Special Education Extended School Year Budget for June, 1998. Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to approve Special Education Extended School Year Budget for July - August, 1998 (Pamela Williford).

 

            Upon the recommendation of Dr. Pamela Williford and Superintendent Dennie Fowler, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board approve Special Education Extended School Year Budget for July - August, 1998.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for the sale of buildings/trailers located at Varnado High School (William Brignac).

 

            Supervisor William R. Brignac, Jr., reviewed the bids received for sale of buildings/trailers located at Varnado High School.  It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board accept high bids and award as follows:

 

            Building No. 1 - One 15'X25' Wood Frame Building: Essie Mae Harvey - $600.00

 

            Building No. 2 - One Double Wide Trailer, 24'X60': David Ford - $4,111.00

 

            Building No. 3 - One Triple Wide Trailer, 36'X60': Zion Chapel A.M.E - $3,001.00

 

            Building No. 4 - One 48'X48' Wood Frame Building: No Bids Received

 

            Building No. 5 - One 40'X40' Wood Frame Building: James Weary - $250.00

 

            Building No. 6 - One 56'X60' Wood Frame Building: Stevon Harvey - $300.00

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

            It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that, since no bid was received on the 48'X48' wood frame building (cafeteria), the Board deem the building of no value and authorize Superintendent Fowler to negotiate disposal of the building.  Motion carried unanimously.  It was agreed that the community would be made aware that the building is available, give parties one week to express interest, then award by draw, if more than one party is interested in the building.

 

            Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for the sale of surplus water system equipment at Mt. Hermon School (William Brignac).

 

            Supervisor William R. Brignac, Jr., reported receiving only one (1) bid, which was for four (4) of the eight (8) items for sale.  It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board award to Warren Smith the following items:

 

One 5 HP Redjacket Submersible Pump with existing electrical and water lines:     $   935.00

One 900 gal. Water Tank:                                                                                   $1,100.10

One 220 volt, single phase Control Box:                                                               $   161.00

One 220 volt, single phase control box:                                                                $   154.00

 

                                                                                                            Total:    $ 2,350.10

 

Motion carried unanimously

 

            Agenda Item #10 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a new roof for Thomas Jr. High School (William Brignac).

 

            Superintendent Fowler informed the Board that extensive damage was done to Thomas Jr. High School roof by a recent storm; therefore, quotes were obtained for a new roof.  Supervisor William Brignac reviewed the quotations obtained for both shingle and metal roofs, as follows:

 

SHINGLE ROOF

Shingles & Felt (Materials Only):

 

Wheats Building Center                                      $4,862.75

Murphy Bateman Building Supplies, Inc.              $5,296.66

Hall’s Hardware                                                  $5,632.12

Pine Hardware                                                   $5,426.75

 

Labor:

 

Smith Roofing Co.                                              $  6,835.00

King’s                                                               $  8,754.00

Dexter Creel Construction                                   $10,400.00

Ibos Roofing Co.                                                $16,500.00

Warren Construction Co.                                    $  7,500.00

 

METAL ROOF

Metal (Materials & Labor):

 

Patten Buildings                                    $36,218.59 (29 gauge)

                                                            $39,163.87 (26 gauge)

 

Dexter Creel Construction                       $22,950.00 (26 gauge)

 

                                                            $29,800.00 (Includes alum. & vinyl fascia & soffit materials to cover all eves, end vents, and porches)

 

            Mr. Brignac stated that Carl Merritt, Principal, Thomas Jr. High School, was in favor of awarding the contract to Creel’s for the metal roof, with payment to be made from Thomas Jr. High School contingency fund (approximately $32,312.00 available).

 

            Following discussion, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the contract for a new metal roof at Thomas Jr. High School be awarded to Dexter Creel Construction in the amount of $29,800.00, with the contractor to be paid for materials upon delivery.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Return to Agenda Item #5.

 

            It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Holly James, that the Board President be authorized to execute the contract with Brunt Construction for new gymnasium and music suite and miscellaneous renovations at Varnado High School. Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #11 - 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

 

EMPLOY:

 

Central Office:    Sharon Mizell, Accounts Payable Clerk/Secretary, effective May 11, 1998.

 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

 

None.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Richard Kennedy stated that the following individuals served on the selection committee for the Accounts Payable Clerk/Secretary position: Richard Kennedy, Adren Raybourn, Beth Fussell, Robert Al Johnson, and Annie Moses.  He stated that the advertisement period for the position of School Clerk, Franklinton Elementary School, the position soon to be vacated by Sharon Mizell, will be the next two (2) weeks.

 

            Agenda Item #12 - Superintendent’s Report.

 

            Superintendent Fowler stated that the possibility of additional construction at Mt. Hermon School is presently being discussed, such as enlarging the gymnasium and adding classroom space.  A public meeting is scheduled for April 30, 1998, at 5:30 P.M., for community members to voice views and opinions regarding undertaking a project of this nature.  If the community wants to proceed, the Board will be asked to give permission at the May 7, 1998, board meeting for an election to be called.

 

            Agenda Item #13 - Other business from board members.

 

            Hayward Boone requested that letters of commendation be sent to each member of the Varnado High School Steering Committee for their assistance in guiding the Board into Phase I and Phase II.

 

            Freddie Jefferson stated that a problem with vandalism exists at Varnado Elementary School.  He requested that an exception to the hiring policy be made to authorize the principal to negotiate hiring a night watchman, to be paid through school allocation funds.  It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that consideration of his request be added to the agenda.  Motion carried unanimously. Following discussion, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that an exception to the hiring policy be made and the Varnado Elementary School principal be authorized to negotiate the hiring of a night watchman for the remainder of the current school year, to be paid through school allocation funds.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

 

            It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

 

HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT

 

DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY