The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: President Harold Smith, Karl Bickham, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Hayward Boone, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Juanita Barker.
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 23, 1998, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the minutes of the April 23, 1998, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of interviewing applicants for the position of Part-time Assistant Principal, Pine School, for the 1998/99 school year (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board enter into Executive Session for the purpose of interviewing applicants for the position of Part-time Assistant Principal, Pine School, for the 1998/99 school year. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to return to regular session (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7- Consider a motion to employ a Part-time Assistant Principal for Pine School for the 1998/99 school year (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Richard N. Thomas, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board employ Scott Bond as Part-time Assistant Principal for Pine School for the 1998/99 school year. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to adopt a Resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in Mt. Hermon School District of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana, to authorize the incurring of debt and issuance of bonds therein, making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith, and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Harold Smith).
Superintendent Fowler recognized Alan Offner, an attorney with the firm of Foley & Judell, LLP, who presented the resolution for board approval. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Holly James, that the following Resolution be adopted: SEE ATTACHED. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adopt a Resolution authorizing entering into contract with Entex for obtaining natural gas service to Varnado High School (Dennie Fowler).
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fowler, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board adopt the following Resolution giving Entex right-of-way for a gas line to be laid on Varnado High School property, subject to approval of Resolution by Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn: SEE ATTACHED. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of Food and Supplies for the 1998/99 school year (Marsha Newman).
Upon the recommendation of Marsha Newman, Food Service Supervisor, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of Food and Supplies for the 1998/99 school year. Motion carried unanimously. Advertising dates will be May 13, 20, 27, 1998.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to authorize transfer of funds needed from Varnado High School Capital Project Fund (account for Bond Issue) to Varnado High School Reconstruction Fund (account for Phase I Construction) in order to satisfactorily fund the projected cash shortfall of Phase I Construction (Adren Raybourn).
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Holly James, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize transfer of funds needed from Varnado High School Capital Project Fund (account for Bond Issue) to Varnado High School Reconstruction Fund (account for Phase I Construction) in order to satisfactorily fund the projected cash shortfall of Phase I Construction. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for purchase of School Supplies for the 1998/99 school year (Adren Raybourn).
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for purchase of School Supplies for the 1998/99 school year. Motion carried unanimously. Advertising dates will be May 13, 20, 27, 1998.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to authorize scheduling of 40 hours of pre-service training for individuals interested in becoming certified bus operators (Anthony Triola).
Assistant Superintendent Richard Kennedy presented this item in the absence of Supervisor Anthony Triola. It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize scheduling of 40 hours of pre-service training for individuals interested in becoming certified bus operators. Motion carried unanimously. The in-service will be held June 2 - 4, 1998, from 8:00 A.M. to 4: P.M., at Franklinton Primary School. The instructor will be Rupert Breland, whose fee will be $250.00.
Agenda Item #14 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Enon Elementary School: Beryl Jo Sharp, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective June 3, 1998.
Franklinton High School: Matthew Tate, Assistant Principal, Retirement Resignation effective June 22, 1998.
Pine School: Clodean Brumfield, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective June 3, 1998.
Pine School: Gussie Lee Robertson, School Food Service Technician, Retirement Resignation effective June 3, 1998.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Veona Crain, Bus Operator (Special Education), Retirement Resignation effective June 3, 1998.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE:
Enon Elementary School: Ann M. Spears, Special Education Teacher, Extended Sick Leave effective May 1, 1998, through June 3, 1998.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Elementary School: Glenda Davis, School Clerk, effective May 8, 1998.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Franklinton Schools: Extend the route of Evelyn M. Polk 2.3 miles one way to pick up Amy Duncan, Lauren Creel, A. J. Moreci, and Dempsey Freeman. Effective date: May 24, 1998.
Extend the route of Juanita Tullos .8 mile one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: March 31, 1998.
Extend the route of Juanita Tullos 1.9 miles one way to pick up two Special Education students. Effective date: March 23, 1998.
Extend the route of Juanita Tullos 7.2 miles one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: March 27, 1998.
Deduct 1.5 miles one way from the route of Juanita Tullos due to Special Education students moving off route. Effective date: March 3, 1998.
Deduct 17.6 miles one way from the route of Hazel Garrett; detour no longer necessary. Effective date: April 2, 1998.
Motion carried unanimously.
Richard Kennedy stated that the following individuals served on the selection committee for the School Clerk position at Franklinton Elementary School: Richard Kennedy, Karen Spears, Eathel Brock, Dorothy Young, and Emma Ross. He stated that the advertisement period for the position of Part-time School Clerk at Franklinton Jr. High School, the position to be vacated by Glenda Davis, will be for the next two (2) weeks.
Agenda Item #15 - Superintendent’s Report.
(1) Superintendent Fowler stated that public meetings to discuss the new accountability will be occurring throughout the State in the next several weeks.
(2) Work at Varnado High School is progressing very well.
(2) The week of May 4 - 8, 1998, is Teacher Appreciation Week. He commended the teachers for their hard work and dedication.
Agenda Item #16 - Other business from board members.
Karl Bickham asked that two items be discussed at the next committee meeting: (1) Bible Study class, and (2) 5% preference for local vendors.
Agenda item #17 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY