The Washington Parish School Board met in special session on the above date with the following board members present: President Harold Smith, Karl Bickham, Juanita Barker, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Hayward Boone, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: Richard N. Thomas.
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 - Review General Fund Budget, Projection #2, for 1998/99 fiscal year (Adren Raybourn).
Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, stated the reason for reviewing another projection was that the student count at the beginning of this school year was not what had been projected. The projected count was 4,672 based on the student count at the end of the 1997/98 school year; however, the actual count is approximately 4,550. The official count will be the count as of October 1st., but the State is using 4,550 to determine the amount of MFP funds our system will receive ($3,898.50 per student).
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(7) concerning student disciplinary appeal (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(7) concerning student disciplinary appeal. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board affirm the decision of the Superintendent’s designee, Anthony Triola, Supervisor, to expel the student. Roll Call Vote was as follows:
District 1 - Harold Smith FOR
District 2 - Karl Bickham FOR
District 3 - Bruce Brown FOR
District 4 - Richard N. Thomas ABSENT
District 5 - Hayward Boone FOR
District 6 - Susanne Jones FOR
District 7 - Holly James FOR
District 8 - Juanita Barker FOR
District 9 - Freddie Jefferson FOR
Motion carried unanimously.
Holly James recommended that the Board set policies that are more in line with State policies. She suggested that the student, after going though the court system and receiving treatment, come back to the Board and state his wishes regarding his situation.
Following suggestions by Freddie Jefferson and discussion, it was agreed that a comparison should be made between State and Board policy regarding substance abuse. Superintendent Fowler will appoint a committee to conduct the comparison and make recommendations for policy changes, possibly at the November committee meeting. Since Board policy may change before midterm, the student could come before the Board again and appeal the Board’s decision.
The Board recessed for five (5) minutes.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(4) regarding a personnel matter (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Holly James, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA.R.S.42:6.1A(4) regarding a personnel matter. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY