The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following board members present: President Harold Smith, Karl Bickham, Juanita Barker, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Hayward Boone, Richard Thomas, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: None.
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 February 11, 1999, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board adopt the minutes of the February 11, 1999, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Presentation by Ricky Payne, President, Washington Parish Association of Educations, regarding Proclamation for Read Across America Day (Dennie Fowler).
Following remarks by Ricky Payne, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adopt the following proclamation supporting March 2, 1999, as Read Across America day in Washington Parish:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the citizens of Washington Parish stand firmly committed to promoting reading as the catalyst for our students’ future academic success, their preparation for America’s jobs of the future, and their ability to compete in a global economy; and
WHEREAS, Washington Parish has provided significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education of our youth, grounded in the principle that educational investment is key to the community’s well-being and long-term quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Read Across America, a national celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2nd, promotes reading and adult involvement in the education of our community’s students;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Washington Parish School Board calls on the citizens of Washington Parish to assure that every child is in a safe place reading together with a caring adult on March 2, 1999; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body enthusiastically endorses Read Across America and recommits our community to engage in programs and activities to make America’s children the best readers in the world.
Signed this 25th day of February, 1999
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Superintendent of Washington Parish Schools
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President of Washington Parish School Board
Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Discriminatory Complaint Policy - School Lunch (Marsha Newman).
Following review of proposed policy by Marsha Newman, Supervisor of School Food Service, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the following Discriminatory Complaint Policy for School Lunch:
DISCRIMINATORY COMPLAINT POLICY - SCHOOL LUNCH
1. Schools must accept and process any written or oral complaint, even anonymous complaints, alleging discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap within ninety (90) days of receipt. (A complaint form does not have to be filled out by the person making the complaint.)
2. Once a complaint is received, it is to be documented and sent to the School Food Service Office, who will then forward it to the Federal USDA through the State Department of Education. (The investigation shall be conducted by the Federal USDA.)
3. Any person alleging discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap has a right to file a complaint within one hundred and eighty (180) days of the alleged discriminatory action.
4. If the complaint is made orally, in person, by telephone, or if the complainant does not choose to make the complaint in writing, the person receiving the complaint shall write up the elements of the compliant. Every effort should be made to have the complainant provide the following information:
A. The specific location and name of the entity delivering the program service of benefit.
B. The nature of the incident(s) or action(s) that led the complainant to feel discrimination was a factor.
C. The basis on which the complainant feels discrimination exists, such as race, color, national origin, age, sex, or handicap.
D. The names, titles, and addresses of persons who may have knowledge of the discriminatory action(s).
E. The date(s) during which the alleged discriminatory action occurred or, if continuing, the duration of such actions.
F. The name, address, and the telephone number or other means of contacting the complainant. Anonymous complaints must be accepted.
5. Each school is required to display the “Justice For All Poster” developed by the USDA in a prominent place in the cafeteria.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to authorize Bus Operator Roy Burton to purchase a 1985 65-passenger GMC bus to replace the 1980 bus he presently drives (Anthony Triola).
Upon the recommendation of Anthony Triola, Transportation Supervisor, it was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board authorize Bus Operator Roy Burton to purchase a 1985 65-passenger GMC bus to replace the 1980 bus he presently drives. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to authorize Bus Operator Russell Barber to purchase a 1992 66-passenger Blue Bird bus to replace the 1983 bus he presently drives (Anthony Triola).
Upon the recommendation of Anthony Triola, Transportation Supervisor, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize Bus Operator Russell Barber to purchase a 1992 66-passenger Blue Bird bus to replace the 1983 bus he presently drives. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to authorize Bus Operator Robert Mizell to purchase a 1989 65-passenger Chevrolet bus to be used as a second bus (Anthony Triola).
Upon the recommendation of Anthony Triola, Transportation Supervisor, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize Bus Operator Robert Mizell to purchase a 1989 65-passenger Chevrolet bus to be used as a second bus. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments be approved, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton High School: Melanie Primes, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective February 12, 1999.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton High School: Sharon K. Smith, Part-time School Clerk, effective February 26, 1999.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Franklinton Primary School: Extend the route of Evelyn M. Polk 2.4 miles one way to pick up Joey Boone. Effective date: February 11, 1999.
Special Education: Extend the route of Faye Newman 6.4 miles one way to pick up a Special Education student. Effective date: February 1, 1999.
Extend the route of Juanita M. Tullos 1.2 miles one way to pick up two Special Education students. Effective date: February 1, 1999.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Superintendent’s Report.
Superintendent Fowler gave board members information on CAPS, Computer Assisted Policy Service, a service offered by Forethought Consulting, Inc. CAPS takes a school system’s policy manual and converts it to a computer format for quick and easy searching of policy information. It also includes pertinent statutes, State Department of Education bulletins, and/or Board minutes. Superintendent Fowler asked board members to review the information prior to the next board meeting.
Superintendent Fowler stated that a new roof is needed for the School Board annex building. Quotations for a new roof will be ready for review at the March 8, 1999, committee meeting.
Following review of Washington Parish School Board Policy IKD - School Ceremonies and Observances, all board members agreed that the Board’s current policy concerning participation in graduation ceremonies will stand. Therefore, only those students who meet all requirements for graduation outlined in Bulletin 741, Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, and pass the Graduation Exit Examination, and those special education students receiving certificates of achievement will be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies. Superintendent Fowler will remind all high school principals of this policy.
Superintendent Fowler reported that the system’s eRate has been approved, which allows for an 87% discount of the costs of connecting to the Internet.
Superintendent Fowler gave brief reports on Mt. Hermon School and Varnado High School construction projects.
Agenda Item #12 - Other business from board members.
Freddie Jefferson asked Superintendent Fowler to review the work load of elementary school clerks and make recommendations.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(1) and/or (7) concerning an individual student and personnel (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A(1) and/or (7) concerning an individual student and personnel. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Richard Thomas, that the Board be allowed to examine the personnel file of the employee in question. FOR: Karl Bickham, Juanita Barker, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Hayward Boone, Harold Smith, Richard Thomas, and Bruce Brown. AGAINST: Freddie Jefferson. Motion carried.
(Note: The Board moved on to the next agenda item, since time was needed to obtain the file.)
Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of the Superintendent’s Evaluation (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board enter into Executive Session for the purpose of the Superintendent’s Evaluation. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Return to Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(1) and/or (7) concerning an individual student and personnel.
It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(1) and/or (7) concerning an individual student and personnel. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #17 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.