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 May 13, 1999, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the May 13, 1999, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Recognize Washington Parish Reading Association Young Authors State Winners (Mary Jones).
Ms. Mary Jones, Supervisor of Instruction, introduced Mrs. Nelda Purvis, President, Washington Parish Reading Association, who presented awards to the following State winners in the Young Authors Contest:
Mary Tate, Enon Elementary School - First Place, Non-Fiction
Taneisha Davis, Pine School - Second Place, Poetry
Macey Hyatt, Franklinton Primary School - Second Place, Non-Fiction
La’Nelus Holmes, Wesley Ray Elementary School - Second Place, Poetry
Nicholus Jones, Varnado Elementary School - First Place, Special Education Fiction
Elizabeth Provenzano, Mt. Hermon School - Second Place, Poetry
Bobby Magee, Franklinton Elementary School - Fourth Place, Special Education Poetry
Eddins Sheridan, Varnado Elementary School - Third Place, Fiction
Dawn Miley, Thomas Jr. High School, Third Place, Non-Fiction
President Smith and Superintendent Fowler congratulated the students and expressed appreciation to the students’ teachers and the Washington Parish Reading Association.
Agenda item #6 - Presentation by Sally Thigpen, Teacher, Franklinton Primary School, regarding site location of future alternative program (Dennie Fowler).
Mrs. Sally Thigpen, along with several parents, asked the Board to find a location other than the Vocational Center for the future alternative school program, due to the safety factor of the young students. It was pointed out to Mrs. Thigpen and the parents that the Board has not made a decision as to the location site of the program. Following discussion, it was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that this matter be taken under advisement and fully studied prior to a decision being made. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to approve Special Education IDEA FY 98-99 Budget Revision (Pamela Williford).
Following a brief review by Dr. Pamela Williford, Supervisor of Special Education, it was moved by Holly James, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board approve Special Education IDEA FY 98-99 Budget Revision. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to adopt Personnel Evaluation Program Revisions (Richard Kennedy).
Assistant Superintendent Richard Kennedy briefly reviewed the Personnel Evaluation Program Revisions, which included a revised job description for Supervisor of Child Welfare and Transportation (additional performance responsibility of District Assistant Team leader and coordinator for the Louisiana District School Accountability Program), and job descriptions for Homebound Program Instructor and Teacher Leader/Resource Helping Teacher.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board adopt Personnel Evaluation Program Revisions, as recommended. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to authorize the receipt of quotations for replacing floor covering at Thomas Jr. High School cafeteria (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Richard Thomas, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize the receipt of quotations for replacing floor covering at Thomas Jr. High School cafeteria. Motion carried unanimously. Written quotations will be accepted until 4:00 P.M., on June 8, 1999.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to appoint an Official Journal for the period beginning July 1, 1999, and ending June 30, 2000 (Dennie Fowler).
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Dennie Fowler, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board appoint The Era-Leader as Official Journal for the period beginning July 1, 1999, and ending June 30, 2000. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to renew the contract of employment for Beverly Young, Principal, Franklinton High School (Dennie Fowler).
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fowler, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Holly James, that the Board renew the contract of employment for Beverly Young, Principal, Franklinton High School, for the period beginning July 1, 1999, and ending June 30, 2001. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to renew the contract of employment for Emma Ross, Principal, Varnado High School (Dennie Fowler).
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fowler, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board renew the contract of employment for Emma Ross, Principal, Varnado High School, for the period beginning July 1, 1999, and ending June 30, 2001. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to renew the contract of employment for Linda Crain, Principal, Franklinton Jr. High School (Dennie Fowler).
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fowler, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Holly James, that the Board renew the contract of employment for Linda Crain, Principal, Franklinton Jr. High School, for the period beginning July 15, 1999, and ending July 14, 2001. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(1) concerning a discussion of an employee (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(1) concerning a discussion of an employee. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to employ substitutes for the 1999/2000 school year (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the Board employ the following substitutes for the 1999/2000 school year:
1999-2000 APPROVED SUBSTITUTE LIST
Greaselda Abram Krissy Branch Nina Dillon
Charles Ackerman Richard Breedlove Vernonia Dillon
Donna Adams Kimberly Brewer Tonya Donaldson
Kayle Adams Shannon Bria Margaret Doyle
Jennifer Ahlman Adrine Brooks Robin Drago
Barbara Alford Elizabeth Brown Joan Duncan
Annie Allen Jerolyn Brown Jeannell Dupre
Vickie Anders Janice Brumfield Crystal Dykes
Marilyn Anthony Krystal Brumfield Adrinelle Dyson
Paula Anthony Lashantay Brumfield Beverly Dyson
Randy Anthony Denman Brumfield, II Dorothy Dyson
Jonna Ard Earl Buckley Tenisha Dyson
Linda Ard Donald Burch Gloria Easley
Heidi Aucoin Donnie Burch Robin Edwards
Kawanda August Janice Burch Burneva Ellzey
Terrence August Rebecca Burdeaux Kimberly Erwin
James Ballard Lashun Burkhalter Tessa Flynt
Ruby Ballard Sylvia Burkhalter Lillie Ford
Vanessa Banks Daisy Burns Zella Foster
Beth Bankston Dana Burton Wendy Fowler
Donna Bankston Sheila Burton Mae Freeman
Rita Bankston Trina Burton Sarah Fussell
Cheryl Barber Victoria Burton Easaw Garrett
Darleen Barber Brigette Bush Odell Garrett
Inez Barber Joyce Butler Donna Gauch
Stacy Barber Debra Byrd Charlotte Ginn
Trudy Barber Cynthia Carter Troy Ginn
Michael Barker Stephanni Cassidy Sandra Givens
John Barnes, Sr. Dorothy Catchings Linda Glapion
Shirley Bascle Maria Caughlin Shanda Glover
Verta Bateman Antronette Causey Edna Goings
John Bell, III Verdie Caves Alice Gordon
Sylvia Bennett Mary Childs Wendy Graham
Debra Berry Annie Clark Marchell Green
Alma Bickham Jean Collins Mary Handy
Belinda Bickham Antonio Conerly James Harris
Diana Bickham Brenda Conerly Latonya Harris
Doris Bickham Gwendolyn Cook Rosie Harry
Mitzi Bickham Akeitha Coon Bronis Hart
Shayla Bickham Nancy Copp Jerie Hart
Shawntele Bickham Sharon Corkern Louise Hart
Terrance Bickham Brenda Crain Elizabeth Harvey
Tina Bickham Louise Crain Quovatas Hawkins
Dwight Blackburn Melissa Crain Penny Hobgood
Lillian Blackburn Maridell Creel Lynda Holmes
Darlene Blackwell Veona Crain Debra Hughes
Kimberly Bond Katherine Davis Martha Hunt
Jeffery Boone Anna Dillon Shane Hunt
Linda Bourg Annette Dillon Wanda Hurt
Tammy Bourland Celestine Dillon Karen Ingram
Rachel Ingram Irma Martin Justin Posey
Belinda Jackson Twana Massengale Becky Procell
Luella Jackson Melissa Mauer Lakesha Reaves
Julius Jackson, II Barbara May William Resor, Jr.
David James Kaye McCain Charles Rester
Oinda James Nelda Darlene McCain Edith Roberts
Romenia James Rex McCain Fannie Roberts
Velma James Angela McDow Tamara Roberts
Margaret Jeanfreau Claire McGuire Tamika Roberts
Athrin Jefferson Lenora McIntyre Antronette Robertson
Ester Jefferson Jason McKenzie Francine Robinson
Marshall Jefferson Jeremy McKenzie Reginald Robinson
Amy Jenkins Leigh McKenzie Janice Rochester
Chad Jenkins Steven McKenzie Doris Rogers
Debra H. Jenkins Jackie McMurray Marilyn Russell
Deondra Jenkins Shone McNeese Patricia Rutherford
Eugene Jenkins Steven Miller Courtney Schilling
Kristy Jenkins Teresa Minarik Wendy Schloegel
Monica Jenkins Arnetta Mingo LaShanta Scott
Oree Jenkins Charles Mingo Sonja Scott
Tamela Jenkins Samantha Mitchell Derrick Seal
Christine Johnson Joseph Mizell, II Frances Seal
Janez Johnston Melissa Moak Tara Seal
Joy Jones Helen Moore Cheryl Seals
Ramona Jones Laurie Moore Judy Seals
Timothy Jones Maevella Moore Linda Sellers
Christian Kemp Tresslar Moore Beryl Jo Sharp
Dolph Kemp Cynthia Moran Brenda Sheridan
Kelly Kemp Tiquana Morris Dorethea Sheridan
Vince Kemp Geraldine Moses Callie Smith
Susan Kensla Janice Moses Denise Smith
Sonja Kerbow Keatha Moses Stacy Smith
Christine King Belinda Muellar Takeya Smith
Amanda Knight Delores Myers Kristen Spears
Kathy Knight Mary Myers Nancy Stafford
Laurel Knight Rusti Neilson Reginald Stallings
Shannon Knight Aline Nelson Catherine Stewart
Shelton Knight, Jr. Llewellyn Nichols Margaret Stewart
Veronica Knight Suzette Nielson Alma Stogner
Eva LaFont Beverly Nolan Frankie Stogner
Melba Landry Anthony Odom Lora Stogner
Gwen Lassley Jeanette Pace Robert Stollenwerck
George Lawson Brenda Partman Tyra Stubbs
Martha Lawson Hayward Partman Marlene Sullivan
Joann Lee Luberta Partman Drusilla Sumrall
Carver Lester Silas Partman, Jr. Jessica Sumrall
Cherylon Lewis Debra Passman Johnnie Sykes
Cynthia Lewis Wanda Patton Jewel Tageant
Robert Lewis Carol Payne Cynthia Tate
Cheri Libert Arcola Peay Wardell Tate
Melissa Luper Teresa Penny Warren Tate
Arlene Magee Teri Perkins Barbara A. Taylor
Balinda Magee Kathy Peters Barbara K. Taylor
Betty Magee Mattie Peters Cindy Taylor
Beverly Magee Melodysee Peters Chara Thiebaud
Curlinda Magee Shirley Peters James Thigpen
Gladys Magee Jerome Peters, Sr. Barbara Thomas
Gloria Magee William Pickering Bruce Thomas
Kathy Magee Carolyn Pierre Carla Thomas
Kinshasha Magee Lenora Pierce Cynthia Thomas
Lakeitha Magee Doris Pigott Lisa Thomas
Melissa Magee Mary Pilcher Ramona Thomas
Sheila Magee Judy Pittman Sandra Thomas
Charlotte Marcel Matthew Polk Suzy Thomas
Jessie Marks Cynthia Polkey Tracy Thomas
Cathy Martin Mary Ponton Shelly Tingle
Gracelyn Martin Timothy Porter Ruthie Torrence
Margaret Townsend Vickie Warren Marilyn Williams
Dawn Varnado Rex Wascom Ora Williams
Gene Varnado Linda Watson Roxanne Williams
Geraldine Varnado Janice Weary Sarah Williams
Kandi Varnado Freda Welch Theresa Williams
Wendell Vince Stefanie Whallen Anila Wilson
Janice Vogt Jeanna Wheat Demetrius Wilson
Tammy Voth Vicki Wheat Jackie Wilson
Alice Walker Margaret Wheeler Linda Wilson
Barbara Walker Frances Wiggins Vertis Wilson
Dennye Walker Christina Williams Ali Wood
Mary Walls Ethel Williams Rathen Woolfolk
Quelana Walls Ethel M. Williams Sybil Young
Wherry Walls Kaye Williams Cleo Youngblood
Tamu Walters Lawana Williams Ramona M. Thomas
Carolyn Warren Lisa Williams
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #17 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Holly James, that the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments be approved, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Jr. High School: Debra McElveen, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective June 3, 1999.
Pine School: Dwight Schilling, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective June 30, 1999.
Thomas Jr. High School: Carl W. Merritt, Jr., Principal, Retirement Resignation effective June 30, 1999.
Central Office: Martha Sumrall, Technology Director/Grant Facilitator, Retirement Resignation effective June 2, 1999.
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton Elementary School: Dannette Sinclair, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective June 3, 1999.
Franklinton Elementary School: Kasi Redfearn, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective June 3, 1999.
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Enon/Franklinton Schools: Gilbert O. Bond, Speech Therapist Assistant, Sabbatical Leave for Professional Improvement effective the Fall semester of the 1999/2000 school year.
Mt. Hermon School: Michael Anderson, Special Education Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1999/2000 school year.
Pine School: Peggy Kemp, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1999/2000 school year.
Thomas Jr. High School: John L. Carter, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective the entire 1999/2000 school year.
TRANSFER:
Tiffany Hughes, Regular Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School, TO Regular Teacher, Thomas Jr. High School, effective the beginning of the 1999/2000 school year.
Jackie Jenkins, Regular Teacher, Thomas Jr. High School, TO Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School, effective the beginning of the 1999/2000 school year.
Jennifer L. McElveen, Regular Teacher, Pine School, TO Regular Teacher, Thomas Jr. High School, effective the beginning of the 1999/2000 school year (replacing Angela Thomas).
Sherry Seal, Regular Teacher, Varnado Elementary School, TO Regular Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School, effective the 1999/2000 school year only (fill-in for Patsy Breland, who will be on sabbatical leave).
Angela Thomas, Regular Teacher, Thomas Jr. High School, TO Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School, effective the beginning of the 1999/2000 school year.
Rebekka Wascom, Special Education Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School, TO Special Education Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Franklinton Primary School, effective the beginning of the 1999/2000 school year.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Marsha Miley, Bus Operator, Angie School, TO Regular Teacher, Franklinton Elementary School, effective the beginning of the 1999/2000 school year.
EMPLOY:
Franklinton Elementary School: Kristy C. Bennett, Class-Size Reduction Teacher, effective the 1999/2000 school year only (CERTIFIED).
Franklinton Primary School: Chanda Corkern, Class-Size Reduction Teacher, effective the 1999/2000 school year only (CERTIFIED).
Franklinton High School: Ramona M. Thomas, Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 1999/2000 school year (CERTIFIED).
Mt. Hermon School: Stacey Breaud, Class-Size Reduction Teacher, effective the 1999/2000 school year only (CERTIFIED).
Pine School: Tate H. Kennedy, Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 1999/2000 school year (CERTIFIED).
Pine School: Rebecca B. Lee, Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 1999/2000 school year (CERTIFIED).
Pine School: Lasonda Luper, Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 1999/2000 school year - CERTIFIED (replacing Jennifer McElveen).
Thomas Jr. High School: Juanette Thomas, Regular Teacher, effective the beginning of the 1999/2000 school year - CERTIFIED (replacing Jackie Jenkins).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Joan P. Kennedy, Faculty Coordinator, effective the 1999/2000 school year only (fill-in for Annie Moses, who will be on Sabbatical Leave).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
None.
Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Kennedy announced that applications for the position of Principal, Thomas Jr. High School, will be received for the next two weeks, with interviews being conducted at the June 10, 1999, board meeting.
Agenda Item #18 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a request by Keith Sumrall, Bus Operator, for Extended Sick Leave (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board deny the request by Keith Sumrall, Bus Operator, for Extended Sick Leave, due to lack of medical documentation. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #19 - Superintendent’s Report.
Superintendent Fowler stated that, at the last board meeting, the Board voted to purchase roofing materials for Mt. Hermon School from Campbell Roofing, who submitted the lowest quotation. Later, he received a call from a person at Campbell’s informing him that they had misread the specifications and quoted on a 3-tab shingle; therefore, they would have to submit an additional quote in order not to lose money. His original quote was $16,646.50; he second quote was $18,271.50. Mr. Fowler stated that there was another quote received that was lower than Campbell’s second quote, and that was from Wheats in the amount of $17,248.50. He recommended that the Board accept the next lowest quote submitted by Wheats in the amount of $17,248.50.
Superintendent Fowler requested that the following item be added to the agenda: Discuss and take appropriate action regarding acceptance of quotation for purchase of roofing materials for Mt. Hermon School. Motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that this item be added to the agenda. It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board accept the quotation submitted by Wheats in the amount of $17,248.50 for the purchase of roofing materials for Mt. Hermon School. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Fowler gave brief Mt. Hermon School and Varnado High School construction updates.
Superintendent Fowler asked T. J. Butler, Jr., to report on the findings of the student uniform committee. Mr. Butler first reported on surveys of parents of students at Wesley Ray Elementary School and Franklinton Jr. High School, as follows:
IN FAVOR OF OPPOSED TO
SCHOOL UNIFORMS UNIFORMS ENROLLMENT
Wesley Ray 165 30 265
Franklinton Jr. 162 16 458
Several students then modeled possible uniform choices. Following discussion, it was determined that a uniform policy should be developed prior to authorizing the two schools to proceed with plans for student uniforms next school year. A proposed policy will be discussed at the June committee meeting.
Agenda Item #20 - Other business from board members.
Several board members expressed opposition to placing alternative students in contact with young students.
Agenda Item #21 - 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 Bruce Brown, seconded by Holly James, that the Board enter into Executive Session under LA. R.S. 42:6.1A(7) concerning student disciplinary appeal. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #22 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the Board return to regular session. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the Board affirm the decision by the Superintendent’s designee, Anthony Triola, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, to expel the student for the remainder of the 1998/99 school session. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #23 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY