The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: President Richard N. Thomas, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, Holly James, Juanita Barker and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: None.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order.
The meeting was called to order by President Thomas. He welcomed School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn, news media and guests.
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 31, 2001, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the May 31, 2001, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received for the sale of an International Cub Tractor and Utility Trailer located at Varnado High School (William Brignac).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board accept the high bids received from Gary Bradley, as follows: International Cub Tractor - $500.00; Utility Trailer - $100.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotations received for purchase and installation of vinyl flooring at Varnado Elementary School cafeteria (Marsha Newman).
In the absence of Marsha Newman, Supervisor of School Food Service, Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent, reviewed the quotations received, which were as follows:
Carpet Wholesalers $1,854.00
Decorating Showroom, Inc. $2,045.85
Kennedy=s Decorating Center $1,918.70
Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Newman, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board accept the low quotation submitted by Carpet Wholesalers in the amount of $1,854.00 for purchase and installation of vinyl flooring at Varnado Elementary School cafeteria. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotations received for purchase and installation of vinyl flooring at Angie Jr. High School cafeteria (Marsha Newman).
Richard Kennedy reviewed the quotations received, which were as follows:
Carpet Wholesalers $3,604.00
Decorating Showroom, Inc. $3,624.00
Kennedy's Decorating Center $4,796.50
Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Newman, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board accept the low quotation submitted by Carpet Wholesalers in the amount of $3,604.00 for purchase and installation of vinyl flooring at Angie Jr. High School cafeteria. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement on August 29, 2001, that a Public Hearing on the Washington Parish School Board Budgets will be held September 13, 2001, at 6:00 P.M. (Adren Raybourn).
Upon the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize advertisement on August 29, 2001, that a Public Hearing on the Washington Parish School Board Budgets will be held September 13, 2001, at 6:00 P.M. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to approve revision to Special Federal Fund Budget (Beth Fussell).
Upon the recommendation of Beth Fussell, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board approve revision to Special Federal Fund Budget. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to authorize Patsy Owens, Bus Operator, to purchase a 1996 GMC School Bus to replace the 1984 Chevrolet/Thomas bus she presently drives (Eathel Seal).
Upon the recommendation of Eathel Seal, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, it was moved by Juanita Barker, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize Patsy Owens, Bus Operator, to purchase a 1996 GMC School Bus to replace the 1984 Chevrolet/Thomas bus she presently drives. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to authorize Linda Magee, Bus Operator, to purchase a 1997, or newer, Blue Bird Transit School Bus to replace the 1989 Chevrolet/Blue Bird bus she presently drives (Eathel Seal).
Upon the recommendation of Eathel Seal, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board authorize Linda Magee, Bus Operator, to purchase a 1997, or newer, Blue Bird Transit School Bus to replace the 1989 Chevrolet/Blue Bird bus she presently drives. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to place Bus Operator Linda Magee's 1989 Chevrolet/Blue Bird bus in the pool of second buses (Eathel Seal).
Upon the recommendation of Eathel Seal, Supervisor of Child Welfare and attendance, it was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Holly James, that the Board place Bus Operator Linda Magee's 1989 Chevrolet/Blue Bird bus in the pool of second buses. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
RESIGNATION:
Franklinton High School: Major Lawrence Abshire, JROTC Instructor, Resignation effective July 31, 2001.
EMPLOY:
Enon Elementary School: Marilyn Russell, Talented Art Teacher, effective the beginning of the 2001-2002 school year (CERTIFIED).
Franklinton Primary School: Yalonda G. Jordan, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (Pending acceptance into the Practitioner Teacher Program [Project HART] at Southeastern Louisiana University).
Franklinton Elementary School: Julie Wascom, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton Elementary School: Cynthia D. Spencer, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (Pending acceptance into the Practitioner Teacher Program [Project HART] at Southeastern Louisiana University).
Franklinton Elementary School: Mary Allen, Regular Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Diane Caldwell, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton Jr. High School: Connie Ingram, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton High School: Stephen Burris, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton High School: Clay Magee, Regular Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (TEP).
Franklinton High School: Sandra Varnado, Regular Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (TTA).
Franklinton High School: Chris A. Thomas, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (Pending acceptance into the Practitioner Teacher Program [Project HART] at Southeastern Louisiana University).
Franklinton High School: Master Sergeant Kenneth A. Floyd, JROTC Instructor, effective August 1, 2001.
Franklinton High School: Jennifer Thomas, Regular Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (TEP).
Mt. Hermon School: Tina Smith, Academically Gifted Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (TTA).
Pine School: Burneva Ellzey, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (CERTIFIED).
Pine School: Linda Metz, Regular Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (CERTIFIED).
Pine School: Monica Thomas, Special Education Teacher, effective the beginning of the 2001-2002 school year (CERTIFIED).
Varnado High School: Douglas Jones, Regular Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (TTA).
Varnado High School: Robert Boone, Faculty Coordinator, effective the beginning of the 2001-2002 school year.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Cynthia Taylor, Regular Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (CERTIFIED).
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Belinda Jackson, Special Education Teacher, effective the 2001-2002 school year only (TTA).
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Nellene Barber, Title I Pre-School Tutor, Thomas Jr. High School, TO Special Education Paraprofessional, Thomas Jr. High School, effective the beginning of the 2001-2002 school year.
Lawanna Stevens Vince, Special Education Paraprofessional, Thomas Jr. High School, TO Title I Pre-School Tutor, Thomas Jr. High School, effective the beginning of the 2001-2002 school year.
Margaret Spears, School Food Service Worker, Thomas Jr. High School, TO School Food Service Manager, Thomas Jr. High School, effective the beginning of the 2001-2002 school year.
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
None
FOR: Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, Holly James, Juanita Barker and Freddie Jefferson, AGAINST: None. ABSTAINING: Richard N. Thomas. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #14 - Superintendent's Report.
Bobby R. Pierce, Safe and Drug-Free Schools Coordinator, presented an end-of-the-year report to the Board, as follows:
END OF THE YEAR REPORT
June 14, 2001
I. In-School Suspension
Eight schools were served at five locations. The program served a total of 601 students during the school year. Problem areas: Instigates or participates in fights; treats an authority with disrespect; leaves school or classroom without permission; willful disobedience.
Our major problem is fighting on school campus. The students that cause these major problems are the same ones that started causing problems in elementary school. The problems get worse as the student ages. This is not only a school problem; this problem extends into the community. We have more students in school who are on probation than we have ever had in the past. In January the State had to add a second juvenile probation officer for Washington Parish.
The In-School Suspension Program has improved the overall school climate on the school campus. Teachers no longer have to put up with a few students disrupting the classroom every day. One placement in the program is enough for most students. Only 3% of the students repeat the program more than two times. The program is supported by the school faculty and students.
No major changes are recommended for the 2001-2002 school year.
School uniforms have made a big difference in the school climate. The overall atmosphere on campus has changed.
II. P. M. SCHOOL
This is the second year of the P.M. School. We made some changes this year which resulted in a smoother school year. Last year was a learning year for all of us. Our last day for classes will be June 21. We served thirty-four students this school year. Eleven of the thirty-four students were assigned on use or possession of a controlled dangerous substance. At the present time, we have thirteen students in attendance. We had six students on homebound during the spring semester. Eight students are assigned to start the 2001-2002 school year at the P.M. School.
Recommendations for the 2001-2002 school year:
Recommend continue with the same hours, 4:00 - 9:30 P.M. Monday through Friday. Add a part time special education teacher who would work 3-4 hours each night. This teacher would be paid through the Special Education Department. Recommend that the program remain in the same location for the 2001-2002 school year.
III. SAFE AND DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS ACTIVITIES
We were able to add officers at Pine and Mt. Hermon this school year. This addition was possible through a grant that we put through the Franklinton Chamber of Commerce. Grants have been applied for through the Sheriff's Office, the Franklinton Police Department, and the Franklinton Chamber of Commerce. The grants come through the Governor's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. The Board meets Monday, June 18th to review the grants.
The school system had a two-day training program in August for principals and officers working in the schools. A training program is scheduled again this year for the officers on August 7th and the 10th.
The FINS office, which operates through the Youth Service Bureau, was able to add another counselor this year. This counselor is funded through a grant from the Governor's Office. The FINS office had 207 referrals this year. They did 162 student assessments and are working 102 active cases. Students who are assigned to the In-School Suspension Program the second time are referred to the FINS programs.
All schools were provided with an Emergency Procedures Guide this school year. This guide was the result of planning that was conducted during the previous school year.
The Life Skills Program was continued this year through a grant for grades six, seven, and eight. This is a three year grant that pays for teacher training and student materials. There will be a training program during the month of July for the 2001-2002 school year. We have had very good reviews from the teachers and students concerning this program. This is a student interaction program.
On December 11-12, 2000, the Louisiana State Police presented a drinking and driving program to 11th and 12th grade students in the Washington Parish schools.
PRIDE of St. Tammany has a grant to work with students and parents in the Washington Parish System during the 2001-2002 school year. This program is for students who have been identified as experimenting with substances.
Grades six through twelve took part in the Communities That Care Survey this school year. The results from this survey are necessary for most grants. The information is used in the needs survey.
Ms. Seal made arrangements for us to meet with the D.A. to discuss concerns that we have with some of our youth. This meeting was very productive, in that we were able to sit down with the assistant D.A. and talk about pending juvenile court cases. The students who are in trouble with the law are the same ones that we have trouble with in school. The juvenile judge has also been very supportive of the schools and our effort to make them better.
IV. RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommend that there be elementary counselors in the elementary schools to deal with early student problems. Changes in society have resulted in more students having problems dealing with life. We are seeing an increased number of students who do not know how to deal with anger.
Recommend that an In-School Suspension site be established at Franklinton Elementary School to serve Franklinton Elementary and Enon Elementary. Franklinton Elementary referred 27 students to Franklinton Junior High this year. Nine of those students were assigned more than once. There is a problem when we send elementary students to the junior high campus.
Recommend that students who gather around a fight be disciplined by Saturday Detention or In-School Suspension.
House Bill 364 - Permits each local public school board to adopt and implement a zero tolerance policy for disciplining students. Allow school boards to require students who violate the policy and their parents to attend a conflict resolution class(es) and to charge a fee for such attendance in any amount determined by the board. Recommend that a fee of $25 be charged for the first offense and attend two classes on anger management. Charge a fee of $50 for the second offense and attend four classes. Charge a fee of $75 for the third offense and place the student in the P.M. School.
This has been a good school year. The credit goes to the teachers, principals, students, parents, central office personnel, the board, and the community agencies. Thank you for your support.
Bobby R. Pierce
Safe and Drug-Free Schools Coordinator
Following Mr. Pierce's presentation and discussion, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consideration of two of Mr. Pierce's recommendations B (1) Recommendation that students who gather around a fight be disciplined by Saturday detention or in-school suspension, and (2) Recommendation of adoption and implementation of zero tolerance policy, as permitted by House Bill 364 (fighting or bullying law). Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the Board discipline students who gather around a fight (observers) by one (1) Saturday detention per occurrence, and approve the recommendation, as presented by Bobby Pierce, relative to House Bill 364. Motion carried unanimously. The Board will consider Mr. Pierce's other recommendations at a later meeting.
At the request of Eathel Seal, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to approve a new Special Education bus route for the Franklinton/Mt. Hermon/Enon school districts. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Holly James, that the Board approve a new Special Education bus route for the Franklinton/Mt. Hermon/Enon school districts, as recommended by Ms. Eathel Seal. Motion carried unanimously. The total Special Education routes will now be five (5), rather than four (4). The length of the new route will be 25+ miles. Ms. Seal will inform all present drivers of the available new route. The Board agreed that, if no present bus operator wants to transfer to the new Special Education route, the Board Transportation Committee will make a recommendation at the next board meeting. Ms. Seal recommended that the person hired for the new route be required to take the first paraprofessional training, if the person has not already had the training.
Agenda Item #15 - Other business from board members.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for a concrete driveway at Varnado High School. FOR: Bruce Brown, Hayward Boone, Richard Thomas, Juanita Barker, Harold Smith and Freddie Jefferson. AGAINST: Karl Bickham, Susanne Jones and Holly James. Motion carried.
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for a concrete driveway at Varnado High School. Prior to the vote, discussion was held regarding the cost and how the project would be financed. Mr. Boone pointed out that he wanted to see how much this project would cost, and advertising for bids would accomplish this objective. Freddie Jefferson reminded the Board that, when you advertise, you have the authority to accept or reject the bids. The vote on Mr. Boone's motion was, as follows: FOR: Bruce Brown, Richard Thomas, Harold Smith, Hayward Boone, Juanita Barker and Freddie Jefferson. AGAINST: Karl Bickham, Susanne Jones and Holly James. Motion carried.
Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Holly James, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
RICHARD N. THOMAS, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY