The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: Richard Thomas, Jr., Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Hayward Boone, Susanne Jones, Holly James and Matthew Tate. Absent: Freddie Jefferson.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order
The meeting was called to order by President Richard Thomas, Jr. He welcomed Senator Ben Nevers, Representative Harold Ritchie, 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 November 10, 2005, regular board meeting (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the November 10, 2005, regular board meeting as submitted to each member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Special Recognition of Franklinton High School Teacher, Cheryl Bruton (Dennie Fowler).
Franklinton High School and the Washington Parish School System was honored last week when one of the teachers was presented with an award. Ms. Beverly Young, Franklinton High School Principal, recognized Ms. Cheryl Bruton as receiving the Milken Foundation Award. The Milken Foundation only recognizes 100 teachers/educators nationwide. This year two were from Louisiana, one of those two was from Franklinton High School. Ms. Bruton received a $25,000.00 award.
All board members congratulated Ms. Bruton and encouraged her to keep up the excellent work that she is doing for Franklinton High School and the Washington Parish School System.
Agenda Item #6 - Presentation by Willie Core, Assistant Extension Agent (4-H) - Recognition of Outstanding 4-H Members (Dennie Fowler).
Willie Core, 4-H Agent for Washington Parish thanked the Board and Staff of the Washington Parish School System for their support of the 4-H program. Mr. Core introduced Dr. Pam Hodson, Regional Coordinator and Mr. Henry Harrison, Parish Chairman and thanked them also for their support of the program.
Lonnie Magee, 12th grade student and 4-H President at Franklinton High School, recognized the following Outstanding 4-H members:
Brook Temples, Photographer Angie Jr. High School
Sunshyne Adams, Program Chair Angie Jr. High School
Myra Cowart, Vice-President Angie Jr. High School
Courtney Yargo, President Enon Elementary School
Austin Armand, Vice-President Enon Elementary School
Kirsten Sylvest, Treasurer Franklinton Elementary School
Lyric Long, Secretary Franklinton Elementary School
D. J. Hulsey, Parliamentarian Franklinton Elementary School
Keoshia Holmes, President Franklinton Elementary School
Hunter Chatman, President Mt. Hermon Elementary School
Quentin Givens, Parliamentarian Mt. Hermon Jr. High School
Cheyenne Fornea, President Varnado Elementary School
Porchia Oxner, Vice-President Varnado Elementary School
Jacque Carrier, President Varnado High School
Omeshia Magee, Vice-President Wesley Ray Elementary School
Ronikkiya Simon, President Wesley Ray Elementary School
Hannah McCain, Asst. Secretary Wesley Ray Elementary School
Superintendent Fowler encouraged the students to keep up the good work and thanked the agents for their dedication to the students.
All board members congratulated the students and thanked the leaders and parents.
Agenda Item #7 - Presentation by Senator Ben Nevers and Representative Harold Ritchie on current legislative issues (Dennie Fowler).
Representative Harold Ritchie and Senator Ben Nevers addressed current legislative issues and the impact on education in Washington Parish. The state and the school system faces a long road to recovery after Hurricane Katrina and both legislators will make every effort to help with the recovery process.
Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on a 2005 Chevrolet 2500 HD truck with utility body (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor of Transportation/Maintenance, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board approve the low bid at the State Contract price of $18,162.00 from Hixson Autoplex, Alexandria, LA. Motion carried unanimously. One bid was submitted from Brian Harris Autoplex, Slidell, LA - $25,003.55.
Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on a 2005 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor of Transportation/Maintenance, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the low bid at the State Contract price of $16,199.00 from Hixson Autoplex, Alexandria, LA. Motion carried unanimously. One bid was submitted from Brian Harris Autoplex, Slidell, LA - $18,019.20.
Agenda Item #10 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on commercial tile in rooms #210, 211, 212 and 213 at Varnado High School (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor of Transportation/Maintenance, it was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board approve the low bid from Quality Flooring, Columbia, MS for $5,143.00. Other bids submitted were Martin's Flooring, Angie, LA - $6,900.00 and Rainer's Carpet, Inc., Bogalusa, LA - $7,892.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on carpet in three offices and commercial tile in library at Varnado High School (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor of Transportation/Maintenance, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board approve the low bid from Quality Flooring, Columbia, MS - $4,703.00. Other bids submitted were Martin's Flooring, Angie, LA - $5,843.00 and Kennedy's Decorating Center, Inc., Franklinton, LA - $8,372.15. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on replacing all 3-Tab shingles at Franklinton Primary School (William Brignac).
Item Deleted.
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to allow Wilda Rhoden to purchase a 1995 International School Bus from Paul Sheridan to use as her primary bus (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor of Transportation/Maintenance, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board allow Wilda Rhoden to purchase a 1995 International School Bus from Paul Sheridan to use as her primary bus. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #14 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on repairing the covered walkway at Varnado High School (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor of Transportation/Maintenance, it was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board approve the low bid from Itolyaso Builders, Angie, LA - $3,200.00. Other bids submitted were Lance Ball, Angie, LA - $3,800.00 and Clinton Miley, Jr., Bogalusa, LA - $4,000.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to allow Leona Williams to purchase a 1996 Carpenter bus to use as her primary bus (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor of Transportation/Maintenance, it was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board allow Leona Williams to purchase a 1996 Carpenter bus to use as her primary bus. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to allow Cecealine Tate to remove his spare bus, a 1995 International, from the spare bus pool and add another 1995 International Bus to the spare bus pool (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor of Transportation/Maintenance, it was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Holly James, that the Board allow Cecealine Tate to remove his spare bus, a 1995 International, from the spare bus pool and add another 1995 International Bus to the spare bus pool. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #17 - Consider a motion to renew the contract of employment for Randy Branch, Principal, Angie Jr. High School (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board renew the contract of employment for Randy Branch, Principal, Angie Jr. High School from February 1, 2006 through January 31, 2008. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #18 - Consider a motion to renew the contract of employment for Karen Spears, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance/Testing & Evaluation (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board renew the contract of employment for Karen Spears, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance/Testing & Evaluation from January 9, 2006 through January 8, 2008. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #19 - Consider a motion to renew the contract of employment for Mary Henderson, Principal, Franklinton Elementary School (Dennie Fowler).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Holly James, that the Board renew the contract of employment for Mary Henderson, Principal, Franklinton Elementary School from January 12, 2006 through January 11, 2008. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #20 - Consider a motion to approve an allocation to schools for the 2005/2006 operating budgets (Beth Fussell).
Upon the recommendation of Beth Fussell, Director of Finance, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board approve the following allocation to schools for the 2005/2006 operating budgets:
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SUGGESTED ALLOCATION TO SCHOOLS |
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For 2005-2006 FY Operating Budgets (2) |
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For Dec. 8, 2005 Board Meeting |
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Source |
Available unallocated funds earned during '01-'02Fiscal Year= |
$593,901.67 |
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Available unallocated funds earned during '02-'03 Fiscal Year= |
600,000.00 |
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Available unallocated funds earned during '03-'04 Fiscal Year= |
600,000.00 |
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Available unallocated funds earned during '04-'05 Fiscal Year= |
600,000.00 |
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$2,393,901.67 |
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Less funds for this allocation |
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-205,060.00 |
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Remaining funds for future allocations |
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$2,188,841.67 |
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$388,841.67 |
Earned 01-02 |
(After Budget Allocation) |
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600,000.00 |
Earned 02-03 |
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600,000.00 |
Earned 03-04 |
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600,000.00 |
Earned 04-05 |
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$2,188,841.67 |
Remaining Funds for Future Allocations |
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$40.00 |
$50.00 |
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Schools |
PreK |
Elem. |
High School |
Per Pupil for Elementary and PreK |
Per Pupil for High School |
Total Per Pupil |
Adjustment |
Net Allocation |
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AJHS |
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180 |
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7,200.00 |
0.00 |
7,200.00 |
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7,200.00 |
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EES |
36 |
317 |
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14,120.00 |
0.00 |
14,120.00 |
2,000.00 |
12,120.00 |
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FPS |
134 |
435 |
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22,760.00 |
0.00 |
22,760.00 |
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22,760.00 |
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FES |
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392 |
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15,680.00 |
0.00 |
15,680.00 |
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15,680.00 |
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FJHS |
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520 |
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20,800.00 |
0.00 |
20,800.00 |
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20,800.00 |
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FHS |
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18 |
609 |
720.00 |
30,450.00 |
31,170.00 |
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31,170.00 |
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MHS |
33 |
381 |
117 |
16,560.00 |
5,850.00 |
22,410.00 |
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22,410.00 |
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PHS |
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290 |
273 |
11,600.00 |
13,650.00 |
25,250.00 |
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25,250.00 |
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TJHS |
69 |
407 |
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19,040.00 |
0.00 |
19,040.00 |
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19,040.00 |
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VES |
21 |
202 |
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8,920.00 |
0.00 |
8,920.00 |
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8,920.00 |
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VHS |
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2 |
179 |
80.00 |
8,950.00 |
9,030.00 |
2,000.00 |
7,030.00 |
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WRES |
35 |
182 |
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8,680.00 |
0.00 |
8,680.00 |
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8,680.00 |
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328 |
3326 |
1178 |
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Totals |
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4832 |
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$146,160.00 |
$58,900.00 |
$205,060.00 |
$4,000.00 |
$201,060.00 |
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Remaining Debt owed to G.F. by Schools after this Suggested Allocation: |
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Enon |
VHS |
WesRay |
Total |
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$5,500.00 |
$73,935.20 |
$20,426.16 |
$99,861.36 |
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Wesley Ray will pay back loan with Angie 5-Mill funds. |
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Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #21 - Consider a motion to approve restricted allocations for some schools in lieu of paying for water/sewage (Beth Fussell).
Upon the recommendation of Beth Fussell, Director of Finance, it was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board approve the restricted allocations for some schools in lieu of paying for water/sewage as follows:
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School |
In Lieu of Water |
In Lieu of Sewage |
Total |
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Enon |
1,838.33 |
1,661.67 |
3,500.00 |
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Pine |
1,838.33 |
1,661.67 |
3,500.00 |
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Thomas |
1,838.33 |
1,661.67 |
3,500.00 |
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Mt. Hermon |
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1,661.67 |
1,661.67 |
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Angie |
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1,661.67 |
1,661.67 |
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Varnado Elem. |
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1,661.67 |
1,661.67 |
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Varnado High |
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1,661.67 |
1,661.67 |
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Wesley Ray |
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1,661.67 |
1,661.67 |
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Totals |
5,514.99 |
13,293.36 |
18,808.35 |
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #22 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
Upon the recommendation of Richard Kennedy, Personnel Director, it was moved by Holly James, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board approve the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as follows:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
SABBATICAL MEDICAL LEAVE
Franklinton Resource Center: Ricky Payne, IEP Facilitator, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the Spring Semester of the 2005/2006 school year and the Fall Semester of the 2006/2007 school year.
RETIREMENT RESIGNATION
Franklinton High School: Beverly Bailey, Retirement Resignation effective January 11, 2006.
Varnado High School: David Scott, Bus Operator, Retirement Resignation effective December 31, 2005.
RESIGNATION
Franklinton High School: Scott Thomassen, Special Education Teacher, Resignation effective November 18, 2005.
Wesley Ray Elementary School: Angele Johnson, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective December 2, 2005.
TRANSFER
Melaney Erwin, Bus Operator, Franklinton School District TO Bus Operator, Franklinton School District (Paul Sheridan's Route) effective December 9, 2005.
SICK LEAVE/EXTENDED SICK LEAVE
Franklinton Elementary School: Kristina Crain, Title I Teacher, Sick Leave/Extended Sick Leave effective the Spring Semester of the 2005/2006 school year.
LEAVE WITHOUT PAY
Mt. Hermon School: Gretchen Witkowski, Special Education Paraprofessional, Leave Without Pay effective January 4, 2006 - May 12, 2006.
EMPLOY
Franklinton High School: Chasity Nichelle Taylor, Special Education Teacher, Employ effective the Spring Semester of the 2005/2006 school year only (OFAT)(Replacing Scott Thomassen).
Pine School: Ann McKenzie, Reading First Content Leader, Employ effective December 12, 2005 (Pending continuation of Reading First Grant Funding).
Varnado Elementary School: Megan Williams, Regular Teacher, Employ effective December 12, 2005 (Certified)(Replacing Jane Jacobs).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Angie School: Extend the route of Ester Matthews 0.2 miles one way to pick up TaJuana Whaley. Effective date: October 18, 2005.
Extend the route of Ester Matthews 0.4 miles one way to pick up S'Donna and Sonya Warren. Effective date: October 18, 2005.
Enon School: Extend the route of Robert Mizell 1 mile one way to pick up Justin & Sarah Dregois and Justin Black. Effective date: November 11, 2005.
Franklinton Schools: Extend the route of Violonia Edwards 3.2 miles one way to pick up Richard Tate. Effective date: November 11, 2005.
Varnado Schools: Extend the route of Easter Michelle Blackburn 4 miles one way to pick up Trevor Weary. Effective date: November 4, 2005.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #23 - Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Fowler stated that he talked with State Superintendent Picard and was given verbal approval to allow the school district to make up just five of the fifteen days missed due to Hurricane Katrina and Rita. The five days will be made up as follows:
Add 12 minutes a day from September 19, 2005 - March 14, 2006 = 3 1/2 days
Add a 1/2 day to December 20, 2005 = 1/2 day
Add January 12, 2006, was originally a staff development day = 1 day
TOTAL DAYS TO MAKE UP = 5 DAYS
ADD TO THE AGENDA: It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dan Slocum, to adopt the revised calendar for the 2005/2006 school year. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Matthew Tate, to adopt the revised calendar for the 2005/2006 school year as follows:
WASHINGTON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
REVISED
SCHOOL CALENDAR - 2005-2006
TCHR. INSTRUCT.
MONTH EVENT DATE DAYS DAYS
August Staff Development August 11 12 10
Staff Development (ALL) August 12
(1/2 Day Staff Dev. & 1/2 Day
Tchr. Work Day)
Classes Begin August 15
Hurricane Katrina August 29-31
September Hurricane Katrina September 1-2 11 9
Labor Day September 5
Hurricane Katrina September 6-9
Hurricane Katrina September 12-14
Staff Development September 15,16
Hurricane Rita September 23
October Washington Parish Fair October 19, 20, 21 18 18
November Educational Conventions November 21, 22, 23 18 18
Thanksgiving Holidays November 24, 25
December Christmas Holidays December 21 - 31 14 14
January New Years Holidays January 2, 3 20 20
Martin Luther King Day January 16
February Mardi Gras February 27, 28 19 19
March No Holidays 23 1/2 23 1/2
April Good Friday April 14 14 14
Spring Holidays April 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
May Teacher Work Day(ALL) May 30 (1/2 Day Instruct. 23 21 1/2
(1/2 Day) & 1/2 Day Teacher Work Day [ALL]
Students dismissed at 12:00
Teacher Work Day(ALL) May 31
School Closes May 31
Report Cards Mailed May 31
TOTALS 1722 DAYS 167 DAYS
NINE-WEEK PERIODS
November 8 1st. Nine Weeks 44 Instructional Days 1st. Semester 832 Days
January 23 2nd. Nine Weeks 392 Instructional Days 2nd. Semester 832 Days
March 23 3rd. Nine Weeks 42 Instructional Days
May 30 4th. Nine Weeks 412 Instructional Days
NO. OF HOLIDAYS 167 Instructional Days
Labor Day 1 Day 3 1/2 Staff Development Days
WP Fair 3 Days 2 Teacher Work Days
Educational Conventions 3 Days 1722 Teacher Days
Thanksgiving 2 Days
Christmas/New Year=s 10 Days
Martin Luther King Day 1 Day 167 Instructional Days = 60,120 Minutes
Mardi Gras 2 Days
Spring Holidays 6 Days
TOTAL HOLIDAYS 28 Days
Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Fowler gave an update on all construction projects. All projects are progressing with some minor delays.
Agenda Item #24 - Other business from board members.
The Board discussed the issue of the paraprofessionals, not highly qualified, not being rehired by January 6, 2006.
Dan Slocum voiced his concern about the paraprofessionals that are not highly qualified. He stated he would vote to continue their employment until May, 2006.
Bruce Brown stated "The Board has not taken any action in reference to our para situation. The way things are now, if the Board takes no action, January 6th means that nine (9) paras in our system will no longer have a job. The government set the standards that paras had to be highly qualified in order to be in the system. But recently the government has backed off on that and said that they will extend it until the end of the school term which will be in May and left it up to the Board to decide whether they wanted to allow these paras who are not designated as highly qualified to continue till the end of that time. But our Board has not made any decision to change what we already have in place. So I just wanted to say for the record, "I am not in support of allowing those paras to be discontinued as employees as of January 6th. What I would say is I understand our budget situation that we are running at a deficit of almost a million dollars. But if you look at the numbers that we have looked at in the last week or so and look at the amount of money that we are suppose to be saving in discontinuing those paras it won't even come up to $100,000.00 for half a semester. Certainly, there are bigger fish that need to be looked at. I look at the paras as being low on the totem pole and looking at them as just minnows when we ought to be going at a big fish, we ought to go at the trophies rather than the little old low degree people, who will feel the impact just like anybody else. I think in lieu of the fact that the government would set the standards for qualifications, have backed off and said go to the end of the school term. I think that is the move that we should make and go to the end of the year and give those paras the rest of the year and opportunity. I know some of them have taken the test and failed it. Some of them don't do very well on test, that doesn't mean they don't do good working in there provisions. As an individual on the Board, I have my on feelings. I think that this Board should step up to the plate and allow them to go to the end of the school term. Those paras who have time left in the system, years left will have some more opportunity to pass that test and be a part of this system. I want my position to be known how I feel about the situation. I know there are nine of us up here. We all got our own minds and we all have to be a part of policy making. But since the Board did not make any mention of the situation, I know there are a lot of paras out there that need to hear about the situation, what is going to be and what the Board is going to do. I think it is only right and fitting that somebody should see to that situation. So my position is "I am not for staying with the deadline of January 6th, discontinuing those nine paras. But in light of the fact that the government has said that the Board can decide to go on to the end of the year if we so chose to do. That would be my position to do. I just wanted that in the record and I will say the same thing tomorrow. They are bigger fish in this system. Yes, a million dollars is a lot of money to be in deficit, we ought to be trying to do something about it. But just go pick on the little bitty tot minnow, less than a hundred thousand dollars, I think that is grossly wrong, it's in error. Therefore, my position is I don't support the position that we are taking and I don't think it was right to just let if fly without even talking about it. It is not in me to do that. If I have to be by myself that is fine too. So I think somebody needs to say something about it. My position is I don't agree with it."
"If inactivity on the part of the Board means January 6th, possible nine (9) paras will be no longer a part of the system. So if the Board does not act then we already know what is going to happen. So inactivity guarantees us that some of those nine (9), if not all of them, won't be with us if they don't pass the test. That's what that means."
Agenda Item #25 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Holly James, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.