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, Mary Adams, Freddie Jefferson, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain and Matthew Tate. Absent: None.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order
The meeting was called to order by President Richard 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 - Presentation from Trinity Insurance Services – Marty Leger (Richard Thomas).
Wally Leger from Trinity Insurance presented a check to the Board in the amount of $21,676.80 for excess recovery.
Agenda Item #5 - Report from the firm of Postlethwaite and Netterville regarding the 2006/2007 audit of general purpose financial statements (Donna Alonzo).
Mr. Joey Richard, Audit Director, briefly reviewed the audit report with the Board.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board accept the report as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the November 15, 2007, regular board meeting (Richard Thomas).
It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board adopt the minutes of the November 15, 2007, regular board meeting as submitted to each member. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to renew the contract of Mary Henderson, Principal, Franklinton Elementary School (Darrell Fairburn).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board renew the contract of Mary Henderson, Principal, Franklinton Elementary School for the contract period January 12, 2008 through January 11, 2010. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to renew the contract of Randy Branch, Principal, Angie Jr. High School (Darrell Fairburn).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Mary Adams, that the Board renew the contract of Randy Branch, Principal, Angie Jr. High School for the contract period February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2010. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bus drivers and bus attendant’s salary schedules (Karl Bickham).
Upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the bus drivers and bus attendant’s salary schedules as follows:
|
Bus Drivers |
|
|
|
Bus Attendants |
|||
|
Years of Service |
Bus Drivers |
|
|
|
Years of Service |
Bus Attendants |
|
|
0 |
15,989.00 |
|
|
|
0 |
10,978.00 |
|
|
1 |
16,089.00 |
|
|
|
1 |
11,078.00 |
|
|
2 |
16,189.00 |
|
|
|
2 |
11,178.00 |
|
|
3 |
16,289.00 |
|
|
|
3 |
11,278.00 |
|
|
4 |
16,389.00 |
|
|
|
4 |
11,378.00 |
|
|
5 |
16,489.00 |
|
|
|
5 |
11,478.00 |
|
|
6 |
16,589.00 |
|
|
|
6 |
11,578.00 |
|
|
7 |
16,689.00 |
|
|
|
7 |
11,678.00 |
|
|
8 |
16,789.00 |
|
|
|
8 |
11,778.00 |
|
|
9 |
16,889.00 |
|
|
|
9 |
11,878.00 |
|
|
10 |
16,989.00 |
|
|
|
10 |
11,978.00 |
|
|
11 |
17,089.00 |
|
|
|
11 |
12,078.00 |
|
|
12 |
17,189.00 |
|
|
|
12 |
12,178.00 |
|
|
13 |
17,289.00 |
|
|
|
13 |
12,278.00 |
|
|
14 |
17,389.00 |
|
|
|
14 |
12,378.00 |
|
|
15 |
17,489.00 |
|
|
|
15 |
12,478.00 |
|
|
16 |
17,589.00 |
|
|
|
16 |
12,578.00 |
|
|
17 |
17,689.00 |
|
|
|
17 |
12,678.00 |
|
|
18 |
17,789.00 |
|
|
|
18 |
12,778.00 |
|
|
19 |
17,889.00 |
|
|
|
19 |
12,878.00 |
|
|
20 |
17,989.00 |
|
|
|
20 |
12,978.00 |
|
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a mid-year supplement (Karl Bickham).
Upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve a mid-year supplement of $350 for full time employees and $175 for part time employees. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding addendum to fuel price adjustments (Karl Bickham).
Upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board approve the addendum to fuel price adjustments as follows:
1. Convert from using gas and diesel average price of unleaded gas and diesel obtained from local gas station to using AAA Louisiana average price of unleaded gasoline and diesel.
2. Convert from averaging price over a four-month period and paying over the following four-month period to using the AAA average for one month and paying the following month.
3. Convert from spreading payments over a 12-month period to paying for actual days driven in one month the following month.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a loan to Thomas Elementary School in the amount of $88,344.75 for repairs to driveway, parking lot and grounds (Karl Bickham).
Upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board approve a loan to Thomas Elementary School in the amount of $88,344.75 for repairs to the driveway, parking lot and grounds. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #13 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on a 24’ x 36’ metal building at Thomas Elementary School (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor, it was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board accept the low quote from Hunt Builders, Franklinton, LA in the amount of $17,500.00 for a 24’ x 36’ metal building at Thomas Elementary School. Motion carried unanimously. Other quotes submitted: Morris Metal Buildings, Franklinton, LA - $17,900.00 and Grady Richey Builders, Franklinton, LA - $18,200.00.
Agenda Item #14 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotes received on a walkway at Enon Elementary School (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor, it was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board accept the low quote from Williams & Sons, Angie, LA in the amount of $17,371.00 for a covered walkway at Enon Elementary School. Motion carried unanimously. Other quotes submitted: Tate Construction, LLC - $24,718.96; Town & Country Iron Works, Angie, LA - $31,000.00; and Hickman Cement Finishing, Franklinton, LA - $39,500.00.
Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to allow Angel Brock to purchase a 1997 Thomas School Bus to be used as her primary bus (William Brignac).
Upon the recommendation of William Brignac, Supervisor, it was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board allow Angel Brock to purchase a 1997 Thomas School Bus to be used as her primary bus. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for the sale of surplus property at Pine School (Donna Alonzo).
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the sale of surplus property at Pine School. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #17 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received on lights, cross arms and electrical supplies for Pine School Baseball and Softball Project (Beth Fussell).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board accept the low bid from Nu Lite, Mandeville, LA in the amount of $41,778.17. Motion carried unanimously. Other bid submitted: HD Utilities Supply, Metairie, LA - $30,185.00 partial bid on lights and cross arms only.
Agenda Item #18 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding bids received on electrical poles and related item for Pine School Baseball and Softball Project (Beth Fussell).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board accept the low bid from Nu Lite, Mandeville, LA in the amount of $20,130.70. Motion carried unanimously. Other bid submitted: HD Utilities Supply, Metairie, LA - $20,687.50.
Agenda Item #19 - Consider a motion to adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File: GBRA: Employee Conduct and File: JGCE: Child Abuse (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board adopt revised Washington Parish School Board Policy File: GBRA: Employee Conduct and File: JGCE: Child Abuse. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #20 - Consider a motion to adopt the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
Upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as follows:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
SABBATICAL MEDICAL LEAVE
Enon Elementary School: Sue Burch, Regular Teacher, Sabbatical Medical Leave effective the Spring Semester of the 2007/2008 school year only.
RESIGNATION
Varnado Elementary School: Gurnez Nichols, Custodian, Resignation effective November 26, 2007.
SICK LEAVE/EXTENDED SICK LEAVE
Franklinton High School: Sylvia Graves, Special Education Teacher, Sick Leave/Extended Sick Leave effective the Spring Semester of the 2007/2008 school year.
TRANSFER
Charlotte Fasola, Title I Coordinator TO Special Education Supervisor effective January 1, 2008.
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Enon Elementary School: Gail Rutherford, Reading First Paraprofessional for the 2007/2008 Fall Semester only TO Reading First Paraprofessional effective December 14, 2007.
Franklinton Primary School: Sharonda Thigpen, LA4 Paraprofessional TO Special Education Paraprofessional effective the Spring Semester of the 2007/2008 school year only.
LEAVE WITHOUT PAY
Enon Elementary School: Paula Miley, Reading First Paraprofessional, Leave Without Pay effective January 21, 2008 and the remainder of the 2007/2008 school year only.
Franklinton Primary School: Sharonda Thigpen, Special Education Paraprofessional, Leave Without Pay effective January 21, 2008 and the remainder of the 2007/2008 school year only.
EMPLOY
Enon Elementary School: Kaye Smith, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the Spring Semester of the 2007/2008 school year only (Certified)(Fill in for Sue Burch who is on Sabbatical Leave).
Mt. Hermon School: Anthony Triola, Regular Teacher, Employ effective December 10, 2007 (Replacing Ashley Schilling).
TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS
Angie District: Extend the route of Steve Owens 4.8 miles one way to pick up Gabe Faye. Effective date: December 3, 2007.
Franklinton District: Extend the route of Vivian Ard 1.2 miles one way to pick up Desmond Tyson and Quincy Williams. Effective date: September 21, 2007.
Extend the route of Vivian Ard 1 mile one way to pick up Ryan Lamparski. Effective date: November 15, 2007.
Deduct 13.2 miles one way from the route of Carolyn Fussell. Student no longer on route. Effective date: December 3, 2007.
Extend the route of Loretta Stafford 7 miles one way to pick up Avery McWhirter. Effective date: November 28, 2007.
Extend the route of James Tate 2.3 miles one way afternoon only to drop off students at Holy Family Catholic Church. Effective date: August 23, 2007.
Extend the route of Lester Thomas 2 miles one way to pick up Matteson and Makenna Sumrall. Effective date: October 26, 2007.
Extend the route of Lester Thomas 3 miles one way to pick up Lauren Mauer, Alex Wyble, Michael Harrel, Brittani and Brandi Galloway, and Jade and Jacob Arcia. Effective date: September 17, 2007.
Extend the route of Tommy Webb 5.1 miles one way to pick up Timotheo Nicaragua. Effective date: November 12, 2007.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #21 - Superintendent’s Report
ADD TO THE AGENDA: Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fairburn, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board loan $30,000.00 to Franklinton High School Baseball for work on the baseball field. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board loan $30,000.00 to Franklinton High School Baseball for work on the baseball field. Motion carried unanimously.
A reception for Richard N. Thomas, Jr. will be on January 17, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at the School Board Office.
Agenda Item #22 - Other business from board members.
Board members wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The Board wished Richard Thomas well as Parish President.
Add to the agenda: It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board accept the guidelines for evaluating the superintendent. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board accept the guidelines for evaluating the superintendent. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #23 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the resignation of President Richard N. Thomas, Jr. (Darrell Fairburn).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board accept the resignation of President Richard N. Thomas, Jr. effective December 13, 2007 and resignation as Board Member effective January 2, 2008. For: Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Mary Adams, Freddie Jefferson, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain and Matthew Tate. Abstained: Richard Thomas.
Agenda Item #24 - Elect New President
Richard Thomas opened the floor for nominations for President of the Board. Karl Bickham nominated Freddie Jefferson; Alan McCain seconded the motion. For: Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Mary Adams, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain and Matthew Tate. Abstained: Richard Thomas and Freddie Jefferson. Motion carried and Freddie Jefferson was declared President of the Board.
President Jefferson then opened the floor for nominations for Vice-President of the Board. Bruce Brown nominated Karl Bickham; Dan Slocum seconded the motion. For: Dan Slocum, Freddie Jefferson, Bruce Brown, Mary Adams, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain and Matthew Tate. Abstained: Richard Thomas and Karl Bickham. Motion carried, and Karl Bickham was declared Vice-President of the Board.
ADD TO THE AGENDA: It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board call for a special election the first Saturday in October, 2008 and the runoff election be held in conjunction with the Presidential election the first Tuesday in November 2008 to fill the vacancy in District 4. For: Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Mary Adams, Freddie Jefferson, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain and Matthew Tate. Abstained: Richard Thomas.
It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Matthew Tate, that the Board call for a special election the first Saturday in October, 2008 and the runoff election be held in conjunction with the Presidential election the first Tuesday in November 2008 to fill the vacancy in District 4. For: Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Mary Adams, Freddie Jefferson, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain and Matthew Tate. Abstained: Richard Thomas.
ADD TO THE AGENDA: It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board discuss and take appropriate action to appoint a replacement for District 4. Motion carried unanimously.
Upon the recommendation of Richard N. Thomas, Jr., it was moved by Matthew Tate, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board appoint Ms. Linda Thomas to fill the vacant District 4 seat effective January 3, 2008 until the October 2008 special election. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #25 - Consider a motion to authorize withdrawal privileges for _________________, newly-elected President of the Board, on all Washington Parish School Board bank accounts, in conjunction with the Superintendent, effective ________________, and terminate withdrawal privileges for Richard N. Thomas, Jr., out-going President of the Board, on all Washington Parish School Board bank accounts, effective ________________ (Darrell Fairburn).
It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board authorize withdrawal privileges for Freddie Jefferson, newly-elected President of the Board, on all Washington Parish School Board bank accounts, in conjunction with the Superintendent, effective December 14, 2007, and terminate withdrawal privileges for Richard N. Thomas, Jr., out-going President of the Board, on all Washington Parish School Board bank accounts, effective December 14, 2007. For: Dan Slocum, Karl Bickham, Bruce Brown, Mary Adams, Freddie Jefferson, Dewitt Perry, Alan McCain and Matthew Tate. Abstained: Richard Thomas.
Agenda Item #26 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.