Franklinton, Louisiana

May 4, 2017

6:30 p.m.

The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: Dan Slocum, John Wyble, Bruce Brown, John Breland, Alan McCain, Matthew Tate, Robert Boone, Dewitt Perry and Lesley McKinley.  Absent: None.

Agenda Item #1 - Call to order

The meeting was called to order by President Matthew Tate. 

Agenda Item #2 – Invocation

The invocation was given by Bruce Brown.

Agenda Item #3 – Pledge of Allegiance

Agenda Item #4 – National Anthem – FHS Choir

Agenda Item #5 – Recognize Travon Stokes, Varnado High School senior, Division V Powerlifting State Champion (Mary Jones).

Travon Stokes, VHS senior, was recognized on Monday night at the Committee Meeting by his coach, Adam Brumfield.  Travon won the Division V powerlifting state title for the 165-pound weight class.  Stokes lifted a combined 1,200 pounds, had a 435 squat, 315 bench and 450 deadlift.  He also won the outstanding lifter award for the 114-165 pound weight classes. Travon expressed his appreciation to his coach, principal, the Board and his school for the opportunity to participate in powerlifting.

Agenda Item #6– Recognize FJHS/FHS Honor Choir (Mary Jones).

             District 9 Honor choir consists of schools from Washington, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa parishes.  Dozens of schools and hundreds of students auditioned.  Franklinton Jr. High and High School had more students selected than any other schools.  Kyle Jones, Choir Director, recognized the students chosen as follows:

Agenda Item #7 – Recognize FHS Honor Band (Mary Jones).

             Loyman Prestenbach, Band Director, recognized the Honor Band students as follows:            

Agenda Item #8 – Recognize Literary Rally District Qualifier (Renee Burris).

             Renee Burris, Coordinator, recognized the Literary Rally District Qualifiers as follows:

The Board congratulated the students on their awards.

             Agenda Item #9 – Recognize Beth Club State Winners (Renee Burris).

             Renee Burris, Coordinator, recognized students from Franklinton High School who won State Beta competition and qualified for Nationals as follows:

1^st Place Group Talent Dance                                  1^st Place Show Choir

             Haley Dillon                                                           Jaqwan Brumfield

             Katherine Haik                                                      Allyson Cassidy

             Claire Harper                                                         Porsha Delatte

             Joley Lavigne                                                        Jacob Dominquez

             Meredith McCullough                                            Mary Gatlin

             Presley Self                                                           Megan Gatlin

             Selena Spears                                                      Austin Heno

             Abby Thomas                                                        Cody Jambois

             Jada Thompson                                                                 Jenia Miller

             Yvonne Tran                                                         Cole Persick

             Kaylee Turner                                                       Victoria Trejo

                                                                                           Jewel Vincent

1^st Place Spotlight on Service

             Hannah Adams

             Alyssa Pardee

             The Board congratulated the students and wished them luck at the National level.

             Agenda Item #10 – Superintendent’s Award Recognition (Renee Burris).

             The students receiving the Superintendent’s Award for Rigor committed to taking rigorous courses throughout their senior year.  They chose to take the courses that would best prepare them for all possible post-secondary endeavors, including dual enrollment college courses.   High school students have several choices along their graduation pathway, but these students consistently chose to take the most challenging courses available.  Mr. Fairburn recognized their efforts by personally presenting them with an award during the school board meeting.  The students were as follows:

Varnado High School                                                       Mt. Hermon School

Katera Blackburn                                                                            Allison Hodges

Kevin Boudreaux                                                                             Preston Knight

Allie McCain                                            

Franklinton High School                                                                           Pine School

Buffy Baker                                                                                                  Emily Ard

Rowan Cutrer                                                                                               Hannah Ard

Haley Dillon                                                                                                  Emily Berthaut

Victoria Guthrie                                                                                            Keundra Crosby

Megan Guyllette                                                                                           Ariel Dillon

Claire Harper                                                                                                Ty Galloway

Aishia James                                                                                                Hannah Jones

Harlie Knight                                                                                                Chance Knight

Emilio Perez                                                                                                 Jacey Luper

Bethany Sandifer                                                                                         Blair Magee

Cassidy Stewart                                                                                           Hope Magee

Lexi Williams                                                                                                Bethany McGinnis

                                                                                                                     Kaitlin Nave

                                                                                                                     Keri Palmisano

                                                                                                                     Elizabeth Shelby

                                                                                                                     Haley Stephens

                                                                                                                     Allison Stuart

                                                                                                                     Sam Sumrall

                                                                                                                     Mary Sutton

                                                                                                                     April Tagert

                                                                                                                     Rebekah Taylor

                                                                                                                     Carson Thomas

                                                                                                                     Karley Voth

                                                                                                                     Baileigh Warner

                                                                                                                     Jalyn Warren

                                                                                                                     Madison Westmoreland

                                                                                                                     Rachell Williams

                                                                                                                     Diamond Wilson

Agenda Item #11 – Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the April 6, 2017, regular board meeting (Matthew Tate).

It was moved by John Breland, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the minutes of the April 6, 2017, regular board meeting as submitted to each member.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #12 – Consider a motion to appoint the Era Leader as Official Journal for period beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018 (Beth Keaton).

It was moved by John Wyble, seconded by Lesley McKinley, that the Board approve the Era Leader as Official Journal for period beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #13 – Discuss and take appropriate action regarding recommendations from Carmel Breaux, Insurance Consultant, for Excess Workers’ Compensation (Beth Keaton).

Upon the recommendation of Carmel Breaux, Insurance Consultant, it was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Robert Boone, that the Board approve Risk Services of Louisiana for a one year contract at a cost of $47,854.00 for excess workers’ compensation.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #14 – Discuss ant take appropriate action regarding Student Accident Insurance Coverage for the 2017/2018 school year (Beth Keaton).

It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board approve Bollinger, Inc, Cedar Rapides, IA in the amount of $51,987.00 for student accident insurance coverage for the 2017/2018 school year.  Motion carried unanimously

Agenda Item #15 – Consider a motion to approve an allocation to schools for the 2017/2018 school year (Beth Keaton).

It was move by John Wyble, seconded by Lesley McKinley, that the Board approve an allocation to schools for the 2017/2018 school year as follows:

Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #16 – Consider a motion to authorize advertisement on August 23, 2017, that a Public Hearing on the Washington Parish School Board budgets will be held September 14, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. (Beth Keaton).

It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Robert Boone, that the Board authorize advertisement on August 23, 2017, that a Public Hearing on the Washington Parish School Board budgets will be held September 14, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.  Motion carried unanimously.

PROPOSED CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR ADOPTION OF GENERAL FUND BUDGET

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . To Era Leader before Friday, August 18, 2017

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PUBLISHED. . .              . . …….............……Wednesday, August 23, 2017

COMMITTEE MEETING TO PRESENT BUDGET……… Monday, September 11, 2017 at 6:30 P.M.

PUBLIC HEARING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 6:00 P.M.

BOARD MEETING (With planned Budget Adoption). . . . . . . . .     Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 6:30 P.M.

Agenda Item #17 – Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of School Supplies for the 2017/2018 school year (Beth Keaton).

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Lesley McKinley, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of School Supplies for the 2017/2018 school year as follows:

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed bids will be received by the Washington Parish School Board at the School Board Office, located at 800 Main Street, Franklinton, Louisiana. Bid related information is also available on line and electronic bids may be submitted on line at https://www.centralauctionhouse.com/rfp.php?cid=10074.  Submit bids to the attention of Beth Keaton, Director of Finance or Melisa Bateman by 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 31, 2017, the time for bid opening, for purchase of the following:

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Bid form and specifications may be picked up at the School Board Office at the above address, or downloaded on line from the above website.

The Washington Parish School Board reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and waive informalities. 

ADVERTISE   May 10, 2017 &  May 17, 2017

             Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #18 – Consider a motion to renew the contract of Leslie Hodges, Curriculum Coordinator of Early Childhood, Central Office (Darrell Fairburn).

   It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board renew the contract of Leslie Hodges, Curriculum Coordinator of Early Childhood, Central Office for a period of two years beginning June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2019. Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #19 – Consider a motion to renew the contract of Jackie Boone, Principal, Enon Elementary School (Darrell Fairburn).

It was moved by John Breland, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board renew the contract of Jackie Boone, Principal, Enon Elementary School for a period of two years beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019. Motion carried.  Robert Boone abstained.

Agenda Item #20 – Consider a motion to renew the contract of Aylene Crain, Principal, Franklinton Primary School (Darrell Fairburn).

It was moved by John Breland, seconded by Dan Slocum, that the Board renew the contract of Aylene Crain, Principal, Franklinton Primary School for a period of two years beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019. Motion carried.  Robert Boone abstained.

Agenda Item #21 – Consider a motion to renew the contract of Jeffrey Thomas, Assistant Principal, Mt. Hermon School (Darrell Fairburn).

It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board renew the contract of Jeffrey Thomas, Assistant Principal, Mt. Hermon School for a period of two years beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019. Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #22 – Consider a motion to renew the contract of Steve Knight, Principal, Thomas Elementary School (Darrell Fairburn).

It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by John Breland, that the Board renew the contract of Steve Knight, Principal, Thomas Elementary School for a period of two years beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019. Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #23 – Consider a motion to renew the contract of Frances Varnado, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, Central Office (Darrell Fairburn).

It was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Lesley McKinley, that the Board renew the contract of Frances Varnado, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, Central Office for a period of two years beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019. Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #24 – Consider a motion to employ and approve a contract for Jamie Painter, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager for a period of two years, beginning June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2019 (Darrell Fairburn).

It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board employ and approve a contract for Jamie Painter, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager, Central Office for a period of two years beginning June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2019. Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #25 – Consider a motion to employ and approve a contract for Misty Bickham, Assistant Principal, Franklinton Jr. High School for a period of two years, beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019 (Darrell Fairburn).

It was moved by John Wyble, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board employ and approve a contract for Misty Bickham, Assistant Principal, Franklinton Jr. High School for a period of two years beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019. Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #26 – Consider a motion to employ and approve a contract for Karen Ballard-Kittleson, Assistant Principal, Varnado High School for a period of two years, beginning June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2019 (Darrell Fairburn).

It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by John Wyble, that the Board employ and approve a contract for Karen Ballard-Kittleson, Assistant Principal, Varnado High School for a period of two years, beginning June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2019.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #27 – Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session as per R. S. 42:17A (1) to discuss personnel for consideration of appointment as assistant superintendent/personnel director.

It was moved by John Wyble, seconded by Lesley McKinley, that the Board enter into Executive Session as per R. S. 42:17A(1) to discuss personnel for consideration of appointment as assistant superintendent/personnel director.  Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Alan McCain, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board return to regular session.  Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #28 – Consider a motion to employ and approve a contract for Mary Jones, Assistant Superintendent/Personnel Director for a period of two years, beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019 (Darrell Fairburn).

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Darrell Fairburn, it was moved by Dewitt Perry, seconded by Alan McCain, that the Board employ and approve a contract for Mary Jones, Assistant Superintendent/Personnel Director for a period of two years, beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019.  Roll call vote as follows:

Dan Slocum                        For                                              Dewitt Perry                   For

John Wyble                       Abstain                                        Alan McCain                   For

Bruce Brown                      Against                                        Matthew Tate                 For

John Breland                     For                                               Lesley McKinley              Against

Robert Boone                    Abstain

5 For, 2 Against and 2 Abstained.  Motion carried.

Agenda Item #29 – Personnel Report (Mary Jones)

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

RETIREMENT RESIGNATION

             Franklinton Primary School:  Barbara Epps, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective May 25, 2017.

Franklinton Primary School:  Shirlene Magee, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective August 17, 2017.

Franklinton Elementary School:  James Milner, Itinerant Academically Gifted Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective May 25, 2017.

Mt. Hermon School:  Susan Foil, Speech Pathologist, Retirement Resignation effective May 25, 2017.

Wesley Ray Elementary School:  Cassandra Lewis, Regular Teacher, Retirement Resignation effective October 27, 2017.

RESIGNATION

             Franklinton High School:  Lisa Tanner, Principal, Resignation effective May 31, 2017.

             Thomas Elementary School:  Amanda Porter, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective May 25, 2017.

TERMINATION

             Student Support Services:  Charlotte Fasola, Critical Shortage Educational Diagnostician, Termination effective May 25, 2017.

Student Support Services:  Donna Givens, Critical Shortage Educational Diagnostician, Termination effective May 25, 2017.

Mt. Hermon School:  Lynn Kelly, Critical Shortage Elementary Teacher, Termination effective May 25, 2017.

Varnado High School:  Vol Holden, Critical Shortage High School Math Teacher, Termination effective May 25, 2017.

CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS

             Central Office:  Jamie Painter, Accountant II – Accounts Payable TO Chief Accountant and Operations Manager effective June 1, 2017.

             Enon Elementary School:  Amanda Bissel Butzman, Regular Teacher TO Pre-K Teacher effective the 2017/2018 school year.

             Franklinton Primary School:  Benita Bush, Regular Teacher TO Kindergarten Teacher effective the 2017/2018 school year.

             Franklinton Primary School:  Caitlin Glover, Kindergarten Teacher TO Regular Teacher effective the 2017/2018 school year.

             Franklinton Primary School:  Heather Martin, Regular Teacher TO Special Education Teacher effective the 2017/2018 school year.

             Franklinton Elementary School:  Dorey Oestriecher, Regular Teacher TO Special Education Teacher effective the 2017/2018 school year.

             Franklinton Jr. High School:  Frank Martin, Assistant Principal TO Guidance Services effective August 1, 2017 (Replacing Misty Bickham).

TRANSFER

             Jessica Baudean, Regular Teacher, Franklinton High School TO Regular Teacher, Varnado High School effective the 2017/2018 school year.

             Brad Cooper, Regular Teacher, Varnado High School TO Agriculture Teacher, Franklinton High School effective June 1, 2017.

             Megan Crain, Regular Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School TO Special Education Teacher, Thomas Elementary School effective the 2017/2018 school year.

             Tiffany Jenkins, Regular Teacher, Pine School TO Regular Teacher, Varnado High School effective the 2017/2018 school year.

             Deanna Keller, Regular Teacher, Wesley Ray Elementary School TO Regular Teacher, Enon Elementary School, Employ effective the 2017/2018 school year. 

             Joyce Magee, Pre-School Itinerant, Mt. Hermon School TO Pre-School Itinerant, Wesley Ray Elementary School effective the 2017/2018 school year.

             Katelynn Tullos, Kindergarten Teacher, Mt. Hermon TO Regular Teacher, Thomas Elementary School effective the 2017/2018 school year.

             Makella Wascom, Speech Therapist, Franklinton Elementary School TO Speech Therapist, Mt. Hermon School effective the 2017/2018 school year.

EMPLOY

             Enon Elementary School:  Jack Jordan, Custodian, Employ effective May 1, 2017 (Replacing Larry Dillon).

Enon Elementary School:  Haley Mobley, Librarian/Media Specialist, Employ effective the 2017/2018 school year (Replacing Carolyn McElveen).

Franklinton Primary School:  Morgan Boone, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2017/2018 school year (Replacing Barbara Epps).

Franklinton Primary School:  Jennifer Shea Taylor, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2017/2018 school year (Replacing Heather Martin).

             Franklinton Elementary School:  April Harper, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2017/2018 school year.

             Mt. Hermon School:  Katie Brumfield, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2017/2018 school year.

             Mt. Hermon School:  Vincent Stewart, Regular Teacher, Employ effective the 2017/2018 school year.

             Agenda Item #30 – Consider a motion to adopt Transportation Adjustments (Grant Gerald).

It was moved by Dan Slocum, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt the transportation adjustments as follows: 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

Franklinton District:                Deduct 2 miles one way from the route of Vivian Ard.  Students no longer on route on Little Branch Road.  Effective date:  March 28, 2017.   

                                            Extend the route of Brandy Elliott 7.8 miles one way to pick up students on Folsom Farm Road.  Effective date:  March 15, 2017 afternoon route.

                                            Extend the route of Loretta Stafford 7 miles one way to pick up student on Sleepy Hollow Road.  Effective date:  March 24, 2017.

                                            Deduct 6 miles one way from the route of Loretta Stafford.  Students no longer on route on Happy Acres Road.  Effective date:  March 24, 2017.

Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda Item #31 - Superintendent’s Report

Rotary Annual Food Fest will be held on June 4, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at Franklinton Elementary School.                                 

Agenda Item 32 - Personal Privileges – School Board Members

The Board congratulated all of the students on their accomplishments.  They also congratulated all athletes that made it to playoffs.

The Board wished everyone a Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Teacher Appreciation Week.

The Board congratulated all of the 2017 Graduates.

Dan Slocum stated that Gerald Bunch, Senior at Mt. Hermon School won state champion in the 200 meter dash. 

John Breland stated that Pine is in need of a choir and band program.

Dewitt Perry stated that he was concerned about the low number of certificates awarded to Franklinton High School students for the Superintendent’s Rigor Award and Literary Rally.

Agenda Item #33 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

It was moved by Robert Boone, seconded by Dewitt Perry, that the Board adjourn.  Motion carried unanimously.

______________________________

Matthew Tate, President

______________________________

Darrell Fairburn, Secretary