Franklinton, Louisiana

November 9, 1995

6:30 P.M.

 

            The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: President Bringier H. Barker, Karl Bickham, Hayward Boone, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Harold Smith, Richard N. Thomas, Bruce Brown and Freddie Jefferson.  Absent: None.

 

            Agenda Item #1 - Call to order.

 

            The meeting was called to order by President Barker.

 

            Agenda Item #2 - Invocation.

 

            The invocation was given by Bruce Brown.

 

            Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

            Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the October 26, 1995, regular board meeting.

 

            It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the minutes of the October 26, 1995, regular board meeting as submitted to each board member.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #5 - Recognize Parish Outstanding Teachers.

 

            Mr. Frank Green, Supervisor, assisted by Mrs. Mary Henderson, Faculty Coordinator, Franklinton Elementary School, Ms. Emma Ross, Principal, Varnado High School, and Mr. Dennie Fowler, Principal, Mt. Hermon School, recognized the following Parish Outstanding Teachers:

 

            Outstanding Elementary School Teacher: Nancy Cox, Franklinton Elementary School

 

            Outstanding High School Teacher: Glory Davis, Varnado High School

 

            Outstanding Junior High School Teacher: Linda Fortenberry, Mt. Hermon School

 

Mrs. Linda Fortenberry was also one (1) of eight (8) finalists for the State Outstanding Junior High Teacher Award.

 

            On behalf of the Board, President Barker congratulated these teachers for their accomplishments and expressed appreciation for the outstanding work they are doing in their classrooms.

 

            Agenda Item #6 - Consider a motion to approve allocation to schools for the 1995-96 fiscal year operating budgets.

 

            It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adopt the following allocation to schools, as recommended by Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance.

 

            ALLOCATION TO SCHOOLS FOR 1995-96 OPERATING BUDGET

         

$35.00 per pupil for elementary                                        $45.00 per pupil for high

 

School                          Total Per Pupil               Adjustment        Net Allocation

 

Angie Jr. High               $   9,100.00                                $   9,100.00

Enon Elementary              9,555.00                                      9,555.00

Franklinton Primary        16,415.00                                    16,415.00

Franklinton Elementary   16,240.00                                    16,240.00

Franklinton Junior High   19,670.00                                     19,670.00

Franklinton High             28,575.00                                    28,575.00

Mt. Hermon                   22,995.00                                    22,995.00

Pine                              26,965.00         -$2,000.00            24,965.00

Thomas Jr. High             14,770.00                                    14,770.00

Varnado Elementary         5,530.00                                      5,530.00

Varnado High                 14,310.00         - 2,200.00             12,110.00

Wesley Ray Elementary 10,815.00                                     10,815.00

                        TOTALS $ 194,940.00    -$4,200.00         $190,740.00

 

Debts to General Fund after these adjustments:

 

            Pine                            $ 27,997.51

            Varnado High                 97,094.50

                        Total               $125,092.01

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #7 - Recognize Leland Lee to address the following subjects: (a) “Sick Leave Bank” for employees of WP Schools, and (b) one cent sales tax proposal dedicated to employee salaries.

 

            Mr. Lee stated he had appeared before the Board several months ago and offered a proposal to the Board regarding a sick leave bank for employees.  He asked if the Board would consider the proposal at this time.  President Barker responded that the Board has not had sufficient time to address this issue; therefore, the Board is not ready to receive or make a decision on a proposal.  Sue Jones stated she would like to see this item on the next committee meeting agenda.  Freddie Jefferson asked Mr. Lee to conduct a survey among employees to determine interest in such a policy.  President Barker asked Superintendent Coleman to check statewide to see if other school systems have such a program.

 

            Mr. Lee inquired about the committee to work on a sales tax proposal dedicated to employee salaries.  President Barker stated that no committee has been formed.  He further stated that this issue had been discussed at community meetings, and there was not much support for a sales tax.  Mr. Barker stated this matter would be discussed at a committee meeting.

 

            Agenda Item #8 - Discuss and take appropriate action to establish a parish wide discipline policy.

 

            Following discussion, it was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Holly James, that the Board establish a parish wide discipline policy committee composed of principals, supervisors, parents, students and board members to formulate a parish wide discipline policy to be presented to the Board.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #9 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotations for a chain link fence at Varnado High School.

 

            At the October 12, 1995, board meeting, the Board had asked Supervisor William Brignac to check into the cost of fencing the entire Varnado High School campus.  Mr. Brignac reported the following quotations were obtained: Cowart Fence Co. - $8,898.00, and Thomas Fence Co. - $7,549.00.  A third company was not contacted because that company does not have Workman’s Compensation insurance.  Following discussion among board members regarding whether or not a fence around the entire campus is needed and whether or not a fence is a priority item at Varnado High School at this time, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board accept the low quotation from Thomas Fence Co. in the amount of $7,549.00.  Roll call vote was as follows: 

 

                        District 1 - Harold Smith                         AGAINST

                        District 2 - Karl Bickham                         AGAINST

                        District 3 - Bruce Brown                          FOR

                        District 4 - Richard N. Thomas                AGAINST

                        District 5 - Hayward Boone                     AGAINST

                        District 6 - Susanne Jones                      FOR

                        District 7 - Holly James                          AGAINST

                        District 8 - B. H. Barker                          FOR

                        District 9 - Freddie Jefferson                    FOR

 

The vote being four (4) FOR and five (5) AGAINST, the motion failed.

 

            Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to employ an architect for the renovation/reconstruction of Varnado High School.

 

            President Barker stated two individuals had requested to address the Board on this issue.  The Board first heard from Ashley Lightfoot, a Varnado High School student who was representing the student body.  Ms. Lightfoot stated the student body believes the best way to reconstruct Varnado High School is to dismantle the whole building. 

 

            Mr. Wilton Moses stated he was representing the PTA Associations of Varnado, Angie, and Wesley Ray Schools, along with concerned citizens in these communities.  Mr. Moses stated that the people want a new school, and they want all existing buildings removed from the school grounds.  He asked that the Board hold off on hiring an architect until the Board can sit down with parents and other community members and discuss the situation at Varnado High School.

 

            Following discussion and assurance by President Barker that the community will be involved in decisions made concerning renovation/reconstruction of Varnado High School, it was moved by B. H. Barker, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board employ an architect tonight (11/9/95) and look toward building a new building at Varnado High School, contingent upon additional funds being made available.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Holly James, that the Board hire Sam Fauntleroy (Fauntleroy & Latham, Inc.) as architect for renovation/reconstruction of Varnado High School, providing he can meet the fee established by the school board.  Roll call vote was as follows:

 

                        District 1 - Harold Smith             FOR

                        District 2 - Karl Bickham             FOR

                        District 3 - Bruce Brown              AGAINST

                        District 4 - Richard N. Thomas    FOR

                        District 5 - Hayward Boone         FOR

                        District 6 - Susanne Jones          FOR

                        District 7 - Holly James              FOR

                        District 8 - B. H. Barker              FOR

                        District 9 - Freddie Jefferson        AGAINST

 

The vote being seven (7) FOR and two (2) AGAINST, the motion carried.

 

            Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to change homebound teacher contract rate from $12.00 per hour to $15.00 per hour.

 

            It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board change the homebound teacher contract rate from $12.00 per hour to $15.00 per hour. Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #12 - Recognize Summer Montecino to discuss student dress code.

 

            Ms. Montecino, a student at Mt. Hermon High School, requested that the Board change its dress code policy to allow students to wear jogging suits to school.  Mr. Jefferson stated that the present dress code policy is in effect for the 1995-96 school year only.  He suggested that the Board consider Ms. Montecino’s request later in the school year when forming the dress code policy for the 1996-97 school year, and include parents and students in discussions.  President Barker informed Ms. Montecino that the Board will take her request under consideration for the next school year, and parents and students will be a part of the committee that discusses the dress code.

 

            Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to pay $8,500.00 to maintain, update and troubleshoot the PAMS software until August, 1996.

 

            It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board pay $8,500.00 to maintain, update and troubleshoot the PAMS software until August, 1996. Motion carried unanimously.  According to Frank Green, Supervisor, the schools will pay to maintain, update and troubleshoot the PAMS software after this year.

 

            Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to change the effective retirement date for Charlotte Ginn from August 25, 1995, to October 6, 1995.

 

            It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board change the effective retirement date for Charlotte Ginn from August 25, 1995, to October 6, 1995.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to appoint a new member to the Washington Parish Sales Tax Commission.

 

            It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board appoint Holly James to serve as the Board’s representative to the Washington Parish Sales Tax Commission, replacing John Dawsey.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to advertise for the position of Custodian at Franklinton High School to fill in for Jerry Smith while he is on Workman’s Compensation.

 

            Following discussion, it was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board employ, with benefits, the present fill-in for the custodial position, Lester Anthony,  until the regular employee, Jerry Smith, returns to work.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            The Board agreed to discuss a policy on fill-ins at the next committee meeting.

 

            Agenda Item #17 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel and Transportation Adjustments.

 

            It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board approve the following Personnel and Transportation Adjustments as presented by Supervisor Anthony Triola:

 

PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS

 

RESIGNATION:

 

Enon Elementary School: Lisa S. Williams, Preschool 4-Year-Old Program Paraprofessional, Resignation effective November 9, 1995.

 

Pine School:      Stephanie Ryan, Regular Teacher, Resignation effective October 30, 1995.

 

REQUEST FOR LEAVE:

 

Thomas Jr. High School: Joetta Thomas, Special Education Paraprofessional, Leave Without Pay effective November 27, 1995, through December 15, 1995.

 

TRANSFER:

 

Dorothy Moses, Title I Tutor, Wesley Ray Elementary School, to Special Education Paraprofessional, Wesley Ray Elementary School, effective November 13, 1995.

 

EMPLOY:

 

Enon Elementary School: Denise Gillmore, Preschool 4-Year-Old Program Paraprofessional, effective November 10, 1995 (replacing Lisa Williams, who resigned) -Call back from seniority list.

 

Franklinton High School: James Lewis, Regular Teacher (Math and Science), effective November 10, 1995, through January 12, 1996, due to an increase in the number of students who needed these courses - Circular 665.

 

Franklinton High School: Valinda Rester, Special Education Teacher, effective November 27, 1995 - Fully Certified (Replacing Robert Kim Hunt).

 

TRANSPORTATION ADJUSTMENTS

 

Franklinton Schools: Extend the route of Juanita Tullos 6.1 miles one way to pick up a Special Education student.  Effective date: October 13, 1995.

 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #18 - Superintendent’s Report.

 

            It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Harold Smith, that the following item be added to the agenda: Authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of Library Books.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Freddie Jefferson, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for the purchase of Library Books.  Motion carried unanimously.  Bids will be received until 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 13, 1995, with the Board considering the bids at the December 14, 1995, board meeting.

 

            Agenda Item #19 - Other business from board members.

 

            At the request of Hayward Boone, it was determined that Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, and Attorney Kuhn would discuss how a teacher, who broke her leg in a classroom, would be paid.

 

        Freddie Jefferson asked that Anthony Triola and Wayne Kuhn get together and determine the legal ramifications of drug testing of students who habitually cause discipline problems .                                                   

 

            At the request of Attorney Wayne Kuhn, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Harold Smith, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to adopt revised contract with Electronic Information Systems.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board adopt the contract, with changes, with Electronic Information Systems for obtaining Medicaid reimbursement for specific screening and health services the Board is already providing, and authorize the Superintendent to sign the contract.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #20 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing legalities pertaining to Workman’s Compensation case of Jerry Smith vs. Washington Parish School Board, OWC No. 94-06313 District 06, in accordance with LA R.S. 42:6.1A(2).

 

         It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Richard N. Thomas, that the Board enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing legalities pertaining to Workman’s Compensation case of Jerry Smith vs. Washington Parish School board, OWC No. 94-06313 District 06, in accordance with LA R.S. 42:6.1A(2).  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #21 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.

 

            It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by B. H. Barker, that the Board return to regular session.  Motion carried unanimously.  

 

            Agenda Item #22 - Conduct grievance appeal hearing for Martha Sumrall, Technology Director/Grant Facilitator.

 

            Superintendent Coleman stated that one party involved in the grievance preferred an executive session for the hearing, and the other party involved preferred open session. Following the two parties conferring with Attorney Wayne Kuhn, Mr. Kuhn stated that, since one of the parties preferred a closed hearing, an executive session would be in order.

 

            It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board enter into Executive Session for the purpose of conducting a grievance appeal hearing for Martha Sumrall, Technology Director/Grant Facilitator, in accordance with LA R.S. 42:6.1A(1).  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board return to regular session.  Motion carried unanimously. (NOTE: Martha Sumrall withdrew her request for a grievance appeal hearing.)

 

            Agenda Item #23 - Consider a motion to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Superintendent’s evaluation, in accordance with LA R.S. 42:6.1A(1).

 

     It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Superintendent’s evaluation, in accordance with LA R.S. 42:6.1A(1).  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #24 - Consider a motion to return to regular session.

 

            It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Holly James, that the Board return to regular session.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Agenda Item #25 - Consider a motion to adjourn.

 

            President Barker declared the meeting adjourned.

 

BRINGIER H. BARKER, PRESIDENT

 

ROBERT L. COLEMAN, SECRETARY