The Washington Parish School Board met in regular session on the above date with the following members present: President Harold Smith, Karl Bickham, Juanita Barker, Holly James, Susanne Jones, Hayward Boone, Bruce Brown, and Freddie Jefferson. Absent: None.
Agenda Item #1 - Call to order.
The meeting was called to order by President Smith. He welcomed guests and news media present.
Agenda Item #2 - Invocation.
The invocation was given by Bruce Brown.
Agenda Item #3 - Pledge of Allegiance.
It was moved by Karl Bickham, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the following items be added to the agenda:
(1) Appoint a successor for deceased School Board Member Richard Ned Thomas.
(2) Administer Oath of Office to new board member.
(3) Approve a proclamation ordering a special election to fill the vacancy for District 4; primary election to be March 27, 1999; general election May 1, 1999; qualifying to be February 3-5, 1999.
Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board appoint Richard N. Thomas, Jr., to succeed his late father, Richard N. Thomas, Sr., as School Board Member, District 4. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Thomas passed away September 7, 1998, and had served since January 1, 1991. Mr. Thomas, Jr., will serve for the unexpired term ending December 31, 1998.
School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn administered the Oath of Office to Richard Ned Thomas, Jr., who was then seated on the Board.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board approve the following proclamation ordering a special election to fill the vacancy for District 4:
PROCLAMATION
ORDERING A SPECIAL ELECTION
BE IT KNOWN, that the Washington Parish School Board does hereby proclaim that a special primary election shall be held on March 27, 1999, and a special primary election shall be held on March 27, 1999, and a special general election shall be held on May 1, 1999, for the purpose of filling the vacancy in District 4. Qualifying period will be February 3-5, 1999.
THIS 10TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 1998.
________________________________
HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT
Motion carried unanimously. The vacancy in District 4 will occur on January 1, 1999, the beginning of the new term of office. Within ten (10) days after the new term is vacant, the Board will appoint someone to serve until the special election is held.
Agenda Item #4 - Consider a motion to adopt the minutes of the August 20, 1998, regular board meeting.
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adopt the minutes of the August 20, 1998, regular board meeting, as submitted to each board meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #5 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution providing for the opening of the sealed bids received for the purchase of $1,155,000 of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 1998, of Mt. Hermon School District of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana (the “Bonds”), approving the Official Notice of Bond Sale and Official Statement in connection therewith (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adopt the following Resolution: SEE ATTACHED. Motion carried unanimously. After calling for sealed bids for the purchase of the Bonds, Mr. David M. Wolf, Bonding Attorney, announced that three (3) bids had been received for the purchase of the Bonds. Mr. Wolf then opened the bids, which were as follows:
(1) Scharff & Jones, division of Morgan Keegan & Co., Inc., New Orleans, Louisiana - Average Net Interest Rate: 4.776684%
(2) Group of underwriters led by Duncan-Williams, Inc., Memphis, Tennessee -Average Net Interest Rate: 4.858225%
(3) Sabine State Bank, Many, Louisiana - Average New Interest Rate: 4.79971%
Mr. Wolf left the meeting to check calculations prior to acceptance of a bid.
Agenda Item #6 - Presentation by “Parents for Children and Equal Education” concerning a matter at Thomas Jr. High School - Cynthia Smith, Spokesperson (Dennie Fowler).
Delayed until later in meeting.
Agenda Item #7 - Consider a motion to adopt General Fund Budget for 1998/99 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (Adren Raybourn).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adopt General Fund Budget for 1998/99 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance. Motion carried unanimously. (On September 10, 1998, at 6:00 P.M., a Public Hearing on the 1998 Fiscal Year Budgets was held in the Board Room.)
Agenda Item #8 - Consider a motion to adopt Angie School District Budget for 1998/99 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (Beth Fussell).
It was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt Angie School District Budget for 1998/99 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by Beth Fussell, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #9 - Consider a motion to adopt School Food Service Budget for 1998/99 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (Marsha Newman).
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the Board adopt School Food Service Budget for 1998/99 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by Marsha Newman, School Food Service Supervisor. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #10 - Consider a motion to adopt IASA Title I, Title II, and Title VI Budgets for 1998/99 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (T. J. Butler, Jr.).
It was moved by Susanne Jones, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt IASA Title I, Title II, and Title VI Budgets for 1998/99 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by T. J. Butler, Jr., Supervisor, Federally Assisted Programs. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #11 - Consider a motion to adopt Special Federal Funds Budgets for 1998/99 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (Beth Fussell).
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt Special Federal Funds Budgets for 1998/99 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by Beth Fussell, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #12 - Consider a motion to adopt Drug Free Schools Budget for 1998/99 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (Beth Fussell).
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Juanita Barker, that the Board adopt Drug Free Schools Budget for 1998/99 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by Beth Fussell, Chief Accountant and Operations Manager. Motion carried unanimously.
At the request of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Holly James, that the following item be added to the agenda: Consider a motion to adopt Special Education IDEA Part B Carryover Budget in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. Motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Bruce Brown, that the Board adopt Special Education IDEA Part B Carryover Budget for 1998/99 fiscal year in conformity with Section 88:Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, as recommended by Dr. Pamela Williford, Special Education Supervisor. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #6 - Presentation by “Parents for Children and Equal Education” concerning a matter at Thomas Jr. High School - Cynthia Smith, Spokesperson (Dennie Fowler).
President Smith stated that Ms. Smith had been informed of how long she has been allocated to address the Board. Ms. Smith’s presentation was as follows:
“Good evening. My name is Cynthia Smith, and I’m here to speak on behalf of Parents for Children and Equal Education. I have been informed by the Board’s attorney that certain statements will not be allowed, so we will definitely try to stay within the Board policy and guidelines.
The issue that I would like to bring before you tonight involves a situation at Thomas Jr. High School. This is a situation that the community is definitely not satisfied with. On Thursday, August 13th, two teachers at Thomas Jr. High School placed our children’s names in four hats according to race and sex–black boy, white boy, black girl and white girl. They then proceeded to take turns pulling names from each hat to decide what child would be placed in what teacher’s class. Now according to the rules of this game, you can only trade the same race and same sex child, black boy for black boy or white boy for white boy. During the course of this “eeny, meeny, minny, mo” session, the white teacher wanted to change the rules of the game. She wanted to trade a white child, or a black child from the other class for a white child to be placed in her class. The white teacher, allegedly, made the statement to the black teacher, “You give me white kids for the black, and I’ll give you the black.” This incident was witnessed by the black teacher and a white teacher’s aide at Thomas Jr. High School.
Members of the Board, this is my first concern - the method that is used to place our children in classrooms. Our children are not games to be played. This is something you do in a card game. You play hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs, not black boys, white boys, black girls and white girls. These are small, innocent kids. In checking with other schools, both inside and outside of Washington Parish, no other school uses this method. The most common procedure that was described to me was for the teachers to rate the children according to their academic ability and for the principal to place the children in the classroom so that the classrooms will be well-balanced, both academically and racially. Why is the procedure so different at Thomas Jr. High School?
The white teacher did not stop at one negative action, but she, allegedly, displayed her negative feelings and attitudes again to another teacher the following Monday, August 17th, while sitting at the lunchroom table. At this time, she, allegedly, made the comment that she had a brilliant class; she only had three blacks. The parents of these three black children became concerned about this teacher’s negative attitude and the environment that our children have been placed in. Our first priority was to remove our children from this negative environment, which we have done. At this time, the white teacher has no black children, which, according to the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights in Washington, D.C., is a federal violation, Title VI, Civil Rights Act, 1964. This racial separation is affecting our children, not only black children, but white children, also. We, as parents, have tried to protect our children from the truth, but these children are no dummies. They are smart little people who pick up on things, even when no words are spoken. They are aware that all the black children and only a few white children are in the black teacher’s room, and that there are no black children in the white teacher’s room. And their question to us is, “Why?”
So, I bring this question to you, the Washington Parish School Board, elected officials that have been chosen to make sure that the environment that our children are placed in is conducive to learning, regardless of race. I ask you to change shoes with the parents who have children in this class at Thomas Jr. High School. I ask you to imagine this being one of your children. Imagine kissing your child good-bye in the morning and telling them that you love them and to have a nice day at school. Imagine feeling that peace that knowing that your child is going into a positive environment and to a teacher who has only his or her best interest at heart, a teacher that you can work with to make sure that your child has the best school year ever. This is the type of situation we all imagine for our children, but, sometimes, reality slaps us in the face. Now think what happens when you send your child into a situation where a teacher of a different race from yours makes a negative comment, not only about your child, but a whole race of innocent children. How would you, as a parent, feel? Would you be at peace entrusting your child to this person? Is this the type of environment that you want to create for our children in the Washington Parish School System? By not dealing with this situation, or situations like this, can be unwise. You, the school board members, are showing your support and letting your actions say, “It’s O.K. to discriminate.” What will be allowed next? Teachers not wanting to teach children because of disability? We hope that you will rectify this situation on a local level. So, our question to you, elected members of the Washington Parish School Board, is, “What actions are you going to take to protect our children from teachers who discriminate against them?” Thank you.”
Superintendent Fowler thanked Ms. Smith for her presentation. He stated that the areas of concern would be looked into. Ms. Smith asked when an answer from the Board could be expected. Superintendent Fowler replied, “Some of these areas have already been addressed. As far as taking measures to balance out or make moves or maneuvers, this has already been done; that will be addressed at a later date. When we have an opportunity to meet on certain of these matters, we can come back with you and let you know how they’ve been addressed. I can let you know some of it for the next board meeting (September 24, 1998).”
Bruce Brown stated he’d like to make a response, which was as follows:
To the President, fellow board members, Superintendent Fowler, Principal Merritt, and to all the members of the community that have assembled here tonight, I, as a member of this board and a representative of District 3 and of the entire Washington Parish School System, would like to express my deepest concern regarding this situation and these circumstances that exist at one our schools. It is most regrettable that in 1998, which is 30 years after total integration, that we find ourselves confronted with these concerns. I do not know exactly what was said and done to cause this, but, it is obvious that something took place. For every action, there is a reaction, and for every cause, there is an effect. Nothing happens by chance. My greatest concern is for the children and all children that they will have an opportunity to learn in a safe and friendly environment, one that is conducive to learning. They deserve that assurance from us. Our parents need to feel comfortable that their children are going to be treated warmly and fairly and will be given every opportunity to learn. That is the purpose for which the school system exists. Furthermore, I say to these parents and concerned individuals that this Board has given audience to your concerns and would only ask that you would be patient and allow this Board to investigate this matter thoroughly, and, in the due course of time, report to you its findings and take any and every necessary step to see to it that things are put in proper order, so that we can get on with the business of educating our children. This is the only fair and impartial way to accomplish this task and be absolutely fair to all parties concerned. Thank you, and may God bless you.”
Agenda Item #13 - Consider a motion to authorize advertisement for bids for a Fiscal Agent Bank to serve for the period November 1, 1998, through October 31, 2000 (Adren Raybourn).
At the recommendation of Adren Raybourn, Director of Finance, it was moved by Hayward Boone, seconded by Holly James, that the Board authorize advertisement for bids for a Fiscal Agent Bank to serve for the period November 1, 1998, through October 31, 2000. Motion carried unanimously. Advertising dates will be September 16, 23, & 30, 1998. Bids will be accepted until 4:00 P.M., October 5, 1998; bids will be opened 10:00 A.M., October 6, 1998; recommendation for selection of the Fiscal Agent Bank will be made at the October 15, 1998, board meeting.
Agenda Item #14 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution accepting the best bid for the purchase of the Bonds (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Susanne Jones, that the Board adopt the following Resolution accepting the bid of Scharff & Jones, division of Morgan Keegan & Co., Inc., of New Orleans, Louisiana, for the purchase of One Million One Hundred Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($1,155,000) of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 1998, of Mt. Hermon School District of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana: SEE ATTACHED. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #15 - Consider a motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the incurring of debt and issuance of said bonds; prescribing the form, terms and conditions of the Bonds; designating the date, denomination and place of payment of the Bonds; providing for the payment thereof in principal and interest; and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Harold Smith).
It was moved by Harold Smith, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board adopt the following Resolution: SEE ATTACHED. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #16 - Consider a motion to renew the contract of employment for William R. Brignac, Jr., Supervisor of Maintenance and Vocational Education (Dennie Fowler).
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Fowler, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board renew the contract of employment for William R. Brignac, Jr., Supervisor of Maintenance and Vocational Education, for the period beginning November 11, 1998, and ending November 10, 2000. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #17 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding quotations received for roof repair at Franklinton Primary School (William Brignac).
William Brignac reviewed the quotations received, which were as follows: Smith Roofing Company - $2,600.00, and Champion Roofing & Pressure Washington -$3,900.00. Upon the recommendation of Mr. Brignac, it was moved by Freddie Jefferson, seconded by Hayward Boone, that the Board award the contract for roof repair at Franklinton Primary School to Smith Roofing Company in the amount of $2,600.00. Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #18 - Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Personnel Adjustments (Richard Kennedy).
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Karl Bickham, that the following Personnel Adjustments be approved, as recommended by Richard Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent:
PERSONNEL ADJUSTMENTS
REQUEST FOR SABBATICAL LEAVE:
Varnado Elementary School: Katherine Lewis, Regular Teacher/Faculty Coordinator, Sabbatical Leave for Rest and Recuperation effective September 7, 1998, and for the remainder of the 1998/99 school year.
REQUEST FOR SICK LEAVE:
Franklinton High School: Sylvia K. Smith, Regular Teacher, Extended Sick Leave effective the Spring semester of the 1998/99 school year.
Thomas Jr. High School: Billy Wade Knight, Regular Teacher, Sick Leave effective September 17, 1998, through November 30, 1998.
TRANSFER:
Louvenia Jenkins, 8(g) Model Early Childhood Paraprofessional, Enon Elementary School, TO Special Education Paraprofessional, Franklinton Primary School, effective September 14, 1998.
APPOINTMENT:
Varnado Elementary School: Gayle A. Robinson, Faculty Coordinator, effective September 7, 1998, and for the remainder of the 1998/99 school year only (fill-in for Katherine Lewis, who will be on sabbatical leave).
CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
Gladys Causey, Part-time Food Service Technician, Thomas Jr. High School, TO Special Education Paraprofessional, Franklinton Elementary School, effective September 14, 1998, and for the remainder of the 1998/99 school year only.
EMPLOY:
Enon Elementary School: Francis Robinson, 8(g) Model Early Childhood Paraprofessional, effective September 14, 1998 (Call back).
Enon Elementary School: Lisa Jenkins, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective September 14, 1998, and for the remainder of the 1998/99 school year only.
Franklinton Jr. High School: Terrence August, Band/Vocal Music Teacher, effective September 14, 1998, and for the remainder of the Fall semester only of the 1998/99 school year (CIRCULAR 665).
Pine/Thomas Schools: Deborah Cook, Music Teacher, effective September 14, 1998, and for the remainder of the 1998/99 school year only (TTA).
Varnado Elementary School: Melissa Kennedy, Title I Pre-School Teacher, effective September 14, 1998,and for the remainder of the 1998/99 school year only (fill-in for Katherine Lewis, who will be on sabbatical leave) - TTA.
Varnado Elementary School: Gurnez Nichols, Part-time Custodian, effective September 11, 1998.
Motion carried unanimously.
Agenda Item #19 - Superintendent’s Report.
Superintendent Fowler reported a current student enrollment of 4,569.
Agenda Item #20 - Other business from board members.
Holly James requested that principals avoid scheduling school open houses on board meeting nights.
Freddie Jefferson stated, “Just because we didn’t make a comment (following Ms. Cynthia Smith’s presentation) doesn’t mean we don’t stand behind and support what Mr. Brown and Ms. Cynthia said. We asked Mr. Fowler to look into it, investigate it, and let us know. Our silence, as a board member, doesn’t mean we ignore them. We support what’s going on.”
Agenda Item #21 - Consider a motion to adjourn.
It was moved by Bruce Brown, seconded by Harold Smith, that the Board adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
HAROLD R. SMITH, PRESIDENT
DENNIE FOWLER, SECRETARY