LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Wednesday, January 19, 2000 12:30 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Wednesday, January 19, 2000 at 12:30 p.m. at Choudrant High School. Members present were Mr. David Wright (arrived after the meeting began), Mr. Billy Abrahm, Mr. Otha Anders, Ms. Priscilla Barfield, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Ms. Mattie Harrison, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, and Mr. Rob Shadoin.
Mr. Allen Tuten was absent.
Prior to the business meeting, board members enjoyed a delicious lunch in the school cafeteria.
Vice-President Shadoin called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Mr. Mitcham. Mr. Shadoin led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Assistant Principal, Doug Postel, welcomed the Board to the school. He said he is proud of the programs at the school and that the school was recognized as one of the strongest combination schools in Northwest Louisiana. He also expressed his appreciation and thankfulness for being part of the Lincoln Parish school system and the support of the School Board.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were read and recommended by Mr. Shadoin:
1. Retirement of Betty Ward, teacher at Hico Elementary, effective January 17, 2000.
2. Employment of the following teachers effective January 18, 2000:
Debbie Joyner, Hico Elementary, replacing Betty Ward who retired.
Debbie Martin, math at Ruston High, replacing Patricia Cochran who is on extended sick leave.
Liz Dixon, science at Ruston High, replacing Sherita Lewis who is on extended sick leave.
3. Employment of Michael Duke as bus driver in the Ruston area, effective January 18, 2000, replacing Don Williamson who resigned.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to accept the personnel recommendations/requests.
Because of Dr. Beasley's request at the previous meeting, Superintendent Gerald Cobb provided a brief explanation of each resolution adopted and submitted by school systems which will be presented to the 2000 Resolutions Committee of the Louisiana School Boards Association. He also expressed his opinion on how to vote on each of them.
During Dr. Cobb's explanation, Mr. Wright entered the meeting.
Business Manager, Juanita Duke, called attention to the shaded line on the November, 1999 Financial Update. She said the general fund is doing relatively well for this time of year. The 5 mill maintenance fund has a low balance as mentioned at an earlier meeting. The report does reflect December 1, 1999 salary supplement check payments from the 1993 sales tax fund.
President Wright said committee assignments for 2000 were made following the board members' requests and he called attention to the list. He requested approval of the committees.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to approve the 2000 Committees as presented.
One policy manual addition, one deletion, and several revisions were presented at the January 4, 2000 meeting according to Superintendent Cobb. After reading each policy name and asking for questions, he requested approval of the policy changes.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to revise School Board Ethics (BH); Purchasing (DJE); Bids & Quotations (DJED); Personnel Records (GAK); Alcohol, Drug & Substance Abuse Education Program (IDBB); Summer Session (IDCA); and Student Alcohol & Drug Use (JCDAC); to add Recruitment of Superintendent (CEC); and to delete School Bus Conduct (JCDAD-R).
Because Lincoln Parish is fortunate enough to have two school nurses that do such a wonderful job, Dr. Cobb requested much deserved recognition in the form of a Governor-approved proclamation designating Wednesday, January 26, 2000, as School Nurse Day in Lincoln Parish.
By acclamation, the Board adopted the proclamation designating Wednesday, January 26, 2000, as School Nurse Day in Lincoln Parish.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Dr. Cobb thanked the Board for their help with the tax proposals which were on the January 15 ballot. It was the consensus of opinion that the 61% approval by the voters was a pat on the back for the system.
After brief comments, the meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m.
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Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President