LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, June 6, 2000 6:15 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, June 6, 2000 at 6:15 p.m. in the Board Room of the Lincoln Parish School Board Office, 410 South Farmerville Street, Ruston, Louisiana. Members present were Mr. David Wright, Mr. Billy Abrahm, Mr. Otha Anders, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Ms. Mattie Harrison, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Rob Shadoin, and Mr. Allen Tuten.
No one was absent.
Prior to the meeting, 99-00 retirees of the Lincoln Parish School System were honored with a reception in the lobby of the School Board.
President David Wright called the meeting to order and Mr. Shadoin gave the invocation. Mr. Wright led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Upon a motion by Mr. Shadoin, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on May 2, 2000 as distributed.
Believing that character education development for the young people of Louisiana is a must if a difference in the quality of life for all individuals will be realized, Governor Mike Foster has funded an award to be presented to school personnel in the public school system who have successfully implemented a character education curriculum or program within his/her classroom or school, according to Elementary Supervisor, Danny Bell. This year, he was delighted to announce that Linda Wallace of Glen View Elementary School was chosen as a finalist for this Outstanding Character Education Award. She joined the other finalists on May 4 at the State Capitol and was recognized as the 7th place winner and awarded a $1,000 check. Mr. Bell recognized Mrs. Wallace and Superintendent Cobb presented her with a plaque from the Board in appreciation and recognition of the many hours she has invested in an attempt to help her students understand the needs of the less fortunate in Ruston and how they, as good citizens, can do something about it. David Wright expressed the Board's pride and also thanked her for her service to the young people and the community as a whole.
The Outstanding School Support Employee Awards Program provides an opportunity to honor an outstanding employee at the elementary, middle, and high school levels who support and provide leadership in the operation of non-instructional activities within the school system, Director of Auxiliary Services, Mr. Charles Owens, explained. He reviewed the selection procedure and with Dr. Cobb's help, presented plaques to the following in order to recognize their contribution to the Lincoln Parish School System:
Huey Holyfield Elementary Cypress Springs Custodian
Stella Smith Jr. High Choudrant High Custodian
Donna Williams High School Simsboro High Secretary
Mr. Wright conveyed the Board's appreciation to the Outstanding Support Persons.
At this point in the meeting, the retirees honored with an earlier reception were presented with small gifts and certificates of appreciation for a total of 584 years of faithful and dedicated service to the parish. Retirees were as follows:
NAME SCHOOL YRS. IN LINCOLN TOTAL YEARS
Sandra Bice Ruston Jr. High (Teacher) 29 30
Patsy Bratton Simsboro (Teacher) 32 32
Mymie Caldwell Ruston Jr. High (Teacher) 27 33
Martha Callender Ruston Elementary (Teacher) 21 32
Gaile Clary Glen View (Teacher) 32 32
Carolyn James Glen View (Teacher) 15 35
Saundra Johnson Glen View (Teacher) 21 30
Sue Jones Ruston Jr. High (Teacher) 19 26
Cheryl Lamkin Choudrant High (Teacher) 30 30
Darene Larance Ruston Jr. High (Teacher) 23 26
Betty Pierce Ruston Elementary (Teacher) 23 27
Martha Price Cypress Springs (Teacher) 23 36
Rosa Goins Roane Cypress Springs (Teacher) 29 30
Bonnie Sherrard Ruston High School (Teacher) 27 27
Oliver Sutton Ruston High School (Teacher) 10 10
Beth Vosburg Ruston Elementary (Teacher) 17 29.5
Betty Ward Hico Elementary (Teacher) 14 28
Bobby McCullin Parishwide Maintenance 30 30
Mary Cheeks Alma J. Brown (School Food) 33 35
Rose Hargrove Glen View (School Food) 20 20
Fannye Sherman Grambling High (School Food) 34 34
Charlesetta Young I. A. Lewis (School Food) 15 15
Charles P. Jones Ruston District (Transportation) 26 26
Glenda Reed Simsboro District (Transportation) 20 20
Donna Simms Simsboro District (Transportation) 14 14
President Wright wished the retirees well and offered congratulations on their retirement.
Dr. Cobb reminded the Board that Lincoln Center Principal Ray Bratton retired during the 99-00 school year and Rickey Burton was named interim principal for the remainder of the school year. Superintendent Cobb proposed to open the application process to fill the position on Thursday, June 8, 2000 and to close the period at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2000. Advertisements will be sent to school systems and newspapers across North Louisiana seeking applicants and interviews will be held on June 27 or 28. A replacement will be recommended to the Board at its July 11, 2000 meeting according to him.
Upon a motion by Mr. Abrahm, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to advertise June 8-June 22, 2000 and interview June 27-28, 2000 for the Lincoln Center principal position.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were presented by Mr. Ronnie Suggs, Assistant Superintendent:
1. Retirement, effective June 1, 2000, of the following:
Gaile Clary, art teacher at Glen View Elementary.
Saundra Johnson, teacher at Glen View Elementary.
2. Leave without pay request for the 00-01 school year from Donna Doss, math teacher at Dubach High School.
3. Resignation, effective June 1, 2000, of the following teachers:
Barbara Einsel, teacher at Choudrant Elementary.
Mandy Bain, math instructor at Ruston Junior High.
Katina Rhodes, junior high teacher, at Simsboro.
4. Employment of Ronald Cox as science teacher/head basketball coach at Ruston High School effective July 20, 2000 replacing Jackson Thigpen who retired.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to accept the above recommendations as presented.
5. Dr. Cobb presented a resolution which he recommended that the Board adopt scheduling a tenure hearing on July 20, 2000 for Mr. Johnny Brewster, bus driver. A list of specific charges which relate directly to work performance along with a list of the witnesses who might testify against Mr. Brewster on the charges had been included in Board packets. He said if Board members felt the specific charges are of sufficient seriousness to warrant the calling of a tenure hearing, then they should vote to adopt the resolution. If, on the other hand, they felt that the itemized charges contained were not of sufficient seriousness to warrant a tenure hearing, then they should vote against the resolution calling such hearing.
In the event that a tenure hearing was called, Dr. Cobb also presented a resolution employing special counsel to represent his staff and him in the hearing. He explained that the Assistant District Attorney would represent the Board but that in this proceeding he needed his own legal representation. He asked for the Board's approval of that resolution, if applicable.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to approve the resolution calling for a tenure hearing on July 20, 2000 for Mr. Johnny Brewster.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to approve the resolution employing special counsel for the tenure hearing of Mr. Johnny Brewster.
Ms. Juanita Duke, Business Manager, presented a revised 4 page sales tax report for the 1967, 1979, and new 2000 sales tax collections. For the month ending May, 2000 collections in the new 2000 sales tax fund were $163,286, 1967 & 1979 collections were $300,776, and 1993 collections were $180,465. The comparison figures did not include the new sales tax but showed an increase of 6.52% this month compared to the same month last year. She indicated that almost 93% of last year's total collections have been received to date and predicted that the total sales tax collections for the year will be the same as last years. Audit recoveries of $4,400 were $2,108 below last year's numbers but up 2.4% over the same month last year.
A financial update for the month ending April, 2000 was also presented by Ms. Duke. After calling attention to the shaded area, she said the general fund has a good balance at this point in time. She is awaiting some grant reimbursements and will probably transfer money in October in the 5 mill fund as has been done for the past two years. The sales tax balance is building in anticipation of June 30 salary supplement checks. Utility costs continue to be paid out of the '93 ad valorem and district maintenance and operation funds.
Bids from Ross Bus Sales, Kent Mitchell Bus Sales, and Scott Truck, Inc. were opened on June 1, 2000 to determine the cost to purchase two new conventional school buses and one new special needs lift bus, according to James Payton, Supervisor of Auxiliary Programs. After careful analysis and comparison of bids, he recommended that the bid from Ross Bus Sales of $62,888 be accepted for a Blue Bird special needs lift bus with the option to purchase the bus with air for $71,388 if funds are available and the bid from Kent Mitchell Bus Sales of $47,985 be accepted for two Freightliner conventional school buses.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the Board unanimously voted to accept the $62,888 bid from Ross Bus Sales in order to purchase a new special needs lift school bus, with the option to purchase one with air for $71,388 if funds are available, and Kent Mitchell Bus Sales' $47,985 bid for two new conventional buses.
Bid opening was recently held on the following items for the 00-01 school year: duplicating paper, paper towels and toilet tissue, gasoline and diesel, and thermal masters. Mr. Owens recommended that the Board accept the lowest bid meeting specification as indicated.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the Board unanimously voted to accept the lowest bid meeting specifications for the purchase of materials and supplies for the 00-01 school year as shown below:
Company Submitting Bid Gasoline & Diesel
E. Lee Young Unleaded Regular Cost + .0489 gallon
Unleaded Plus Cost + .0489 gallon
Unleaded Premium Cost + .0489 gallon
On Road Diesel Cost + .0489 gallon
Off Road Diesel Cost + .10 gallon
UNISOURCE 200 Cases Toilet Tissue
Price Per Case: $26.65
Total for 225 Cases: $5,330.00
450 Cases Paper Towels
Price Per Case: $10.37
Total for 450 Cases: $4,666.50
A to Z Paper Company 2,000 Cases Copy Paper
Price Per Unit: $20.70
Total for 2,000 Cases: $41,400.00
Standard Stationery Supply Co. 100 Cases of Thermal Masters
Price Per Case: $118.80
Total for 100 Cases: $1,188.00
On May 12, 2000 the Simsboro High School gym sustained severe damage to the roof due to strong winds, according to Charles Owens. To prevent further damage from occurring and so that needed repairs could be expedited, a poll vote was conducted on May 15, 2000 regarding a resolution declaring an emergency to exist at Simsboro High. Mr. Wright requested ratification of the poll vote as Mr. Owens had nothing to add to his background information.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to ratify the May 15, 2000 poll vote unanimously adopting a resolution declaring an emergency to exist at Simsboro High School and authorizing the purchase of certain materials and labor required for the repair of the roof.
A second poll vote was taken on May 15, 2000 to determine the Board's response to tax resolutions forwarded from the Lincoln Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission, Superintendent Cobb reported. The Board unanimously voted to approve the tax resolutions.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to ratify the unanimous poll vote of May 15, 2000 approving the tax resolutions from the Lincoln Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission.
Following tentative approval of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of Ruston at the May 2, 2000 meeting pertaining to their use of the Greenwood School for a community recreation facility, suggested modifications were submitted by Dr. Cobb to Assistant District Attorney Andy Shealy. Dr. Cobb asked for approval of the revised agreement basically giving the City the right to improve and use the facility for a period of ten years with two, five year renewal options for $250 a month.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tuten, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of Ruston regarding their lease of the Greenwood School.
Last year the Board voted to take bids for the official journal, but when bids were received the Board chose to consider factors other then cost related to publishing in the official journal, reminded Ms. Duke. This year the Board voted to take proposals rather than bids so that factors other than costs could be considered. The Ruston Daily Leader offered $5.00 per square with a .50 reduction if submitted on disk or e-mail. The Morning Paper proposed $4.80 per square with a .50 reduction if submitted on disk or e-mail. She asked for the Board's preference.
Upon a motion by Ms. Harrison, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted by a show of hands to name The Ruston Daily Leader as the official journal for fiscal year 00-01.
Because the Board's June 6 meeting date did not fall within the time allotted to adopt a special election proclamation detailing procedures to be following in electing a permanent replacement in October for Priscilla Barfield, a poll vote was conducted May 15, 2000 to determine the Board's desires. Superintendent Cobb asked for ratification of the poll vote.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to ratify the May 15, 2000 poll vote unanimously adopting a proclamation calling a special election in October to fill the vacancy in Ward 4.
A person who meets qualification of the office must be appointed by the Board to fill the vacancy on an interim basis, Dr. Cobb said. As advertised in The Leader, those interested in filling the position were to call in and have their names placed on a list. Nominations could also be made by Board members. David Wright read the five names from the list: John Allen, Dinah Brazzel, John McKethan, Jo Tatum, and Regina Henry Warner.
Mr. Shadoin nominated John Allen.
Dr. Beasley nominated Dinah Brazzel and Mr. Mack seconded the nomination.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tuten, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted that nominations should cease.
Mr. Wright asked for a show of hands vote for Dinah Brazzel. Mr. Anders, Dr. Beasley, Mr. Mack, Mr. Kessler, Ms. Harrison, and Mr. Dowling were the six votes for Ms. Brazzel.
Those voting by show of hands for John Allen were Mr. Shadoin, Mr. Abrahm, Mr. Mitcham, and Mr. Tuten.
By a vote of six to four, Dinah Brazzel was named interim Board member for Ward 4.
Mr. Shadoin asked if the Board would unanimously endorse Ms. Brazzel and it was their unanimous decision to do so.
Ms. Brazzel, who was in the audience, thanked the Board and pledged to do her very best.
A resolution naming Ms. Brazzel as an interim Board member until the election was the next item to be considered.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted by a show of hands to adopt the resolution appointing Mrs. Dinah Brazzel to represent Ward 4 until an election can be held.
Mrs. Barfield also served on the Lincoln Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission as one of two appointees from the Board. Mr. Wright asked for volunteers to fill that slot. Mr. Mitcham nominated Mr. Abrahm. Hearing no objections, Billy Abrahm was named to the Commission by President Wright.
Dr. Cobb shared that the Town of Dubach requested approval of an agreement with the Board pertaining to the use of the old agriculture building at the old Dubach High School site. They wish to renovate the building for use in an RV park which they plan to develop around the building. The building itself needs a new roof and other repairs which the Town will finance. He presented a proposed Cooperative Endeavor Agreement drawn up by the Board's attorney which basically gives the Town the right to improve and use the facility for a period of ten years, with two, five year renewal options. The Town will be responsible for all upkeep and applicable insurance needs and will pay a $25 a month lease to the Board.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Town of Dubach regarding use of the old agriculture building at the old Dubach High School.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is in the process of acquiring various properties located along Highway 167 for the proposed expansion and improvement of Highway 167, Dr. Cobb told the Board. It will be necessary for a representative of the Board to be appointed and authorized to negotiate a price of properties with representatives with the LA DOTD and its agents concerning a portion of the old Dubach High School property which is needed for the new highway construction. The negotiated price will be presented to the Board for its consideration and action. He recommended the adoption of a proposed resolution authorizing him to act as the Board's negotiator.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tuten, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to approve the resolution authorizing the Superintendent to negotiate with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and its agents regarding their acquisition of properties on or near U.S. Highway 167 in Dubach for proposed expansion and improvement.
For a number of years the Lincoln Parish School Board has employed the services of Forethought Consulting, Inc. for the purpose of maintaining the Lincoln Parish policy manual's accuracy while at the same time keeping it as current as possible. Board mandates, selected state and federal court cases, pertinent legislation, and attorney general's opinions are reviewed to determine their effects on our policy manual. Dr. Cobb said this is becoming more important each year and is an effective, valuable service. Renewal of the Policy Updating Service for July, 2000 to June, 2001 is $1,980 which is $180 more than the previous year. In April, 1996 the Board also voted to subscribe to their Computer Assisted Policy Service (CAPS) which has cross-referenced and linked the policy manual, Louisiana statues, BESE bulletins, and minutes. These are updated by computer disk periodically. Cost for the CAPS semi-annual updating service for the fiscal year is $850 which is a $30 increase for the year. He recommended renewal of the contract with Forethought for both of these services.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve the renewal of a 12 month contract with Forethought Consulting, Inc. beginning July, 2000 and ending June, 2001 at a cost of $2,830 for the policy manual and CAPS updating services.
Ms. Duke shifted to the topic of June salary supplement checks and proposed that the same amounts as last year be given as sales tax collections for the year are almost the exact amount as last year. From the '67 and '79 sales tax funds certified personnel would receive $1820 and $910 for non-certified and from the '93 sales tax fund the amounts would be $1400/$700. These checks will go out with June payroll checks. She reminded Board members that the checks are based on actual collections, and there is no guarantee that the same amounts will be paid next year.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to approve the payment of the salary supplement checks for July 1, 2000 for: $3,220 for certified staff and $1,610 for non-certified staff.
Ms. Duke reminded Board members that revisions to the policy manual were adopted concerning the use of sick and sabbatical leave. These changes stemmed from the passage of Acts 1341 and 1342 during the 1999 Legislative Session. The Acts eliminated the unlimited sick leave available to teachers and bus drivers under the old law and changed the requirements and application of medical sabbatical leaves. The net pay the employees received under the old way was referred to as "Gayle Pay." Under the new law, leave taken after all leave has been exhausted is referred to as extended sick leave. Teachers and bus drivers only are allowed to take 90 days of extended sick leave within a six-year period. Also, a teacher cannot apply for a medical sabbatical leave unless they have an accumulated sick leave balance of twenty-five days or less. If a bus driver or teacher uses extended sick leave or if a teacher takes a medical sabbatical leave, they will be paid only 65% of their daily rate of pay. This pay is to be known as "Green Pay." Further, the acts require the distribution of any savings realized from the implementation of "Green Pay" in 99-00 as compensation to all classroom teachers. The basis for determining the savings is stated in the law to be the difference between the average Gayle Pay for the previous four fiscal years (95/96 through 98/99) and the "Green Pay" in 99-00. The average "Gayle Pay" in Lincoln Parish for the previous four years was $112,794.95. "Green Pay" in 99-00 totalled $46,087.50, resulting in a $66,707.45 savings. Ms. Duke recommended that the 483 classroom teachers be paid a one-time payment of $138.00 on June 30, 2000.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the Board unanimously voted to pay a one-time "Gayle Pay" savings payment of $138.00 to classroom teachers on June 30, 2000
In a Report of the Superintendent, Dr. Cobb mentioned that the next meeting is scheduled for July 11, 2000 rather than July 4 which is the first Tuesday of the month.
After brief comments and questions from Board members, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
__________________________________ ________________________________
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President