LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, September 5, 2000 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, September 5, 2000 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Lincoln Parish School Board Office, 410 South Farmerville Street, Ruston, Louisiana. Members present were Mr. Billy Abrahm, Mr. Otha Anders, Dr. Marty Beasley, Ms. Dinah Brazzel, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Ms. Mattie Harrison, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, and Mr. Rob Shadoin.
President David Wright was absent.
Vice-President Rob Shadoin called the meeting to order and Mr. Anders gave the invocation. Mr. Shadoin led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and welcomed guests.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda with an addendum.
Upon a motion by Mr. Abrahm, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on August 1, 2000 as printed.
Mr. Shadoin announced that this was the time specified for a public hearing for the proposed 00-01 budget. Opportunity was given for anyone present to express comments or questions regarding the budget. Hearing no comments or questions, he turned the floor over to Business Manager, Juanita Duke.
The Finance Committee meet just prior to the 6:00 meeting of the Board and Ms. Duke shared the following:
The only Finance Committee agenda item was the presentation of the beginning budget for review, discussion, and vote as the official budget for 00-01. She provided a budget summary and information she felt was necessary and reminded all that a budget is a guideline and is not set in stone, especially since Minimum Foundation Program revenues are not known until January. The proposed budget included total revenues projected for the year ending June 30, 2001 from local, state and federal sources for the General Fund and Special Revenue Funds of $38,946,833. Estimated expenditures for the 00-01 fiscal year from the same funds are $38,942,331. She projects an ending fund balance of $4,246,872.
After questions and comments, Mr. Shadoin said the Finance Committee passed a motion to present the proposed 00-01 budget to the Board and he asked for the Board's preference. Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the proposed 00-01 budget as presented.
Mr. Shadoin announced that this was the time specified for a public hearing for the proposed tax millages for 2000. Opportunity was given for anyone present to express comments or questions. Hearing no comments or questions, he proceeded to the next item on the agenda.
Supervisor of Federal Programs, Barbara Kirkland, made her annual request for permission to apply for Impact Aid funding for 00-01 which provides approximately $10,000 in aid to be placed in the general fund to be used to defray extra costs incurred as a result of federally-connected children moving into the parish.
Upon a motion by Mr. Abrahm, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to apply for Impact Aid funding for 00-01.
Mrs. Kirkland also shared that Dubach High School has accumulated vocational, audio-visual, and office equipment that is outdated or inoperative. Because repairs would not be cost effective, she asked that these various pieces be declared as surplus and eliminated.
Upon a motion by Ms. Brazzel, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to declare the outdated equipment at Dubach High School as surplus or junk and dispose of it in accordance with applicable state law and board policy and that the proceeds from the sale of this surplus equipment be used for technology at DHS.
Contract bus drivers were given a 5% increase in operational pay for March, April and May of 2000 to help defray the cost of fuel, according to Howard Whitlock, Transportation Supervisor. He proposed that the Board grant a permanent 5% increase in total operational pay of contract drivers effective July 1, 2000. The estimated cost to the Board is $5,000 to $6,000.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to grant a 5% increase in total operational pay for contract drivers to begin with the 2000-2001 school year.
Juanita Duke reminded Board members that each year schools are allocated funds from the 1979 sales tax fund for library supplement ($1.75), classroom supplies ($3.00), office supplies and equipment repair/purchase ($3.00), student services ($3.00), and debate and speech ($1.50). These funds are distributed on a per pupil basis and sent directly to the schools to be disbursed by the principal. Ms. Duke recommended sending the per pupil allotments shown above which are the same as 99-00 amounts. Also to be included in the checks are $100 per kindergarten teacher and monies for those schools which have a band. The total to be disbursed to the schools would be $95,337.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the Board unanimously voted to approve the annual school allocation of funds for 00-01 from the 1979 sales tax as outlined by Ms. Duke.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were discussed after Assistant Superintendent Ronnie Suggs presented 1.-4., Howard Whitlock presented 5., and Director of Auxiliary Services Charles Owens presented 6.:
1. Resignation of the following:
James Cooper, teacher at Glen View, effective August 7, 2000.
Teacher at I. A. Lewis, Marjorie Lester, effective August 10, 2000.
Des'Tina Paige, itinerant art teacher, effective August 8, 2000.
Science teacher at Ruston High School, Liz Dickson, effective August 24, 2000.
Dennis Hensley, band director at Ruston High School, effective August 8, 2000.
Science teacher at Ruston High School, Sherita Lewis, effective August 30, 2000.
Veronica Ellis, teacher at Ruston Junior High, effective August 16, 2000.
Computer proctor at Ruston Elementary, Shirley Rich, effective August 2, 2000.
2. Points of Reference (Transfers) effective August 18, 2000 unless stated otherwise:
Gwen Flanagan transferring from special education aide to computer proctor at Cypress Springs replacing Betty Hinton who also transferred.
Ruth Kent transferring from special education aide to computer proctor at I. A. Lewis replacing Barbara Tubre who resigned.
Eva Williams transferring from Ruston Elementary to alternative at Lincoln Center, effective August 17, 2000, replacing Adaryll Moore who resigned.
Donna Lilley transferring from the Central Office to computer proctor at Ruston Elementary effective September 8, 2000, replacing Shirley Rich who resigned.
Debra Upshaw transferring from school food service to special education aide at Simsboro replacing Chaundra Garrison who resigned.
3. Employment, effective August 17, 2000 unless otherwise stated of the following:
Stacey Campbell as 1/2 time choir teacher at Dubach High replacing Billy Carter who resigned.
Marilyn Rushing as special education at Glen View replacing James Cooper who resigned.
Glenda Dangerfield as itinerant art teacher replacing Des'Tina Paige who resigned.
Karmyn Crowe as special education at Ruston Elementary replacing Eva Williams who transferred.
Sherri Robken as band at Ruston High replacing Dennis Hensley who resigned.
Jan Schrader as science at Ruston High effective August 30, 2000 replacing Sherita Lewis who resigned.
Karen Stout as science at Ruston High effective August 28, 2000 replacing Liz Dickson who resigned.
Stephanie Mattox as 8th grade teacher at Secondary Alternative replacing Yolanda Dade who transferred.
Judy Hart as special education at Simsboro replacing Bonnie Thomason who transferred.
4. Employment of the following special education aides effective August 17, 2000 unless otherwise specified:
Jackie Powell at Glen View replacing Marilyn Rushing who transferred.
Laundi Williams in a new position at Hillcrest.
Steve Tyler at I. A. Lewis replacing Gwen Flanagan who transferred.
Vana Welch at I. A. Lewis replacing Ruth Kent who transferred.
Cathrine Allman in a new pre-kindergarten aide slot at Ruston Elementary effective August 28, 2000.
Doris Moore at Ruston Elementary in a new position.
Jane Atchison at Simsboro replacing Terri Simmons who resigned.
5. Retirement of Estelle Outley, bus driver in the Ruston area, effective August 15, 2000.
6. Employment of the following custodians effective August 14, 2000:
Barbara Pitre in a new position at Ruston High.
Gregory Richards in a new position at Ruston High.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to approve the personnel recommendations.
Career Night has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 20, 2000 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Ruston Junior High School according to Barbara Kirkland. Parish juniors, seniors, and their parents are invited to attend. Representatives from more than 30 colleges and universities from Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi; Louisiana technical colleges; beauty schools; and all branches of the armed services will be available to meet with those interested in attending the various schools. Information on scholarships, financial aid, ACT requirements, and admission policies will also be presented. This annual event is coordinated by Ms. Kirkland and the parish high school guidance counselors. No Board action was required but it was noted by a Board member that this is an outstanding source of valuable information.
As mandated by the State Department of Education, the Lincoln Parish School Board offered summer school and retest opportunities at no cost to students who previously scored at the unsatisfactory level on the springs 2000 LEAP for the 21st century assessment, related Elementary Supervisor, Danny Bell. A majority of eligible students attended this past summer's remediation program at Ruston Junior High and many were successful with their July retest. One hundred forty-seven 4th and 8th graders took advantage of the program at a total cost of approximately $103,000. Fourth graders in special education had a 23% success rate, with eighth grade special education students 11% successful. Fourth graders in regular education passed at a rate of 59% with eighth graders' success rate of 45%. He closed by saying that an overall strong staff and regular student attendance contributed to a very successfully summer school program in Lincoln Parish.
Dr. Beasley mentioned that while in attendance at the Louisiana School Boards Association 2000 Legislative Update recently, she learned that the LSBA would like to know opinions on four issues: alternative certification or teachers, certified teachers in grades 4 & 8, provisional diploma, and re-testing of 8th grade students on high school campuses. She presented the administration's summaries on the issues and asked Board members to let her know if any of them had a strong feeling about any of them.
Even with late August 4th and 8th grade test scores, it was a very smooth opening of school again this year with the usual adjustments being made, Ronnie Suggs reported. Although the official student count is not taken until October 1, 2000, he estimated that the parish will have 6,629 students, a loss of about 125 students. One of the reasons he noted for the decline is 86 fewer kindergarten students so far this year.
Sales tax collections for August, 2000 were up .12% over the same month last year and 5.081% year-to-date, according to Ms. Duke. In the 1967 and 1979 sales tax fund $284,213 was collected, with $170,528 being collected in the 1993 and 2000 funds. She said that $18,216 was recovered by audits during the month which is up 11.021% compared to this month last year.
The first item of Unfinished Business was the appointment of an interim Board member for Mr. Allen Tuten's Ward 1-C slot. Names of five persons interested were given to the Board and Mr. Shadoin asked for their inclination. Mr. Kessler expressed concern over the short turn around until the October 7 election. He felt that one of the two who did not qualify for the election should be named so as not to give an edge to one of those seeking election to complete the unexpired term. Mr. Mack disagreed and suggested that one who had been more vocal in their expression of interest should be named without regard to the upcoming election. He asked that the three who qualified for the election, who were all in attendance, give their opinion on the interim nomination but Mr. Shadoin called him out of order.
Mr. Kessler nominated Chad Connor as interim Board member for Ward 1-C.
Mr. Mack nominated Jim Shrell for the slot.
Mr. Mitcham moved that nominations cease and Mr. Anders seconded the nomination.
By a show of hands vote, Mr. Mack was the only vote for Jim Shrell, and the other nine members in attendance voted for Chad Connor to be named interim board member for Ward 1-C until the upcoming election determines a permanent replacement.
A resolution naming Mr. Connor interim Board member was the next item to be considered.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the resolution appointing Chad Connor to represent Ward 1-C until the voters select their representative at the polls.
Approval was given at the July 11, 2000 meeting to sell two parcels of land in Dubach to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for $8,400. Superintendent Cobb requested permission for President David Wright to sign the necessary paperwork.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Ms. Brazzel, the Board unanimously voted to authorize David Wright to execute the necessary paperwork in order to sell two parcels of land in Dubach to the LA DOTD for $8,400.
Because the year 2000 is the year for the quadrennial reappraisal of property, Juanita Duke presented a resolution providing for adjustments in millages. The resolution also provides for levying the millage for district bonded debt and the new 10-mill tax passed by voters on January 15, 2000. This year's reassessment resulted in an increase in the value of property in Lincoln Parish of 3.12% over the 1999 assessed value of property. As a result, the resolution sets the parishwide and district and operation and maintenance millages at rates less than the 1999 levy.
Ms. Duke presented a second resolution setting the millage rates for 2000 to equal the millage rates assessed in 1999, but which would also provide an additional $120,000 in tax revenues to the Board across five local funds. Adoption of this resolution would help to raise local effort which is a vital factor in receiving matching revenues from the State in Level II of the Minimum Foundation Program formula. She recommended each resolution for Board consideration.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Mack, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to adopt the resolution levying millages as a result of the quadrennial reappraisal for the year 2000 for Lincoln Parish as follows:.
I. Parishwide
A. 4.84 Mills Constitutional Tax
B. 4.98 Mills Special Repair & Equipment Tax
C. 4.98 Mills Special Maintenance & Operation Tax
D. 11.72 Mills Parishwide Maintenance & Operation Tax
II. District Taxes - For Bond and Interest Fund
A. 15.00 Mills Ruston School District #1
B. 19.20 Mills Simsboro School District #3
C. -0- Mills Dubach School District #5
D. 25.00 Mills Choudrant School District #6
III. District Taxes - Maintenance and Operation
A. 2.94 Mills Ruston School District #1
B. 2.75 Mills Simsboro School District #3
C. 3.30 Mills Dubach School District #5
Voting by roll call for the above motion were: Billy Abrahm, Otha Anders, Dinah Brazzel, Dr. Marty Beasley, Curtis Dowling, Mattie Harrison, Jim Kessler, George Mack, Joe Mitcham, and Rob Shadoin.
Voting against the motion: None.
Absent and not voting: David Wright.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Ms. Brazzel, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to adopt the resolution levying millages up to, but not exceeding, the rates levied in 1999 for Lincoln Parish as follows:
I. Parishwide
A. 4.99 Mills Constitutional Tax
B. 5.14 Mills Special Repair & Equipment Tax
C. 5.14 Mills Special Maintenance & Operation Tax
D. 12.09 Mills Parishwide Maintenance & Operation Tax
II. District Taxes - For Bond and Interest Fund
A. 15.00 Mills Ruston School District #1
B. 19.20 Mills Simsboro School District #3
C. -0- Mills Dubach School District #5
D. 25.00 Mills Choudrant School District #6
III. District Taxes - Maintenance and Operation
A. 3.01 Mills Ruston School District #1
B. 2.75 Mills Simsboro School District #3
C. 3.33 Mills Dubach School District #5
Voting by roll call for the above motion were: Billy Abrahm, Otha Anders, Dinah Brazzel, Dr. Marty Beasley, Curtis Dowling, Mattie Harrison, Jim Kessler, George Mack, Joe Mitcham, and Rob Shadoin.
Voting against the motion: None.
Absent and not voting: David Wright.
Charles Owens reported that a recent storm severely damaged the roof over I. A. Lewis's gym. A poll vote was taken September 4 to adopt a resolution declaring an emergency at the school. He asked for ratification of the poll vote.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the Board unanimously voted to ratify the poll vote of September 4, 2000 adopting a resolution declaring an emergency to exist at I. A. Lewis in order to expedite gym roof repairs.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Dr. Cobb said:
1) Ruston Parks and Recreation gave the Board $5,000 to help with Ruston
High School's James Stadium embankment project.
2) An Open House schedule was in packets and mentioned one date change.
3) He is proud of ACT results which were also included in packets. "Lincoln Parish has scored no lower than 5th in the State in the last ten years. This scores encompasses the kindergarten through twelfth grade program and indicates that our people are doing a consistently good job," he said. He is very proud to be the Superintendent of Lincoln Parish Schools.
After brief comments and questions, the meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
__________________________ ________________________
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President