LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, April 3, 2001 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, April 3, 2001 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. David Wright, Mr. Billy Abrahm, Mr. Otha Anders, Dr. Marty Beasley (arrived after the meeting began), Ms. Lisa Best, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Ms. Mattie Harrison, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Rob Shadoin, and Ms. Jo Tatum.
No one was absent.
President Wright called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Mr. Anders. Mr. Wright led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and welcomed special guests, members of the press and of the official staff.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Ms. Tatum, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda with one modification.
Upon a motion by Mr. Shadoin, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Sessions held on March 6 and March 21, 2001 as distributed.
Helen Hall, Principal of Dubach High School, was delighted to recognize the Class B, boys' basketball, state championship team and coach, Shane Lee. Superintendent Gerald Cobb was pleased to present a plaque on behalf of the Lincoln Parish School Board in recognition of their achievement.
Dr. Cobb also presented a plaque for a unique reason, Mrs. Ruth Potts has represented Ruston High School on the Superintendent's Advisory Council for 22 consecutive years, from 1980-2001. She expressed her thanks.
When the Board granted permission to advertise for bids in order to purchase of five school buses at the March 6 meeting, they were to be financed through a lease purchase agreement, reminded Business Manager Juanita Duke. Since that time, she found an alternative financing option through certificates of indebtedness that would be more cost effective given the large principal amount being requested. Ms. Duke described a resolution for the Board's perusal granting preliminary approval for issuing up to $300,000 on certificates of indebtedness and to make application to the State Bond Commission for their approval. She noted that she anticipates the cost of the buses to be approximately $240-250,000 but the higher amount gives a cushion in case any unforseen costs are indicated from the bids yet to be received. Wording in the resolution also employs Foley & Judell as bond counsel for the issuance of the certificates. She introduced Grant Schlueter, an attorney with them, who was in attendance.
Mr. Schlueter spoke briefly and was available with Ms. Duke for questions.
After brief questions, upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted by poll vote to adopt the resolution granting preliminary approval for the issuance of Certificates of Indebtedness not to exceed $300,000, making application to the State Bond Commission, and employing Foley & Judell as bond counsel.
Supervisor of Title I, Willie Washington, told the Board that the LEA Consolidated Application for Federal Programs is designed to improve teaching and learning by encouraging greater cross-program coordination, planning and service delivery under the Improving America's Schools Act (IASA), and to enhance integration of programs under IASA, Goals 2000, the School-to-Work Opportunities Act, and with other educational activities carried out with state and local funds. He voiced his annual request for permission to submit an application for the grant.
After brief questions, upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to submit an application for the grant, "LEA Consolidated Application for Federal Programs," Improving America's Schools Act of 1994.
Charles Owens, Director of Auxiliary Services, summarized his annual request for permission to advertise for bids for materials and supplies for the 01-02 school year.
Upon a motion by Mr. Shadoin, seconded by Ms. Tatum, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to advertise for bids for copy paper, duplicating fluid, thermal masters, toilet tissue and paper towels, dust mops, and gasoline and diesel for 01-02.
Mr. Owens also communicated that two of the four portable buildings at Cypress Springs were purchased in the early 70's. With a life expectancy of ten to twelve years, maintenance and upkeep costs have increased tremendously. To meet present day codes and safety requirements in order to keep these older buildings suitable for use as classrooms would cost significantly more per square foot than new construction. In addition to the aging portable buildings, an increase in student numbers is also anticipated. Construction of a new building with two classrooms would address both problems. Therefore, he recommended the construction of a double unit classroom at Cypress Springs.
Upon a motion by Mr. Abrahm, seconded by Ms. Tatum, and after brief questions, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to advertise for bids for the construction of a double unit classroom at Cypress Springs Elementary School.
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.-2. and Charles Owens presented 3.-4.:
1. Retirement of the following:
Nancy Delafosse, elementary teacher at Glen View, effective June 1, 2001.
Sue Ledford, itinerant adaptive P.E. teacher, effective June 1, 2001.
Sidney Price, elementary teacher at Simsboro Elementary, effective June 1, 2001.
2. Resignation of the following:
Stacy Campbell, science/music at Dubach High, effective March 23, 2001.
Jennifer Russell, teacher at Hillcrest Elementary, effective March 15, 2001.
3. Retirement of the following:
Annie Tibbs, custodian at Simsboro Schools, effective November 20, 2000.
Tilman Underwood, custodian at Simsboro Schools, effective January 22, 2001.
4. Employment of the following:
Donald Perry in a new maintenance position at the central office effective March 5, 2001.
Effective March 5, 2001, T. J. Johnson as custodian at Glen View replacing Jerome Richards who transferred.
Upon a motion by Ms. Tatum, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to approve the personnel items.
1. Because of the nature of the final item on the personnel agenda, bus driver suspension, and because the employee to be discussed was not in attendance Howard Whitlock, Transportation Supervisor, recommended that the Board enter into executive session.
Upon a motion by Mr. Shadoin seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session at 6:31 p.m.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to return to regular session at 6:46 p.m.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Shadoin, the Board unanimously voted to uphold the administration's five day suspension of a bus driver and to withhold pay for that period of time.
Juanita Duke explained that 1967 and 1979 sales tax collections for the month of March 2001 were $296,302 which was down $18,571 over the same month last year. Collections in the 1993 sales tax fund also showed a decrease of $11,143 compared to March 2000, with $177,781 being collected. Collections went down about 6% in most of the categories. Overall for the year though, collections were up 2% over those of last year. Added to the 2000 sales tax fund in March was $177,781. Audit recoveries in the amount of $25,065 were received for the month.
After calling the Board's attention to the shaded row on the February 2001 financial statement, Ms. Duke related that the general fund has a balance of approximately $2,600,000 which is a really healthy fund balance for this time of year. Payments have been made to the state pension fund from our property tax collections and those have been withheld from our funds, including the general fund, that have millages as a source of revenue. The balance is rising in the 2000 sales tax fund and accumulating for the July 1 tax supplement checks. Utility costs are being paid out of the district maintenance and operation and ad valorem funds and will continue to be until they are depleted.
A revised IDBB policy, Alcohol, Tobacco, Drug, and Substance Abuse Education Program, was distributed at the March 21, 2001 meeting, according to Superintendent Gerald Cobb. Tobacco was added to the wording of the policy. He requested approval of the proposed policy.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Ms. Tatum, the Board unanimously voted to approve the revised IDBB policy, Alcohol, Tobacco, Drug, and Substance Abuse Education Program, for insertion into the Lincoln Parish School Board policy manual.
The Superintendent's Advisory Council met on March 21 for the purpose of reviewing the proposed 01-02 school calendars, Dr. Cobb communicated. Not much flexibility is possible in our calendars because of state mandated testing dates and makeup dates. The main difference in the calendars was midterm: Option 1 had January 11 for the end of the first semester and Option 2 had December 21 as the end. Schools' faculty and staff, bus drivers, central office, food service, special education, and Title I personnel were polled and 62% preferred Option 2. Dr. Cobb requested approval of the proposed Option 2 calendar.
Upon a motion by Mr. Shadoin, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the proposed Option 2 calendar for the 01-02 school year as follows:
Lincoln Parish School Calendar
2001-2002
Instructional In service Day August 13, 2001
All Staff Workday August 14, 2001
Labor Day Holiday September 3, 2001
Teacher In service ½ Day September 28, 2001
Thanksgiving Holiday November 19-23, 2001
End of First Semester December 21, 2001
Christmas/New Year Holidays Dec. 24-Jan. 4, 2002
Martin Luther King/Great Americans' Day January 21, 2002
Instructional In service Day January 22, 2002
Spring Break/Easter Holiday March 25-April 1, 2002
Last Day of School May 24, 2002
After examining many energy saving proposals from several companies during the past two years, Dr. Cobb recommended that the Board contract with Energy Education, Inc. for a period of four years to assist with energy management and conservation program. He introduced Gary Clark, Vice President with Energy Education, who was in attendance and then listed his reasons for the recommendation:
1. There is no up-front capital outlay required as it is with all retro fitting proposals.
2. There are no new budgeted funds to employ the company. All fees and salaries will be paid out of our existing budget. This is not a spending decision but rather a savings decision. The goal is to save 20% to 30% of our energy costs.
3. The contract guarantees that the program will save at least the cost of the program or the company will pay the difference.
4. The success of the program nationwide and locally in Ouachita and several other Louisiana parishes.
5. This program is an approach to energy management that emphasizes people and their energy habits rather than mechanical means of reducing energy use and costs and they have a proven track record of success.
Gary Clark said Lincoln Parish is doing better than many parishes but additional savings can be realized. He said his company wants teachers and students to be as comfortable as they are now but to focus on the times when the room/building is unoccupied. Energy Education, Inc. would be paid a percentage of the monies saved. If no savings are realized, they would not be paid. They will work on a limited basis after the four-year contract expires at no cost. Mr. Clark answered a few questions.
Dr. Beasley entered the meeting as Mr. Clark answered questions.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to contract with Energy Education, Inc. for a period of four years to assist with the energy management and conservation efforts of the Lincoln Parish School District.
Mr. Owens said that schools could not continue to exist without the hard work of the support staff: secretaries, bus drivers, bus aides, cafeteria workers, custodial and maintenance staff, and teacher aides. Their jobs being a vital part of the overall education of each child in Lincoln Parish, he recommended that the Board adopt a resolution declaring a Support Personnel Week.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION
That the Lincoln Parish School Board designates the week of April 23-27, 2001 as Support Personnel Week in Lincoln Parish and copies of this Resolution be sent to all of the schools in the parish, and made a part of the official minutes of the Lincoln Parish School Board.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Dr. Cobb mentioned that:
1) A letter was in packets from State Superintendent of Education Cecil Picard expressing his appreciation for the resolution supporting Senator Bill Jones's preschool legislation.
2) Copies of the Board's recent picture can be purchased by individual Board members by contacting Becky Gemelli.
After brief comments, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
_______________________________________________________________
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President