LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, June 1, 2004 6:15 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, June 1, 2004 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. Rob Shadoin, Mr. Otha Anders, Ms. Lisa Best, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Ms. Mattie Harrison, Ms. Lynda Henderson, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. Flynn Ludley, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Ted McKinney, Mr. Joe Mitcham, and Ms. Jo Tatum.
No board member was absent.
Prior to the meeting, 03-04 retirees of the Lincoln Parish School System were honored with a reception in the lobby of the School Board.
President Rob Shadoin called the meeting to order and Mr. McKinney gave the invocation.
Mr. Shadoin led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and welcomed special guests and members of the press and of the official staff.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Ms. Tatum, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on May 4, 2004 as distributed.
At this point in the meeting, the twenty-five retirees honored with an earlier reception were presented with small gifts and certificates of appreciation for a total of 563 years of faithful and dedicated service to the parish. Retirees were as follows:
NAME SCHOOL YRS. IN LINCOLN TOTAL YEARS
Barbara Kirkland Central Office (Supervisor) 29 34
James Payton Central Office (Supervisor) 33 33
Randy Moore Ruston Junior High (Principal) 31 34
James Pilgreen Hico Elementary (Principal) 29 33
Jeanette Crouch Choudrant High (Coord. Tchr.) 25 33
Sue Gullatt Ruston Junior High (Adm. Asst.) 22 31.5
Penny Crawford Ruston Junior High (Teacher) 6 25
Bonnie Cunningham Ruston Junior High (Teacher) 30 33
Randy Hay Ruston Junior High (Teacher/Coach) 33 33
Cathey Kavanaugh Cypress Springs (Teacher) 5 19
Casandra Lyles Ruston High (Teacher) 25 33
Ella Payne Simsboro High (Teacher) 17 33
Dawn Pinkston Cypress Springs (Librarian) 20 25.5
Daisy Smith Simsboro High (Teacher) 19.5 32.5
John Wallace Ruston High (Transition Coord.) 20 22
Judy Moon Central Office (Bookkeeper/Scrtary.) 22 22
Debra Vernon Secretary Alternative (Secretary) 20 20
Debbie Alexander Ruston Junior High (Tchr.'s Aide) 18 18
Dennis Byrnes Bus Driver 20 20
Fred Pee Bus Driver 27.5 27.5
Curtis Young Bus Driver 31 31
Jerry Lyons Lincoln Center (Custodian) 31 31
Billy Ray Torbor Central Office (Maintenance) 29 29
Otha Pringle Central Office (Van Driver) 10 10
Charlotte Perritt Simsboro High (SFS Technician) 26 26
Superintendent Charles Scriber and President Shadoin wished all of the retirees well and offered congratulations on their retirement.
The Outstanding School Support Employee Awards Program provides an opportunity to honor an outstanding employee in the elementary, middle, and high school/central office levels who support and provide leadership in the operation of non instructional activities within the school system, according to Director of Auxiliary Services, Charles Owens. He reviewed the selection procedure and with Dr. Scriber's help, presented plaques to the following in order to recognize their contributions to the Lincoln Parish School System:
Ivory Bass Junior High Teacher's Aide at Ruston Junior High
Barbara Pitre High School Custodian at Ruston High
Secondary Supervisor, Ricky Edmiston, recognized Ruston High School (RHS) track coach, Dave Anderson, for preparing the boys 2004 state track and field champions. He said that the team was undefeated this year due to their hard work and excellent coaching. Mr. Edmiston introduced the coach to the Board and indicated that he was also named the Coach of the Year. Coach Anderson expressed his thanks to the Board and introduced the members of the state team, other track athletes, and his assistant coach, J. P. Dunbar, who were in attendance. He was presented with a plaque in recognition of winning the class AAAAA, boys' state track title.
Because RHS recently purchased new band uniforms, the old ones are no longer needed. Mr. Edmiston requested permission to declare them as surplus and to dispose of them through a public sale. Proceeds would be deposited in the RHS band account.
Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to declare the old band uniforms at Ruston High School as surplus to be disposed of as described.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were considered after Danny Bell, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, presented 1.-3.; Charles Owens, Director of Auxiliary Services, presented 4.-5.; Ronny Volentine, Supervisor of Transportation, presented 6.; and Brenda Theodos, School Food Service Supervisor, presented 7.-8.:
1. Retirement of the following effective May 25, 2004 unless otherwise noted:
Dawn Pinkston, librarian at Cypress Springs.
John Wallace, special education transition coordinator, effective June 8, 2004.
Marion "Penny" Crawford, math teacher at Ruston Junior High.
2. Resignation of the following teachers effective May 25, 2004:
Kelly Nugent, elementary at Choudrant Elementary.
Randal Martin, social studies/coach at Choudrant High.
Rebecca Hodge, elementary at Glen View.
Colleen Bridges, music at Ruston High.
Douglas Garrett, social studies/coach at Ruston High.
Mark Ware, social studies/coach at Ruston High.
Dana Scott, math at Ruston Junior High.
Mariam Stone, science at Ruston Junior High.
3. Employment of Daniel Mejia, effective August 1, 2004, replacing Walter Moss who was granted a sabbatical leave.
4. Retirement of Billy R. Torbor, maintenance from the central office, effective June 30, 2004.
5. Employment of Jerry Huey as maintenance from the central office, effective June 1, 2004, replacing Philip McClain who plans to resign.
6. Retirement of Dennis Byrnes as bus driver in the Dubach and Hico areas effective May 21, 2004.
7. Retirement of Judy Moon, school food service secretary in the central office, effective July 31, 2004.
8. Transfer (point of reference) of Debbie Ware, effective June 1, 2004, from school food service field manager position to school food service secretary in the central office replacing Judy Moon who is retiring.
9. Resignation of Dr. Fredrick Pinkney as principal at I. A. Lewis effective June 30, 2004.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to accept the above recommendations as presented.
Mr. Jack Boyd, Business Manager, presented a sales tax report for the month ending May 2004. Compared to the same month last year, collections were up 10.89% and overall collections for the year were up 8.61%. Collections in both the 1993 and the 2000 sales tax funds were $215,478, and 1967 and 1979 collections were $359,131. Audit recoveries for the month totaled $1,055,919 because of two extremely large law suit settlements. Year-to-date audit collections were 3150.29% above last year's numbers.
He also delivered a financial update for April 2004 and indicated that it had been a real good fiscal year and funds have healthy balances. The '67, '79, '93, '00 sales tax funds continue to build in order to make June 26 salary supplement payments to employees.
Following approval at the May 4 meeting, Ronnie Volentine, advertised for bids in order to purchase five new 2005 conventional school buses. He received bids from Ross Bus Sales, Kent-Mitchell Bus Sales, and Scott Truck, Co., Inc. which are all located in Louisiana. He recommended that the Board accept the lowest bid meeting specifications which was from Scott Truck for $52,296.30 each.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to accept the bid from Scott Truck Co., Inc. for the purchase of five new 2005 conventional buses at $52,296.30 each.
Mr. Mitcham predicted that a bus maintenance facility is going to become a necessity in the near future for the eighty buses the Board owns.
Bid opening was held on May 6, 2004 for the purchase of the following items for the 04-05 school year: duplicating paper, paper towels, toilet tissue, dust mop rental, gasoline, and diesel. Mr. Owens recommended that the Board accept the lowest bids meeting specifications.
Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Mr. Ludley, the Board unanimously voted to accept the lowest bids meeting specifications for the purchase of materials and supplies for the 04-05 school year as shown below:
Company Submitting Bid Gasoline & Diesel
E. Lee Young Unleaded Regular Cost + .0685 gallon
Unleaded Plus Cost + .0685 gallon
Unleaded Premium Cost + .0685 gallon
On Road Diesel Cost + .0885 gallon
Off Road Diesel Cost + .10 gallon
Parker Wholesale 300 Cases Toilet Tissue
Price Per Case: $25.00
Total for 300 Cases: $7,500.00
Parker Wholesale 250 Cases Paper Towels
Price Per Case: $10.00
Total for 500 Cases: $2,500.00
UNISOURCE 250 Cases Paper Towels
Price Per Unit: $10.00
Total for 250 Cases: $2,500.00
UNISOURCE 2,800 Cases Copy Paper
Price Per Unit: $19.90
Total for 2,800 Cases: $55,720.00
Ruston Uniform Dust Mop Rental
18 inch: .40 each weekly
36 inch: .70
48 inch: 1.25
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. Scriber said this is becoming more important each year and is an effective, valuable service. Renewal of the Policy Updating Service for July 2004 to June 2005 is $2,375 which is the same as last 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 semiannual updating service for the fiscal year is $1300 which is a $200 increase. He recommended renewal of the contract with Forethought for both of these services.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. McKinney, the Board unanimously voted to approve the renewal of a 12-month contract with Forethought Consulting, Inc. beginning July 2004 and ending June 2005 at a cost of $3,675 for the policy manual and CAPS updating services.
As a result of increased sales tax collections, Mr. Boyd recommended and Dr. Scriber concurred that July salary supplement checks be paid to employees as follows: $3,322 to certified and $1,661 to support employees. These amounts, which are up $30/$15 over the previous year, are possible because of an 11% increase in collections. The remainder of the increase will be used to offset last year's decrease in sales taxes with no decrease in supplemental checks. Mr. Boyd requested the Board's approval of the payment amounts and 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 Ms. Tatum, seconded by Ms. Henderson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the payment of salary supplement checks on June 25, 2004 in the amounts of $3,322 for certified staff and $1,661 for support staff.
Lincoln Parish received from Lincoln Sales and Use Tax Commission a one-time settlement of suits pertaining to sales taxes according to Jack Boyd. These suits were settled and monies collected during the 03-04 fiscal year in the amount of $2,731,269. A portion of the monies are to be set aside for the specific purpose of paying expenses relating to projects for maintenance and operations as dictated by the applicable tax referendums. The remainder of the monies, totaling $2,452,110.12, are to be distributed as a one time supplement check to the employees. The distribution formula will be consistent with the sales tax distribution currently being used, certified personnel receive a full increment and support personnel receive one-half the amount received by certified personnel. Employee benefits are to be calculated at the same rates as for the June 25, 2004 supplement checks. He recommended that $3,032 be paid to each certified employee and $1,516 be paid to each support employee on June 25, 2004.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following: that a portion of the monies is to be set aside for the purpose of paying expenses relating to projects for maintenance and operations as dictated by the tax referendum, and that the remaining balance of the one-time sales tax settlement monies ($2,452,110.12) be distributed as a supplemental payroll check to Lincoln Parish School Board employees in the amount of $3,032 to certified personnel and $1,516 to support personnel at the time of the regular payroll distribution on June 25, 2004.
Each year the governmental agencies which compose the Sales and Use Tax Commission must consider and approve the proposed budget of the Commission. Mr. Mitcham, as president of the Commission, presented the proposed budget to the Board for their examination and asked for approval of the $200,150 instrument.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Ludley, the Board unanimously voted to approve the 04-05 Sales and Use Tax Commission's budget of $200,150.
In accordance with state law, a solicitation for proposals was sent to the two newspapers in Lincoln Parish to name an official journal for the upcoming year. The Ruston Daily Leader offered $4.50 per legal square with a .50 reduction if submitted on disk or e-mail. The Morning Paper proposed $4.80 per square with a .50 reduction for the first 100 words if submitted on floppy disk or e-mail. President Shadoin asked for the Board's preference.
Upon a motion by Ms. Tatum, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to name The Ruston Daily Leader as the official journal for fiscal year 04-05 on the basis of circulation.
Mr. McKinney distributed and quickly read a list of discussion points regarding the hiring of a capital improvement project coordinator. He explained his justification for the position, qualifications he felt would be necessary, possible responsibilities, and salary recommendation. A brief time of discussion ensued.
President Shadoin said the hiring of a project coordinator would be premature and therefore no action would be taken at this time. However, he asked the board members to consider Mr. McKinney's proposition for the future. He thanked Mr. McKinney for his work in preparation of the document.
President Shadoin said board member committee assignments for the remainder of 2004 were in packets.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Dr. Scriber said that:
1. Evaluation forms for the past year for the superintendent were included in packets and could be completed if board members so desired.
2. A special called meeting has been scheduled for noon on June 9, 2004 at the central office to receive bids on the bonds.
3. An ethics workshop has been planned for board members at noon on June 23, 2004 at the central office.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
__________________________________ __________________________________
Charles R. Scriber, Secretary Robert E. Shadoin, President