LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

REGULAR SESSION

Wednesday, February 16, 2005     12:30 p.m.              

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 at 12:30 p.m. at Cypress Springs Elementary School.  Members present were President Otha Anders, Ms. Lisa Best, 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.

Mr. Curtis Dowling and Mr. Rob Shadoin were absent.

Prior to the business meeting, board members enjoyed a delicious lunch in the school cafeteria.

Mr. Anders called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Mr. Kessler.  Ms. Henderson led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.

Upon a motion by Ms. Tatum, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.

In the absence of the principal Coordinating Teacher, Bettye Anders, shared a brief word of welcome on behalf of the faculty and staff to a much improved Cypress Springs which is a "school on the move to success."  She thanked the Board and the administration for the recent addition of a Curriculum Strategist, Kathy Sims, who has been a very welcome addition.  Ms. Anders issued a standing invitation for Board members to visit the school at any time.

President Anders welcomed board members and guests to the meeting.

The Board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were considered after being presented by Danny Bell, Director of Curriculum and Instruction:

1.    Resignation of Joe Ferguson, P.E./coach at Ruston High, effective January 6, 2005.

2.         Employment of Sandy Harris in a new financial assistant position at the central office effective February 14, 2005.

3.         Point of Reference/Transfer of Kendra Wall from special education aide to secretary at Simsboro effective February 18, 2005 replacing Marilyn Polman who retired.

Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. McKinney, the Board unanimously voted in favor of the personnel recommendations.

At this point in the meeting Mr. Anders recognized Bettye Anders, who turned the floor over to Kathy Sims.  Ms. Sims summarized many of the good things going on at the school mainly dealing with discipline, patriotism, character, parental involvement, and instruction aimed at raising standardized test scores.  She shared a typical morning assembly including the pledge, motto, slogan, and song.  Ms. Sims thanked the Board and administration for their help making Cypress Springs a better school.

In a Report of the Superintendent, Dr. Scriber communicated that the school system has joined with 40 other systems in a suit over the ever-increasing cost of the employer's contribution to the retirement systems.  He noted that this will not cost the system any money.

After brief comments from a couple of board members, the meeting adjourned at 1:04 p.m.

___________________________              ______________________________

Charles R. Scriber, Secretary                   Otha L. Anders, President