LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, June 7, 2005 6:15 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 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. 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, Mr. Rob Shadoin, and Ms. Jo Tatum.
No board member was absent.
Prior to the meeting, 04-05 retirees of the Lincoln Parish School System were honored with a reception in the lobby of the School Board.
President Otha Anders called the meeting to order and Mr. Shadoin gave the invocation. Ms. Best led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag followed by a welcome to special guests, members of the press, and of the official staff from Mr. Anders.
Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Ms. Tatum, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Mr. Ludley, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on May 10, 2005 and the Special Called Session of May 16, 2005 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 631 years of faithful and dedicated service to the parish. Retirees were as follows:
NAME SCHOOL YRS. IN LINCOLN TOTAL YEARS
Dr. Charles Scriber Central Office (Superintendent) 29 35
Gloria Roebuck Central Office (Supervisor) 6 40.5
Michael Barmore Hico Elementary (Teacher) 33 33
Kim Billberry Ruston Junior High (Teacher) 14 14
Judy Crawford Hico Elementary (Teacher) 25 25
Judith Deal Glen View Elementary (Teacher) 20 24
Sylvia Duck Ruston Elementary (Teacher) 7 28
Dianne Hay Hillcrest Elementary (Teacher) 33 33
Inell Hoard Ruston High (Teacher) 28 30
Ruth Johnson A. E. Phillips (Teacher) 36 39
Glenda Nelson Hico Elementary (Teacher) 3 11
Carolyn Peace Ruston High (Teacher) 16.5 33
Gwen Richardson Pupil Appraisal (Ed Diagnostician) 14 32
Beverly Slocum A. E. Phillips (Teacher) 34 34
Willie Young Ruston Junior High (Teacher) 29 29
Ann Lary Ruston Elementary (Secretary) 28 28
Marilyn Polman Simsboro High (Secretary) 20 20
Dorothy Bryant Ruston Elementary (Tchr.'s Aide) 13 13
Linda Norred Dubach High (Tchr.'s Aide) 7 7
Margie Dyes Hico Elementary (Computer Proctor) 23 23
Raymond Duke Choudrant Schools (Bus Driver) 20 20
Milton Simmons Ruston Schools (Bus Driver) 10 10
Earlene Simmons Hillcrest Elementary (Custodian) 20 20
Margie Larance Dubach High (SFS technician) 25 25
Cinda Martindale Simsboro High (SFS manager) 24.5 24.5
Superintendent Charles Scriber and Mr. Anders wished all of the retirees well and offered congratulations on their retirement.
Secondary Supervisor, Ricky Edmiston, recognized Ruston High School (RHS) track coach, Dave Anderson, for preparing the girls 2005 state track and field champions. He said that the team possessed the championship characteristics of desire, discipline, determination, and dedication. Mr. Edmiston introduced the coach to the Board and presented a plaque to him on behalf of the Board in recognition of winning the class 5A, girls' state track title.
Coach Anderson expressed his thanks to the Board and indicated that early in the year he presented a challenge to a group of girls who had talent and potential. Because of their belief, confidence, and most importantly persistence, they were able to achieve. They became the first girls in the history of Ruston High School to win a state championship - in any sport.
Mr. Anders thanked Coach Anderson for being a hard task master. The qualities he has instilled in his runners will, in Mr. Anders' opinion, stay with the students for the remainder of their lives. Dr. Scriber said that Mr. Anderson has the ability to make student athletes go above and beyond what is expected. They wished him well as he leaves Ruston High School.
Next Mr. Edmiston recognized and presented a plaque to Coach Eddie Thomas for his dedication, diligence, and persistence in the sport of tennis. State championships do not happen by accident and, and after trying for twenty years, he has coached his first Choudrant High state tennis champs, Ramsey Ballard and Jurdan Thomas.
Coach Thomas thanked the administration and board for their support and recognition. He indicated that the boys worked hard and he expressed his pride in them.
Thirdly Mr. Edmiston said that Coach Tony Antley has a record at Choudrant High that speaks for itself. His boys' baseball team won thirty games for the first time followed by another state championship. On behalf of the Lincoln Parish School Board, Mr. Edmiston offered congratulations for all of the hard work and dedication to the coach and also assistant coaches Robbie Smith and Josh Courtney. He presented Coach Antley with a plaque in recognition of his achievements.
Coach Antley also thanked the administration and staff who have been supportive of Choudrant High athletics for all of his fifteen years. He appreciates the parish's support of the young people and the opportunities afforded them which, in his opinion, they will never forget.
Mr. Anders and Mr. Kessler offered congratulations and thanks to the students, parents, and coaches and said they have represented the parish well. They expressed the board's pride in them.
The plans have almost been completed for the second phase of the Ruston school district renovation project involving Glen View and I. A. Lewis according to Superintendent Scriber. He called on Mike Walpole, architect, who gave a quick report on the first phase, Cypress Springs and Hillcrest. Mr. Walpole asked for permission to advertise for bids on the second phase of the project and estimates a bid opening date of mid-July.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Ms. Tatum, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission for the advertisement of bids for renovations to Glen View and I. A. Lewis.
Broken and obsolete property creating clutter in areas needed for other purposes at Ruston Elementary should be disposed imparted Elementary Supervisor, Mary Null. She presented a list of items and asked that they be declared as surplus.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to declare the items on the list from Ruston Elementary as surplus to be properly disposed.
A brief history of the parish's technology plan since its inception in 1997 was vocalized by Technology Coordinator, Debbie Sandidge. Through the efforts of the Louisiana Center for Educational Technology and the La. Resource Center for Education, a format to be used for this year's revision, an amendment, has been approved by the administrator of the E-rate program. She included the required components: goals and strategies, professional development, budget, assessment, and evaluation in the amendment and funding requests made for the 05-06 year of the E-rate program. Ms. Sandidge asked for approval of the amendment and permission for submission.
Upon a motion by Mr. Ludley, seconded by Ms. Henderson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Amendment to the district Technology Plan and grant permission to submit it to the Louisiana Center for Educational Technology.
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.-6.; Ronny Volentine, Transportation Supervisor, presented 7.; and Charles Owens, Director of Auxiliary Services, presented 8.-9.:
1. Retirement of the following:
Beverly Slocum, special education gifted talented at A. E. Phillips, effective May 30, 2005.
Gwen Richardson, pupil appraisal ed diagnostician at Lincoln Center, effective June 19, 2005.
Dorothy Bryant, special education aide at Ruston Elementary, effective May 27, 2005.
2. Resignation of the following teachers effective May 30, 2005 unless otherwise noted:
Heather Slay, ½ time English at Choudrant High.
Sennie Cox, ROTC at Ruston High, effective May 31, 2005
Kala Sims, kindergarten at Simsboro.
3. Request for professional sabbatical leave for the full 05-06 year from Kathy Stone, pupil appraisal coordinator at Lincoln Center, effective August 1, 2005.
4. Leave without pay request from August 15, 2005 to May 29, 2006 from Dana Talley, math at Ruston High, who has been selected as one of the State Department's Distinguished Educators.
5. Employment of Paula Cupp as secretary at Ruston Elementary, effective August 2, 2005, replacing Ann Lary who is retiring.
6. Point of Reference/Transfer of Pam Willis from Hillcrest Elementary to special education IEP Facilitator at Lincoln Center effective July 1, 2005 replacing Kathryn Shipp who promoted.
7. Retirement of bus driver in the Ruston area, Milton Simmons, effective May 27, 2005.
8. Resignation of Angela Davis, custodian at Ruston High, effective January 21, 2005.
9. Employment of Todd Kennedy as custodian at Ruston High, effective August 9, 2005, replacing Angela Davis who resigned.
Upon a motion by Ms. Tatum, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the Board unanimously voted to accept the personnel recommendations as presented.
Mr. George Murphy, Business Manager, presented a sales tax report for the month ending May 2005. Accumulations were up 2.84% for the year and 3.39% compared to the same month last year. Collections in both the 1967 and the 1979 sales tax funds were $371,294, and $222,776 went into the 1993 and 2000 funds. Audit recoveries were down from last year's numbers.
He also delivered an April 2005 financial update and indicated that funds are adequate to issue thirteenth checks. The General Fund is up 1.4 million for the year. The other funds are in line for this time of the year.
Following approval at the April 12 meeting, Mr. Volentine advertised for bids in order to purchase two new 2006 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. Mr. Volentine recommended that the Board accept the lowest bid meeting specifications which was from Ross Bus Sales in Alexandria, La. for $54,295 each.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to accept the bid from Ross Bus Sales for the purchase of two new 2006 conventional buses at $54,295 each.
Bid opening was held on May 12, 2005 for the purchase of the following items for the 05-06 school year: copy paper, toilet tissue, paper towels, gasoline, and diesel. Mr. Owens recommended that the Board accept the lowest bids meeting specifications.
Upon a motion by Mr. Shadoin, seconded by Mr. Ludley, the Board unanimously voted to accept the lowest bids meeting specifications for the purchase of materials and supplies for the 05-06 school year as shown below:
Company Submitting Bid Gasoline & Diesel
E. Lee Young Unleaded Regular Cost + .0886 gallon
Unleaded Plus Cost + .0886 gallon
Unleaded Premium Cost + .0886 gallon
Road Use Diesel Cost + .0943 gallon
Off Road Diesel Cost + .125 gallon
UNISOURCE 300 Cases Toilet Tissue
Price Per Case: $31.90
Total for 300 Cases: $9,570.00
UNISOURCE 500 Cases Paper Towels
Price Per Case: $12.76
Total for 500 Cases: $6,380.00
UNISOURCE 2,800 Cases Copy Paper
Price Per Unit: $21.25
Total for 2,800 Cases: $59,500.00
Through a Special Called Session on May 16, 2005 and careful analysis, evaluation, and consideration by all board members, President Anders communicated the Board's selection of Mr. Danny Bell for negotiations with the Executive Committee concerning the superintendency. Mr. Anders and Vice President Joe Mitcham, after conferring with the Business Manager, met with Mr. Bell and came up with a proposal of a two-year contract with a base salary plus a car allowance. This offer was confirmed through telephone conversations with the remainder of the Executive Committee with no opposition. The Executive Committee, therefore, recommended the ratification of Mr. Danny Bell as superintendent of Lincoln Parish Schools under a two-year contract, effective July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2007, with a base salary of $90,000 and a $5,000 annual car allowance.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. McKinney, the Board unanimously voted to name Mr. Danny Bell superintendent of Lincoln Parish Schools under a two-year contract, effective July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2007, with a base salary of $90,000 and an annual car allowance of $5,000.
Mr. Bell expressed his appreciation for the vote of confidence and looks forward to the opportunities and challenges of the position. He indicated that he was overwhelmed by the support of the central office staff and those employees in the schools.
Superintendent Scriber congratulated Danny Bell and told the Board that they made a wise choice. He also announced that in order to make the title more accurately reflect the job responsibilities, Superintendent-Elect Bell is changing the title of the position which he is vacating from Director of Curriculum and Instruction to Director of Instruction, Personnel, and Special Programs. He proposed that the application period for that position to open on June 8, 2005 and close at noon on June 23, 2005. Interviews would be held on June 28 and 29 with a recommendation to fill the position to be presented to the board at its July 12, 2005 meeting. The advertisement and interview process will be handled as in the past and in accordance with the court order pertaining to the selection of administrative personnel.
Upon a motion by Mr. Ludley, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to approve the time line to advertise and interview for the Director of Instruction, Personnel, and Special Programs as described above.
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 2005 through June 2006 is $2,450 which is a $75 increase over 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 semiannual updating service for the fiscal year is $1500 which is a $200 increase. He recommended renewal of the contract with Forethought for both of these services.
Upon a motion by Mr. McKinney, seconded by Mr. Shadoin, the Board unanimously voted to approve the renewal of a 12-month contract with Forethought Consulting, Inc. beginning July 2005 and ending June 2006 at a cost of $3,950 for the policy manual and CAPS updating services.
As a result of increased sales tax collections, Mr. Murphy recommended and Dr. Scriber concurred that July salary supplement checks be paid to employees as follows: $3414 to certified and $1,707 to support employees. These amounts, which are up $92/$46 over the previous year, are possible because of the reserve and a 2.8% increase in collections. He requested the Board's approval of the payment amounts and reminded Board members that the checks are based on actual collections. There is no guarantee that the same amounts will be paid next year.
Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Ms. Henderson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the payment of salary supplement checks on June 24, 2005 in the amounts of $3,414 for certified staff and $1,707 for support staff.
Each year the governmental agencies which compose the Sales and Use Tax Commission must consider and approve the Commission's proposed budget. Mr. Mitcham presented the proposed budget to the Board for their examination and asked for approval of the $219,900 instrument.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Ludley, the Board unanimously voted to approve the 05-06 Sales and Use Tax Commission's budget of $219,900.
In accordance with state law, a solicitation for proposals was sent to the two newspapers in Lincoln Parish in order to name an official journal for the upcoming year. The Morning Paper proposed $4.80 per square with a $1.00 reduction for the first 100 words if submitted on floppy disk or e-mail. The Ruston Daily Leader offered $4.50 per legal square with a .50 reduction if submitted on disk or e-mail. President Anders asked for a motion.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to name The Ruston Daily Leader as the official journal for fiscal year 05-06.
Mr. Anders indicated that Lincoln Parish is grateful to Superintendent Charles Scriber for his 29 years of dedicated service to the parish. He thanked him for his leadership and for recognized academic growth during his two-year term as superintendent. He congratulated and wished Dr. Scriber well as he leaves to assume the superintendency in Mt. Home, Arkansas.
In lieu of a Report of the Superintendent, Dr. Scriber verbalized what a rewarding experience his years in Lincoln Parish have been, especially the administrative years and those as superintendent. He appreciates the Board's support and the quality of leadership provided by them.
After brief comments and observations, the meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
____________________________ __________________________________
Charles R. Scriber, Secretary Otha L. Anders, President