LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, 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. Otha Anders, Mr. Michael Barmore, Ms. Lisa Best, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Ms. Mattie Harrison, Ms. Lynda Henderson, Mr. Trott Hunt, Mr. Eddie Jones, Mr. Jim Kessler (arrived after the meeting began), Mr. George Mack, Mr. Ted McKinney, and Mr. Joe Mitcham.
No board member was absent.
President Anders called the meeting to order, and Mr. Hunt gave the invocation. Ms. Best led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag, and Mr. Anders welcomed guests to the meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. McKinney, seconded by Ms. Best, the board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barmore, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on July 10, 2007, as submitted.
Superintendent Danny Bell was pleased to introduce legislators, Representative Hollis Downs and Senator Bob Kostelka, who were present to give legislative updates.
Representative Downs said it was an especially good year for education in the State of Louisiana. He noted that Governor Blanco made education a number one priority and supported it from pre-kindergarten through graduate school. The examples he gave were 100% funding of education formulas, LA4 pre-kindergarten programs, raises for certified teachers which brought their salaries to the Southern Regional Average, an emphasis on a work-ready work force, raises for support employees, and increased funding for Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech University, and for technical colleges. One of his goals is for Lincoln Parish to become the premier example of education seamlessly from pre-kindergarten to higher education and not just for the state but for the entire nation.
Mr. Kessler entered the meeting during Representative Downs’ discussion.
Following two questions for Representative Downs, Senator Kostelka reiterated that the Legislature and the governor did a lot of good things for education - both higher education and K-12 education. Approximately $400,000,000 was designated for K-12 and another $200,000,000 in higher education. Good things were done with the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) with the beginning of a phase out of the Hold Harmless Agreement that favored south Louisiana parishes over those in the north. He believes the Brain Drain of teachers from the school systems and from the universities is being stopped. More problems can now be addressed since teacher pay has reached the Southern Regional Average and the MFP has been tweaked. Lincoln Parish schools have good scores which Senator Kostelka is sure will continue to improve. In fact, the parish has a lot of good things going for it. Ruston is growing by leaps and bounds. He predicts that if Barksdale Air Force Base does obtain a Cyberspace Complex and with Louisiana Tech and their nanotechnology thousands of jobs will open up along the I-20 corridor. Senator Kostelka foresees great days in the next three or four years.
Since there were no questions for Senator Kostelka, President Anders turned the floor over to Keith Guice, who is wanting to fill Dr. James Stafford’s seat as a Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) board member. After sixteen years Dr. Stafford is resigning because he moved out of the area he was representing. Mr. Guice introduced himself to the board and summarized his previous experience which included fifteen years as a superintendent in Catahoula Parish. Because he feels that education is his life’s calling, he wants to serve the seventeen parishes that make up District 5 even though there is no remuneration involved. Mr. Guice is the candidate from North Louisiana with Walter Gatlin, the other candidate, being from Rapides. He asked for support in the election.
Mr. Bell said that he was happy Mr. Guice and his wife attended the meeting to let the folks in North Louisiana and Lincoln Parish know a little about his plans to run for this very critical position on the BESE board. With issues that impact public education, BESE hears concerns, looks at policies, and develops policies that impact public education now and in the future. He knows that Mr. Guice has the background and a working knowledge of public schools following many years in the system. Mr. Bell appreciates the fact that Mr. Guice is willing to run for the seat and knows he has overwhelming support from district to district. He thanked him for coming, wished him well, and said he wants to bring him back to meet others in the community.
Several questions were directed to Mr. Guice from board members and from the public.
In order to comply with all applicable bulletins, acts of the Legislature, and state regulations, the local Pupil Progression Plan (PPP) has been revised to reflect the following addition and guideline to Section III, Placement Policies, subsection Placement according to Eric Carter, Supervisor of Testing, Evaluation, Curriculum, and Elementary Schools: The K - 8 student with characteristics of dyslexia served in the multi-sensory structured language program must successfully complete 75% of the multi-sensory structured language program and the applicable GLE’s. He requested approval of the revisions to the Lincoln Parish PPP.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the board unanimously voted to approve the revisions to the Lincoln Parish Pupil Progression Plan.
George Murphy, Business Manager, reminded Board members that each fall schools are allocated funds from the 1979 sales tax fund for library supplement ($2.50), classroom supplies ($3.75), office supplies and equipment repair/purchase ($4.00), student services ($3.75), and debate and speech ($2.00). These funds are distributed on a per pupil basis and sent directly to the schools to be disbursed by the principal. He recommended sending the per pupil allotments shown above which are the same amounts as last year’s amounts. Also to be included in the checks are $120 per kindergarten teacher and monies for those schools that have a band. If approved the total to be disbursed to the schools would be $115,150.50.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the Board unanimously voted to approve the annual school allocation of funds for 07-08 from the 1979 sales tax as outlined by Mr. Murphy.
Because the old contract has expired, a new contract will need to be secured in order to purchase library books with state and local funds for the 07-08 fiscal year with an option for a renewal for the 08-09 fiscal year, according to Eric Carter. He requested permission to advertise for bids.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barmore, seconded by Mr. Mack, the board unanimously voted to grant permission to advertise for bids to purchase library books with state and local funds for the 07-08 school year with an option for renewal for the 08-09 school year.
The board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were considered after Ms. Null presented 1.-5. and 7.; and Charles Owens, Director of Auxiliary Services, presented 6.:
1. Resignation of the following:
Tracy Langston, language arts teacher at Choudrant High, effective July 17, 2007.
Kristina Kassab, social studies teacher at Choudrant High, effective July 27, 2007.
Brigette Matthews, special education teacher at Cypress Springs, effective July 31, 2007.
Jay Seal, math/P.E. teacher at Dubach High, effective July 30, 2007.
Beth Beard, elementary teacher at Glen View, effective July 3, 2007.
Jaimie Simpson, elementary teacher at Glen View, effective July 9, 2007.
Greg Williams, assistant principal at Ruston High, effective June 25, 2007.
Julie DuBois, science teacher at Simsboro, effective August 1, 2007.
2. Points of Reference/Transfers effective August 15, 2007:
Jill Murphy from Ruston High School to itinerant special education teacher replacing Sheila Barber who was granted a sabbatical leave.
Johnna Cronk from homebound to special education teacher at Simsboro High replacing Michelle Rosenberger who transferred.
Melanie Saunders from Lincoln Center to special education teacher at Ruston High replacing Jill Murphy who transferred.
Pam Pruden from Dubach High to science teacher at Ruston High replacing Lydia Smith who resigned.
3. Rescission of employment of Jackie LeBlanc science teacher at I. A. Lewis effective August 15, 2007.
4. Employment of the following effective August 15, 2007, unless otherwise noted:
Burgundie Smith as special education teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Brigette Matthews who resigned.
Kristina Bourgeois in a new math/social studies position at Dubach High because of the 6th grade move.
Kirk Andrews as English/Spanish/P.E. teacher at Dubach High, replacing Jay Seal who resigned.
Mary Cahee as business teacher at Dubach High, replacing Harryette Tinseley who transferred.
Mandy Cauley as English teacher at Dubach High, replacing Julie Stephenson who resigned.
Sharon Colvin as teacher at Glen View, replacing Jamie Simpson who resigned.
Amy Green as teacher at Glen View, replacing Beth Beard who resigned.
Alexa Ginn as special education teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Kathleen Mitchell who transferred.
Holly Payton as math teacher at I. A. Lewis, replacing Charlene Best who was granted a sabbatical leave.
Jamie Myles as science teacher at I. A. Lewis, replacing Ashley Carter, who transferred.
Jartara Triplett as pre-kindergarten at Lincoln Center, replacing Sheila Miller who transferred.
Dr. Larry Lewis as assistant principal at Ruston High, effective August 8, 2007, replacing Greg Williams who transferred.
Annie Rivera as Spanish teacher at Ruston High and Simsboro High, replacing Debbie Hollimon who transferred.
Charles Meeds in a new, Ruston High/itinerant talented art slot.
Steven Ehrhard as social studies at Simsboro High, replacing James King who resigned.
Monika Locke as counselor at Simsboro High, effective August 1, 2007, replacing Diana Humphries who transferred.
5. Employment of the following effective August 16, 2007, unless otherwise noted:
Herbert Piert II as special education paraprofessional at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Helen Sears who resigned.
Christine Hanna as secretary at Glen View, effective August 1, 2007, replacing Mary Francis Colvin who retired.
Melissa Miller as special education paraprofessional at Lincoln Center, replacing Melissa Miller who resigned.
6. Employment of the following:
Angela Coleman as custodian at Glen View, effective August 8, 2007, replacing Alverne Bridges who resigned.
Joe Barnett in a new maintenance position at the central office, effective August 1, 2007.
7. Employment of the following effective August 15, 2007, unless noted otherwise:
Abigail Ashworth as language arts at Choudrant High replacing Tracy Langston who resigned.
Miriam Payne in a new interim administrative assistant slot at Dubach High, effective August 8, 2007.
Patricia Malek as itinerant art replacing Charles Brouilette who resigned.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Ms. Henderson, the board unanimously voted to approve the personnel recommendations.
The South Region Conference Jim Kessler recently attended in San Antonio, Texas, was very beneficial. The main topic was No Child Left Behind (NCLB). He realized the importance of backing state and national school board associations as they work with legislators to revamp NCLB and urged his fellow board members to support them. Mr. Kessler announced that the conference will be held in New Orleans next year.
Although summer test results were released yesterday, not much data had been received by the central office according to Eric Carter. He had received the students’ scores and reported that 83% of fourth grade students met promotional standards between the spring and summer retest for English, language arts, and math. This matched the state level. In the eighth grade, 77% of the students met the approaching basic/basic combination which also matched the state level. From the system’s summer remediation, out of 315 students who took the test, 118 or 41% met promotional standards for the fourth grade LEAP, eighth grade LEAP, and GEE test. One hundred seventy-five students (59%) were not successful on requirements during the summer. Forty percent of those students were students with special needs. More testing information will be forthcoming and pages will be added to board members’ testing notebooks.
Mr. Murphy reported a good month for July 2007, the first month of 07-08 fiscal year. Sales tax collections were $1,444,958 which was a 29.83% increase from the previous year. He attributed the rise to oil and gas extraction within the parish. Collections in the ’67 and ’79 fund were $656,799, and $788,158 was collected in the ’93 and ’00 sales tax fund. Audit recoveries for July 2007 were $60,646 which was a significant decrease compared to July 2006.
For the first six months of 2007, contributions were in excess of medical and dental insurance costs by $604,004 according to Mr. Murphy. Year-to-date the health plan is up $975,249.
The State Legislative Auditor’s Office requires all Louisiana governmental units to complete a Systems Survey & Compliance Questionnaire and submit it to the independent auditors at the beginning of the financial and compliance audit, Mr. Murphy informed the board. He requested approval of the questionnaire.
Upon a motion by Mr. McKinney, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the board unanimously voted to approve the Systems Survey & Compliance Questionnaire for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, as presented.
Mr. Murphy called attention to the revised budget for 06-07 in order to adjust the original budget to the actual amounts. A beginning budget for 07-08 will be presented at the September board meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Ms. Best, the board unanimously voted to accept the revised budget for the 06-07 fiscal year.
Last fall Superintendent Bell established a one year pilot program, RESCUE, as a component of Project ACHIEVE. RESCUE offered classes for suspended or expelled students or those in transition settings at the New Living Word Ministries (NLWM) in Ruston. He voiced statistics including the fact that there were 114 fewer out of school suspensions compared to the previous year. However the schools appeared to do more with a significant number of in school suspensions and interventions. Mr. Bell now believes that Youth Options, a school located on the I-20 Service Road that serves adjudicated youth from Lincoln, Union, and Ouachita parishes, may be a more practical choice. It is a year round program accredited by the State Department of Education, and would allow students to recover credits which they might otherwise lose during the time out of school. In addition Youth Options has the capability for virtual school and it would be less expensive than the program with NLWM. He indicated that he has not made a final decision regarding another Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with NLWM but he is considering a change.
Jamie Simpson, representing the Youth Options program, gave a brief history of the Program which was founded in 1993. It is BESE approved and has four certified teachers, the A+ program, a computer lab, a day treatment along with school program, three master-level therapists, a program director who is a licensed clinical social worker, and four classes staffed with certified teachers for GED, LEAP, pre-LEAP and those who continue to get Carnegie units, key for advancing in high school. These four are staffed with certified teachers. Getting to the root of the students’ problems and behavior modification plans would also be implemented. They run vehicles on four routes. The ultimate goal of Youth Options is to get the child back in school.
After a board member expressed concern about the welfare of the system’s students after being placed in the same environment as adjudicated youth, Assistant District Attorney, Andy Shealy, said adjudicated youth could be either a delinquent (but not criminal) or a status offender who hasn’t actually violated a delinquent act but has some type of problem.
These problems may include truancy, running away, being ungovernorable, failing to abide by school rules or a being a victim or abuse and/or neglect. They are on juvenile probation and are not in any type of custody. Because they are out of probation, he does not feel that they pose a danger to the other students. He believes that many of the suspended and expelled students are already on probation in the juvenile system. Mr. Shealy noted that students currently in the Options program are referred by a probation officer or someone from the Office of Community Development. He and Mr. Bell want to be able to refer them for educational services and avoid taking the children to juvenile court. They want them to be able to recover credits that they otherwise would not have been able to do.
Pastor Jerry Baldwin from New Living Word Ministries said he thought that the staff of NLWM had provided care, met their goals, and had the ability to relate to the large percentage of black students who had been sent there. Many parents were excited about the program and wanted their children to remain there instead of going back to the school system. He shared figures showing the growing number of African American students who were expelled and broke them down by the referring schools. Mr. Baldwin, feeling that the system should be proactive and that cost should not be a factor, urged the board to make no change in their plans for suspended and expelled students.
A brief period of questions and answers followed.
Mr. Shealy deemed it incumbent upon everyone to understand the issue of not punishing a child academically when they are removed from the classroom setting which is what Mr. Bell is pursuing. Only an accredited organization can allow students to pursue academic credits and the Youth Options program is accredited.
In closing Mr. Bell said that he would get back to the board in the coming weeks regarding plans for suspended and expelled students.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Bell said that:
1. An Administrative Workshop was held on August 1 and 2 with school administrators. Everyone is working toward the goal of school improvement. Using university personnel he has planned monthly staff development to look at leadership and test data. ”There are good things going on with school leaders.”
2. Board members are invited to attend a Back to School Event for students, parents, and the community at the Civic Center at 4:30-7:30 p.m. on August 17. Approximately 22 different agencies will also be in attendance.
3. Through a partnership between Louisiana Tech, he is beginning the STEM program at Ruston High School which will focus on an enhanced science curriculum and science careers. This program for college-bound students will eventually become a RHS magnet. It will begin this fall with a ninth grade physical science STEM class taught by faculty from Louisiana Tech and possibly a teacher at RHS. Possibly by mid year a similar program will begin with different courses and with a Grambling State University partnership. This should be of great benefit for those most talented students who have a good math and science background.
4. A report had been published which said there were 77 academically unacceptable schools in the state. There were none in Lincoln Parish and that is not what he wants in Lincoln Parish. Lincoln Parish expects more from everyone and wants them to step forward, work harder, and do more for students. The goal is not to permit students to fall through the gap and to try to come up with a plan or strategies to work with students in the upcoming year. He believes it is a good thing that Lincoln Parish does not have to face having schools labeled academically unacceptable. He commended teachers and parents who work with the students and expect a lot of them.
5. A new school year is about to kick off with the annual instructional staff in-service at Ruston High School on Wednesday, August 15, at 8:15 a.m. Teachers will go to the respective schools in the afternoon for staff development. He invited board members to attend the in-service.
President Anders asked board members who could to attend the Opening of School in-service to show support for the employees and the children.
There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
_________________________ _________________________
Danny L. Bell, Secretary Otha L. Anders, President