LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, 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, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Ted McKinney, and Mr. Joe Mitcham.
No board member was absent.
Prior to the meeting, 07-08 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. Dowling gave the invocation. Ms. Henderson led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag followed by Mr. Anders’ welcome to board members, staff, press, retirees, and other special guests.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Jones, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to adopt the agenda with the deletion of one item: Recognition of Teachers of the Year.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barmore, seconded by Mr. Mack, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on May 6, 2008, as distributed.
At this point in the meeting, the 28 retirees honored with an earlier reception were presented with small gifts and certificates of appreciation for a total of 713 years of faithful and dedicated service to the parish. Retirees were as follows:
NAME SCHOOL YRS. IN LINCOLN TOTAL YEARS
Betty Wall Administration (Central Office) 30 43
Susan Barron Choudrant Elementary (Teacher) 10 30
Beverly Beasley Ruston Junior High (Teacher) 5 8
Janet Brown Pupil Appraisal (School Psychologist) 15 26
Connie Doyle Ruston Elementary (Teacher) 16 34
Mary Ann Eley Ruston Elementary (Teacher) 31 31
Kathleen Haynes Cypress Springs (Teacher) 14 39
Mickey Hollis Choudrant High (Teacher) 9 38
George Jackson Ruston Elementary (Coach) 28 36
Ruby Kelly Grambling High (Teacher) 15 33
Louise McAdams Glen View (Teacher) 21 29
Robert Penland Choudrant High (Teacher) 8 8
Pamela Pfister Ruston High (Teacher) 7 10
Connie White Youth Rescue 31 31
Mary Francis Colvin Glen View (Secretary) 23 23
Linda Evans Special Education (Secretary) 25 25
Pinkie Davis Dubach High (Teacher’s Aide) 25 25
Irma Goree Grambling Middle (Teacher’s Aide) 12 22
Carla Sutton Ruston Elementary (Teacher’s Aide) 15 15
Wiley Moore Custodian (Central Office) 22 22
Tommy Thomas Bus Driver (Ruston area) 14 14
Miai Veazey Bus Driver (Ruston area) 27 27
Lavell Willis Bus Driver (Ruston area) 13 13
Elaine Becks Grambling High (Food Service) 24 24
Robert Currie Grambling High (Food Service) 11 31
Gloria Smith Choudrant High (Food Service) 20 20
Judy Martin Hillcrest Elementary (Food Service) 26 26
Brenda Turner Alma J. Brown (Food Service) 30 30
Mr. Anders thanked the retirees for their years of service and dedication, offered congratulations on their retirement, and wished them well.
Director of Auxiliary Services, Charles Owens, reported that eight qualified bids on the construction of a bus facility were opened on May 27, 2008. Walker Construction of Ruston came in as the low bidder with a base bid of $893,700. This was a significant increase from the original budget estimate of $650,000. One of the main reasons for the jump was the increase in building materials costs as well as the following changes: a new road from the parent drop off driveway west to Tarbutton Road, an increased amount of concrete in the bus turn around areas near the new bus facility, a need to asphalt certain areas within the bus complex (road, some parking, etc.), and a redesign of the site to keep from moving the Entergy underground electric primary to the school which increased drainage costs. An additive alternate was included in the bid process to construct a new road connecting Tarbutton. This would add an additional $71,300 to the cost for the project. This connecting driveway was considered preferred in order to permit easy primary road access for the school buses and prevent problems for parents in automobiles on the pickup driveway. In order to move forward with plans for improvement in transportation as well as the demolition of the old storage facility/warehouse on Vaughn, because construction costs are unpredictable, and because funds are available to cover the added increased cost, Mr. Owens asked the Board to approve Walker Construction as the low bidder with the alternate.
On a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Ms. Henderson, the Board unanimously voted to accept and approve Walker Construction as the low bidder and contractor for the construction of the bus facility located at the Ruston Junior High School site with the additive alternate.
Bid opening was held on May 9, 2008, for the purchase of the following items for the 08-09 school year: duplicating paper, paper towels, toilet tissue, gasoline, diesel, and dust mop rentals. Bids received for the purchase of toilet tissue did not meet specifications. The size of each individual sheet had changed from what was being advertised. Charles Owens recommended that the Board accept the lowest bids meeting specifications, reject the bids for toilet tissue, and re-advertise for bids for toilet tissue.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to accept the lowest bids meeting specifications for the purchase of materials and supplies for the 08-09 school year as shown below, reject the bids for the purchase of toilet tissue, and re-advertise for bids for toilet tissue.
Company Submitting Bid
Unisource 1,600 Cases Copy Paper
Price Per Unit: $26.20
Total for 1,600 Cases: $41,920.00
Jackson Paper Co. 600 Cases Paper Towels
Price Per Case: $13.30
Total for 600 Cases: $7,980.00
Hill Oil Company Gasoline & Diesel
Unleaded Regular Cost + .0985 gallon
Unleaded Plus Cost + .0985 gallon
Unleaded Premium Cost + .0985 gallon
Road-Use Diesel Cost + .1025 gallon
Off Road Diesel Cost + .1225 gallon
KAPS Textile Services Dust Mop Rentals
18 inch .44 each weekly
36 inch .69 each weekly
48 inch .79 each weekly
It was nearing the time to wrap up Project D at Ruston Junior High School due to construction and renovation work coming to completion; therefore, Charles Owens requested permission to execute Substantial Completion for the project based on the recommendation of the architect after his preparation of the final punch list and other appropriate documents. This would be executed only conditionally following appropriate and thorough review by the owner and architect.
Architect Mike Walpole was in attendance and communicated that there were still some items on the punch list; but, he will make sure they are completed before the lien period begins or he’ll withhold TWICE the amount of the value of the line item. In the near future he will also recommend a final change order to credit allowance money back to the contract amount.
Upon a motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission and authorize the superintendent, his staff, and the architect to execute the Substantial Completion documents for Project D, Ruston Junior High School, renovation project.
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, according to Superintendent Danny Bell. In April 1996 the Board also voted to subscribe to their computer-assisted policy service (CAPS) which cross-referenced and linked the policy manual, Louisiana statues, BESE bulletins, and minutes. The Board has continued to renew the subscription each year. Recently Forethought Consulting, Inc. has combined their policy updating services and CAPS updating services into one service called Policy 360. The Board unanimously voted last June to upgrade to this improved program. Policy360 for the Lincoln Parish School Board expires at the end of June 2008. Mr. Bell asked the Board to renew their subscription to the program.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Barmore, the Board unanimously voted to renew Policy360 with Forethought Consulting, Inc. at a cost of $7,200 for the period of July 2008 through June 2009.
As a result of increased sales tax collections, George Murphy, Business Manager, recommended and Mr. Bell concurred that June salary supplement checks be paid to employees as follows: $5,025 to certified and $2,513 to support employees. These suggested amounts, which were up $705/$353 over the previous year or 16.3%, were possible because of the strong sales tax collections, audit recoveries, interest earnings, and audit recoveries. 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 26, 2008, in the amounts of $5,025 for certified staff and $2,513 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 for examination and asked for approval of the $292,760 instrument which was up $52,260 over the previous year. He noted that most of the increases were due to the addition of a second auditor. Most, if not all, of that money will probably be recouped in the collection of sales taxes.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to approve the 08-09 Sales and Use Tax Commission’s budget of $292,760.
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 $4.50 per square with a $ .75 reduction for the first 100 words if submitted on floppy disk or e-mail. The Ruston Daily Leader offered $4.25 per legal square with a .50 discount per square if submitted by 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 08-09.
Transportation Supervisor, Ronny Volentine, indicated that two 1991, one 1993, and one 1994 buses are of no further use. He recommended that the Board declare them as surplus and grant permission for their disposal through the bid process.
Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Mr. Barmore, the Board unanimously voted to declare the four buses surplus and grant permission to dispose of them through the bid process.
Due to a need to correct some significant playground issues at Glen View, it will be necessary to remove numerous pine trees from the area, according to Charles Owens. In order to address the grade and eradicate the ditches created by erosion, many of the pine trees will need to be cut and removed. In order to proceed with this over the summer, he requested that the Board permit him to advertise for bids in order to harvest the timber.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barmore, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to offer for sale timber at Glen View utilizing the bid process.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole, and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were considered after Mary Null presented items numbered 1.-7.; Child Nutrition Program Supervisor, Earlene Jackson, presented 8.; and Ronny Volentine presented 9.-10.:
1. Retirement of Kathleen Haynes, teacher at Cypress Springs, effective June 3, 2008.
2. Resignation of the following effective June 3, 2008, unless otherwise noted:
Michelle Kirkley, math teacher at Career Academy;
Lisa Williams, physical education teacher at Career Academy;
Wanda Randall, federal programs bookkeeper at the Central Office, effective May 16, 2008;
Karen Seacrist, family and consumer science teacher at Career Academy;
David Janssen, science teacher at Choudrant High;
Abi Gail Ashworth, ELA teacher at Choudrant High;
Shara Wade, teacher at Cypress Springs;
Loriann Norris, special education teacher at Glen View;
Jamie Myles, science teacher at I. A. Lewis;
Joe Pritchard, facilitator at Ruston Elementary and Cypress Springs; and
Lee Irwin, special education teacher at Ruston Junior High, effective May 2, 2008.
3. Employment of the following, effective August 13, 2008:
Terry Antee, math teacher at Career Academy, replacing Michelle Kirkley who resigned;
William Major, physical education teacher at Career Academy, replacing Lisa Williams who resigned;
Lauren Dixon, teacher at Glen View, replacing Jenny Blalock who resigned;
Beth Foster, teacher at Hillcrest, replacing LeJoyce Adams who transferred to special education;
Patricia Beard, teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Lisa Coleman who resigned;
Cecil Barham, math teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Sherri Ferrell who transferred; and
Erica Timmons, math/computer teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Jean Ann Smith who transferred.
4. Employment of Anita McGuire in a new secretarial position at Choudrant High, effective July 31, 2008.
5. Points of Reference/Transfers of the following effective August 13, 2008:
Leah McFarland, from Ruston High, to ELA teacher at Career Academy because of the GED program’s relocation.
Hoff Schooler, from Ruston High, to GED at Career Academy because of that program’s relocation.
Deborah Lynch, from special education teacher at Cypress Springs to teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Shannon Perot who transferred.
Allison Brister, from Hillcrest to special education teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Deborah Lynch who transferred.
LeJoyce Adams, from regular education at Hillcrest to special education teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Allison Brister who transferred.
Jean Ann Smith, from Ruston Junior High to Read 180 lab at I. A. Lewis made available through an 8g grant.
6. Points of Reference/Transfers of the following effective July 1, 2008:
Donna Doss, from Simsboro to School Improvement Coordinator at the Central Office, replacing Betty Wall who retired;
Doris Lewis, from Lincoln Center to principal at Cypress Springs, replacing David Rogers who transferred;
David Rogers, from Cypress Springs to principal of Lincoln Center, replacing Doris Lewis who transferred; and
Earlene Jackson, from the central office to principal at Simsboro, replacing Donna Doss who transferred.
7. Employment of Brenda Theodos as interim child nutrition program supervisor, effective July 1, 2008, replacing Earlene Jackson who transferred..
8. Retirement of Judy Martin, school food service technician at Hillcrest, effective May 30, 2008.
9. Resignation of bus driver in the Simsboro District, Kim Adams, effective June 2, 2008.
10. Employment of Michael Reeves as bus driver in the Simsboro area effective August 14, 2008, replacing Kim Adams who resigned.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hunt, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to accept the personnel recommendations as presented.
Vice President Joe Mitcham, who is also Chairman of the Finance Committee, said a combined committee meeting of the Building/Grounds and Finance committees was held on Thursday, May 22, 2008, to discuss two issues: the prek center and Glen View Elementary. He provided background on the prek center and said costs of construction have sky rocketed. The final cost of the project is much more than initially anticipated; however, after lengthy review by the committees, they bring a unanimous decision to move forward with the full building. They looked at saving several thousands of dollars by cutting portions of the building including the cafeteria. As indicated, they decided to proceed with the building of the prek center.
George Mack, Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee, concurred as did Superintendent Danny Bell. Mr. Bell communicated that the recommendation coming from the combined committee meeting was to accept the complete physical plant for the prek center.
Additional classroom space is needed at Glen View. Plans were presented for the addition of classes at the joint committee meeting. Mr. Mitcham indicated that this were not included under the initial bond issue because of specifications set forth and the monies available. The growth in the school and the desire to take care of future growth and hinder the use of portable buildings brought a recommendation from the committees to accept the preferred plan as presented by Mike Walpole to advertise for the construction of classrooms at Glen View.
Superintendent Danny Bell said when plans for Glen View were developed in 2003-2004, the changes within student population could not be known. There are still two occupied portable buildings behind the gymnasium. Special needs and regular education students are being taught there. This was not the intent of the community when they approved the bonds. In an attempt to find a less expensive option, he suggested the addition of two standard-sized classrooms along with four smaller classrooms and a changing area and so forth for special needs children. Principal Simoneaux feels that this facility is critical. He requested that the Board approve the Glen View addition with the preferred plan of Mr. Mike Walpole’s and permit Mr. Walpole to prepare and advertise for bids for this classroom addition at Glen View.
Joe Mitcham repeated the two-part recommendation of proceeding with the building of the full prek center and the addition of the preferred plan for a classroom addition at Glen View Elementary.
Upon a motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Mack, the Board unanimously voted to proceed with the building of the full prek center and grant permission to advertise for bids for a classroom addition at Glen View Elementary.
A report on Project ACHIEVE was the next item on the agenda, and Coordinator Cathi Cox was at the lectern to give an overview of what had been accomplished over the first two years. She distributed a pamphlet on the S.T.E.M satellite program along with a two-page listing of Project ACHIEVE By the Numbers for later study. Ms. Cox elaborated on some of the items to give some indication of the growth experienced in the second year of project. She kept the five components of community involvement, school support, awards and incentives, targeting reading, and public relations. Overall she felt that significant strides were made over the pilot year. In the upcoming year she will focus on getting students fired up about academics and realize that it is a good, positive thing. Plans are being formulated to reach even younger students and continue to publicize the good news of what is going on in Lincoln Parish.
Mr. Murphy presented a sales tax report for the month ending May 2008. Accumulations were up 16.61% for the month with $1,285,274 being collected. This was an 11.66% increase year-to-date. Recoveries through audits were $24,285 for the month and $257,474 for the year, which was down 48.8%. Collections in the 1967 and the 1979 sales tax fund were $584,216, and $701,058 went into the 1993 and 2000 fund.
He also delivered an April 2008 financial update and focused on two funds which had deficit balances, the 5 mill maintenance and child nutrition funds. He’s hoping that the Board’s decision at the last meeting to raise meal prices will turn that fund around. In the past the 5 mill maintenance has run deficits and it was necessary to transfer funds from the general fund to keep it balanced. He predicts that may have to be done in the future; however, there was still $427,013 in that fund. No transfers should have to be done before the end of the fiscal year. The remaining funds are in good shape. Mr. Murphy called attention to the sales tax and 2000 ad valorem funds which are where the monies for the June salary supplement check will come from.
Moving on to the health and dental plan, he said a loss of $111,546 was experienced for the month. Year-to-date that fund has a $577,296 loss. Four months of expenses and three months of revenue are in the calculations. He and others are meeting with the provider in the next couple of weeks to discuss possible changes for the next year.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Bell:
1. Expressed his appreciation to those who shop Ruston first and for the larger sales tax collections. The dollars for the salary supplement checks, which the employees can put back into the community, are so very important. He was glad to see a significant increase in the 14th check.
2. Said he will be attending a national symposium on early childhood science and policy at the request of Senator Hollis Downs. He and a small group from the state will travel to Cambridge later in the month to discuss policy for prekindergarten and early childhood programs with selected representatives from thirteen or fourteen other states. Hopefully it will help him plan for early childhood programs in the parish.
3. Verbalized his pleasure at Jon Guice’s presence at the meeting. He reminded board members that he is an attorney with the firm of Hammonds and Sills, which they approved at the April meeting for employment as special counsel.
4. Called attention to an update from Jo Tatum on the Lincoln Health Foundation which was placed at the back of the packets. He announced that he has met with representatives from the Foundation and plans to meet with them again later in the week. They are looking at ways this might impact the student population within the schools. He believes the Foundation has a good board and that Jo Tatum, the board’s representative, is an asset.
After brief comments, the meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
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Otha L. Anders, President
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Danny L. Bell, Secretary