LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 5, 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.
President Anders called the meeting to order, and Mr. Jones 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. Mitcham, seconded by Mr. Barmore, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to adopt the agenda with the deferment of one item of New Business: Representatives on the Lincoln Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on July 1, 2008, as submitted.
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, item C6, according to Eric Carter, Supervisor of Testing, Evaluation, and Curriculum:
After the summer retest, a school system through its superintendent may consider a waiver for an 8th grade student who has scored at the Approaching Basic level on both the English/language arts and mathematics components of LEAP. The district may grant the waiver in accordance with the Pupil Progression Plan provided the following are met:
The student may be promoted to the 9th grade provided that he/she has scored at the Approaching Basic level on both the English/language arts and mathematics components of LEAP, has attended the LEAP summer remediation program offered by the district, and has taken the summer retest administered at the conclusion of the summer program; and
The student must retake the component(s) (English/language arts and/or mathematics) of the retest on which a score of Approaching Basic or below was attained on the spring test.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to approve the revisions to the Lincoln Parish Pupil Progression Plan as stated above.
George Murphy, Business Manager, reminded Board members that each fall schools are allocated monies 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. 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 $112,944.50.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barmore, seconded by Mr. McKinney, the Board unanimously voted to approve the annual school allocation of funds for 08-09 from the 1979 sales tax as outlined by Mr. Murphy.
Bleachers located at Ruston High School are no longer useful and should be declared as surplus or junk and disposed of, verbalized Charles Owens, Director of Auxiliary Services.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Mack, the Board unanimously voted to declare the bleachers at Ruston High as surplus or junk and grant permission to dispose of them according to applicable board policy.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were considered after Ms. Null, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Programs, presented 1.-8.; Charles Owens presented 9.-10.; James Payton, Transportation Coordinator, presented 11.-12; and Brenda Theodos, Child Nutrition Program Supervisor, presented 13.-15.:
1. Resignation of Eric Carter, central office supervisor of testing, textbooks, and curriculum, effective August 11, 2008.
2. Retirement of the following:
Deborah Key, physical education teacher at Hico Elementary, effective August 12, 2008; and
Patricia Edington, science teacher at Ruston Junior High, effective July 23, 2008.
3. Resignation of the following:
Melanie Saunee, special education teacher at Choudrant Elementary, effective July 19, 2008;
Tracey Morgan, speech therapist at Glen View, effective July 16, 2008;
Nathan Mumphrey, band director at Ruston High/I. A. Lewis, effective July 19, 2008;
Nicholas McConnell, physical education instructor at Ruston Junior High, effective July 30, 2008; and
Norah Burke, science teacher at Simsboro High, effective July 31, 2008.
4. Medical sabbatical from August 14, 2008, through January 9, 2009, for Marsha Armond, librarian at Ruston Elementary.
5. Leave without pay request from special education teacher at Cypress Springs, Allison Brister, for October 6, 2008, through January 19, 2009.
6. Employment of the following effective August 13, 2008, unless otherwise noted:
Darlene Johnson, family and consumer science teacher at Career Academy replacing Karen Seacrest who resigned;
Betty Peoples, in a new English teacher slot at Career Academy;
Nicky Weaver, in a new social studies teacher slot at Career Academy;
Suzanne Tyler, special education teacher at Choudrant Elementary replacing Melanie Saunee who resigned;
Chris Skinner, middle math at Choudrant High replacing Mickey Hollis who retired;
Tamera Powell, English teacher at Choudrant High replacing Abi Gail Ashworth who resigned;
Aimee Rambin, family and consumer science at Choudrant High replacing Mariam Stone who resigned;
Kathy Barnes, science teacher at Dubach High replacing Michelle Hogan who transferred;
Liz Dickson, part-time science teacher at Dubach High replacing Lindsey Crawford who resigned;
Missy Falting, speech therapist at Glen View replacing Tracey Morgan who resigned;
Alicia Powell, special education at Hillcrest, replacing Alexia Ginn who transferred;
Trish Saber, elementary teacher at Lincoln Center replacing Tiffany Curry who transferred;
Christy Carter, librarian at Ruston Elementary replacing Marsha Armond who requested a medical sabbatical;
Cynthia Dean, teacher at Ruston Elementary replacing Terri Singleton who transferred;
Sue Freeman, science teacher at Ruston High replacing Stacy Campbell who transferred;
Vanessa Wilson, English teacher at Ruston High Academy in a new position;
Maurice Winbush, strength/conditioning coach at Ruston Junior High, in a new position effective July 16, 2008;
Harold Carlisle, physical education teacher at Ruston Junior High replacing Nicholas McConnell who resigned, effective July 30, 2008;
Linda Ward, talented art teacher at Ruston Junior High in a new position;
Chanel Fields, English teacher at Ruston Junior High replacing Alisia Thomason who transferred;
Jay Seal, science teacher at Ruston Junior High replacing Patricia Edington who retired;
Jonathan Hood, math teacher at Simsboro High replacing Misty Savage who was granted a sabbatical;
Mike Oliverson, special education teacher at Simsboro High replacing Tenisha Willis who transferred; and
Jill Cheek, science teacher at Simsboro High replacing Norah Burke who resigned.
7. Employment of Jamie Simmons, secretary at Ruston Junior High replacing Angela Colvin who resigned, effective July 30, 2008.
8. Points of Reference/Transfers of the following effective August 13, 2008, unless noted otherwise:
Tiffany Curry from Lincoln Center to elementary teacher at Cypress Springs in a new position;
Kelly Caldwell from regular education to physical education teacher at Hico Elementary replacing Deborah Key who retired;
Stacy Campbell from Ruston High to science coach at I. A. Lewis in a new position;
Terri Singleton from Ruston Elementary to behavior interventionist at Pupil Appraisal/YRC replacing Beth Freeman who transferred;
Beth Freeman from behavior interventionist to psychologist at pupil appraisal replacing Janet Brownn who retired, effective July 30, 2008;
Annie Rivera from Simsboro High/Dubach to Spanish teacher at Ruston High replacing Michelle Paudyal who transferred;
Michelle Paudyal from Ruston High to Spanish teacher at Simsboro High/Dubach replacing Annie Rivera who transferred;
Beth Waldron from Simsboro Elementary to business teacher at Simsboro High replacing Heather Patterson who resigned; and
Tenisha Willis from secondary special education to elementary special education at Simsboro School replacing Beth Waldron who transferred.
9. Resignation of the following:
Deborah Jenkins, custodian at Simsboro High, effective July 30, 2008; and
Vickie Mayfield, custodian at Career Academy, effective July 24, 2008.
10. Employment of Eric Atkins, custodian at Glen View replacing T. J. Johnson who transferred, effective August 6, 2008.
11. Resignation of Jamie Simmons, bus driver in the Ruston area, effective June 2, 2008; and
Retirement of Joe Holland, bus driver in the Grambling area, effective August 12, 2008.
12. Employment of Richard Anderson, bus driver in the Ruston area replacing Jamie Simmons who resigned, effective August 14, 2008.
13. Resignation of the following school food service personnel:
Sheryl Kimbrell, technician at Cypress Springs, effective July 15, 2008; and
Betty Howard, technicial at Ruston Junior High, effective July 30, 2008.
14. Points of Reference Transfers of the following effective August 14, 2008, unless noted otherwise:
Cindy Finley from Ruston High to manager/clerk at Grambling replacing Elaine Becks who retired, effective July 31, 2008;
Kathy Tatum from Ruston High to clerk/technician at I. A. Lewis replacing Judy Norman who transferred, effective July 31, 2008;
Judy Norman from I. A. Lewis to manager at Simsboro replacing Patrina Robinson who transferred, effective July 31, 2008;
Patrina Robinson from Simsboro to clerk/technicial at Ruston High replacing Cindy Finley who transferred, effective July 31, 2008;
Traci Cobb from Cypress Springs to technician at Simsboro in a new position;
Salina Howell from Dubach to technician at Ruston High replacing Harriet Dunn who transferred;
Harriet Dunn from Ruston High to technician at Dubach replacing Salina Howell who transferred;
Debra Finch from Ruston High to technician at Grambling replacing Mary Walker who transferred;
Annette Levingston from Ruston High to technician at I. A. Lewis replacing Mary Jo Torbor who transferred;
Mary Jo Torbor from I. A. Lewis to technician at Ruston High replacing Annette Levingston who transferred; and
Odester Mamon from Ruston Elementary to technician at Ruston High replacing Debra Finch who transferred.
15. Employment of the following school food service personnel effective August 14, 2008:
Yvette Bond, technician at Choudrant replacing Gloria Smith who retired;
Arlene Simonton, technician at Choudrant replacing Patsy Dade who transferred to custodial;
Sandy Lang, technician at Hillcrest replacing Judy Martin who retired;
Tameka Patton in a new technician slot at Ruston High; and
Jo Ann Castine, technician at Ruston High replacing Kathy Tatum who transferred.
Upon a motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the Board unanimously voted to approve the personnel recommendations.
Jan Murphy, Elementary and Title II Coordinator, was pleased to present the duo responsible for providing a summer reading enrichment program for approximately one hundred students from the four city elementary schools who had completed first through third grades. Sonja Walker, Principal of Ruston Elementary, and Jane Watson, Curriculum Strategist, shared interesting information about the program which had three main elements: balanced literacy, parental involvement, and staff development. End results after four weeks were a minimum of 60% increased oral reading fluency. Plans are being made to incorporate components into the school-year literacy program and to offer it again during the summer of 2009.
A brief period of questions and comments followed.
Although summer test results were released by the state yesterday, not much data had been received by the central office according to Eric Carter. He had received the students’ scores and reported that 43% of fourth grade students met promotional standards between the spring and summer retest for English, language arts, and math. Sixty-six percent of fourth grade students either passed or improved at least one achievement level.
There was a 42% passage rate among eight graders, and 84% showed growth. He did note that a waiver went in to place according to the Pupil Progression Plan and 70% of the eighth graders can apply for the waiver. Forty-five per cent passage rate on the GEE was good in his opinion. Vast improvement was noted during the summer for students having difficulty with reading and/or math.
Secondary Academic Coordinator, Paula Pardue, and Secondary Supervisor, Ricky Edmiston, were present to report on plans for the Lincoln Parish Career Academy. A year ago a committee was formed to study the Career Academy. Through observations, visits to other alternative schools in the state, and interviews with teachers and administrators at the Academy, recommendations were formed. Those seven recommendations have been shared with the personnel at the school and were shared with the Board. Ms. Pardue and Mr. Edmiston feel that the students who cannot function in a regular high school setting because of academics, behavior, or attendance are fortunate to have an opportunity for success such as is offered at the Career Academy.
The Southern Region Conference Jim Kessler recently attended in New Orleans, Louisiana, was excellent. He and others from eight different states thoroughly enjoyed the speakers.
George Murphy communicated that the system will receive $1,504,733 less in Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) funds from the state this fiscal year compared to last year’s amount. This year’s budget will be more challenging, but he does plan to submit a balanced budget, with the exception of the pre-k center which will require $7 million to be spent out of reserved funds.
Mr. Murphy reported a good sales tax month in July 2008, the first month of the 08-09 fiscal year. Collections were $1,583,729 which was a 9.60% increase over the same month last year. Recoveries through audits were $38,669 which was down 36% compared to last year. Collections in the ’r;67 and ’r;79 fund were
$719,877, and $863,851 was collected in the ’r;93 and ’r;00 sales tax fund.
For the first six months of 2008, costs were in excess of contributions; therefore, the health/dental plan had a deficit of $609,084 according to Mr. Murphy. Year-to-date the health plan was down $1,442,796. A committee will be formed to look at changes in order to keep the plan solvent. It was noted that employees enjoy an excellent plan for very reasonable premiums.
Authorization was given on June 3, 2008, to advertise for bids on toilet tissue to be purchased for the 08-09 school year. Two bids were opened on July 15, 2008, and Charles Owens recommended that the Board accept the lowest bid meeting specifications from Fuqua Paper Supply of Ruston.
Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Mr. McKinney, the Board unanimously voted to accept the lowest bid meeting specifications, $31.25 per case and $9,375.00 total price, from Fuqua Paper Supply for the purchase of toilet tissue.
Authorization was given at the June meeting to advertise for bids in order to sell four surplus buses. Mr. Owens asked the Board to accept the following bids: $559.99 for the 1991 Ward from American Towing, $250.00 from C. Barmore for the 1991 Wayne, $559.99 for the 1992 Ward from American Towing, and $559.99 from American Towing for the 1993 Carpenter.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Ms. Henderson, the Board unanimously voted to accept the highest bids to purchase surplus buses as indicated above.
Bid opening was slated for July 15, 2008, on timber at Glen View Elementary. Unfortunately no bids were received. Charles Owens suggested that the Board allow the administration to have the timber cleared with the Board bearing any expense involved so that plans might continue to rectify the severe drainage problem with the playground at Glen View.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hunt, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to allow the administration to have the timber cut at Glen View since no bids were received for a sale.
Superintendent Bell had distributed nine revised and two new policies at the July meeting. He had asked Board members to peruse those policies with a vote to be taken at the August meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to approve the policy revisions: Summer School (IDCA), Home Study Program (IDCH), Homebound Instruction (IDDC), Adult Education (IDG), Graduation Requirements (IHF), Testing Program (II), Attendance (JB), School Admission (JBC), and Student Absences and Excuses (JBD) and additions: Graduation Exercises (IKDB) and Gang Activity (JCDAG).
Formal approval was requested by Mike Walpole, Architect, for a change order totaling $15,312 for work on the Ruston High track building.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hunt, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to approve the $15,312 change order for the Ruston High School track building.
It was nearing the time to wrap up the Ruston High School track building 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.
Upon a motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission and authorize the superintendent, his staff, and the architect to execute the Substantial Completion documents for the Ruston High School track building.
The State Legislative Auditor’s Office requires all Louisiana governmental units to complete a System’s 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. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to approve the System’s Survey & Compliance Questionnaire for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, as presented.
Mr. Murphy called attention to the revised budget for 07-08 in order to adjust the original budget to the actual amounts. A beginning budget for 08-09 will be presented at the September board meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Ms. Henderson, the Board unanimously voted to accept the revised budget for the 07-08 fiscal year.
The time had arrived to adopt millages for 2008 according to George Murphy. For the reassessment year, he suggested rolling the rates back and presented a resolution with the decreased rates.
President Anders announced that this was the time specified for a public hearing regarding tax millages for 2008. Hearing no comments or questions, he asked for the Board’s pleasure regarding the matter.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to approve the resolution setting millages for 2008 as follows:
Resolution
Constitutional Tax (La. Const. Art. VII, Sect. 13) 4.23 mills
Special Maintenance & Operation 4.36 mills
Special Repair & Equipment 4.36 mills
Parish wide Maintenance & Operation 10.25 mills
Parish wide Maintenance & Operation 8.49 mills
Ruston School District #1 2.61 mills
Simsboro School District #3 2.99 mills
Dubach School District #5 3.12 mills
General Obligation Bonds Ruston SD #1 11.50 mills
General Obligation Bonds Simsboro SD #3 9.50 mills
Voting by roll call FOR the above motion: Otha Anders, Michael Barmore, Lisa Best, Curtis Dowling, Mattie Harrison, Lynda Henderson, Trott Hunt, Eddie Jones, Jim, Kessler, George Mack, Ted McKinney, and Joe Mitcham.
Voting AGAINST the motion: None.
Absent and not voting: None.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Bell said that:
1. He appreciates the support the media gives in reporting the good things going on in the schools as evidence by the recent back-to-school coverage in The Daily Leader.
2. Board members were invited to attend a Back-to-School Event for students, parents, and the community at the Ruston Civic Center at 4:30-6:00 p.m. on August 21.
3. A new school year was about to kick off with the annual teacher workshop at Ruston High School on August 13, at 8:15 a.m. Board members were invited to attend and encouraged to arrive early due to parking shortages related to construction at the school.
4. Former RHS and Louisiana Tech graduate, Fred Dean, has recently been inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. A proclamation from the Lincoln Parish School Board was prepared, placed in board members’ packets, and will be presented to Mr. Dean at a recognition service on August 11 at the Ruston Civic Center. Members were also invited to attend that function.
5. Jo Tatum sent an update on the Lincoln Health Foundation.
6. He plans to meet with Mr. Kessler and bring information to the Board at the September meeting on the Choudrant area and the Hico/Dubach area.
After minimal questions and comments, the meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Otha L. Anders, President
Danny L. Bell, Secretary