LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 12:30 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Wednesday, February 18, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. at Glen View Elementary. Members present were President Otha Anders, Mr. Michael Barmore, Ms. Lisa Best, Ms. Mattie Harrison, Ms. Lynda Henderson, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Ted McKinney, and Mr. Joe Mitcham.
Mr. Curtis Dowling, Mr. Trott Hunt, and Mr. Eddie Jones were absent.
Prior to the business meeting, board members enjoyed a delicious lunch in the school cafeteria.
After President Anders called the meeting to order, the invocation was given by Mr. Mack, and Ms. Harrison led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Mr. Anders welcomed board members, staff, members of the media, and special guests to the meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barmore, seconded by Mr. McKinney, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Principal of Glen View Elementary, Bridget Henderson, said that it was her pleasure to welcome guests to the school on behalf of the faculty and staff. She summarized the things she was the most proud including the twenty-seven homerooms’ renewed mission of accountability and the preparation for the spring tests and life skills. The staff’s slogan is ”r;aligning in 2009.” Ms. Henderson closed by inviting members to tour the school at the completion of the meeting and to return to Glen View Elementary at any time in the future.
Dr. Debby Hollimon has taken over the helm of a literacy initiative for the school system. She gave a brief report on what is being done, where the district is currently, and where it is headed. In the first year of a three year push, a very specific and strategic plan is being formulated with the goal of increasing the number of minutes the students are reading, building the quality of reading instruction, and spreading reading across all subjects. She verbalized her pleasure in working with the administration, the principals, and the teachers toward this very worthwhile goal. Dr. Hollimon answered brief questions.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole, and the following Personnel Committee agenda item was considered after being presented by Ms. Null:
Resignation of Kathy Barnes, science teacher at Dubach High, effective February 19, 2009.
Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to approve the personnel recommendation.
Three bids were received in answer to the advertisement to purchase five new conventional school buses. After careful analysis and comparison, Transportation Coordinator James Payton recommended accepting the bid from Ross Bus Sales as the lowest bid which fully met specifications.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barmore, seconded by Mr. McKinney, the Board unanimously voted to accept the bid of $66,451 from Ross Bus Sales for the purchase of five 2010 conventional school buses.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Bell said:
He appreciated Bridget Henderson and Glen View Elementary for their hospitality. He encouraged Board members to tour the campus before leaving.
He is thankful for Dr. Hollimon and other dynamic educators who have a passion for reading and literacy. They are working very diligently with excellent support in the schools.
The Teacher of the Year and Student of the Year recognition gala is scheduled for Monday night at the Ruston Civic Center. Members should RSVP to Becky Gemelli by noon tomorrow.
An ad valorem schedule for the community presentations was placed in portfolios. Board members were invited to attend.
A temporary draft of an Ordinance regarding St. Gobain had been received from Assistant District Attorney, Andy Shealy. Mr. Shealy had a few concerns but hoped to be ready to share with the Finance Committee members prior to the March 3 meeting.
Following recent negative comments about public education in the newspaper, he had researched back to the 30’s. He found no indication that the schools are not doing as well even through they are faced with greater challenges. There is no doubt the schools have improved and will continue to do so. Public relations have to be addressed and the staff is working diligently to build confidence in the community. He appreciates as many positive comments as possible in the media.
Following brief comments, the meeting adjourned at 1:26 p.m.
Danny L. Bell, Secretary
Otha L. Anders, President