LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, July 1, 2014 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. in the board room of the Central Office at 410 South Farmerville Street, Ruston, Louisiana. Members present were Ms. Debbie Abrahm, Mr. Michael Barmore, Ms. Lisa Best, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Mr. Danny Hancock, Ms. Mattie Harrison, Ms. Lynda Henderson, Mr. Trott Hunt, Mr. Eddie Jones, Mr. George Mack, Jr., and Mr. Joe Mitcham.
Mr. Otha Anders was absent.
Because President Otha Anders was absent, Vice President Mitcham called the meeting to order. Mr. Hancock delivered the invocation, and Ms. Abrahm led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Mr. Mitcham welcomed Board members, staff, media, and guests.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hunt, seconded by Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barmore, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on June 3, 2014, as distributed.
The following personnel items were shared by Mary Null, Director of Instruction, Personnel, and Special Programs:
1. Retirement of Darlene Johnson, family and consumer science teacher at Ruston High effective June 26, 2014.
2. Recission of retirement of Billy Laird, Assistant Principal/AD at Ruston High, effective July 1, 2014.
3. Resignation of the following:
Defacto resignation of Jonathan Miller, district maintenance from the Central Office, effective July 1, 2014;
Samantha Moron, special education teacher at Cypress Springs, effective June 26, 2014;
Anna Brown, special education teacher at Cypress Springs, effective June 20, 2014;
Suzanne Tyler, special education teacher at Glen View, effective June 24, 2014; and,
Jill Cheek, science teacher at Ruston High, effective July 31, 2014.
4. Transfers/Points of Reference effective August 11, 2014, unless noted otherwise:
Heather Causey, from Cypress Springs to special education at Choudrant High, replacing Janet Burse who transferred;
Jackie Risk, from Dubach School to teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing LeAnn Patterson who transferred;
Mary Wilks-Kilgore, from Simsboro School to curriculum strategist at Cypress Springs effective August 4, 2014, replacing Kathy Sims who retired;
LeAnn Patterson, from regular education to Advanced Learning Academy at Cypress Springs, replacing Pat Albritton who retired;
Janet Burse, from Choudrant High to special education teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Bart Lewis who resigned;
Amy Dakin, from I. A. Lewis to special education teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Anna Brown who resigned;
Jasmine Hall, from Glen View to teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Penny Boyd who transferred to paraprofessional;
Halie Martin, from Dubach School to teacher at Glen View, because of student numbers;
Penny Boyd, from Cypress Springs to paraprofessional at Hillcrest effective August 14, 2014, because it has become a Title I school;
Carolyn Jones, from Simsboro School to special education teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Yolanda Daniel who retired;
Misty Kudlas, from Cypress Springs to ELA teacher at I. A. Lewis, replacing Amy Pilgreen who transferred;
Doyle Sandifer, from Cypress Springs to special education teacher at I. A. Lewis, replacing Amy Dakin who transferred;
Amy Pilgreen, from I. A. Lewis to Advanced Learning Academy at Ruston Elementary, replacing Beth Foster who was granted leave without pay;
Jamie Gressett, from Simsboro School to science teacher at Ruston High, replacing Alicia Thomason who moved to the Freshman Academy;
Mandy Cauley, from Simsboro School to speech teacher at Ruston High, replacing Monica Olsen who resigned;
Kevin Herren, from Choudrant Elementary to special education teacher at Ruston High, because of student numbers; and,
Cheryl Buggs, from Glen View to physical education teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Kathy Steed who retired.
5. Employment of the following effective August 11, 2014, unless otherwise noted:
Meredith Gore as teacher at Cypress Springs replacing Robin Ewers who resigned;
Lauren Pigue as teacher at Cypress Springs replacing Jennifer Sanderson who resigned;
Teila Lee as special education teacher at Cypress Springs replacing Doyle Sandifer who transferred;
Cassie Muriithi as special education teacher at Cypress Springs replacing Samantha Moron who resigned;
Sharona White as secretary/bookkeeper at Glen View effective July 31, 2014, replacing Christine Hanna who transferred;
Connie Findley as teacher at Glen View replacing Jasmine Hall who transferred;
Martina Penn as teacher at Hillcrest replacing Cynthia McMurry who retired;
Mallory Montgomery as teacher at Hillcrest replacing Samantha Lantrip who resigned;
Kim Anderson as teacher at Hillcrest replacing Pam Kelly who retired;
Diamond Mitchell as special education teacher at Hillcrest filling the slot held by Kevin Herren who transferred;
Rayne McCarty as science teacher at I. A. Lewis because of student numbers;
Michelle Blount as science teacher at I. A. Lewis replacing Holly Payton who transferred;
Lacy Dasch as science at I. A. Lewis replacing Clint Blazier who resigned;
Tyrance Garrett as special education teacher at I. A. Lewis replacing Michael Atencio who resigned;
Samantha Moulder as pre-K teacher at LPECC replacing Lacy Cooper who resigned;
Diedra Dunbar as pre-K teacher in a new position at LPECC;
Jean Ann Price as education diagnostician at Pupil Appraisal effective July 28, 2014, replacing Diane Helferich who retired;
Lindsey Pate as math teacher at Ruston Junior High replacing Jan Norwood who transferred;
Mary Elizabeth Kent as science teacher at Ruston Junior High due to student numbers;
Karla Doss as elementary teacher at Simsboro School replacing Lori Waits who resigned;
Katie Elliott as social studies teacher at Simsboro School replacing Jamie Bolton who transferred;
Connie Woods as business teacher at Simsboro School replacing Mandy Cauley who transferred;
Kelly Hammond as special education teacher at Simsboro School replacing Carolyn Jones who transferred;
Kirby Brasher as ELA teacher at Simsboro School replacing Danielle O’Neal who transferred; and,
Dorothy Parks as Special Education Services Coordinator effective July 1, 2014, replacing Ashley Brown who promoted.
George Murphy, Business Manager, presented the final sales tax collection report for the 13-14 fiscal year which was a really good year. Collections for the month ending June 30, 2014, were $1,227,839. This was 5.82% higher than the same month last year and a 6.79% increase year-to-date. Recoveries through audits were $24,929 for the month and $259,202 for the year. They were up 34.9% compared to last year. Collections in the 1967 and 1979 fund were $558,109, and $669,730 was collected in the 1993 and 2000 sales tax fund.
In his summary of the May 2014 financial statement, Mr. Murphy said the total fund balance was $38.1 million. It was down about $800,000 when compared to April primarily because of the ongoing projects around the district in Simsboro, Dubach, Choudrant, and Ruston from the General Fund. In next month’s update, approximately $4.1 million will be subtracted from the sales tax funds and the 2000 ad valorem tax fund due to the payment of the 14th checks. For the month of May 31, 2014, the self-insured health program was down $114,027, Mr. Murphy reported. Year-to-date the program was up $1.1 million. May was a tough month because $772,973 was paid in claims; that was about one-third of the $2.1 million paid so far this year.
Charles Owens, Director of Auxiliary Services, narrated pictures in a construction update. He noted that turf was 90% completed on the RHS James Field/Hoss Garrett Stadium. The track was complete. Work is going extremely well on the lights, ticket booth, concession stands, restrooms, and enormous work under the stadium. The old freshman locker room, the Chick Childress Field House, and the old track building will have the same paint color scheme as the Stadium. The Cat Box on the northern end of the stadium is being completely refurbished, and that project is about 50% complete.
Work at Cypress Springs in on schedule despite utility lines being hit. The footprint of the new building has been excavated. They are almost ready to pave the teacher and visitor parking lot beside the western playground. Parking by the parent pick up area has been raised and the street has been lowered. A change order on the project is being presented later in the meeting under New Business.
Renovations in the existing building and construction at Dubach School are going very well, and he is pleased with the progress. The new building is completely in the dry, and they are running electrical conduits, terminating plumbing fixtures, and working on the corridor that was required by the fire marshal to connect the buildings.
A Finance Committee meeting was held at 5:15 preceding the board meeting, and Chairman Lynda Henderson said Superintendent Danny Bell had presented a Skill Level Compensation Plan for some board-hired support employees. She asked him to summarize the plan for the entire board.
Mr. Bell said because the base salaries of non-certified employees of the school system are minimal, he had been searching for a way to retain those that had been employed by the Lincoln Parish School Board for several years and attract new competent workers. Many secretarial/bookkeeping, school food service, custodial/maintenance, bus drivers, and paraprofessional employees that have been employed for numerous years have not received a significant increase or any increase in their salaries in several years. Although the school system has excellent benefits, valuable employees had been lured away by private businesses and difficulties had been encountered when advertising for new hires. He had established and piloted a longevity plan for the secretarial/bookkeeping staff four or five years ago and was pleased with the results. After tweaking the figures for Skill Levels 1, 3, and 4 in that plan and adding more categories and increments for the same, he had the Business Department run some figures. They estimated the proposed compensation plan would cost just under $300,000 per year. Feeling that could be sustained, Mr. Bell met with supervisors of the departments that would be impacted, and they were excited about the compensation plan. He explained the levels of education, skill and hours per day required for the different categories and presented the following for the Board’s consideration:
SKILL LEVELS
Level 1 5 – 9 years of experience with the LPSB
Level 2 10 – 19 years of experience with the LPSB
Level 3 20 – 29 years of experience with the LPSB
Level 4 30 + years of experience with the LPSB
CATEGORY Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
Secretary/Bookkeeper $2,000 $3,000 $5,000 $7,000
Cafeteria & Custodial/ $1,000 $1,500 $2,500 $3,500
Maintenance
Bus Drivers & Paras $ 500 $ 750 $1,250 $1,750
Mr. Bell closed by saying he feels confident in recommending that the Board vote to institute the Skill Level Compensation Plan.
Ms. Henderson thanked Mr. Bell for his recommendation.
Mr. Mitcham said there was a recommendation on the table and asked for questions or comments.
Following one question, upon a motion by Ms. Henderson, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to approve the above-mentioned Skill Level Compensation Plan for the following non-certificated board-hired employees: secretary/bookkeeper, school food service, custodial/maintenance, bus drivers and paraprofessionals.
The Building and Grounds Committee met between the Finance Committee and the start of the Regular Session. Chairman Trott Hunt gave a brief update on items that were discussed in that meeting. He explained that Architect Mike Walpole reviewed and approved the final plans for Glen View Elementary with no substantial change from the initial plans. That project is on schedule to go out for bids. He also noted that Mr. Walpole wanted to move the security system job from the fall of 2014 to the spring of 2015 in order for the work to be done in the summer of 2015. The committee had no problem with that plan. The Fair Share options were again discussed, and a target of 10% Fair Share was suggested for disadvantaged businesses that would include minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. He and Mr. Mack will work with the administration and Mr. Walpole to attempt to get that language in place as a target. They will not delve into any rankings or decisions on who is selected other than setting a target. Change order #2 on the Cypress Springs project for $21,000 was discussed and approved for recommendation to the full Board. Mr. Hunt commended Mr. Walpole for the excellent job he does for a program of this scope with multiple projects over several years; he executes, meets his dates, and is very upfront with the Board and administration.
Mr. Mitcham and George Murphy congratulated Lincoln Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission Administrator Jerry Moore on his upcoming retirement and voiced their appreciation for the diligent job he has done. Mr. Moore introduced a six-year employee of the commission, Denise Griggs, who will be taking on his job duties. Their 2014-2015 proposed budget was the next agenda item. Total expenses had decreased $22,324 from $250,117 in 2013-2014 to $227,793 for 2014-2015. Mr. Moore explained a $22,000 increase in the capital asset category. He plans to purchase a vehicle from the state as they have not had one in twenty years and have been using their personal vehicles.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Mr. Jones, the Board unanimously voted to approve the 2014-2015 Sales and Use Tax Commission’s budget.
A change order decreasing the contract amount by $1,680.00 due to a remaining contingency allowance on the James Field/RHS Hoss Garrett Stadium turf project was presented by Charles Owens. He asked for approval of the same.
Upon a motion by Ms. Jones, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the Board unanimously voted to grant approval of the change order resulting in a net savings of $1,680.00 on the James Field/RHS Hoss Garrett Stadium turf project.
It was nearing time to wrap up the above-mentioned project according to the Mike Walpole. Charles Owens requested permission to execute Substantial Completion documents. At that point, the space could be occupied and utilized for its intended use.
Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Mr. Mack, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission and authorize the superintendent, his staff, and the architect to execute the Substantial Completion documents for the James Field/RHS Hoss Garrett Stadium turf project.
Because of unforeseen items that have surfaced in the Cypress Springs renovation and construction project, Mr. Owens requested approval of change order #2 increasing the cost by $21,411.00 and adding 10 days to the contract time. Particulars included in the change order were:
COR “B” – Changes to electrical service lines $ 10,134
COR “C” – Repair the existing water service line $ 6,042
COR “D” – Relocate the water service line to the 2005 classroom wing addition $ 2,196
COR “E” – Relocate electrical lines running to existing AC units $ 1,472
COR “F” – Revise joint preparation at corridors $ 3,886
COR “G” – Re-use steel columns and truss at canopy $ (2,319)
Upon a motion by Ms. Henderson, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve change order #2 on the Cypress Springs project with an increased cost of $21,411.00 and the addition of 10 days to the contact time.
Mr. Bell reminded the Board that they had approved a Resolution and Contingency Fee Agreement and Power of Attorney authorizing litigation against the State in connection with its failure to fund the 2.75% increase called for in the 2012-13 MFP. The Attorney General refused to approve them because the Contingency Fee Agreement was an attachment to the Resolution of the Board rather than within the Resolution itself. He had little alternative other than to ask for adoption of a new Resolution. Bob Hammonds, the Board’s attorney, sent two new Resolutions which were different from the previous in two ways; they include the specific Contingency Fee Agreement within the Resolution itself, and they authorize our attorneys to seek the 2.75% increase for the 2013-14 school year as well. Mr. Bell feels that it is incumbent for the Lincoln Parish School District to support acquiring and protecting all funds to properly educate children living in Lincoln Parish.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Mr. Jones, the Board unanimously voted to:
1. Adopt the Resolution for the Minimum Foundation Program litigation for Fiscal Year 2012-13;
2. Adopt the Resolution for the Minimum Foundation Program litigation for Fiscal Year 2013-14;
3. Agree to the terms of the Contingency Fee Agreement and Power of Attorney; and,
4. Grant the board President and Secretary the authority to sign on behalf of the Lincoln Parish School Board the above-mentioned documents supporting the litigation relative to restoring the loss in state MFP funding of public schools as a result of eliminating the 2.75% growth factor.
The time had arrived to adopt millages for 2014 announced George Murphy. He proposed that the millages remain the same as last year and asked the Board to adopt a Resolution, which he read in full, to levy the millages.
Vice President Mitcham announced that this was the time specified for a public hearing and for public comments regarding tax millages for 2014. Hearing no comments or questions, he asked for the Board’s pleasure regarding the matter.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hunt, seconded by Mr. Jones, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to adopt the resolution to levy millages for 2014 as follows:
Resolution
Constitutional Tax (La. Const. Art. VII, Sect. 13) 4.23 mills
Special Maintenance & Operation 4.94 mills
Special Repair & Equipment 4.94 mills
Parish wide Maintenance & Operation 10.24 mills
Parish wide Maintenance & Operation 8.48 mills
Ruston School District #1 2.53 mills
Simsboro School District #3 2.99 mills
Dubach School District #5 3.25 mills
Choudrant School District #6 3.00 mills
General Obligation Bonds Ruston SD #1 11.00 mills
General Obligation Bonds Simsboro SD #3 7.75 mills
General Obligation Bonds Choudrant SD #6 20.00 mills
Voting by roll call FOR the above motion: Debbie Abrahm, Michael Barmore, Lisa Best, Curtis Dowling, Danny Hancock, Mattie Harrison Lynda Henderson, Trott Hunt, Eddie Jones, George Mack, Jr., and Joe Mitcham.
Voting AGAINST the motion: None.
Absent and not voting: Otha Anders.
For some time the administration has been planning to address facility issues at Ruston High School’s baseball complex located off of 167 south and Ballpark Road; however, the James Family owns the property. Mr. Bell reported that many years ago the James family established the Louisiana Foundation with the intent to allow RHS to use the facility as its baseball complex since the football practice field replaced what was once RHS’s baseball field. Because the school was landlocked, there was no adjacent property that could be used. In order to move forward with much needed renovations and improvements, a Memorandum of Understanding stating that RHS may use the property either in perpetuity or for a significant period of time so as to be able to utilize outlay funds for substantial facility upgrades was needed. The Board’s attorney, Andy Shealy, and the Foundation’s attorney, Bill Carter, drafted an MOU with a minimum term of twenty-five years. Mr. Bell said copies were placed in packets for the Board’s review, and he asked for Board approval of the same.
Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Louisiana Foundation and authorize the superintendent to sign the MOU on behalf of the Board relative to the Ruston High School baseball field and related facilities.
The Hico Elementary School building was demolished subsequent to the recent closure of the school with the exception of the newer addition that housed two kindergarten classrooms. A group of Hico community leaders, the Hico Citizen’s Association, have expressed interest in acquiring the building for community use, and Mrs. Vicky Colvin, has worked diligently on the project. After numerous contacts by Mrs. Colvin and obtaining a nonprofit designation for the group, Superintendent Bell asked Andy Shealy to draft a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) in cooperation with the Hico Citizen’s Association and their attorney, which would allow the LPSB to engage in a formal agreement for the Hico community to utilize the remaining building for purposes related to education, art, social, historical, alumni gatherings, as well as community meetings with guest speakers. Copies of the CEA were included in packets, and he noted the time span was ten years with an option to renew for an additional five years at the end of July 31, 2024. The Association would be responsible for insurance, utilities, upgrades, and care for the building and surrounding grounds. If they should default, plans will proceed to tear down the building.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Mr. Barmore, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Hico Citizen’s Association and authorize the Board president to sign the CEA on behalf of the Lincoln Parish School Board.
With the renovation and additions to Dubach School, several A/C units were of no further use to the school board. Charles Owens asked that they be declared as surplus so they could be discarded.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Barmore, the Board unanimously voted to declare seventeen A/C units as surplus and authorize disposal in accordance with applicable board policy.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Bell said that:
1. School Board Disclosure Statements were included in packets. The deadline for filing by board members who have immediate family members employed by the school system is September 9, 2014.
2. Mrs. Gemelli had contacted those unable to attend the LSBA convention who were needing to acquire hours toward the annual training requirements with information about some upcoming sessions in Shreveport. Anyone with questions should contact her.
Mr. Mitcham communicated that qualifying for the November election of board members was scheduled for August 20 – 22, 2014.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Best.
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Danny L. Bell, Secretary
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Otha L. Anders, President