LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, April 7, 2015 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, 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 Ms. Debbie Abrahm, Mr. Otha Anders, Mr. Michael Barmore, Ms. Lisa Best, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Mr. David Ferguson, Mr. Danny Hancock, Ms. Lynda Henderson, Mr. Trott Hunt, Mr. George Mack, Jr., Mr. Joe Mitcham, and Ms. Susan Wiley.
No board members were absent.
President Anders called the meeting to order, and the invocation was given by Mr. Barmore. Ms. Wiley led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Mr. Anders welcomed board members, staff, and visitors to the meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barmore, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Ms. Wiley, seconded by Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on March 10, 2015, and the Special Called Session on March 16, 2015, as distributed.
Cathi Cox-Boniol, Lincoln ACHIEVE Coordinator, was delighted to inform the Board that two more Ruston High school students had been selected as a National Merit Finalists. She summarized the steps the students had taken prior to making it to the top .5% of seniors in the nation. Ms. Cox-Boniol introduced AustinMeng and Nicholas Ruff, presented plaques to them in recognition of being selected as a National Merit Finalists, and had them introduce their guests.
President Anders congratulated the academic champions, expressed pride in them, and wished them well in the future.
Next Ms. Cox-Boniol recognized and presented a plaque to the Semi-Finalist Teacher of the Year, April Winstead. She summarized background on the biology teacher from Ruston High School and shared what she had gone through to reach that level in the competition. Ms. Cox-Boniol and Mr. Anders congratulated and expressed pride in the semi-finalist that was among the top 15 in the state in her profession.
Doris Marzett, Supervisor of School Food Service, presented the yearly appeal for permission to advertise and accept bids in order to purchase food, paper, kitchen supplies, and equipment for the 15-16 school year.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to advertise for bids and accept the lowest bids meeting specifications on all purchases of food, paper, kitchen supplies, and equipment that meet specifications for the 15-16 school year.
Several items in the vocational agriculture shop at Choudrant High are no longer needed. Secondary Supervisor, Ricky Edmiston, asked the Board to declare the items as surplus so they can be discarded.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barmore, seconded by Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to declare the items presented as surplus and grant authority to the administration to dispose of all items in a prudent manner.
In order to comply with state law, David Crowe, Coordinator of Auxiliary Services, voiced the annual request for permission to advertise for bids in order to purchase materials and supplies for the next school year.
Upon a motion by Ms. Henderson, seconded by Mr. Mack, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to advertise for bids for duplicating paper, toilet tissue, paper towels, dust mops, gasoline, and diesel for 15-16.
The Board was reminded by George Murphy that each year schools are allocated monies from the 1979 sales tax fund to purchase instructional supplies. These amounts are distributed on a per pupil basis through the business department. Mr. Murphy proposed the same per pupil allocations from the previous year, but noted the total amount was slightly higher than last year because of an increase in students. The $77,812 distribution he recommended was:
Art K-12- $1.75 per student
Physical Education K-12 - $1.75 per student
Library Supplies K-5 - $1.25 per student
6-12 - $1.75 per student
Music K-5 - $1.25 per student
6-12 - $1.75 per student
Magazines & K-6 - $3.00 per student
Newspapers 7-12 - $3.25 per student
Science K-6 - $1.50 per student
7-8 - $3.00 per student
9-12 - $4.50 per student
Upon a motion by Ms. Abrahm, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to approve the distribution of 1979 sales tax monies for instructional supply money as mentioned above in the total amount of $77,812.
The subsequent personnel items were shared by Mary Null, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Programs:
1. Retirement of the following effective May 23, 2015, unless otherwise noted:
Theresia Nicholson, teacher at Choudrant Elementary;
Robin Davidson, itinerant gifted/talented teacher;
Elaine Johnson, math teacher at Ruston High, effective October 17, 2015;
Dwanna Schmidt, special education teacher at Ruston Junior High;
Janet Blackwell, teacher at Simsboro School;
Gayle Lewis, business teacher at Simsboro School; and
J. P. Dunbar, maintenance coordinator at the maintenance facility, effective June 30, 2015.
2. Resignation of the following effective May 23, 2015:
Patsy Bratton, gifted/talented teacher at A. E. Phillips;
Linda Brown, English teacher at Ruston High;
Mallory Montgomery, teacher at Hillcrest Elementary;
Cassie Maxwell, math teacher at Ruston High;
Brian Thomas, math teacher at I. A. Lewis;
Katie Matthews, English teacher at Ruston Junior High;
Amanda Robertson, math teacher at Ruston Junior High;
3. Points of Reference/Transfers effective July 1, 2015:
Dr. Doris Lewis from Title I Facilitator at the Central Office to Human Resources Director at the Central Office in a new positon;
Shavonne Garner-Price from Principal at I. A. Lewis to Title I Facilitator at the Central Office replacing Dr. Doris Lewis who is promoting;
Lisa Mangum from Principal at Glen View Elementary to itinerant Reading Recovery Coach in a new position;
Lisa Bastion from Principal at Choudrant High to Chief Academic Officer at the Central Office replacing Mike Milstead who is promoting; and
Tim Nutt from Principal at Ruston Junior High to Child Welfare and Attendance/Hearing Officer at the Central Office replacing Ronny Volentine who is retiring.
4. Leave without pay for the following:
Jenna Bolin, PE teacher at Ruston High, from April 7, 2015 through May 22, 2015; and
Ashley Smith, teacher at Hillcrest Elementary, from April 30, 2015, through May 20, 2015.
5. Retirement of Lillian Huey, custodian at Dubach School, effective May 29, 2015.
6. Resignation of Gerry Briggs, laborer at the maintenance facility, effective March 20, 2015.
7. Retirement of Scymentress Davis, school food service technician at Cypress Springs, effective March 19, 2015.
8. Employment of Lawanta Atkins as school food service clerk technician at Cypress Springs effective February 2, 2015, replacing Sandra Hewitt who retired.
In addition, she noted that nine reading interventionists had been selected. They were Amy Carter, teacher at Glen View Elementary; Renee Laird, special education teacher at Ruston Elementary; Tammy Johnson, teacher at Cypress Springs; Tiffany Lewis, teacher at Glen View; Rayna McCarty, teacher at I. A. Lewis; Allison Milstead, teacher returning to the parish; Tammy Patterson, teacher at Hillcrest; Heather Roussell, teacher at LPECC; and Sheri Sandlin, teacher at Dubach School. School assignments had not been completed, but would be shared as Points of Reference after that process was completed.
Superintendent Bell said the five individuals listed under Points of Reference/Transfers reflect jobs well done. He called them by name, had them stand, and voiced that he is excited about their new areas of responsibility. Mr. Bell wished them the best in the future.
President Anders welcomed them to their newly appointed positions and charged them with the grave responsibility to improve every aspect of the office in which they will serve.
March 2015 was another good month with sales tax collections totaling $1,222,692 reported Business Manager, George Murphy. That was a 17.86% increase compared to the same month last year. Year-to-date the fund was up 27.25%. Audit recoveries for the month were $13,476, and year-to-date those collections were down over 30%. Collections in the 1967 and 1979 funds were $555,769, and $666,922 was collected in the 1993 and 2000 funds. Once again the primary reason for the increase was oil and gas extractions. Next month the administration plans to request permission to distribute an extra check to be paid in May because of the additional sales taxes.
In his financial update for the month ending February 2015, Mr. Murphy communicated that primarily because of sales tax collections, the school system is experiencing a really good year financially. All of the other funds were about the same as last month.
The health plan report was not good according to George Murphy; it was a bad month, and it’s a bad year. The fund was down $443,065 for the month ending February 2015 and $604,842 year-to-date after two months. This is not the first time this has happened, and it can turn around in a few months he opined. Some really large claims have been paid but stop loss insurance will reimburse anything over $150,000. He will look later on in the year to see if some fundamental changes need to be made.
In his construction update, David Crowe, Coordinator of Auxiliary Services, narrated pictures of the Cypress Springs project that was recently found to be substantially completed. Triad Builders has done a great job. The slab was poured last week at Glen View, and he anticipates the steel erection being done later in the week. That project is behind schedule, but the contractor has been encouraged by the architect to take necessary steps to be completed on time in August.
Architect Mike Walpole said the security project is soon to be bid. He brought the Board up-to-date on that project. He is continuing to meet with principals and the administration to finalize the plans.
Six applicants were interviewed for the position of superintendent in Special Called Session that began on March 16, 2015. After careful analysis, evaluation, and consideration of all applicants by all board members, Mr. Anders reminded Board members that they had unanimously recommended Mike Milstead for negotiations with the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee came up with a proposal of a two-year contract with a base salary plus a car allowance. He asked for approval of the same.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Mr. Barmore, the Board unanimously voted to ratify Mike Milstead as superintendent of Lincoln Parish Schools under a two-year contract, effective July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2017, with a base salary of $132,132 and a $5,000 annual car allowance.
Mr. Milstead said he is looking forward to working with the educators in attendance at the meeting. He expressed his appreciation and commended the Board for the professional way they handled the interview process. He looks forward to working with the board members, office staff, teachers, principals, and supervisors with the same goals that are in the best interest of the students Parish. Mr. Milstead voiced his trepidation following Superintendent Danny Bell but pledged to do what is best for the school system and seek ways to improve the educational process in Lincoln Parish.
He called attention to a handout from the State Department containing the total number and percent of high school graduates enrolling in college for 2013-2014. He believes it’s one of the highest and most significant things to ever happen in Lincoln Parish. In all of the school districts in Louisiana, Lincoln Parish was number 1 for having the most students percentage-wise (75%) attending a two or four year institution of learning immediately after high school. Ruston High and Choudrant High were both a 77%. He attributed a lot of credit to the teachers, principals, people who encourage the students at home, but he gave special recognition to the guidance counselors at the schools. They consistently meet with the students during all of the years in high school and especially during their senior year to make plans for post high school.
Superintendent Danny Bell shared his plan to open the application process for principals of Choudrant High, Dubach School, Glen View, I. A. Lewis, Ruston Elementary, Ruston Junior High, Simsboro School and any other positions that may become vacant due to filling the above on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. The application period would close at noon on Tuesday, April 21, 2014, with interviews to be scheduled shortly thereafter. A recommendation to fill the positions would then be made at the May 5, 2015, board meeting. He noted that the process would be implemented in accordance with the court order pertaining to the selection of administrative personnel.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barmore, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve the timeline to advertise and interview for principals of Choudrant High, Dubach School, Glen View, I. A. Lewis, Ruston Elementary, Ruston Junior High, Simsboro School and any other positions that may become vacant due to filling the above as explained above.
Because of the vital role of school bus drivers, lunchroom workers, custodians, secretaries, clerical personnel, teacher aides, bus aides, maintenance workers, and para-professionals in the efficient operation of the school system, Mr. Owens recommended that the Board adopt a Resolution designating April 20-24, 2015, as Support Personnel Week.
Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION
That the Lincoln Parish School Board designate the week of April 20-24, 2015, as Support Personnel Week in Lincoln Parish and copies of this Resolution be sent to each school in Lincoln Parish and also made a part of the official minutes of the Lincoln Parish School Board.
Copies of revised Child Nutrition Program Management (EE), Graduation Requirements (IHF), and Graduation Exercises (IKDB) policies were distributed. Mary Null asked the Board to consider the policy revisions with formal action to be taken at the May 5, 2015, meeting.
Approval of change order #5 for the Cypress Springs project was the next agenda item. David Crowe said the change order added $3,923.00 for handrails to the sloping sidewalk per the State Marshall’s request. In addition, a $1,269.00 credit would be applied from the contingency and hardware allowances brining the net change to $2,654.00. If approved, eleven days would be added to the contract time.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Mr. Hunt, the Board unanimously voted to approve change order #5 adding $2,654.00 to the cost and eleven days to the contract time of the Cypress Springs project.
It was nearing time to wrap up the above-mentioned project according to David Crowe. He 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 Mr. Hunt, 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 Cypress Springs Elementary additions and renovation project.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Bell:
1) Verbally recognized some teacher leaders who are stepping up to attend local and state trainings and then coming back to share. Emily Howell, Aquanetta Archangel, Matthew Vincent, and Tammy Schales are presenting in New Orleans in June at the Teacher Leader Summit. Melinda Killen and Julie Warner from LPECC are presenting Journey of the Pre-K Pilot and the TS Gold Standards which are new instruments. It speaks volumes about the quality of teachers in the schools.
2) Reminded everyone of the upcoming 2.99 mill maintenance and operation renewal election on Saturday, May 2, 2015. He has recently met with Mr. Dowling and the administration at Simsboro School to work on a brochure and how to communicate about the election. About $173,000 is generated for minor maintenance issues and utility costs. He reiterated that every school district in Lincoln Parish has M & Os.
3) Said he was glad Mr. Milstead had already discussed high school grads enrolling in college. He placed in packets an article from the morning’s edition of the Monroe News Star recognizing West Carroll Parish for having the highest graduation rate in Northeast Louisiana. Lincoln Parish was only .2 of a point behind and had one of the highest graduation rates in the state. The system increased from an 84.5% to an 87.4%, which was a 2.9% increase. That speaks to the successful programs in Lincoln Parish, but especially the high schools. He commended teachers, parents, principals and others for working so hard to keep the students in school and graduating on time. Mr. Bell was very proud of Lincoln Parish’s ranking in North Louisiana and across the state. Many of the high performing graduation rates were often times in affluent districts.
4) Noted a Tier 3 Personal Financial Disclosure Statement was included in packets. They are due May 15.
5) Asked board members if they preferred for board meetings to remain at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays or would rather a change to 5:30. By acclamation it was decided to leave the time at 6:00 p.m.
President Anders realized District Attorney John Belton was in attendance. He asked him to speak.
Mr. John Belton greeted the board, congratulated Superintendent-Elect Mike Milstead, thanked Superintendent Danny Bell for giving his life to educating the students in Lincoln Parish, and thanked board members, principals and teachers because it does require teamwork to educate the students. He heard impressive things during the meeting and believes all involved are on the right track in Lincoln Parish.
There being no further business, upon a motion by Ms. Best, the meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
_______________________________ _______________________________
Danny L. Bell, Secretary Otha L. Anders, President