LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, July 7, 2015 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, 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. 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 member was absent.
President Otha Anders called the meeting to order. Mr. Hunt delivered the invocation, and Ms. Best led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Mr. Anders welcomed Board members, staff, media, and guests.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barmore, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on June 2, 2015, as distributed.
Next Ms. Cox-Boniol recognized and presented a plaque to the State Teacher of the Year Finalist, April Winstead. She summarized background on the biology teacher from Ruston High School and shared what she had gone through to reach the top level in the competition. Ms. Cox-Boniol and Mr. Anders congratulated and expressed pride in the finalist who was among the top 9 teachers in the state of Louisiana.
Testing/Accountability Coordinator, Donna Doss, gave the dates the different assessments and accountability releases were scheduled. She also provided background information about the spring of 2015 iLEAP and LEAP tests for grades 3 through 8 in order to have a better understanding of the scores. They were part of the transition process that began in 2010 and the actual implementation of Common Core with students taking the first tests last year that were fully aligned to the new standards. This year students in Louisiana took a totally different PARCC test that was the same English/Language Arts and math assessments administered in the other states that implemented the Common Core State Standards and assessed using Partnership for Assessment and Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) Initiative. The science and social studies tests were administered through the existing vendors, and those scores were received in late May. Sixty-three percent of the 3rd and 8th graders scored proficient (Basic and above) in science, and 64% were proficient in social studies. In End of Course (EOC) in grades 9-12, because summary reports and diagnostic data had not been received, she calculated the following results:
Subject Percent Proficient Percent Passing
(Good or Excellent) (Fair, Good, or Excellent)
Algebra 67 87
Geometry 65 87
English II 78 95
English III 68 92
Biology 59 90
US History 60 90
Ms. Doss opined that the students’ needs are being met, but the schools are not getting points for them. Regarding PARCC, which deals with ELA and math only, she communicated that the Standard Setting Process was available this summer, and the Student Level Results and Summary Reports were slated for the fall or late fall of 2015. Ms. Doss completed the time line that ended with Principal Report Cards and PARCC Transitional Student Growth Date available in the winter of 2015. In closing, she shared a 2015-2016 Assessment Plan for grades 3 to 8, high school, and alternate assessments.
Lisa Bastion, Chief Academic Officer, gave an update on future testing. She explained the state has 4 Requests for Proposals out for different tests and will send the districts information at a later time. Although a field test will be used for grades 3 – 8 in social studies this year, she was excited to announce that the test would be grade specific and would only test the standards that they are taught during the year; teachers are really excited about that. Although scores won’t be used for this year’s accountability scores, they will be used this year and next year. On EOC, English III is being removed from the English options, and English I is being added in 2016-2017. PARCC selected items can make up only 49% of questions asked on 2015-2016 assessments. The following year the state will move on to another phase. This year, besides the ACT a Work Keys assessment will be offered. That should offer some points toward accountability in that area also. Finally, the state is putting a lot of emphasis on CLEP exams. A workshop is being offered to Lincoln Parish counselors in August to familiarize them with that process. It would be beneficial to the high school students.
Because reading is the most complex task a human will learn, the recently-hired nine interventionists, two volunteers and Lisa Mangum, Reading Coach, have begun training on the screening instrument. She thanked Willie Washington for his support and the provision of federal dollars to support the reading program that will be used for those scoring in the bottom 20-25% of the first grade students. A minimum of 30 minutes a day, five days a week one-on-one time is planned. Ms. Mangum believes the program is going to be a great opportunity for the students in the parish because enough time is not spent in college training teachers in everything they need to know to teach a child to read. Like anything that requires great gain, it will not happen overnight. The first year is a training year, but she guaranteed results if the board would just be patient.
Ms. Bastion said a lot of work has already gone into the program and into the nine professionals. A trip was taken to Minnesota to see the reading initiative in action. She also believes it will be very beneficial to the students.
Willie Washington, Director of Title I, said flexibility in federal spending allowed the school system to fund the reading intervention program.
Because English and math have been the primary focus in the elementary schools over the past few years, science and social studies proficiency have decreased. Ms. Boyd, Elementary Supervisor, said gaps in learning have been noted when the students get into middle school. She reported that science proficiency (basic or above) was: 3rd grade - 62%; 4th grade – 55%; and 5th grade – 50%.
At the administration’s request, Cathi Cox-Boniol began to look for a science curriculum to utilize with all of the elementary students. She found a very cost efficient, excellent integrative curriculum for elementary STEM for all of the students in all of the elementary schools. The students will be helped to become scientifically literate citizens which is vitally important as the 21st century is entered. Additionally, the curriculum will be aligned to the assessment guides the Lincoln Parish teachers are now using to be sure the students are prepared for the annual standardized tests. Science teachers are being trained, and the curriculum will be piloted in the 3rd grade during the 15-16 school year. A partnership has also been formed with the Cyber Innovation Center’s Academic Division to offer its STEM EDA (Explore, Discovery & Apply) curriculum within the middle grades in the fall. Expansive growth is expected in the science area in the elementary and middle schools in the next year.
The following personnel items were shared by Mary Null, Assistant Superintendent:
1. Retirement of the following:
David Crowe, auxiliary coordinator, effective June 30, 2015; and
Susan Kelley, counselor at Ruston Junior High, effective July 17, 2015.
2. Resignation of the following effective May 23, 2015, unless otherwise noted:
Samantha Moulder, pre-k teacher at LPECC, effective Jun 25, 2015;
Shane Lee, assistant principal at Simsboro High, effective June 20, 2015;
Emily Reser, teacher at Ruston Elementary;
Stephanie Wardach, ELA teacher at Ruston High;
Melanie Poret, special education teacher at Ruston High, effective August 5, 2015;
Jathan Maricelli, ELA teacher at Ruston Junior High;
Lindsey Pate, math teacher at Ruston Junior High;
Glen Kyle, P.E./coach at Ruston Junior; and
Lance Waldron, P.E./coach at Simsboro High.
3. Transfers/Points of Reference effective August 17, 2015, unless noted otherwise:
Ann Marie Hancock from teacher at Choudrant Elementary to curriculum strategist at Choudrant Elementary in a new position effective August 10, 2015;
Leigh Ann Perritt, from Ruston Junior High to special education at Cypress Springs replacing Sara Moore who transferred;
Michelle Rosenburger from Choudrant High to special education at Dubach School replacing Zandria Guidry who transferred;
Jennifer Martin from teacher at Glen View to coordinating teacher at Glen View effective August 10, 2015, replacing Jana Comstock who promoted;
Ralee Smith from Simsboro to teacher at Glen View replacing Amy Carter who moved to reading interventionist at the school;
Kelli Colvin from teacher at Hillcrest to coordinating teacher at Hillcrest Elementary effective August 10, 2015, replacing Christine Gatlin who moved to curriculum strategist at the school;
Kelly Caldwell from Dubach School to ESL teacher in an itinerate position because of LEP numbers;
Ricky Edmiston from Secondary Supervisor to Supervisor of Auxiliary Services effective July 1, 2015, replacing David Crowe who retired;
Brooke Hoefler from Simsboro Elementary to special education at Ruston Elementary replacing Michelle Rosenburger who transferred;
Mandy Brown from interim coordinator at Ruston Elementary to coordinating teacher at Ruston Elementary effective August 10, 2015;
Shunda Lloyd Young from I. A. Lewis to special education at Ruston High replacing Sandra Simmons who resigned;
Sara Moore from Cypress Springs to special education at Ruston High replacing Chris Gatlin who retired;
Kim Goree from regular education to special education at Ruston High replacing Kay Peters who was deceased;
Brandi Tyler from Simsboro High to ELA/coach at Ruston High effective July 20, 2015, replacing Shelly Risher Henry who transferred;
Zandria Guidry from Dubach School to special education teacher at Ruston Junior High replacing Dewanna Schmidt who retired;
Lititia Freeman from Simsboro High to special education teacher at Ruston Junior High replacing Leigh Ann Perritt who transferred;
Shelley Risher Henry from Ruston High to special education teacher at Ruston Junior High because of special education numbers;
Bob Garrett from Ruston High to P.E./coach at Ruston Junior High effective July 20, 2015; replacing Mary Soto who retired;
Krista Moffett from Simsboro High to ELA at Ruston Junior replacing Danyelle O’Neal who transferred;
Jessica Jones from Howard School to ELA at Ruston Junior High replacing Katie Matthews who resigned;
Sue Price from Simsboro High to math teacher at Ruston Junior High replacing Lindsey Pate who transferred;
Dr. Lillie Williams-Hearn from Simsboro High to secondary supervisor at the central office effective July 1, 2015, replacing Ricky Edmiston who transferred;
LaTisha Vernon from regular education to special education teacher at Simsboro Elementary replacing Ralee Smith who transferred;
Karen Dowling from Ruston Elementary to teacher at Simsboro Elementary replacing Melanie Craft who resigned;
Kelly Hammond from regular education to special education teacher at Simsboro Elementary replacing Brooke Hoefler who transferred;
Jennifer Green from leave without pay to ELA teacher at Simsboro High replacing Krista Moffett who transferred;
Haley McHale from elementary teacher to librarian at Simsboro High replacing Suzette Henderson who transferred; and
Ebony Felder from I. A. Lewis to ELA teacher At Simsboro High replacing Christina Thompson who resigned.
4. Employment of the following effective August 17, 2015, unless otherwise noted:
Ashley Ellis as gifted and talented teacher at A. E. Phillips replacing Patsy Bratton who resigned;
Tara Murphy as teacher at Choudrant Elementary replacing Ann Marie Hancock who promoted;
Tina Calhoun as math teacher at Choudrant Elementary replacing Teresia Nicholson who retired;
Courtney Wade as ELA teacher at Choudrant High replacing Tamara Powell who resigned;
Christopher Cavin as math/coach at Choudrant High effective July 20, 2015, replacing Courtney Martin who resigned;
ShaVonda Washington as teacher at Cypress Springs replacing Pat Albritton who retired;
Jowana McAbee as teacher at Cypress Springs replacing Tammy Johnson who transferred;
Kelli Lumpkin as teacher at Dubach School replacing Kelly Caldwell who transferred;
Jordan Bostick as teacher at Dubach School replacing Brandi Watson who transferred;
Madison McDonald as ELA teacher at Dubach School replacing Danielle Stuckey who resigned;
Emily Allen as teacher at Glen View replacing Tiffany Lewis who transferred;
Ashlyn Barr as teacher at Glen View replacing Jennifer Martin who promoted;
Tracy Bennett as teacher at Glen View replacing Pam Neal who transferred;
Carrie Williams as special education teacher at Glen View replacing Lacey Deal who resigned;
Jaimie Simpson as remediation teacher at I. A. Lewis in a new position;
Sherryl Morgan as math teacher at I. A. Lewis replacing Andrea McTyer who resigned;
Victoria Kent as special education teacher at Glen View replacing Shunda Lloyd Young who transferred;
Bobbie Ginn as ELA teacher at I. A. Lewis replacing Ebony Felder who transferred;
Rose Kebe as math teacher at I. A. Lewis replacing Emily Bryant who transferred;
Patricia Scheaffer as teacher at Ruston Elementary replacing Emily Reser who resigned;
Keena Ogle as teacher at Ruston Elementary replacing LaToya Gilmore who resigned;
Catrina Crowe as teacher at Ruston Elementary replacing Mallory Montgomery who resigned;
Kathryn Martin as teacher at Ruston Elementary replacing Gloria McAdams who resigned;
Candace Rushing as teacher at Ruston Elementary replacing Karen Dowling who transferred;
Lindsay Bolton as ELA teacher at Ruston High replacing Stephanie Wardach who resigned;
Rachel Mathews as math teacher at Ruston High replacing Gayle Lewis who retired;
Jill Sutton as special education teacher at Ruston High replacing Kim Goree who transferred to special education;
Curtis Goodwin as social studies/coach at Ruston Junior High effective July 20, 2015, replacing Glen Kyle who resigned;
Jerald Kennedy as Assistant Principal at Ruston Junior High effective July 20, 2015, replacing Sheri Robken who transferred;
Jennifer Lewis as ELA teacher at Simsboro Elementary replacing Latisha Vernon who transferred;
Stacie White as teacher at Simsboro Elementary replacing Janet Blackwell who retired;
Joseph Kemp as social studies/coach at Simsboro High effective July 20, 2015, replacing Lance Waldron who resigned; and
Patrick Findley as assistant principal at Simsboro High effective July 20, 2015, replacing Shane Lee who resigned.
5. Points of Reference/Transfer of the following effective August 13, 2015:
Paula Lott from Ruston High to custodian at Ruston Elementary replacing Angela Jackson who transferred; and
Angela Jackson from Ruston Elementary to custodian at Ruston High replacing Paula Lott who transferred.
6. Retirement of Ferrell Pesnell, custodian at Simsboro High, replacing June 30, 2015.
7. Employment of the following:
Jerry Cole as food service maintenance effective July 1, 2015, replacing Gerry Briggs who resigned;
Yolanda Corbin as custodian at Dubach School effective August 13, 2015, replacing Sue Huey who retired;
Rhonda Sampson as custodian at I. A. Lewis effective July 1, 2015, replacing Curtis Mack who resigned; and
Sammie Singleton as custodian at Youth Rescue Center effective August 13, 2015, replacing Bobby Nelson who was deceased.
8. Employment of the following effective August 20, 2015:
Chris McWain as bus driver in the Dubach area replacing Al Williamson who resigned; and
Dennis Smith as bus driver in the Ruston area replacing Jimmy Hinson who resigned.
9. Retirement effective May 22, 2015, of the following school food service personnel:
Marie Coon, technician at Simsboro School; and
Evelyn Houck, technician at Dubach School.
George Murphy, Business Manager, presented the final sales tax collection report for the 14-15 fiscal year, which was the best year of his tenure, with $18,351,300 being collected. The previous big year was 08-09 when $15,641,711 was collected. The fund was up $2.7 million from several years ago, and that was just about what the recently-approved 15th checks cost the district. Recoveries through audits were $1,597 for the month; they were down over 29% compared to last year. Collections in the 1967 and 1979 fund were $697,635, and $837,160 was collected in the 1993 and 2000 sales tax fund. Once again oil and gas extractions were responsible for the increase, but he also noted a rise in auto sales.
In his summary of the May 2015 financial statement, Mr. Murphy said due to the great year in sales taxes, the financial statement was looking good for the time of year.
For the month of May 31, 2015, the self-insured health program was having some problems. It was down $284,761 for the month and $1,020,484 year-to-date. After talking to David Charpentier with Brown and Brown, George Murphy noted the following comparing the five months in 2015 with the first five months in 2014: drug costs were up 72% or over $800,000 and medical costs were up over $400,000, which equals over $1.2 million over the previous year. He will continue to work with Mr. Charpentier who will make recommendations to return the program to where it needs to be. After meeting with the administration to look at alternatives, Mr. Murphy will bring recommendations to the board probably in September or October.
With the retirement of David Crowe, Maintenance Coordinator, James Payton narrated pictures in a construction update. He noted that things were going well at all of the construction and renovation sites except for the track project at Choudrant High School and at I. A. Lewis. An inordinate amount of rain had slowed those projects. Mr. Payton briefly touched on work being done at those two schools and also at the Ruston High baseball complex, Glen View, Hillcrest, and Ruston Elementary and on the security project. Architect Mike Walpole was in attendance and helped to answer questions.
After a month of study, Ms. Null asked for the approval of revisions to the General Leaves of Absence (GBRIA) and Electronic Telecommunication Devices (JCDAE) policies.
Upon a motion by Ms. Henderson, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to approve the policy revisions to Leaves of Absence (GBRIA) and Electronic Telecommunication Devices (JCDAE).
At the suggestion of Forethought, the Board’s policy manual service, Ms. Null also asked board members to study revisions to the Student Records (JR) policy following the passage of Acts 677 and 837.
Because of an unforeseen hole on the top of a deep culvert on the driveway connecting James Street to Ruston High, Mr. Payton requested approval of change order #1 on the security project increasing the cost by a maximum of $10,000.00 and adding 5 days to the contract time. Particulars included in the change order were:
Complete sub-surface drainage repair on the driveway connecting James Street to the Ruston High School campus so that the Eastside security gate at Ruston High School can be completed.
Mr. Walpole noted he doesn’t know how deep the cavity near the culvert is and how much flow able fill would be needed, so he couldn’t supply a firm number. Although there is not guarantee the “Band-Aid” fix will work he believes it will, and it will be less expensive than other options.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hunt, seconded by Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to approve change order #1 on the Security Project with an increased cost of a maximum of $10,000.00 and the addition of 5 days to the contact time.
The board’s attorney, Jeff Robinson, had prepared another Resolution regarding oil, gas, and mineral leases because interest had been expressed in 13 different parcels of land and approximately 84 total acres. George Murphy read the Resolution in full and said if approved, it would be sent to the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board for placement on its agenda.
Jeff Robinson said the process was the same one the Board had followed in April 2015 but with additional tracts of land.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to approve the Resolution authorizing the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board to act on behalf of the Lincoln Parish School Board, to accept nominations, advertise for, accept and award bids, execute oil, gas, and mineral leases, and allow the Board President and/or the Superintendent to sign the Resolution on behalf of the Lincoln Parish School Board.
The State Legislative Auditor’s Office requires all Louisiana governmental units to complete a System’s Survey & Compliance Questionnaire and provide it to the independent auditors at the beginning of the financial and compliance audit, George Murphy reported to the Board. He requested approval of the questionnaire for the year ending June 30, 2015.
Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to approve the System’s Survey & Compliance Questionnaire for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, as presented.
The time had arrived to adopt millages for 2015 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.
President Anders announced that this was the time specified for a public hearing and for public comments regarding tax millages for 2015. Hearing no comments or questions, he asked for the Board’s pleasure regarding the matter.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barmore, seconded by Ms. Wiley, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to adopt the resolution to levy millages for 2015 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, Otha Anders, Michael Barmore, Lisa Best, Curtis Dowling, David Ferguson, Danny Hancock, Lynda Henderson, Trott Hunt, George Mack, Jr., Joe Mitcham, and Susan Wiley.
Voting AGAINST the motion: None.
Absent and not voting: None.
Several buses and cars were of no further use to the transportation department. James Payton requested that the Board declare a 1995 International bus, a 1999 Bluebird bus, a blue 2001 Chevrolet Malibu, and a maroon 2001 Chevrolet Malibu as surplus and grant permission to dispose of them through the bid process.
Upon a motion by Ms. Abrahm, seconded by Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to declare the following buses and cars as surplus and grant permission to dispose of them through the bid process: 1995 International bus, 1999 Bluebird bus, 2001 Chevrolet Malibu (blue), and 2001 Chevrolet Malibu (maroon).
In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Milstead said that:
1. He appreciates the Board and the citizens that support the school district. He accepts the challenge of his new position and is glad to be part of the excellent school system.
2. Several items were included in board packets that were not on the agenda: the meeting dates for next year, annual Nepotism Disclosure Statement, a print out of training hours earned in 2015, and a Thank You note from Mr. Barmore following his mother’s death.
3. He and Mary Null recently met with Attorney Bob Hammonds regarding the desegregation case. He is very hopeful that in the next year and a half it will be completed. Mr. Hammonds assured the administration that if the school system will comply with the orders of the Department of Justice, in December 2016 the school system will be declared unitary. He reiterated the five areas that were already declared unitary: teacher assignments, staff assignments, extracurricular activities, transportation, and facilities. The four city elementary school administrators have plans in place that will be presented to the DOJ by August 1, 2015, that will show full implementation to the letter and intent of the law.
After a comment by one board member, the meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Best.
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Mike Milstead, Secretary Otha L. Anders, President