LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, July 12, 2016 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, 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, Ms. Lisa Best, Mr. David Ferguson, Mr. Danny Hancock, Ms. Lynda Henderson, Mr. Trott Hunt, Mr. George Mack, Jr., Mr. Joe Mitcham, and Ms. Susan Wiley
Mr. Mike Barmore and Mr. Curtis Dowling were absent.
President Joe Mitcham called the meeting to order. Ms. Lisa Best delivered the invocation, and Ms. Becky Gemelli led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Ms. Abrahm, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on June 7, 2016, as distributed.
Mr. Mitcham announced that it was the time specified for a public hearing regarding tax millages for 2016.
Chief Financial Officer, George Murphy, said the Lincoln Parish School Board will meet on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Parish School Board Central Office at 410 South Farmerville Street, Ruston, Louisiana, to levy the 2016 millage rates. Included in the levy is the renewal of the Simsboro District Maintenance and Operation Tax of 2.99 mills.
Mr. Mitcham asked for comments or questions from the public. Hearing none, he closed the period for public comments.
The following personnel items were shared by Dr. Doris Lewis, Director of Human Resources:
1. Retirement of the following:
Deborah Barton, teacher at Cypress Springs, effective July 1, 2016; and
Lala Ball, ELA teacher at I. A. Lewis, effective August 7, 2016.
2. Resignation of the following effective May 28, 2016, unless otherwise noted:
Doris Marzett, Supervisor of Child Nutrition Program, effective December 21, 2016;
Tina Goff, special education teacher at Choudrant Elementary, effective July 6, 2016;
Bridgette Bennett, teacher at Choudrant High, effective June 28, 2016;
Jowana McAbee, teacher at Cypress Springs;
Mary Kate Cortez, teacher at Cypress Springs;
Cassie Muriithi, special education teacher at Cypress Springs, effective June 24, 2016;
Lauren Hearn, teacher at Glen View, effective June 14, 2016;
Gabrielle Bourgeois, science teacher at I. A. Lewis, effective June 28, 2016;
Lacy Dasch, science teacher at I. A. Lewis, effective June 25, 2016;
Chris Arflin, social studies teacher at I. A. Lewis;
Sean Case, math teacher at I. A. Lewis;
Natalie Verret, social studies/science teacher at I. A. Lewis, effective June 9, 2016;
Randall Wood, band at I. A. Lewis/Ruston High, effective June 11, 2016;
Angela McKaskle, teacher at Ruston Elementary, effective May 10, 2016;
Rachel Mathews, math teacher at Ruston High;
Katie Giesse, P.E./coach at Ruston High;
Merideth Boyd, English teacher at Ruston High;
Melissa Sullivan, ELA teacher at Ruston High;
Tara Raue, ELA teacher at Ruston High;
Jenna Bolin, ELA/coach at Ruston High;
Sarah Wages, science teacher at Ruston High;
Margaret Samons, math teacher at Ruston Junior High;
Amanda Barton, English teacher at Ruston Junior High;
Allison Search, ELA teacher at Ruston Junior High;
Benjamin Quinnelly, foreign language teacher at Simsboro, effective June 30, 2016;
Kim Matson, elementary teacher at Simsboro;
Stephanie Whitten, elementary teacher at Simsboro;
Nolan Young, science teacher at Simsboro;
Anna Baines, science teacher at Simsboro;
Dana Boockoff, special education at Simsboro, effective July 1, 2016; and
Jessica Aulds, special education interpreter, effective May 27, 2016.
3. Employment of the following effective August 8, 2016, unless otherwise noted:
Amy Ostrander, teacher at Choudrant Elementary because of increasing special education numbers;
Melissa DeRamus, special education at Cypress Springs, replacing Cassie Muriithi who resigned;
Kirsten Blake, teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Jowana McAbee who resigned;
Laura Davidson, teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Mary Kate Cortez who resigned;
Gelavij Myrold, teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Deborah Barton who retired;
Tina Brownfield, pre-k teacher at Dubach Elementary, replacing Pam Neal who resigned;
Laurie Fernandez, special education at Glen View, replacing Ann Smithey who transferred;
Morgan Preaus, teacher at Glen View, replacing Lauren Hearn who resigned;
Stefanie Gordon, teacher at Glen View, replacing Kelly Hodge who was granted leave without pay;
Beth Rupp, social studies teacher at I. A. Lewis, replacing Chris Arflin who resigned;
Chaunce Davison, social studies teacher at I. A. Lewis, replacing Lala Ball who retired;
Katelynne Levesque, math teacher at I. A. Lewis, replacing Sean Case who resigned;
Michelle Hopkins, science teacher at I. A. Lewis, replacing Lacy Dasch who resigned;
Megan Dunson special education at I. A. Lewis, replacing LaTisha Robinson-Vernon who transferred to regular education;
Kimberly Olney, science teacher at I. A. Lewis, replacing Natalie Verret who resigned;
Charles Pernici, band at I. A. Lewis/Ruston High effective July 25, 2016, replacing Randall Wood who resigned;
Jeff Tucker, behavior interventionist with Pupil Appraisal, replacing Terri Singleton who retired;
Adrian Seney, social worker with Pupil Appraisal effective July 25, 2016, replacing Nancy Wallace who retired;
Finitra Emerson, home/school interventionist with Pupil Appraisal, replacing Birdel Barker who retired;
Celesta McGrew, psychologist with Pupil Appraisal effective July 25, 2016, replacing Elizabeth Freeman who retired;
Dana Reno, teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Candace Doria who transferred;
Mikaela Fitzwater, ELA teacher at Ruston High, replacing Jenna Bolin who resigned;
Tracy Shrell, family & consumer science teacher at Ruston High, replacing Merideth Boyd who resigned;
Carrifrances Alexander, science teacher at Ruston High, in a new Jump Start position;
Jill Benefield, math teacher at Ruston High, replacing Britton Kilpatrick who resigned;
Jessica Falke, ELA/speech teacher at Ruston High, replacing Tara Raue who resigned;
Tim Smith, in a new H&PE/coaching slot at Ruston High, effective July 11, 2016;
Collin McDonald, science at Ruston High, replacing Sarah Wages who resigned;
Zachary Smith, special education/coach at Ruston High effective July 11, 2016, replacing James White who transferred;
Donna Alderman, special education teacher at Ruston Junior High, in a new position because of increasing special education numbers;
Sarah Waits, ELA teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Amanda Barton who resigned;Bonnie Goss, math teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Margaret Samons who resigned;
Lacey Holcomb, ELA teacher at Simsboro, replacing Kirby Basher who transferred;
April Adams, speech therapist at Simsboro, replacing Melissa Jackson who transferred;
Sara Johnston, science teacher at Simsboro, replacing Krystal Phillips who resigned;
Carly Sproule, math teacher at Simsboro, replacing Dana Tilley who resigned;
Rebecca Thomas, teacher at Simsboro, replacing Kim Matson who resigned; and
Mark Alexander, science teacher at Simsboro, replacing Nolan Young who resigned.
4. Transfers/Points of Reference effective August 8, 2016, unless otherwise noted:
Rexie Roberts from Simsboro to special education at Choudrant High replacing Gwen Torbor who transferred;
Jana Crowe from Simsboro to math teacher at Choudrant High replacing Bridgette Bennett who resigned;
Shannon Puljak from teacher at Cypress Springs to a new elementary interventionist slot at Cypress Springs;
Melissa Jackson from Simsboro to speech therapist at Cypress Springs replacing Betty Sheeler who retired;
Ann Smithey from special education teacher at Glen View to a new elementary interventionist slot at Glen View;
Candace Doria from Ruston Elementary to curriculum strategist at Glen View effective August 1, 2016, replacing Amanda Simmons who transferred;
Bettina Collins from Dubach to business teacher at I. A. Lewis replacing Jaimie Simpson who transferred to math;
James White from Ruston High to special education at Ruston Junior High replacing Shelia Barber who resigned;
Michelle Rosenberger from Dubach to special education at Simsboro replacing Rexie Roberts who transferred;
Leska Nelson from Dubach to special education at Simsboro due to increasing special education numbers;
LaTisha Robinson-Vernon from special education to teacher at Simsboro replacing Robin Collinsworth who transferred; and
Gwen Torbor from Ruston Elementary to special education at Youth Rescue Center replacing Robbie Burnham who transferred to paraprofessional.
5. Resignation of James Wimberly, custodian at Ruston Junior High, effective June 16, 2016.
6. Disability retirement of Vickey Thomas, school food service technician, effective May 24, 2016.
George Murphy presented a sales tax report for June of 2016 with $1,267,142 being collected. That was down $267,653 from the previous month. Year-to-date as the fiscal year ended, the fund was up $2,562,730 or 13.96%. Recoveries through audits were $18,027 for the month. They were down $77,685, which was a 42% drop for the year. Reasons for the decreases for the month and over the last several months were primarily attributed to reductions in the categories of automotive dealers and service stations, lumber and wood products, and the vast majority being the decrease in oil and gas collections.
Mr. Murphy also wanted to discuss changes in the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP). He informed board members several times since October 2015 that MFP cuts of approximately $1.8 million were coming this year. He had received notification that the 16-17 MFP allocation to Lincoln Parish has been cut $4,000,091. That figure included the beginning amounts and the mid-year adjustment that is expected. However, part of that number was the amount of money being given to Grambling State University for what used to be their lab schools. If that figure is subtracted since a charter school may be opened, the net effect to the LPSB is a $1.9 million loss. Some of the reasons for the change were increased sales taxes over the last several years, an increase in the number of students for the year, and the schools that were previously the Grambling lab schools costing more than anticipated. Mr. Murphy said the school system has prepared for the anticipated loss as well as it could and reserves were built up. He feels comfortable that the school system will be okay financially in 16-17, but he again cautioned that a real $4 million loss is expected for next year. Later this year, he will get with the state and try to get a firm figure on next year’s MFP amount. He urged the Board to be very cautious with spending and to look really carefully with spending for capital projects out of the General Fund.
Moving on to his summary of the May 2016 financial statement, Mr. Murphy said figures were down $646,000 compared to April 2016, and compared to May of 2015 they were up $8.5 million. He noted that some of those reserves will be used in the coming days.
For the month of May 31, 2016, the self-insured health plan was up $19,673, and it was up $1.19 million year-to-date. These positive numbers were a result of changes made last year and at the beginning of this year.
New Construction Coordinator, James Payton narrated pictures in a construction update. He noted that in general things were going well at the renovation and construction sites.
At I. A. Lewis, work should be finished around August. Drainage work is complete, but dirt work, work on a covered walkway, an enclosed walkway, fire alarm system, painting, etc. are remaining. The contractor is trying to schedule a visit by the fire marshal.
At Ruston Junior High School the south end is further along than the north end. By Monday a set of bleachers will be installed on the south end of the football field. The exterior brick work is complete and interior blocking is almost done on both ends. Metal soffit work is being done on the outside, sidewalks are going to be built, and several areas will be concreted. On the inside, A/C, ceiling tiles and painting are still being completed. That project is scheduled for completion by the end of September.
The slab is poured and red iron is up on the RHS spirit building. After painting, the roof and insulation work will be done. Drainage issues have been addressed and that is working well.
On the freshman locker facility, a gas line that was found by the contractor will be addressed later in the meeting. Since there is no red iron on this building, they will block it up and use structured steel in order for the roof to resemble the nearby fieldhouse. Their completion date, as well as the RHS spirit building, is February 2017.
Another change order will be coming up on the New Tech classrooms at RHS. An electrical primary line was in the way of drainage work. After that they will begin to haul in dirt and get ready to pour the slab.
The old freshman dressing room at RHS is being completely renovated to make a boys’ soccer facility. Work has begun on the new building housing girls’ soccer.
The RHS auditorium is getting a new foam roof, but problems have been encountered. Leaks and moisture were found in some core samples.
Architect Mike Walpole said the cores were taken prior to advertising for bids, so removal of the damaged areas was included in the contract. As long as no more wet insulation is found during the process, there should be no change order.
In addition, Mr. Payton said there were a few areas on the main roof of the school that were blistered and need to be repaired. The auditorium roof contractor said since he’s already on site, he can probably repair the damage for a nominal fee.
Plans are still underway to double the size of parking lot in front of RHS by taking in about 100’ x 300’ of the current band and soccer practice area. Working with an engineer, water retention has been addressed. Mr. Payton said it probably won’t be necessary to bid the project out because it should come in under the minimum cost that requires the use of the bid process. They hope to get started soon and finish before the start of school.
At Simsboro, they have changed the pipe size that was present and causing drainage problems. That project is almost finished.
An Act of Servitude between the LPSB and Simsboro First Baptist Church was prepared by the board’s attorney, Jeff Robinson, and presented by George Murphy. Mr. Murphy indicated that it was considered part of the original property exchange in the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement dated December 5, 2006. The Servitude allows Simsboro Baptist Church access to the Board’s property. After reading the Resolution, he asked for approval of the same.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hunt, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Act of Servitude with Simsboro First Baptist Church.
At the suggestion of Forethought, the Board’s policy manual service, Mary Null, Assistant Superintendent, asked board members to study until the next meeting the following policy changes:
The addition of Preservation of School Board Records Due to Legal Action (DIEA); and
Revisions to Hazardous Substances (EBBG), Employment of Personnel (GBD), Evaluation of Personnel (GBI), Tenure (GBL), and Home Study Program (IDCH).
Approval of change order #2 for the Ruston High freshman locker room and spirit building project was requested by James Payton. A gas line under the slab of the locker addition needed to be rerouted, and 11 rain days were being requested. The additional monies would be taken from the project’s contingency allowance.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Ms. Henderson, the Board unanimously voted to approve change order #2 on the Ruston High School freshman locker room and spirit building project with the addition of $5,413 to the contract price and 11 days to the contract time.
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, 2016.
Upon a motion by Ms. Henderson, seconded by Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to approve the System’s Survey & Compliance Questionnaire as presented for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016.
Change order #1 for the Ruston High New Tech addition was the next agenda item. A 215’ underground electrical primary located behind the addition conflicted with the installation of a new 30” storm drain pipe and basin. Rerouting the line would add $2,321 to the price and 3 days to the time. If approved, the project’s contingency allowance would cover the additional cost.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hunt, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to approve change order #1 on the Ruston High New Tech addition with an increased cost of $2,321 and the addition of 3 days to the contact time.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Milstead said that:
1. Because the meeting was backed up a week to allow for the July 4th holiday, the next board meeting is only three weeks away.
2. Annual Disclosure Statements were included in board packets. If applicable, they should be sent to the Board of Ethics by September 7, 2016.
3. He wanted to recognize the Lincoln Parish Chamber of Commerce for all they do for the students and employees of the school system. He believes the benefits received from them far outweigh the $650 membership fee paid by the LPSB.
After a comments from a couple of board members including an invitation from Ms. Wiley to activities on September 1-2, 2016, commemorating the 40 anniversary of Robert “Demp” Smith being named the first African-American head football coach at Ruston High School, the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. on a motion by Ms. Best.
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Mike Milstead, Secretary Joe E. Mitcham, Jr., President