LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, August 7, 2018 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. at 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 member was absent.
President Mitcham called the meeting to order and welcomed guests to the meeting.
He introduced Lewis Jones, the new Lincoln Parish School Board attorney. Mr. Mack gave the invocation, and Mr. Nick Bracey, LPSB Technology Department, led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Barmore, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hunt, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on July 10, 2018, as submitted.
Superintendent Mike Milstead stated a meeting was held recently with Courtney Hall, Lincoln Parish Police Jury Administrator, Don McDonald, Choudrant police officer, James Payton, New Construction Coordinator, Mr. Hancock, and Charles Hogan, CES principal, regarding the entrance to Choudrant Elementary. The group had been looking at a way to prevent staging of cars on Highway 80 during car drop off and pick up at CES. There are about 125-150 cars staged on Highway 80 and Walker Road during morning and afternoon drop off and pick up. At the top of the hill there is limited visibility in both directions. The goal was to get parents off of Highway 80. A temporary solution will begin this coming school year when parents will not be able to turn in at the top of the hill, vehicles will have to travel about ¾ of a mile farther, turn right on Walker Road, and enter on the southeast side of the school.
Mr. Hall explained that he and LPPJ became involved when a question was asked regarding two places on Walker Road where railroad tracks cross. There are only warning signs at these crossings. He stated the LDOT is the sole entity to install cross arms and flashing lights. The cost would be approximately $500,000 and there is a one year lead time. There are federal grants available, but there is a three year back log to get those approved. The Police Jury discussed other alternatives which would be cost effective in the interim. They are willing to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with LPSB to improve and construct an access road off of Highway 80 to the west side of CES. LPPJ would provide labor and equipment and LPSB would pay for the materials. Preliminary estimates to construct the access road are a little less than $25,000. Until the railroad crossings are installed, the sheriff’s office may possibly provide security at the crossings and LPPJ would provide a barricade with a “bus only” sign coming in from the north end of Walker Road. The Police Jury would also place a sign on Highway 80 stating the area is for Choudrant Elementary car drop off and pick up. These precautions were for the safety of parents, students, and others traveling in the area.
Several administrators, teachers, and parents voiced their positive comments regarding the Enhanced School Calendar. Approximately 450-500 students participated this summer in the pilot program at Cypress Springs and Glenview. The consensus was these students were excited, ready, and willing for this new experience. Without a break, the students remembered school rules, stayed focused, and in a routine. New curriculum was taught from day one without having to review from the previous year. The enhanced art and music programs were so successful, they will be carried over to the regular school year curriculum. STEM and robotic classes were also introduced to the students. Special education students visited the OWL center once a week to participate in horse therapy. The ESC students were pushed to meet their full potential and are potentially 30 days ahead of other students. The ultimate goal of ESC was to reduce summer learning loss.
George Murphy, Business Manager, delivered the sales tax collection report for the period ending July 31, 2018. He reported collections for the first month of the new fiscal year were $1,542,975 which was a decrease of 11% compared to the same month last year. Recoveries through audits were $38,215.
The self-insured health care fund was down $5,087 the month of June and up $501,841 for the first six months of the year according to Mr. Murphy.
The following personnel items were shared by Dr. Doris Lewis, Human Resources Director:
1. Retirement of Linda Wallace, teacher at Glenview, effective August 10, 2018.
2. Resignation of the following:
Stephanie Gantt, special education teacher at Choudrant Elementary, effective July 25, 2018;
Kendall Garner, special education teacher at Cypress Springs, effective July 17, 2018;
Shakeydra Hill, teacher at Hillcrest, effective July 16, 2018;
Laurie Kaffka, teacher at Glenview, effective July 30, 2018;
Jean Ann Price, Educational Diagnostician at Pupil Appraisal, effective June 28, 2018;
Megan Martin, teacher at Ruston Elementary, effective July 16, 2018;
Jeremy Henriques, math teacher at Ruston High, effective August 1, 2018;
Tracy Shrell, family and consumer science teacher at Ruston High, effective July 24, 2018;
Maryanne Smith, ELA teacher at Ruston High, effective July 18, 2018;
Casey Oden, math teacher at Ruston Junior High, effective July 31, 2018; and
Jonathan Long, science/coach at Simsboro School, effective July 9, 2018.
3. Points of Reference/Transfers of the following effective August 13, 2018, unless noted otherwise:
Holly Wilhite, from Cypress Springs to special education teacher at Glenview, replacing Tasha Smith who resigned;
Meredith Whitaker, from regular education to enrichment teacher at Glenview, replacing Linda Wallace who retired;
Melinda Killen, from teacher to Assistant Preschool Coordinator at LPECC due to a new position;
Emery Wilkerson, from Simsboro School to Educational Diagnostician at Pupil Appraisal effective July 30, 2018, replacing Jean Ann Price who resigned;
Laundi Williams, from itinerant teacher to special education teacher at Ruston High replacing Reba Daniel who retired;
Carol Ward, from Simsboro School to math teacher at Ruston High, replacing Lauren Spillers who resigned;
Joe Aulds, from Ruston High to math teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Casey Oden who resigned;
Rachel Gibson, from Cypress Springs to math teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Bonnie Goss who resigned;
Greg Young, from YRC to special education teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Tyler Price who transferred; and
Tyler Price, from Ruston Junior High to special education teacher at YRC, replacing Greg Young who transferred.
4. Employment of the following, effective August 13, 2018, unless otherwise noted:
Kelly Simmons, itinerant special education teacher, replacing Laundi Williams who transferred;
Katie Batterton, special education teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Stephanie Gantt who resigned;
Holly Anderson, teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Rachel Gibson who transferred;
Amy Owens, special education teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Justin Barron who transferred position;
Shannon McMillian, teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Amber Hilburn who resigned;
Erin Taylor, special education teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Holly Wilhite who transferred;
Clinton Blazier, teacher at Dubach Elementary, replacing Elizabeth Marks who resigned;
Joyce Long, teacher at Dubach Elementary, new position due to increased 1st grade numbers;
Lauren Bennett, teacher at Glen View, replacing Meredith Whitaker who transferred position;
Amberlie Russell, teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Shakeydra Hill who resigned;
Shontrece Dupree, ELA teacher at I.A. Lewis, replacing Amee Brinkley who resigned;
Kandis Temple, special education teacher at I.A. Lewis, replacing Lynn Edmiston who transferred to regular education;
Erin Hanna, itinerant talented art teacher, replacing Nancy Waldron who retired;
Katie Dupuy, speech therapist at LPECC, replacing Kim Davis who transferred;
Adrianne Iannone, language immersion at LPECC, replacing Melinda Killen who transferred position;
Sharon Dumas, teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Megan Martin who resigned;
Morgan Northern, speech therapist at Ruston Elementary, replacing Terri Belknap who resigned;
Todd Garvin, health and physical education/coach at Ruston High effective July 16, 2018, replacing Earl Griffin who transferred position;
Kandi Hammons, family and consumer science teacher at Ruston High, replacing Tracy Shrell who resigned;
Dr. Grace Joseph, math teacher at Ruston High, replacing Loretta Clark who transferred;
Raeann Stuart, athletic trainer at Ruston High effective July 16, 2018, replacing Dustin Hampton who resigned;
Elizabeth Williamson, ELA teacher at Ruston High, replacing Maryanne Smith who resigned;
Evelyn Deich, special education teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Donna Cross who resigned;
Jonathan Hyde, math teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Jacquelyn Bean who transferred;
Christina Watts, special education teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Vivian Hinton who transferred;
Karen Dowling, teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Ragan Dendy who resigned;
Karen Matthews, special education teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Emery Wilkerson who transferred; and
Melissa Savage, math facilitator at Simsboro School effective July 30, 2018, replacing Carol Ward who transferred.
5. Points of Reference/Transfers of the following effective August 1, 2018:
Antoinette Collins from Ruston Elementary to cafeteria technician at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Debra Jordan who retired;
Cynthia King from technician to cafeteria clerk/ technician at Hillcrest, replacing Dana Rushing who transferred; and
Lisa Carter from Cypress Springs to cafeteria technician at I.A. Lewis, replacing Cynthia King who transferred.
6. Employment of the following effective August 1, 2018:
Tracy Wilkerson, cafeteria clerk/technician at Cypress Springs, replacing Dana Wright who transferred; and
Theresa Roane, cafeteria clerk/technician at Ruston Junior High, replacing Autrie Powell who retired.
7. Point of Reference/Transfer of Herbert Wilson from Cypress Springs to custodian at Ruston High effective August 8, 2018, replacing James McConnell who transferred.
8. Resignation of Caleb Chipmon as bus driver in the Ruston area, effective August 15, 2018.
9. Employment of the following effective August 15, 2018:
Robin Hargrove, bus driver in the Ruston area, replacing Jonothan Bonner who resigned; and
Michael Gragg, bus driver in the Ruston area, replacing Caleb Chipmon who resigned.
In a construction report, Mr. Payton narrated several pictures:
1. The Ruston High School scoreboard was ready for the first athletic event. RHS teacher, Nick Brown, has a media production class, his students will be trained to run the scoreboard along with his help.
2. A great deal of work was being done at the STEM site. Site prep had been done and the drill piers were being installed now. Things were moving along rapidly. This will be a state-of-the-art building.
3. The poles have not arrived for the CHS baseball light project so no pictures were shown. They will be shown at the next board meeting.
Following a month of studying five policy revisions, one policy deletion, and one policy addition, Lisa Bastion, Assistant Superintendent, asked board members to approve the proposed changes to the policy manual.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Mr. Barmore, the Board unanimously voted to approve revisions to BC – School Board Meetings, DJA – Authorized Signatures, GBRIBA – Family and Medical Leave, JCAB – Student Searches, and JGC – Student Health Services, the deletion of BCBFA – Quorum, and the addition of EFAA – Employee Use of Social Media.
Board members were reminded by George Murphy that each fall schools are allocated monies from the 1979 sales tax fund to provide supplements for additional library supplies ($2.50), classroom supplies ($3.75), office supplies and equipment repair/purchase ($4.00), expenses for student services ($3.75), debate and speech ($2.00), band allotment ($3.50 at I. A. Lewis, $3.85 at junior high, and $10.00 at high school), and pre-k/kindergarten ($120.00 per teacher). These funds are distributed on a per pupil basis and sent directly to the schools to be disbursed by the principal. He recommended sending the per pupil allotments shown above which were the same amounts as last year. If approved, the total amount to be disbursed to the schools would be $110,328.
Upon a motion by Ms. Henderson, seconded by Ms. Wiley, the Board unanimously voted to approve the fall allocations of school instructional supply money as outlined on the schedule noted by Mr. Murphy.
Change order #1 on the Ruston High School special education classrooms was presented by James Payton. He stated the cost to replace the existing sewer line under the new classrooms, which did not meet city codes, was $2,805.00. Four days would be added to the contract time if approved. The second item dealt with the waterline which was not large enough to ensure proper water capacity in the restrooms. This would add $2,183.50 to the contract price and three days to the contract time. Item #3 deducted $2,000 from the hardware allowance.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve change order #1 for Ruston High School special education classrooms in the amount of $2,988.50 and an addition of seven days to the contract time.
George Murphy called attention to the revised budget for 2017-2018 in order to adjust the original budget to the actual amounts. When the budget was prepared in September of 2017, he expected to end the year with a deficit of $5.7 million. Instead the school system ended the year with a $5.9 million deficit. The deficit was close to what was predicted. Revenues were actually higher due to sales tax revenues being higher than projected. There was a significant cut in the MFP because of the local charter school and a decline in student enrollment. Plans are to bring the 2018-2019 beginning budget for the Board’s consideration at the next meeting. In closing, he said he anticipates a challenging year and will be looking at ways to get the budget balanced again along with a recurring revenue source for the Enhanced School Calendar.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hunt, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the revised 2017-2018 budget.
Board members were asked by Ms. Bastion to study the following policy revisions until the next meeting: JCDB – Student Dress Code and JGCD – Administration of Medicine.
Since most of the work was complete on the new special education classrooms at Ruston High School, Mr. Payton suggested that Substantial Completion documents be executed based on the recommendation of the architect after his final punch list and other appropriate documents. Substantial Completion means the owner can use the building and the owner becomes responsible for insurance.
Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission and authorize the Superintendent, his staff, and the architect to execute Substantial Completion documents for the construction of the new special education classrooms at Ruston High School.
Mr. Payton next presented change order #1 for the scoreboard and press box project at Ruston High School. Item #1 would add dedicated electrical circuits, three in the press box and one at the scoreboard, all associated with the sound system. Item #2 would add plywood at the press box to assure a level floor. Item #3 involves demo and replacing a large concrete area where the scoreboard was moved back approximately 30” more than originally planned.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Ms. Henderson, the Board unanimously voted to approve change order #1 for Ruston High School scoreboard and press box in the amount of $1,963.00 and an addition of 29 days to the contract time.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Milstead said:
1. Mike Walpole had been invaluable in negotiating with the insurance company regarding the settlement on the Head Start building that burned in October. LPSB should have the final figure soon and it will be substantially higher than the original offer due to the diligent work of Mr. Walpole.
2. George Murphy, Kathy Pool, and the Business Department were recently recognized in a Ruston Daily Leader article regarding the significant accomplishment of being awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Government Finance Officers’ Association of the United States and Canada. He was proud to note that it was the highest type of recognition in the form of governmental accounting and financial reporting that a governmental entity can receive, and he issued kudos to everyone involved.
3. The Back-to-School meeting in Ruston High School’s auditorium was scheduled for Wednesday, August 15, at 8:00 a.m. He invited and encouraged board members to attend and mix with about 600 teachers, staff, and administrators. There will be a guest speaker and the sheriff’s department will discuss school safety. Prior to that, teachers will participate in professional development on Monday and Tuesday. Students arrive for a half-day of instruction on Thursday, August 16, followed by a full-day on Friday, August 17. He eagerly anticipates the new school year and the new beginning for the students and staff.
4. LPSB will physically help Head Start make the move to their new location. Negotiations are still underway with the City of Ruston regarding the transfer of property.
5. An article in the Ruston Daily Leader today stated there are new standards going forward for all Louisiana schools. LPSB will adjust and move forward and standards will be raised. We will expect students to achieve at a higher level and more will be asked of educators. He reminded the Board if you elevate standards, student achievement always rises.
Mr. Mitcham echoed Superintendent Milstead’s praise for the Business Department regarding how professionally they handle matters.
There being no further business, upon a motion by Ms. Best, the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Mike Milstead, Secretary Joe E. Mitcham, Jr., President