LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, June 2, 2020 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium at Ruston High School, 900 Bearcat Drive, Ruston, Louisiana. Members present were Ms. Debbie Abrahm, Mr. Otha Anders, Ms. Lisa Best, Ms. Donna Doss, Mr. David Ferguson, Dr. David Gullatt, Mr. Danny Hancock, Ms. Lynda Henderson, Mr. George Mack, Jr., Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Hunter Smith, and Ms. Susan Wiley.
President Joe Mitcham called the meeting to order. Mr. Anders gave the invocation, and Ms. Best led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Dr. Gullatt, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Ms. Abrahm and Ms. Henderson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on May 12, 2020, as distributed.
Cathi Cox-Boniol, former Lincoln ACHIEVE Coordinator, recognized and presented a plaque to State Semi-Finalist Principal of the Year, Mandy Brown. She summarized background information on the principal of Ruston Elementary and shared what steps she had taken to reach that level of state competition. In addition, Ms. Cox-Boniol was extremely pleased to announce that Ms. Brown had also been named Lincoln Parish Honorable Mention Teacher of the Year and North Louisiana Leader of the Year for the Achievement Network.
Ms. Brown said she was humbled to be recognized for doing her job, and that she is part of a great team at Ruston Elementary made up of teachers, students, and parents. She thanked the Board for their support and confidence in her. Ms. Brown also wanted to thank her family for their love and understanding of what a time commitment a principal’s job entails. She is proud to represent Ruston Elementary and Lincoln Parish in the Principal of the Year competition.
Mr. Smith complimented Ms. Brown on her effectiveness as a principal. He had a son attend Ruston Elementary last year and it was the most impactful year of his educational experience thus far. Superintendent Milstead congratulated Ms. Brown, expressed pride in the school leader and wished her well as she moves to the next level. Mr. Mitcham shared that he appreciates her leadership.
Ms. Juanita Duke, CFO/Business Manager shared the Lincoln Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission’s proposed budget for 2020-2021. She mentioned that the commission serves both Lincoln and Union Parish. The estimated cost share that was approved for Lincoln Parish School Board for the next fiscal period was about 26% of operating costs. Ms. Duke noted that Denise Griggs, the Sales and Use Tax Commission’s Administrator, was in attendance and available to answer any questions about the budget. Mr. Mitcham commented that the Commission is very efficient and does an excellent job collecting and disbursing sales tax collections. He stated that a vote was not needed but he would like to show the Board’s 100% support with a vote.
Hearing none, upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Dr. Gullatt, the Board unanimously voted to approve the 2020-2021 Sales and Use Tax Commission’s proposed budget.
Ms. Duke reminded the Board that each year schools are allocated monies from the 1979 sales tax fund to purchase instructional supplies. This allocation is based upon the student enrollment as of October 1, 2019. She proposed the same per pupil allocations from the previous year, but noted the total amount was slightly lower than last year because of a decrease in students. The $71,410.25 distribution Ms. Duke recommended was as follows:
Art PK-12 - $1.75 per student
Physical Education PK-12 - $1.75 per student
Library Supplies PK-5 - $1.25 per student
6-12 - $1.75 per student
Music PK-5 - $1.25 per student
6-12 - $1.75 per student
Magazines & PK-6 - $3.00 per student
Newspapers 7-12 - $3.25 per student
Science PK-6 - $1.50 per student
7-8 - $3.00 per student
9-12 - $4.50 per student
Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to approve the distribution of $71,410.25 from 1979 sales tax monies for instructional supply money for the 2020-2021 school year as mentioned above.
Board members were asked by Lisa Bastion, Assistant Superintendent/Chief Academic Officer, to study the following policy manual addition in preparation for the next meeting: GBRIBC – Emergency Family and Medical Leave (EFML) and Emergency Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19. She noted that this policy was scheduled to expire December 31, 2020.
In accordance with state law, the Board is required each year in June to name a newspaper to serve as the official journal to publish proceedings for the Lincoln Parish School Board. Ms. Duke communicated that the Ruston Daily Leader offered $5.75 per legal square. The maximum rate allowed by state law is $6.00 per legal square. She recommended that the Board name them as the official journal for fiscal year 2020-2021. Mr. Mitcham stated the Board appreciates the Leader’s support.
Upon a motion by Dr. Gullatt, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to name the Ruston Daily Leader as the official journal for fiscal year 2020-2021.
Ms. Duke explained that employee salary schedules was a new item that would now be brought before the Board for approval annually each June. She stated that by law, the School Board is authorized to establish salary schedules to determine the salaries to be paid to all school personnel. In accordance with Board policy, the Superintendent sets the salary of employees accordingly. She recommended approval and reminded board members that a copy of the salary schedules was included in the Board packet.
Upon a motion by Ms. Henderson, seconded by Ms. Doss, the Board unanimously voted to approve the 2020-2021 employee salary schedules.
In her Personnel Report, Dr. Doris Lewis, Director of Human Resources, shared the following information:
1. Retirement of the following effective May 23, 2020, unless otherwise stated:
Patrice Hilton, principal at Hillcrest, effective June 30, 2020;
Sandy Hogan, teacher at Choudrant Elementary;
Anita McGuire, secretary at Choudrant High, effective Jun 5, 2020;
Bonnie Williams, teacher at Cypress Springs;
Teresa Washam, special education paraprofessional at Dubach School, effective May 22, 2020;
Phyllis Batusic, pre-k teacher at LPECC;
Kelly Caldwell, ESL with Pupil Appraisal, effective September 19, 2020;
Debra Anderson, librarian at Ruston Junior High;
Vivian Hinton, special education teacher at Ruston Junior High; and
Wayne Antley, health & physical education teacher/coach at Simsboro High.
2. Resignation of the following effective May 23, 2020 unless otherwise stated:
Jennifer Calloway, teacher at Choudrant Elementary;
Jamie Hancock, special education teacher at Choudrant Elementary;
Courtney Wade, English teacher at Choudrant High;
Jessica Jones, special education teacher at Choudrant High;
Holly Anderson, teacher at Cypress Springs;
Clemence Jacob, French Immersion teacher at LPECC;
Dionna LeBlanc, pre-k teacher at LPECC;
Patricia Scheaffer, teacher at Ruston Elementary;
Ryan Abbott, social studies teacher at Ruston High;
Bailey Driskill, English teacher at Ruston High;
Dustin Whitlock, social studies teacher at Ruston High, effective June 6, 2020;
Dr. Joseph Grace, math teacher at Ruston High;
Dana Morris, speech teacher at Ruston High;
Anna Deutschman, English teacher at Ruston Junior High;
Jordan Parks, English teacher at Ruston Junior High; and
Megan Harrington, teacher at Simsboro School.
3. Retirement of Kenneth Garner, bus operator in the Dubach district, effective May 22, 2020.
4. Retirement of Diane Perry, custodian at Ruston Elementary, effective May 29, 2020.
A sales tax report for the month ending May 2020 was presented by Ms. Duke. She was glad to report the decrease was not as large as what was anticipated despite the Covid-19 shutdown. She stated that May collections were down 13.9% compared to the same month last year. Collections
year-to-date were down about 2%. She noted that the sales tax report had a new format and included a graph with a three-year comparison of sales tax collections.
Ms. Duke also delivered an April 2020 financial update and reported the total revenues in the General Operating Funds were $41.7 million and expenditures were $40.4 million. The Total Fund Balance for the month of April was $15.8 million. The Unassigned Operating Fund Balance was 20.2%. Operating expenses were down due to the closure of schools.
In a health plan update for April 2020, she reported total contributions for the first four months of the year were $4.5 million and total fixed costs were $1.28 million. Total claims expenses were $2.6 million, 69% of claims compared to last year at this time. Ending net assets for the month of April were $611,000.
James Payton, New Construction Coordinator, gave the following construction update:
1. Five contractors submitted bids to construct the RHS Eco-Car building that was destroyed during last year’s tornado. Only three of the bids were acceptable. Two contractors were unqualified because they did not have a corporate resolution. The bids ranged from $420,000 to $508,000, which is over the Board’s budget. No action was taken. There has not been a settlement with the insurance company yet but the administration was working hard to come to an agreement. They have looked at other areas that the building could be placed that would not be so expensive but have not made any decisions.
2. The Choudrant Pre-K building would be completed by the third week of July. The workers were putting the roof on today. All windows, doors, lights, and cameras have been installed. The tile floors would be installed in the next two weeks. Several people in Choudrant had mentioned how nice the building looks and they are looking forward to it opening.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Milstead noted the following information:
1. Included in board members’ portfolios were a list of retirees. Usually the retirees are honored at their school and are presented a certificate. This year they will be mailed with a signed letter from the superintendent.
2. A list of board meeting dates, times, and places for the upcoming school year is also included.
3. The STEM Center report shows the activity for the partial month of March. There was also a cumulative report for the year. The numbers were very impressive. Almost five thousand students visited the center from October to March. Ms. Wooley has done a super job.
4. A Phase 2 athletics component associated with the LHSAA was in their portfolios. It briefly describes what each phase looks like. Non-contact sports can practice beginning June 8; a decision would be made in Phase 3 regarding contact sports. Ricky Durrett, District Athletic Director, on the LPSB student activities; it is divided into phases as well. He worked with other District Athletic Directors in north Louisiana on the protocols regarding reopening facilities and resuming student activities.
5. Meetings are being held regarding what the start of school would look like. Once plans are made, they would be shared with board members. We are looking at virtual teaching every day, which would help students that are sick at home. There are federal funds available that we have applied for to help pay for the technology and computers to make virtual teaching a reality.
Mr. Milstead then turned the floor over to Ms. Bastion to elaborate on the federal funds that have become available. She reported that on May 29 we submitted our Strong Start application, which has been substantially approved. The Strong Start Grant will total $2.3 million and we have begun to order materials with these funds. A little over $200,000 of the grant had been dedicated to non-public schools. Indirect costs would total $353,981 that the district would keep to manage the grant. Ms. Bastion shared that $1.7 million had been budgeted. Of that budget, about $150,000 would be spent on ELA text sets and other web-based materials for core subjects. Over $1.4 million had been budgeted on one-to-one devices, connectivity, warranties, and device covers. This would mean every student in Lincoln Parish would be issued a device. Pre-K - 2nd grade would have an Android type device and grades 3rd – 12th would be issued Chromebooks. Also in the budget are 500 Wi-Fi devices to help with connectivity, this may not be enough but we hope to obtain other funding. Operational supplies would account for $100,000 of the budget. These supplies would include gloves, masks, thermometers, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizers for cleaning, safety and checking temperatures. In case there is a need for contract nurses, $27,000 has been budgeted. The district will have to allow for extended learning time; $42,000 is in the budget for stipends, EL tutors, compensatory education, and regular tutoring before or after school. Some funds are budgeted for students with diverse needs. We have students that need Braille assistive technology devices and we know that we will need to have mental health screeners for every student.
The next thing was to apply for the Incentive part of the grant. Ms. Bastion commented that we have no idea what the incentive amount will be, it could be 10% of the first award or much more. The process was so tedious and time consuming that many districts did not apply for any incentive funds. Our district felt like we had to apply for any funds that might be available. We have applied for over $1 million in incentive funds. If approved we would use some of the money for Round 2 of devices, we are looking at purchasing 1,500 devices per year. She stated that we have asked for $118,550 for core academics, specifically ELA and math materials and almost $20,000 for additional funds for students with diverse needs. In workforce talent, we have asked for $90,000 to help with adaptive staffing, which could be tutoring, compensatory education, or professional development with technology devices. To assist with Round 2 of devices, we have asked for $800,000 for devices and connectivity. Our district plans on applying for any and all grants that are available. Ms. Bastion shared with the Board that as long as the orders were placed within the next few days, the devices would be here by the end of July.
In closing, Mr. Milstead called attention to the list of retirees as follows:
NAME LOCATION YRS IN LINCOLN TOTAL YRS
Cathi Cox-Boniol Central Office (Administrative) 29 38
Patrice Hilton Hillcrest (Administrative) 46 46
George Murphy Central Office (Administrative) 14 28
Wayne Antley Simsboro High (Teacher) 7 32
Debra Anderson Ruston Junior High (Teacher) 22.5 22.5
Phyllis Batusic LPECC (Teacher) 13 16
Debbie Cloud Special Education (Teacher) 22 23
Tammy Coates Itinerant (Teacher) 17 33
Kristie Frasier Glen View Elementary (Teacher) 29 33
Jacqueline Freeman Ruston High (Teacher) 11 34
Melanie Garrison Ruston High (Teacher) 22 28
Richard Goulart Ruston High (Teacher) 21 21
Vivian Hinton Ruston High (Teacher) 3 13
Sandy Hogan Choudrant Elementary (Teacher) 34.5 34.5
Bonnie Williams Cypress Springs (Teacher) 11 20.5
Joyce Crowe Central Office 40 40
Cindy Hinton Central Office 20 20
Sandra Jennings Dubach School (Paraprofessional) 21.5 21.5
Teresa Washam Dubach School (Paraprofessional) 15 15
Jennifer Franks Youth Rescue Center (Counselor) 22 30
Anita McGuire Choudrant High (Secretary) 17 17
Renae Dickerson Transportation (Choudrant bus operator) 22 22
Mickey Fitzgerald Transportation (Ruston bus operator) 13 13
Kenneth Garner Transportation (Ruston bus operator) 16 16
Sandra Holloway Transportation (Ruston bus operator) 1 1
Sherwood Payne Transportation (Ruston bus operator) 7 7
Lonnie Davis Ruston High (Custodian) 24 24
Glenda Jones LPECC (Custodian) 21 21
Robert Mitchell Central Office (Maintenance) 30 30
Diane Perry Ruston Elementary (Custodian) 26 26
There being no further business, upon a motion by Ms. Best, the meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Mike Milstead, Secretary Joe E. Mitcham, Jr., President