2020-08-04

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. at the STEM Center, 525 Tarbutton Road, Ruston, Louisiana. Members present were Ms. Debbie Abrahm, Mr. Otha Anders, 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 Mitcham called the meeting to order and welcomed guests and the media to the meeting. Ms. Abrahm gave the invocation, and Ms. Henderson, led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.

Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Dr. Gullatt, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to amend the agenda adding one item of New Business: 7.0 Change order #1 on the Ruston High School switchgear replacement project and adopt the amended agenda.

Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on July 7, 2020, as submitted.

Superintendent Mike Milstead reminded the Board that this school year would definitely be different. He wanted to take a minute to share what steps have been taken to implement our school system under totally different circumstances. Much labor-intensive work has been done trying to make everything work scheduling students, making sure teachers are comfortable, meals are planned, and schools are clean and sanitized. The central office employees have done a sensational job and we feel very confident about our plans. He acknowledged that the students returning were not the same as those that left in March. They have been stuck at home, scared by COVID, and there is some natural fear with that. They have seen our society change. We have already begun putting plans in place to make sure we are ready for those challenges when they come. He turned the floor over to Lisa Bastion, Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent.

Ms. Bastion shared that our virtual numbers were at 2,110 students. We have had several students in the last few days request out of virtual back to the live classroom. We feel this shows that parents are feeling more comfortable with their students returning to the in-person classroom. Teachers would be provided facemasks and face shields, hand sanitizer for all rooms, disinfectant and paper towels, and thermometers. School Food Services is working very hard on meals. She explained that an application had been submitted for all schools and school districts to be allowed under the Community Eligible Provision (CEP) program this year, in which case all virtual students could take part in meal pick-up and paperwork would not be so strenuous. Ms. Bastion said the district was still working on a plan for students who would be on alternating AB schedules and will want meals for the days they would be learning virtually. She reported that the district was working very hard on technology. When distributing devices, our priority will be for virtual students who do not have a device at home, followed by the students on the AB schedule because they will be working from home every other day. We are working on plans to disseminate hot spots; the hot spot devices should be in soon and one device per household would be distributed. Lastly, she reported the unfortunate development of a 6-week delay on the delivery of our devices due to human rights violations in China.

Lisa Mangum, Elementary Supervisor, reported that Pre-K through 5^th grade would be attending school five days a week. This was possible because elementary schools are able to maintain static groups. Elementary students do not change classes like junior high and high school students. Small groups and working close together are a big part of elementary classrooms but this will not be possible when school starts this year. However, our teachers have gotten very creative and students will still get to engage in “stations” but remain static. Classrooms will not co-mingle on the playground. Students will only play with their classmates at recess. Ms. Mangum stated that Auxiliary classes (art, physical education, and music) would be taught. Supervisors feel it is important for adults and students to have that time away from study and schoolwork. These classes would look different this year due to the necessity of not sharing supplies and equipment. Much planning has been done to ensure the safety of our students and to make sure they have a great academic year.

Ricky Durrett, Secondary Supervisor/District Athletic Director, explained that bus drivers will have their temperatures taken before their bus route and all drivers will have hand sanitizer to clean student’s hands as they are getting on the bus. The maximum capacity, including the driver, would be 50% or about 36, and everyone will be required to wear a mask. As many parents as possible are encouraged to bring their students to school. All sixth graders in the parish would attend school every day. All the high schools would be on an AB schedule, meaning they would go to school every other day and would learn virtually on the opposite day. All students 3^rd grade through 12^th grade would be required to wear a mask. Mr. Durrett said that teachers would use “Google Meets” to communicate with other teachers, including teachers at other schools, regarding how different methods were working at those schools in order to make this the best experience for all.

The following personnel items were shared by Dr. Doris Lewis, Human Resources Director:

1. Retirement of Sheri Sandlin, itinerant Star teacher, effective July 30, 2020; and Michelle Rosenberger, homebound special education teacher, effective October 13, 2020.

Jennifer Chism, math teacher at Ruston Junior High, effective July 23, 2020; and

Michael Black, social studies teacher at Simsboro School, effective July 7, 2020.

3. Points of Reference/Transfers of the following effective August 7, 2020, unless noted otherwise:

Bethany Raybourn, from Ruston Junior High to ESL at Central Office, replacing Kelly Caldwell who retired;

Lauren Fish, from regular education at Ruston Elementary to special education at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Jamie Hancock who resigned;

Allison Milstead, from reading interventionist to Pre-K teacher at Choudrant Elementary, due to a new position;

Barbara Bradshaw, from LPECC to Pre-K paraprofessional at Choudrant Elementary, due to a new position;

Deborah Barron, from LPECC to Pre-K teacher at Choudrant Elementary, due to a new position;

Allison Edwards, from Glen View to Pre-K teacher at Choudrant Elementary, due to a new position;

Tyler Price, from YRC to special education teacher at Choudrant High, due to a new position;

Keywana Baker, from Student Services Coordinator to interim Coordinating Teacher effective July 31, 2020, replacing Lauren Keen who transferred;

Rose Hunter, from LPECC to Pre-K paraprofessional at Dubach School, replacing a contract position;

Tiffany Curry, from teacher at Simsboro School to Interim Coordinating Teacher at Dubach School effective July 31, 2020, replacing Matthew Vincent who transferred;

Brooke Hoefler, from Ruston Elementary to teacher at Glen View, replacing Audrianna Gunn who resigned;

Tammy Johnson, from reading interventionist at Hillcrest to teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Cynthia Dean who retired;

Melissa Vaughn, from Cypress Springs to special education teacher at Howard School, replacing Jan Frost who resigned;

Robert Ball, from Ruston Junior High to science teacher at I.A. Lewis, replacing Candace Westbrook who resigned;

Addie Smith, from Ruston High to counselor/behavior interventionist at Pupil Appraisal effective July 24, 2020, replacing Jennifer Franks who retired;

Emilie Barnes, from regular education at Cypress Springs to special education teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Lauren Fish who transferred;

Sydney Phillips, from Ruston Junior High to speech teacher at Ruston High, replacing Dana Morris who resigned;

Sarah Wages, from Ruston Junior High to science teacher at Ruston High, replacing Carrifrances Alexander who resigned;

Todd Garvin, from health/physical education to math teacher at Ruston High, replacing Dr. Grace Joseph who resigned;

Charles Pernici, from Ruston High to band at Ruston Junior High effective July 24, 2020, replacing Cory Craig who resigned;

Matthew Vincent, from Dubach to math teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Jonathan Hyde who resigned;

Sara Johnston, from Simsboro School to science teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Sarah Wages who transferred;

Donna Ashley, from YRC to ISS at Ruston Junior High, replacing a contract position;

Loretta Clark, from YRC to special education teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Christina Watts who transferred;

Christina Watts, from Ruston Junior High to special education teacher at Ruston Junior effective July 24, 2020, replacing Ivory Bass who transferred; and

Greta Cole, from teacher to curriculum strategist at Simsboro School effective July 24, 2020, replacing Dr. Sheila Nugent who transferred.

4. Employment of the following, effective August 7, 2020, unless otherwise noted:

BreAnn Rushing, special education teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Katie Batterton who transferred;

Louie Logan, Spanish teacher at Choudrant High, replacing Angelica Hale who resigned;

Melanie Chapman, special education teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Robbie Williams who resigned;

Jana Davis, teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Emilie Barnes who transferred;

Sara Middleton, special education teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Melissa Vaughn who transferred;

Hannah Lewis, teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Patricia Schaeffer who resigned;

Leslie Saterfield, special education teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Brooke Hoefler who transferred;

Kenedy Lampert, social studies teacher at Ruston High, replacing Ryan Abbott who resigned;

Lisa Boleware, special education teacher at Ruston High, replacing Vivian Hinton who retired;

Cody Taylor, coach/health & physical education teacher at Ruston High effective July 10, 2020, replacing Todd Garvin who transferred;

Jaimie Simpson, math teacher at Ruston High, replacing Jacqueline Freeman who retired;

Dori Lewis, business teacher at Ruston High, replacing Melanie Garrison who retired;

Deanna Forester, ELA teacher at Ruston High, replacing Bailey Driskill who resigned;

Carrie Johnson, science teacher at Ruston High, replacing David Mahaffey who resigned;

Gregory Hawkins, social studies teacher at Ruston High, replacing Ricky Goulart who retired;

Margaret-Rose Legler, ELA teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Sydney Phillips who transferred;

Brittany Bryant, ELA teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Bethany Raybourn who transferred;

Madeline Wheelahan, science teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Robert Ball who transferred;

Payton Bond, social studies teacher/coach at Simsboro School effective July 10, 2020, replacing Darien Dukes who resigned; and

Karla Doss, teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Greta Cole Eaton who transferred.

5. Employment of Deidre Nelson, cafeteria technician at I. A. Lewis effective August 7, 2020, replacing Lisa Carter who was terminated.

6. Points of Reference/Transfers of the following effective August 7, 2020, unless otherwise noted:

Mary Walker from Glen View to cafeteria technician at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Lena Anderson Gates who transferred;

Tameka Patton from I.A. Lewis to cafeteria clerk at Cypress Springs effective July 29, 2020, replacing Tracy Wilkerson who transferred;

Chandani Foret from LPECC to cafeteria technician at Glen View, replacing Mary Walker who transferred;

Tracy Wilkerson from Cypress Springs to cafeteria clerk at I.A. Lewis effective July 29, 2020, replacing Tameka Patton who transferred;

Stephanie Dutton from Simsboro School to cafeteria technician at LPECC, replacing Chandani Foret who transferred;

Lena Anderson from Choudrant Elementary to cafeteria technician at Ruston Elementary, replacing Dana Wright who transferred; and

Dana Wright from Ruston Elementary to cafeteria technician at Simsboro School, replacing Stephanie Dutton who transferred.

7. Employment of Larry Armstrong, custodian at Ruston High effective August 3, 2020, replacing Diane Perry who retired.

8. Employment of Sylvia Nash, bus operator in the Ruston area effective August 7, 2020, replacing Sonya Boatner who resigned.

In a construction report, Mr. James Payton, New Construction Coordinator, narrated several pictures:

1. The Choudrant Elementary Pre-K Center was complete. Three of the four classrooms would be used this fall. The entire Choudrant Elementary campus was now enclosed with fencing, making it very safe.

2. A project would begin soon at the Simsboro baseball and softball complex. There was maintenance and clean-up work that was long overdue. He is meeting with the contractor tomorrow morning (August 5) to decide a plan of action. There is 800 feet of fence line that is overgrown and unsightly. The fence around the parking lot would be removed and replaced.

3. During the construction of the Tarbutton exchange, the contractor removed black iron entrance gates that were at Ruston Junior High. Recently the city replaced the gates. This would ensure the Ruston Junior High campus was secure.

4. The tennis courts at the south end of James field at Ruston High School are unsightly and the fence is an eyesore. LPSB owns the tennis courts. The City of Ruston had provided maintenance in the past but had discontinued that service. Future use of the courts is in question due to the new sports complex. A contractor had been found that would be able to repair the fence to look presentable for a nominal fee.

Juanita Duke, CFO/Business Manager, delivered the sales tax collection report for the period ending July 31, 2020. She was pleased to report that there was an 11.42% increase in collections over the same month last year. Ms. Duke wanted to make a special note regarding this report. The sales tax reports in the past were correct as they were presented but were not made based on 100% of collections from all four of the school board’s sales taxes. Only three of the taxes were reported based on 100% of gross collections. The 1979 sales tax is split, 2/3 for salaries and benefits for employees and 1/3 for instructional purposes. In the past, only the 2/3 for salaries and benefits was reported in the totals. This was because when these sales tax reports were initially put into place, they were to report only sales taxes that were used to pay employees’ salaries and benefits. Ms. Duke has gone back and grossed the last two years including the 1/3 collected from the 1979 sales tax so the comparisons will be correct going forward.

Moving on to the financial statement for the month ending June 30, 2020, Ms. Duke stated that usually this report was presented in August but she made the decision to present it now so there was not a delay in reporting financial information to the board. This is a preliminary report because the auditors are still making audit adjustments. A final report would be presented after the audit was complete. The General Fund had a year-to-date ending fund balance of $3.4 million and the total fund balance for general operating funds for the year were $13.1 million. The total unassigned fund balance was 17.67%, which is above the requirements for bond ratings. Expenses in most of the operating funds were less; however, she pointed out that the child nutrition program ended with a deficit of $406,000 even though revenue was reported for the special meal program that occurred in the spring. All the sales tax funds ended with an excess of expenses over revenue due to the decline in sales tax receipts the last part of the year. Ms. Duke reported that District M&O funds all ended with a positive balance.

Total health claims expenses for the month of June were $462,766, according to Ms. Duke. This was about the same as it was this time last year but much lower than previous months. This could be due to employees not going to the doctor during the pandemic. She reported that total administrative costs were about 87% higher and claims were about 25% less than they were this time last year. Estimated savings for the first six months in the plan year were $270,000.

Change order #1 for the Ruston High School switchgear replacement project was presented by Mr. Payton. The only item in this change order involved using aluminum wire instead of copper wire in the newly installed switchgear boxes, for a savings of $44,530.00. His recommendation was to approve the change order.

Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Ms. Henderson, the Board unanimously voted to approve change order #1 for the Ruston High School switchgear replacement project, with a decrease in the contract price from $255,232.00 to $210,702.00 and no days added to the contract time.

Ms. Duke called attention to the revised budget for 2019-2020 in order to adjust the original budget to the actual amounts. She called specific attention to Exhibit A. The total budgeted revenues were estimated to be $49.9 million for the General Fund Accounts and total estimated expenditures were at $51.2 million. There was a projected deficiency of $1.28 million and an estimated year-end fund balance of $13.7 million. She pointed out that all these funds except the Special State Programs had expenditures higher than revenues for the year. The General Operating Fund had a reduction in MFP but that was offset slightly by an increase in property taxes.

Ms. Duke called attention to the sales tax funds and reported that revenues had dropped throughout the year. Retiree insurance expenses totaling $300,000 would be transferred from the 1979 Sales Tax Fund to the General Fund to help with these losses.

She said that Special Revenue Programs did not carry a fund balance because expenditures were reimbursed by grants. Ms. Duke called attention to the School Food Services Fund. The SFS program’s total revenues decreased about $320,000 due to the declined in meals served but expenses decreased approximately $313,000 due to the type of meals that were being served. At year-end, School Food Services had a $256,000 reduction in their fund balance, which was just a little more than what was anticipated for the year. The 2000 and 1993 Ad Valorem funds had a slight increase in revenue, which was not unusual with property tax funds. The total combined ending fund balance for the Special Revenue Funds was $13.9 million, with a combined ending fund balance of $27.5 million for all funds. The total recommended budget shows total revenues in all funds for operations in the school district at $78.4 million and total budgeted expenditures of $79.5 million. Ms. Duke recommended that the Board adopt the revised budget.

2019-20 Annual Operating Budget	General	Special	Total
Revision No. 1	Fund	Revenue	Revised
	Accounts	Funds	Budget
Revenues	$ 48,209,307	$ 27,539,910	$ 75,749,217
Expenditures	49,242,713	27,743,829	76,986,542
Excess (deficiency)	(1,033,406)	(203,919)	(1,237,325)
Other Sources (Uses)	(248,723)	362,032	113,309
Net Change in Fund Balance	(1,282,129)	158,113	(1,124,016)
Beginning Fund Balance	14,977,683	13,734,222	28,711,905
Ending Fund Balance	$ 13,695,554	$ 13,892,335	$ 27,587,889

Upon a motion by Dr. Gullatt, seconded by Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the revised 2019-2020 budget.

Work was complete on the switchgear replacement project at Ruston High School. At this time, it is necessary to request formal permission from the Board to execute Substantial Completion on this project based on the recommendations of the engineer after his preparation of the final punch list and other appropriate documents. Substantial Completion means the owner can use the equipment installed and the owner becomes responsible for its upkeep.

Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Ms. Wiley, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission and authorize the Superintendent, his staff, and the engineer to execute Substantial Completion documents for the Ruston High switchgear project.

Mr. Payton requested permission from the Board to formally approve change order #1 for construction at the Choudrant Elementary Pre-K Center. He gave the details of the change order as follows:

Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Mr. Smith, the Board unanimously voted to approve change order #1 for the Choudrant Pre-K Center, with an increase in the contract price from $1,195,000.00 to $1,195,496.00 and adding 58 days to the completion date making the Substantial Completion date August 3, 2020.

Ms. Bastion explained that LPSB previously adopted the 2020-2021 calendar, but based on guidelines in Bulletin 741 regarding Covid-19, schools will need more time to schedule parent and student meetings in smaller group sizes. Therefore, district leadership has moved the three professional development days previously scheduled for October, January, and February to the beginning of the school year to allow extra time for parent and student meetings. This proposed calendar exceeds the required instructional minutes described in Bulletin 741.

Upon a motion by Ms. Doss, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the revised calendar for the 2020-2021 school year.

Ms. Duke reminded board members that a copy of the resolution being recommended for adoption to levy the 2020 property tax millages was placed in their board packets. She gave a brief overview explaining that we are not doing a roll forward of millages. These are the adjusted millages from the reassessment that was conducted by the Lincoln Parish tax assessor. Ms Duke pointed out that there are two millages that are not part of the reassessment. They are the Parishwide M&O tax of the 2000 ad valorem tax and the Choudrant School District M&O tax. These were approved in elections that were held in 2017 and 2018 with the renewals that actually start with the 2020 tax rolls.

The following resolution sets forth the rates to be levied for the 2020 tax roll: (1) at rates not exceeding the adjusted maximum rates after reassessment , (2) at rates approved by voters for tax renewal elections held on April 29, 2017, for the Parishwide M&O (2000 Ad Valorem) and on April 28, 2018, for Choudrant School District No. 6 M&O, and (3) at rates needed to collect taxes to pay principal and interest on outstanding general obligation bonds due next tax year. The bond millage rates were determined with the assistance of bond counsel, Foley & Judell. She recommended that the Board adopt the resolution.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millage(s) are hereby levied on the 2020 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the Lincoln Parish School Board:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2020, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.

The roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:

YEAS: Susan Wiley, David Ferguson, David Gullatt, Donna Doss, Danny Hancock, Joe Mitcham, Hunter Smith, Lynda Henderson, Otha Anders, George Mack, Jr., and Debbie Abrahm.

CERTIFICATE

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and exact copy of the resolution adopted at the board meeting held on August 4, 2020, at which meeting a quorum was present and voting.

Upon a motion by Ms. Henderson, seconded by Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to adopt the resolution levying ad valorem rates for the 2020 tax roll.

Most of the work was complete at the Choudrant Elementary Pre-K Center except the final punch list items. Mr. Payton suggested that Substantial Completion documents be executed based on the recommendation of the architect after his preparation 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 Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission and authorize the Superintendent, his staff, and the architect to execute Substantial Completion documents for the Choudrant Elementary Pre-K Center.

Ms. Duke stated that due to the hardships created under the public health emergency and operational changes in schools due to offering virtual instruction, she was recommending a one-time allocation of school funds. The allotment would be allocated on a per pupil basis (pre-k - 5, $15.00; 6th grade, $20.00; and 7-12, $25.00) based on the October 1, 2019, student enrollment. Funds would be used to offset expenses for classroom, art, and copier supplies. Additionally, schools would be permitted to use funds for classroom supplies to address the Coronavirus emergency and other student school-related costs, as needed. The total cost of the one-time payment would be $109,265.00 and would be paid from the General Fund.

Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Anders and Ms. Doss, the Board unanimously voted to approve a one-time allocation of funds to be made to schools in lieu of collecting school fees.

Ms. Bastion stated that due to the immediate necessity of the addition and revisions of several policies, the Board was being asked to temporarily suspend Board Policy BD – School Board Policy, and then immediately approve the following additions and revisions:

Upon a motion by Dr. Gullatt, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to temporarily suspend Policy BD- School Board Policy, which requires the introduction of policies and revisions at one meeting and approval at the next

Upon a motion by Ms. Wiley, seconded by Mr. Smith and Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to approve the two policy additions and the five revisions listed above.

Board members were reminded by Ms. Duke 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. She 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 $107,081.

Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Smith, the Board unanimously voted to approve the fall allocations of school instructional supply money as outlined on the schedule.

Superintendent Milstead explained that by Board policy he must notify the Board within 90 days of his intent to retire. This fulfills that requirement and allows us to begin the process of selecting a new superintendent. He said it had been a privilege and honor to serve as the superintendent.

Upon a motion by Dr. Gullatt, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, the Board unanimously voted to accept Mike Milstead’s intention to retire effective the last day of his contract, December 30, 2020.

President Mitcham called upon Mr. Smith to present item 7.11. Mr. Smith stated that as Mr. Milstead was retiring as Superintendent of Lincoln Parish Schools effective December 30, 2020, the School Board would begin the process of securing the services of a new superintendent. With changes in the legal requirements over the last several years, contracting legal services as a third party for steering the Board through this process would be in the public’s and district’s best interest. Mr. Jon Guice was a partner in the law firm, Hammonds, Sills, Adkins & Guice, and had guided many other school systems throughout the state with this process. Mr. Smith pointed out that the Board was very familiar with him. Mr. Guice had stated his willingness to assist Lincoln Parish School Board in its superintendent search.

Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Ferguson and Ms. Doss, the Board unanimously voted to secure the legal services of attorney Jon Guice from the law firm of Hammonds, Sills, Adkins & Guice.

1. Everyone needed to be mindful of the 2,100 students that would be attending classes virtually every day. It is incumbent on us to make the virtual lessons be as rigorous and as clear to our students and parents as possible. We feel like the virtual numbers would decline at some point. There would be 3,500 in classrooms every day or every other day depending on the grade level.

2. A new MOU was signed with Head Start last week. This extends the agreement LPSB has with Head Start for five years at the present site of the former Lincoln Center.

3. He was on conference calls every Thursday with area superintendents discussing the opening of schools. We want to make sure we are all clear on what we are doing. There had been talk of districts waiting until September to start. As of now, only two parishes are delaying the start of school. All other parishes would start in August. The reasoning behind that was if we had to shut down in October, we would have two months teaching virtually and everyone would be familiar with it. All the superintendents have concerns and we address those concerns with each other and learn from each other. The Department of Health was also on the weekly calls to answer questions and have been very good to give us information and make recommendations regarding the school year.

4. Parents are greatly appreciated. We have had some of the best comments and questions from parents regarding the process we have undertaken to help their children. We appreciate their willingness to submit questions, and we will continue to answer them as they come in.

5. Stacy Findley, the former YRC Coordinator, will be the new Emergency Services Coordinator. He will help disperse and coordinate our emergency services and supplies to our schools. The Department of Health will need to know every person who contracts COVID and Mr. Findley will be our contact person with the DOH.

5. He would like to brag on the principals, guidance counselors, and teachers related to the graduation rate. Our three high schools, for all sub-groups, are graduating 94.7% of our students or higher. There are districts that do not have one sub-group that even approaches where our lowest sub-group performs. With the exception of one, there are no schools in our neighboring parishes that come close to how our district is performing. That is a tribute to our employees. We are exceeding the state of Louisiana as an average. This does not happen by accident. There is a plan that makes sure students are held accountable, in a loving environment that nurtures them as individual students making them feel like they can succeed. Our teachers, principals, counselors, and others instill a positive mental attitude in our students and this is something to be commended. He encouraged board members to thank those employees if they see them.

6. There will be an election on Saturday, August 15. The election involves three or four main items. This would be the first time in 20 years that LPSB has gone to the voters, other than for renewals. We are now asking the voters to approve a half-cent sales tax. If passed, certificated employees would receive a $3,000 pay raise, spread out over 12 months. Non-certificated, board hired employees would receive a $1,500 pay raise. This would also provide school resource officers in all 12 schools and make school entrances more secure as well. Third, our health and property insurance costs continue to rise every year. If the vote passes, it would help us with all of these categories. He encouraged everyone to get out and vote.

There being no further business, upon a motion by Dr. Gullatt, the meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.