LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

SPECIAL CALLED SESSION

Wednesday, October 21, 2020 4:00 p.m.

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Special Called Session on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. at the STEM Center, 525 Tarbutton Road, 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.   

No board member was absent.

President Joe Mitcham called the meeting to order. Mr. Anders gave the invocation. Mr. Hancock led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

Mr. Mitcham welcomed all those in attendance and said he appreciated everyone’s interest, concerns, and sincere thoughts. He then read a prepared statement from the Board.  

Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Dr. Gullatt, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.

Mr. Mitcham stated that it was time to move to New Business, Selection of Superintendent by vote of the Board. He said it was time to open the meeting up for public comments. After several comments from the public and board members, President Mitcham turned the floor over to Attorney Jon Guice.

Mr. Guice voiced that he had a comment to make regarding a question from a member of the public and one Board member. He had been asked if there is a Board member that is in any way precluded from voting. The issue was raised whether a Board member is related to one of the candidates; he said he could firmly say no to this. There is a specific definition in the law of immediate family member and that is not implicated in this situation. He wanted all to know that he was aware of this and has thoroughly reviewed the issue. 

                     Mr. Guice then informed the Board members that a ballot had been placed in front of each of them. He asked the Board to complete their vote and pass it back to him. He counted each of the votes; there were twelve. He then read each vote aloud, as well as the Board member’s name. Voting for Ricky Durrett were Mr. Mitcham, Mr. Smith, Ms. Doss, Dr. Gullatt, Ms. Best, Ms. Abrahm, and Mr. Hancock. Voting for Byron Lyons were Ms. Henderson, Mr. Ferguson, Ms. Wiley, Mr. Anders, and Mr. Mack. Mr. Durrett had seven votes and Mr. Lyons had five votes, Mr. Guice announced that the Board had elected Mr. Durrett.

                    President Mitcham congratulated Mr. Durrett, then thanked Mr. Lyons and wished him well on his future endeavors. Mr. Durrett thanked the Board and said this was not a job that he would take lightly. He would work with all parties to make Lincoln Parish schools the very best they can be for all of our students. He stated that he knew they would all work together to give our students the opportunities that they all deserve to be successful in life as they leave our school district.  

                          There being no further business, upon a motion by Ms. Best, the meeting adjourned at 4:26 p.m.

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Mike Milstead, Secretary                                                            Joe Mitcham, President