LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

SPECIAL CALLED SESSION

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 6:30 p.m.

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Special Called Session on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. at the STEM Center, 525 Tarbutton Road, Ruston, Louisiana.  Members present were Ms. Debbie Abrahm, 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.   

Mr. Otha Anders was absent.

President Joe Mitcham called the meeting to order and gave the invocation. Ms. Abrahm led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Ms. Best, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.

Lisa Bastion, Chief Academic Officer/Asst. Superintendent, stated that due to the necessity of the revision of GBQ – Retirement, the Board is being asked to temporarily suspend Board Policy BD – School Board Policy, and immediately approve the revision of GBQ – Retirement. The policy revision includes language that allows the Superintendent or his designee to accept written notices of retirement on behalf of the School Board, and once received, the retirement may not be rescinded.

Upon a motion by Ms. Doss, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, 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. Abrahm, seconded by Ms. Henderson, the Board unanimously voted to approve revisions to GBQ – Retirement.

Superintendent Ricky Durrett explained that the district has begun to receive ESSER II Stimulus Funds. He is requesting an April stipend payment to be funded through these ESSER funds. This stipend would be a one-time payment as the result of employees performing on an ongoing basis, extra work-related duties stemming from the Pandemic.  

Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Dr. Gullatt, the Board unanimously voted to approve a one-time stipend payment on April 29, 2021, in the amounts of $1,000 to certified personnel, $500 to salaried support staff, and $400 to hourly support staff with set weekly work schedules.

                                In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Durrett said:

                        1.   Charles Hogan, principal of Choudrant Elementary, will be retiring July 1, 2021. The application period for that position started on April 8 and will close at 12:00 noon on April 22, 2021. Interviews will be April 26 and 27.           

                        2.   Ms. Bastion will be retiring next June. Going forward she will oversee district spending of the ESSER funds. We are advertising now for the position of Chief Administration and Operations Officer/Asst. Superintendent. The application period is the same as the Choudrant Elementary principal position. Interviews will be April 28 and 29. Ms. Bastion’s salary will be paid through ESSER funds and her replacement will be paid through the General Fund. We feel like this is a good use of the Stimulus funds.

After several comments, upon a motion by Ms. Best, the meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.

____________________________                                              ____________________________

Ricky Durrett, Secretary                                                             Joe Mitcham, Jr., President