LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

SPECIAL CALLED SESSION

Tuesday March 8, 2022 6:00 p.m.

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Special Called Session on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Lincoln Parish School Board Office, 410 South Farmerville Street, Ruston, Louisiana. Members present were Ms. Debbie Abrahm, Mr. Otha Anders, Ms. Donna Doss, Mr. David Ferguson, Mr. Danny Hancock, Ms. Lynda Henderson, Mr. George Mack, Jr., Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Hunter Smith, and Ms. Susan Wiley.    

Ms. Lisa Best was absent but joined by telephone and would be unable to vote.    

Vice-President Lynda Henderson called the meeting to order. Mr. Smith gave the invocation, and Ms. Wiley led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

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

Ms. Henderson turned the meeting over to Superintendent Ricky Durrett. He declared the floor open for nominations for School Board President for the remainder of 2022 following the resignation of Dr. David Gullatt.

Mr. Ferguson nominated Mr. Joe Mitcham. Mr. Anders moved that nominations be closed. Superintendent Durrett asked for further nominations.  Hearing none, he declared that nominations were closed and asked for public comment. There were none. 

Board members unanimously voted Mr. Mitcham as the new president. Mr. Durrett turned the meeting over to Mr. Mitcham.     

 President Mitcham stated the next item on the agenda was to appoint an individual to fill the vacancy in District 3 of the Lincoln Parish School Board.

Superintendent Durrett said that we have received written confirmation from the Louisiana Secretary of State that a vacancy exists in District 3. Per law, we are required to appoint someone to fill the seat. Since there is less than one year until the next school board election, the person appointed may serve until such time a District 3 representative is elected.

Once a person is appointed by the Board, we will advise the Secretary of State and that office will issue an official commission and oath of office form for the new board member to sign. Once these tasks are completed, the new board member will then be official and can assume the duties of office.  

Mr. Durrett asked for nominations from board members for a representative for District 3.

Ms. Doss nominated Mr. Clark Canterbury to represent District 3 until the next election this fall and moved that the proposed Resolution to that effect be approved. Mr. Ferguson seconded the motion.  Mr. Durrett asked for public comments or questions. One question was asked and answered.

President Mitcham asked for any other comments, hearing none he read the Resolution in full.

RESOLUTION OF THE LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

WHEREAS, due to the resignation of  David Gullatt, effective March 8, 2022, a vacancy exists in the office of School Board Member, District 3, Lincoln Parish School Board, as of this date.

WHEREAS, the Lincoln Parish School Board is given the authority and responsibility under the provisions of La. R.S. 18:602 to appoint a person to fill the vacancy who meets the qualifications of the office.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, on motion of Board Member, _________________________, duly seconded by Board Member ___________________________, that _________ be and is hereby appointed to serve as the District 3 representative to the Board until such position is filled at the next election, by the following vote on the ___day of  March 2022. 

YEAS: ________    NAYS: ________   ABSENT:  ________   ABSTAIN: ________

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand officially on this __ day of March, 2022. 

                                                            __________________________

                                                            JOE MITCHAM, PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

_________________________________

RICKY DURRETT, SUPERINTENDENT

SECRETARY-TREASURER

After Mr. Mitcham completed reading the Resolution, board members unanimously voted to approve the Resolution and appoint Mr. Canterbury as the interim representative for District 3.

Mr. Canterbury introduced himself and said he looked forward to serving the community.                

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 6:07 a.m. on a motion by Ms. Henderson.

____________________________                                              _____________________________

Ricky Durrett, Secretary                                                             Joe E. Mitcham, Jr., President