LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Parish School Board, Ruston, Louisiana. Members present were Ms. Debbie Abrahm, Mr. Clark Canterbury, Ms. Donna Doss, Mr. David Ferguson, Mr. Danny Hancock, Ms. Lynda Henderson, Mr. George Mack, Jr., Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Gregg Phillips, Mr. Hunter Smith, and Dr. Danielle Williams.
Mr. Otha Anders was absent.
President Mitcham called the meeting to order, and Mr. Canterbury gave the invocation. Mr. Hancock led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Ms. Henderson and Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Ms. Abrahm, seconded by Mr. Smith, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on August 1, 2023, as printed.
President Mitcham declared a time of public hearing for the proposed budget for the year ending June 30, 2024.
Chairperson George Mack, Jr. reported that the Finance Committee met prior to the start of the Regular Session at 5:00 p.m. He said Ms. Juanita Duke, Chief Financial Officer, presented the proposed budget to the Finance Committee. He turned the floor over to Ms. Duke to summarize the Finance Committee discussion.
Ms. Duke called attention to “Exhibit A” and pointed out the recommended budgeted General Fund with estimated revenues of $65.7 million, expenditures of $61.3 million, total net other financing uses of $890,000, resulting in a total excess of $3.5 million and a projected ending fund balance of $32.8 million for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The total budgeted activities for all Special Revenue Funds combined were revenues of $47.6 million, expenditures of $40.7 million, with net other financing uses of $7.4 million, for a net change reducing fund balance by $258,000, projecting an ending fund balance of $21.5 million. In total, all revenues combined are estimated to be $113.3 million, total expenditures of $101.8 million, total net other financing uses of funds of $8.3 million, with a total net change in fund balance of all funds combined of $3.2 million for all operations for the 2023 – 2024 fiscal year.
Mr. Mack shared the Committee’s approval to recommend the 2023-2024 budget to the Board for adoption and made the motion to adopt the Resolution approving the beginning budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Mr. Mack asked for questions from board members and the public. Mr. Ferguson asked about monies budgeted for teacher in service and Dr. Williams asked about monies for distribution for Highly Effective Teachers. There were no questions from the public. Upon a motion by Mr. Phillips, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, a roll call vote was taken.
The Board voted by roll call 10 – 1 to adopt a Resolution and the 2023-2024 proposed beginning budget as presented, granting authorities to administration for implementing and revising the budget, and for presenting a cumulative revised budget to the Board for approval at year-end.
The time for public hearing was then closed.
Supervisor of Auxiliary Services, Ricky Edmiston, reminded board members that authorization was given at the May meeting to advertise for bids for gasoline and diesel for the 2023-2024 school year. He shared that the bid opening was held August 1, 2023, as stipulated in the advertisement. Mr. Edmiston recommended that the Board accept the lowest bid meeting specifications for the 2023-2024 school year.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Mr. Smith, the Board voted 10 – 1 to accept the lowest bid which met specifications for the purchase of gasoline and diesel for 2023-2024 as shown below:
Company Submitting Bid Fuel
Hill Oil Company Unleaded Regular $.1410
Steven Frasier Unleaded Plus $.1410
103 Ward Chapel Rd. Unleaded Premium $.1410
Farmerville, LA 71241 Low Sulfur Road Use Diesel Fuel $.165
318-245-0465 Regular No. 2 Grade Diesel Fuel $.165
John Young, Assistant Superintendent, reminded the Board that they voted last month to table the policy revision BCBI – Public Participation in School Board Meetings, until the September 2023 meeting. During that meeting, the board voted to add a revision, which enables members of the public with a disability to participate virtually.
Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Phillips, the Board voted to bring this item back off the table for discussion.
Dr. Williams, Mr. Ferguson, along with some members of the public expressed their opposition to the use of comment cards. Other board members offered options such as setting time limits for speaking and making sure everyone could be heard and not talked over. Following lengthy discussion and comments, Mr. Hancock made a motion to dismiss the idea of the new policy.
Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, the Board voted 10 – 1 to remove item 6.2 from the agenda.
Ms. Duke introduced Bond Counsel, Mr. Brennan Black with Foley and Judell, L.L.P., and the Board’s Municipal Advisor, Mr. Lucius McGehee with Argent Financial. Mr. Black presented a Bond Purchase agreement in connection with the issuance and sale of $10,000,000 of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2023, of the Simsboro School District. He told the Board that the Lincoln Parish School Board has an S&P bond rating of AA-, which is a very strong rating. He went on to point out that this was a result of LPSB’s very strong reserves and low debt burden. The conservative management team has produced very positive operational performance in the last two fiscal years, leading to a very strong financial condition.
Mr. McGehee added that what happens with the administration, the Board, and the policies that the Board approves, results in a AA- rating. He said that very few school systems in the state have this type of rating. The bonds sold last month and the true interest cost was at 4.096%. He said that when all is said and done, $10,570,000 would be put into the construction account, allowing more money for the project.
The following resolution was offered by Clark Canterburyand seconded by Gregg Phillips:
RESOLUTION
A resolution recognizing the final form and execution of the Bond Purchase Agreement in connection with the issuance and sale of $10,000,000 of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2023, of the Simsboro School District No. 3 of the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana, and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, the Parish School Board of the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority (the "Governing Authority") of Simsboro School District No. 3 of the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana (the "Issuer"), adopted a resolution on June 6, 2023, authorizing the issuance of not exceeding Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2023 of the Issuer; and
WHEREAS, the President and/or Secretary of the Governing Authority have executed the Bond Purchase Agreement providing for the sale of $10,000,000 of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2023, as authorized by the Bond Resolution; and
WHEREAS, a copy of the executed Bond Purchase Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit A; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of Simsboro School District No. 3 of the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana, that:
SECTION 1. Confirmation of Bond Purchase Agreement. The sale of the Bonds has met the parameters set forth in the Bond Resolution, and accordingly the terms of the Bonds contained in the Bond Purchase Agreement are incorporated herein, and the Bond Purchase Agreement is hereby accepted as executed and attached as Exhibit A hereto.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning given such terms in the Bond Resolution.
SECTION 2. Official Statement. The Issuer hereby approves the form and content of the Preliminary Official Statement dated as of August 1, 2023, pertaining to the Bonds, which has been submitted to the Issuer, and hereby ratifies its prior use by the Underwriter as Purchaser in connection with the sale of the Bonds. The Issuer further approves the form and content of the final Official Statement and hereby authorizes and directs the execution by the Executive Officers and delivery of such final Official Statement to the Underwriter for use in connection with the public offering of the Bonds.
SECTION 3. Deposit of Premium. The net premium of $772,776.40 to be received by the Issuer upon the delivery of the Bonds shall be deposited in the construction fund to be established pursuant the Bond Resolution and used to pay costs associated with any purpose for which the Bonds are being issued.
SECTION 4. Execution of Documents. The Executive Officers are hereby empowered, authorized and directed to take any and all action and to execute and deliver any instrument, document or certificate necessary to effectuate the purposes of this resolution and the Bond Resolution. If at any time of the execution of any such documents the President or Secretary is absent or otherwise unavailable to sign, the Chief Financial Officer shall be expressly authorized to execute such documents on behalf of the Governing Authority.
SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. All resolutions, or parts thereof, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 6. Effective Date. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
The foregoing resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS: Williams, Ferguson, Canterbury, Doss, Hancock, Mitcham, Smith, Phillips, Henderson, Mack, Abrahm
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Anders
And this resolution was declared adopted on this, the 5th day of September, 2023.
/s/ Ricky Durrett /s/ Joe Mitcham
Secretary President
Exhibits to this resolution have not been published. Exhibits are on file with the minutes of the Lincoln Parish School Board and are available for inspection during regular business hours.
Upon a motion by Mr. Canterbury, seconded by Mr. Phillips, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to adopt a resolution recognizing the final form and execution of the Bond Purchase Agreement in connection with the issuance and sale of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2023, of the Simsboro School District No. 3 of the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana, and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
Ms. Duke presented the following resolution for the Board’s consideration for
the upcoming renewal of the school system’s automobile insurance coverage:
Therefore, be it resolved, that the Lincoln Parish School Board hereby authorizes Superintendent Ricky Durrett to sign the required Louisiana Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist form reflecting the rejection of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Coverage for the October 1, 2023 to October 1, 2024 auto liability coverage period.
Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Ms. Doss, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the Resolution to authorize the Superintendent to sign the required Louisiana Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists form for rejection of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage. This selection is applicable to Commercial Automobile Insurance Coverage for the period of October 1, 2023 to October 1, 2024, as presented.
Mr. Edmiston then told the Board that Federal Uniform Grant Guidance prescribes specific policies and procedures for the procurement of printing, binding, related supplies, and related services. State regulations require that LEAs must invite bids from competitive vendors for printing and binding services that total $60,000 or more within a fiscal year. By inviting bids, LEAs can ensure that the most economical and efficient vendor is used.
Upon a motion by Ms. Henderson, seconded by Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to grant the Superintendent permission to invite bids for printing and binding of K-12 instructional resources, flyers, and forms, and that the Board grants the Superintendent permission to accept the lowest bid meeting specifications as outlined on the Invitation to Bid.
Board members were asked by Mr. Young to study the following policy manual revisions in preparation for the next meeting: BCBK – Executive Sessions, DC – Annual Operating Budget, DID – Audits, EBBC – Emergency/Crisis Management, EBBI – Public Health Emergency, EBCB – Video/Audio Monitoring of School Board Property, ED – Student Transportation Management, GBRIB – Sick Leave, GBRIC – Maternity and Adoption Leave. Formal action on these policies will be taken at the October 2023 meeting.
Dr. Williams requested the record reflect that when Forethought sends emails to the district, she would like to receive a copy as well.
Next, Mr. Young explained to the Board that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education requires each school system to develop and revise as necessary, a policy for promotion and retention of students within the local school system. He said that the Lincoln Parish Pupil Progression Plan is based on Bulletins 741, 1566, and Act 750 (R.S. 17:24.4) of the Louisiana State Legislature. This plan complies with all state regulations. He recommended the Board approve the Lincoln Parish Pupil Progression Plan for 2023-2024.
Upon a motion by Ms. Doss, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Lincoln Parish Pupil Progression Plan for the 2023-2024 school year.
David Hoefler, Transportation Coordinator, told the Board that in a continuing effort to provide safe and efficient bus service for the students of Lincoln Parish, and to adequately meet the demands of extracurricular activities such as athletics and field trips, it is vital that new or used buses be purchased on a yearly basis. He stated that as the fleet ages, there are always buses that need to be replaced, and we are beginning to replace them with air-conditioned buses. Mr. Hoefler asked the Board to grant permission to advertise for bids for the purchase of new or used school buses.
Upon a motion by Mr. Canterbury, seconded by Mr. Mack, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to advertise for bids for the purchase of five new or used conventional school buses, and to accept the lowest responsive bid.
A personnel report was the next item on the agenda. Dr. Doris Lewis, Human Resources Director, voiced the following:
1. Resignation of the following:
Elizabeth Kish, elementary teacher at Glen View, effective August 17, 2023;
Grace Hearn, kindergarten teacher at Glen View, effective May 27, 2023;
Victoria Harris, PreK teacher at LPECC, effective May 27, 2023;
Kai Burrell, science teacher at Ruston High, effective August 19, 2023; and
Chandler Burkhalter, social studies teacher at Ruston High, effective August 23, 2023.
2. Employment of the following, effective August 14, 2023, unless noted otherwise;
Jessica Williams, elementary teacher at Glen View, replacing Elizabeth Kish who resigned, effective August 21, 2023;
Curtis Goodwin, health and physical education teacher/coach at I.A. Lewis, replacing Richard Herron who resigned, effective July 31, 2023;
Keith Shannon, English teacher at I.A. Lewis, replacing Amanda Willis who resigned;
Abigail Anderson, social studies teacher at I.A. Lewis, replacing Emily Warner who transferred, effective August 22, 2023;
Vivien Ballard, French Language Immersion teacher at Ruston Elementary, due to a new position, effective August 23, 2023;
Camille Revillet, French Language Immersion teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Aude De La Perrelle who resigned;
Kristine Lynch, English teacher at Ruston High, replacing Zandria Guidry who resigned;
Sha’Royale Roberts, In School Suspension Proctor at Ruston High, replacing Brandon Mitchell who was reassigned;
Nicholas Mourad, special education teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Evelyn Deich who resigned; and
DeEtte Wick, gifted education teacher at Special Education, replacing Ashley Ellis who resigned.
3. Faculty Points of Reference/Transfers of the following effective August 14, 2023, unless noted otherwise:
Elizabeth Kish, from PreK teacher at Simsboro School to kindergarten teacher at Glen View, replacing Grace Hearn who resigned;
Emily Warner, from social studies teacher at I.A. Lewis to social studies teacher at Ruston High, replacing Chandler Burkhalter who resigned, effective August 22, 2023; and
Litzy Morales, from PreK teacher at Simsboro School to kindergarten teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Elizabeth Kish who transferred.
4. Resignation of Timothy Kennedy, plumber in Maintenance, effective September 2, 2023:
5. Retirement of Harryette Tinsley, Child Nutrition Program Supervisor, effective December 31, 2023.
6. Child Nutrition resignation of the following, effective May 27, 2023, unless noted otherwise:
Taylor Pate, cafeteria technician;
Tionna Poe, cafeteria technician; and
Astin Franklin, cafeteria technician, effective September 2, 2023.
7. Child Nutrition employment of the following effective August 28, 2023, unless noted otherwise:
Rickell Crane, cafeteria technician, replacing Dorlyn Woods who was terminated, effective August 16, 2023;
Angela Adkins, cafeteria technician, replacing Taylor Pate who resigned;
Kathryn Stewart, cafeteria technician, replacing Astin Franklin who resigned; and
Sharon Bradford, cafeteria technician, replacing Tionna Poe who resigned.
Sales tax collections for August 2023 were up 7.46%, but in total for the first two months of the fiscal year collections are down 9.35%, due to a one-time sales tax refund claim last month. Ms. Duke reported the large reduction in July will cause the comparison of annual collections to be lower in this report for the remainder of the fiscal year.
She reported next on the July 2023 Financial Statement stating that this is the first month of the year and the month in which expenditures are the lowest mainly because the first payroll for 9-month positions will not appear until September. Total expenditures across all funds is $3.2 million, total collections of revenue is $2.5 million, and total ending fund balance is $50.8 million. The undesignated fund balance in the General Fund is $9.5 million; which represents approximately 33.6% of the estimated budget expenditures for the new year.
Justin Barron, Supervisor of Special Education, offered the Board an update on IDEA monitoring results from a recent Compliance Review. Student records for 20 students were reviewed by an IDEA reviewer, and there were three areas of findings. He said that about halfway through the school year, these areas had already been recognized, and a plan had been implemented to address and/or correct them.
Dana Talley, Chief Academic Officer, shared with the Board our Literacy Screener and LEAP results from 2023. In addition she shared part of our strategic plan focused on continuing this upward trend and supporting areas where we still have challenges. For more detailed information, go to https://www.lincolnschools.org/page/results.
Mr. Durrett gave the Board an enrollment update thus far for this year. He said that to date we have 5,629 students enrolled, but these numbers are changing daily with transfers and new enrollments. This number is actually up from our October 1 count from last school year. He also offered the attendance rate for the first two weeks of school from each individual school, but again, told board members that these numbers are very fluid at this point in the school year.
Dr. Williams stated she requested this information and said that in order to be the number one district in the state, it starts with attendance. Mr. Durrett said that we were able to add two additional truancy officers this year to help with ensuring students are in school.
Next, Mr. Durrett reported on Standing Committees stating that we currently have the following committees: Finance Committee, Building and Grounds Committee, and Executive Committee.
Mr. Phillips made the motion to go into Executive Session under the Louisiana statute 4217 A1 at 8:05 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter. Mr. Ferguson seconded the motion which passed by a 10 - 1 vote.
Upon a motion by Ms. Doss, seconded by Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to return to Open Session at 8:44 p.m.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Durrett said:
1. The October Board meeting will be held at Dubach School starting at noon. Board members can come at 11:00, and have an opportunity to walk around and see the school.
2. The Louisiana Law Conference begins on Sunday. Mr. Durrett, Mr. Young, and the 3 parish high school principals will be attending.
3. Ruston High School students will be virtual on Friday, as the football team and approximately 24 sponsors and coaches will be traveling to Jesuit High School for the football game. Students will be able to log on to Google Classroom for all classes that day. All other Ruston city schools will be open as usual.
Upon a motion by Mr. Phillips, seconded by Mr. Canterbury, the meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Ricky Durrett, Secretary Joe E. Mitcham, Jr., President