LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Parish School Board, 410 S. Farmerville Street, Ruston, Louisiana. Members present were Ms. Debbie Abrahm, Mr. Otha Anders, Mr. Clark Canterbury, Ms. Donna Doss, Mr. David Ferguson, Ms. Lynda Henderson, Mr. George Mack, Jr., Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Gregg Phillips, Mr. Hunter Smith and Dr. Danielle Williams.
Mr. Danny Hancock was absent.
President Phillips called the meeting to order and welcomed guests. Mr. Phillips gave the invocation, and Ms. Doss led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board voted 10-1 to adopt the agenda as presented. Mr. Ferguson voted no.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Ms. Henderson, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on July 2, 2024, as submitted.
Chief Financial Officer Juanita Duke presented 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 2024, of the Ruston School District No. 1. She recognized Foley & Judell, L.L.P. Bond Attorney Grant Schlueter, Stifel Financial Corporation Managing Director Whitney Laird, and Argent Financial Group Executive Vice President Lucius McGehee.
Mr. Schlueter commended the Lincoln Parish School Board on being in the Double A minus category, which results in a lower interest rate and the lowest possible burden to the property taxpayers of these districts. The Standard and Poor’s report used language in describing LPSB like “very strong reserves”, “low debt burden”, and “solid financial performance”, and this is something to be very proud of.
Mr. McGehee told the Board that the previous rating by Standard & Poors of Double A minus is one of the highest in the state of Louisiana. This rating, combined with school enrollment, the sales tax base, and the reserves that LPSB has and how they are managed, all contribute to this very high rating that commands a lower interest rate. With 16.75 mills, plus some of the reserves, we were able to borrow $17.5 million for a period of five years.
Ms. Laird added that when they went to market on July 23, investors were offering a premium of approximately $855,000. She also said that Lincoln Parish’s rating helped tremendously with the interest, offering great results to the district.
The following resolution was offered by Hunter Smith and secondedby George Mack:
RESOLUTION
A resolution recognizing the final form and execution of the Bond Purchase Agreement in connection with the issuance and sale of $17,500,000 of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024, of the Ruston School District No. 1 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 Ruston School District No. 1 of the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana (the "Issuer"), adopted a resolution on June 4, 2024, authorizing the issuance of not exceeding Seventeen Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($17,500,000) of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024 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 $17,500,000 of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024, 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 Ruston School District No. 1 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 July 16, 2024, 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 $855,280.05 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, Mitcham, Smith, Phillips, Henderson, Anders, Mack, Abrahm
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Hancock
And this resolution was declared adopted on this, the 6th day of August, 2024.
/s/ Ricky Durrett /s/ Gregg Phillips
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. Smith, seconded by Mr. Mack, the Board unanimously voted 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 2024, of the Ruston School District No. 1 of the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
Ms. Duke then presented 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 2024, of the Choudrant School District No. 6. Mr. McGehee said the process was the same for Choudrant School District No. 6 for $2 million with a 20-year term.
Mr. Schlueter expressed to the Board that the bonds were priced successfully with very, very good sales results.
The following resolution was offered by George Mack, and seconded by Clark Canterbury:
RESOLUTION
A resolution recognizing the final form and execution of the Bond Purchase Agreement in connection with the issuance and sale of $2,000,000 of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024, of the Choudrant School District No. 6 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 Choudrant School District No. 6 of the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana (the "Issuer"), adopted a resolution on June 4, 2024, authorizing the issuance of not exceeding Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024 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 $2,000,000 of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024, 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 Choudrant School District No. 6 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 July 18, 2024, 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 $195,384.50 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, Mitcham, Smith, Phillips, Henderson, Anders, Mack, Abrahm
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Hancock
And this resolution was declared adopted on this, the 6th day of August, 2024.
/s/ Ricky Durrett /s/ Gregg Phillips
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. Mack, seconded by Mr. Canterbury, the Board unanimously voted 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 2024, of the Choudrant School District No. 6 of the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
The next agenda item to consider was to adopt millages for the 2024 tax role. Ms. Duke presented to the Board a resolution for consideration in levying school board millage rates on taxable properties for the 2024 tax roll for Lincoln Parish. She reminded the Board that this is the year of the quadrennial reassessment that is conducted and the tax assessor has provided the adjusted millage rates on the reassessed values of properties across Lincoln Parish.
The parishwide and district operating millage rates proposed for levy are the adjusted rates which are all lower than the previous year’s levy, with the exception of Simsboro School District No. 3 Maintenance & Operating (M&O) and the Ruston School District No. 1 Maintenance & Operating. The adjusted rate for the Simsboro M&O millage of 3.33 mills is higher than the prior year’s levy of 2.99 mills mainly because of the significant decrease in oil and gas property valuations resulting from a new valuation method allowed by the State for these properties. The rate for the Ruston M&O is 2.53 mills which was authorized by district voters in the renewal election held in March 2022; this is an increase from the prior year’s levy of 2.33 mills; this levy will be the first year of the 10-year renewal period for this millage.
After review of bond millage rates with the Board’s municipal advisor and bond counsel, Ms. Duke stated the millage rates presented for payment of district bonded debt will remain the same: Ruston School District No. 1 at 15.75 mills, Simsboro School District No. 3 at 11.5 mills, and Choudrant School District No. 6 at 14.00 mills. She recommended adoption of the resolution.
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millage rates are hereby levied on the 2024 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the Lincoln Parish School Board:
Millage
Constitutional Tax (General Fund) 3.73 mills
Special Maintenance & Operation (General Fund) 4.69 mills
Special Repair & Equipment (Five-Mill) 4.69 mills
Parishwide Maintenance & Operation (1993 Ad Val) 9.54 mills
Parishwide Maintenance & Operation (2000 Ad Val) 8.09 mills
Ruston School District #1 (M&O) 2.53 mills
Simsboro School District #3 (M&O) 3.33 mills
Dubach School District #5 (M&O) 2.85 mills
Choudrant School District #6 (M&O) 2.69 mills
Bonded Debt:
Ruston SD #1 Bond 16.75 mills
Simsboro SD #3 Bond 11.50 mills
Choudrant SD #6 Bond 14.00 mills
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 2024, 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 foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:
YEAS: Danielle Williams, David Ferguson, Clark Canterbury, Donna Doss, Joe Mitcham, Hunter Smith, Greg Phillips, Lynda Henderson, Otha Anders, George Mack, Jr., and Debbie Abrahm.
NAYS: None
ABSTAINED: None
ABSENT: Danny Hancock
CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and exact copy of the resolution adopted at the board meeting held on August 6, 2024, at which meeting a quorum was present and voting.
Ruston, Louisiana, this 7th day of August, 2024.
/s/ Ricky Durrett, Secretary
Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the resolution levying millage rates for the 2024 tax roll.
Transportation Coordinator David Hoefler reported to the Board that two buses in the fleet were of no further use to the Lincoln Parish Transportation Department and requested the Board declare them as surplus and grant permission to dispose of them.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Ms. Doss, the Board unanimously voted to declare the above-mentioned buses as surplus and grant permission to dispose of them.
Next Mr. Hoefler said that in order to continue 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 buses be purchased on a yearly basis. The request to buy a special needs bus and activity buses is based on the following: (1) As the fleet ages, there are always buses that need to be replaced, and; (2) As older buses are replaced, we are replacing them with air-conditioned buses.
He added that the purchase of a special needs bus at a cost of approximately $147,000, and activity buses at an approximate cost of $167,000 each, will allow the transportation department to continue to upgrade its fleet and provide reliable service to the students of Lincoln Parish. Payment for these buses will come from the Ruston School District No. 1 GOB Bond Series 2024 and 1993 Ad Valorem fund allocated for the purchase of buses.
Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board voted unanimously to grant permission to purchase a special needs bus and activity buses from Ross Bus Sales off state contract.
Maintenance Supervisor Ricky Edmiston reported to the Board that existing classroom HVAC units at Simsboro School, Choudrant Elementary, Ruston Elementary, Glen View Elementary, and I.A. Lewis School need to be upgraded to improve the air quality in classrooms, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by improving HVAC systems, and to promote a safe and healthy learning environment for students and faculty members. The current HVAC units are approximately 15-20 years old, and it is difficult to find parts to repair these units when they fail. We are seeking permission to advertise for 103 classroom HVAC units. We will replace 28 units at Simsboro School, 21 units at Choudrant Elementary, 18 units at Ruston Elementary, 21 units at Glen View Elementary, and 15 units at I.A. Lewis School. Funds to pay for the new HVAC units will come from ESSER grant funds, school-based M&O funds, and district Five Mill funds.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Canterbury, the Board voted unanimously to grant permission to advertise for bids for the replacement of 28 HVAC units at Simsboro School, 21 HVAC units at Choudrant Elementary, 18 HVAC units Ruston Elementary, 21 HVAC units at Glen View Elementary, and 15 HVAC units at I.A. Lewis School. Also, grant permission to the district administration to accept the lowest qualified bid.
Assistant Superintendent John Young introduced policy manual revisions recommended due to outcomes of the Regular Session of the 2024 Louisiana Legislature: EB – Buildings and Grounds Management; GAMA – Employee Smoking, Tobacco, and Marijuana Use; IDCH – Home Study Program, IDE – Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities, IDFA – Interscholastic Athletics; JBE – Truancy; JCDAA – Student Smoking, Tobacco, and Marijuana Use, JCDAE – Electronic Telecommunication Devices; JD – Discipline; JDD – Suspension; JDE – Expulsion; JGCE – Child Abuse; JGCF – Behavioral Health Support for Students; and JGCFA – Behavioral Health Services for Students.
Mr. Young asked the Board to consider waiving policy BD (review period), and then approve these policies to be in compliance with state law prior to the beginning of school.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to waive policy BD.
Upon a motion by Ms. Doss, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve these policies as presented.
Maintenance Supervisor Ricky Edmiston presented a Maintenance Update to the Board. He said that approximately $1 million in ESSER money had been spent on school projects. Some of these projects included replacing HVAC units, replacing chillers, installing vent fans in restrooms throughout the district, installing hands-free hand wash stations, and hands-free water fountains and bottle fillers.
In addition to ESSER money projects, water heaters were replaced in many elementary schools, along with upgrading electrical infrastructure in some older buildings. LED lights were installed in all schools who were Entergy customers through a grant from the Public Service Commissioner’s office. An inspection of all roofs on campuses in April indicated that all roofs are currently in good condition, and playgrounds are routinely inspected as well.
Director of Federal Programs Kim Shackelford and Federal Programs ACHIEVE Facilitator Dr. Sheila Nugent presented an ESSER Report. Ms. Shackelford gave the Board a detailed report on Federal Stimulus Funds: what they are, where they came from, and how they were used in the Lincoln Parish school system. Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) funds enabled the Lincoln Parish School Board to implement various measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on students, staff and the community.
In a detailed reporting of funds received in excess of $33 million, Ms. Shackelford explained in detail the allocation of ESSER funds and how these funds provided LPSB with the necessary resources to respond effectively to the pandemic and its impact on education. These funds allowed the district to prioritize the health, safety, and educational needs of students and staff, while laying the foundation for a stronger and more resilient educational system in the future.
Dr. Nugent explained the three phases in which ESSER funds were allocated, and the guidelines for each wave of funding. She added that as ESSER deadlines for spending are coming to a close, all funds have been obligated and set aside for specific purposes.
The following personnel items were shared by Dr. Doris Lewis, Human Resources Director:
1. Retirement of Christine Hanna, Insurance Financial Specialist at Central Office, effective January 21, 2025.
2. Resignation of the following, effective May 25, 2024:
Lauren Harris, special education paraprofessional at Choudrant Elementary;
Elise Reis, elementary teacher at Cypress Springs Elementary;
Angela Chisholm, special education teacher at Cypress Springs Elementary;
Sabrina Disotell, elementary teacher at Cypress Springs Elementary;
Zachary Smith, special education teacher at Ruston High School; and
Demetria Johnson, health and physical education teacher at Ruston Junior High School.
3. Employment of the following effective August 12, 2024, unless noted otherwise:
Kishera Reddick, academic secretary at Central Office, replacing Rhonda Redding who resigned, effective July 25, 2024;
Leigh Post, elementary teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Claire Smith who was reassigned;
Robin Skains, special education paraprofessional at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Lauren Harris who resigned;
Rachel Collins, biology teacher at Choudrant High School, replacing Lori Varner who retired;
RobiDonna Thomas, Spanish teacher Choudrant High School, replacing Louie Logan who resigned;
Warren Johnson, elementary teacher at Cypress Springs Elementary, replacing Sabrina Disotell who resigned;
Abriana Thomas, special education teacher at Cypress Springs Elementary, replacing Angela Chisholm who resigned;
JaCara Boatner, elementary teacher at Cypress Springs Elementary, replacing Elise Reis who resigned;
Alayjah Morehead, elementary teacher at Cypress Springs Elementary, replacing Alayjah Morehead who resigned;
Hallie Suggs, health and physical education teacher at Dubach School, replacing Chelsie Brown who transferred;
Amanda Spillers, elementary teacher at Dubach School, replacing Deborah Joyner who retired;
Jayda Wilson, elementary teacher at Dubach School, replacing Kimberly Franks who resigned;
Ana Quirk, special education teacher at Dubach School, replacing Jackie Evans who transferred;
Lauren Gauthier, elementary teacher at Glen View Elementary, replacing Sarah Pender who resigned;
Anna Bennett, elementary teacher at Glen View Elementary, replacing Erica White who was reassigned;
Nadine Pierre, French Immersion teacher at Glen View Elementary, replacing Stephanie Bairin who resigned;
Kali Norman, elementary teacher at Hillcrest Elementary, replacing Naomi Owen who resigned;
Myra Herbst, curriculum strategist at Hillcrest Elementary, replacing Jeanetta Roberson who was reassigned, effective August 5, 2024;
Anna Martineau, English teacher at I.A. Lewis School, replacing Keith Shannon who was terminated;
Caitlin McBride, English teacher at I.A. Lewis School, replacing Lisa Keyes who resigned;
Taylar Rankin, mathematics teacher at I.A. Lewis School, replacing Abigail Anderson who resigned;
Desiree Bishop, Pre-K teacher at LP Early Childhood Center, replacing Chelce Thompson who resigned;
Madeline Bridges, speech therapist at Pupil Appraisal, replacing Nora Ramachandran who retired;
Laynie Pyle, elementary teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Amanda Barham due to position transferred from Hillcrest Elementary School;
Joyce Long, elementary teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Hannah Lewis who resigned;
Adama Koundia, French Immersion teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Vivian Ballard who resigned;
Richard Pierre, French Immersion teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Camille Revillet who resigned;
Rayghan James, mathematics teacher at Ruston High School, replacing Allison Welch who resigned;
Kyle Thorne, mathematics teacher at Ruston High School, replacing Caitlin White who resigned;
Olivia Oliphint, environmental science teacher Ruston High School, replacing Morgan Smith who was reassigned;
Vanessa Wilson, English teacher at Ruston High School, replacing Nicolas Phillips who resigned;
Shunda Lloyd, special education teacher at Ruston High School, replacing Kristen Boydstun who transferred;
Galen Turner, mathematics teacher at Ruston High School, replacing Amy Hiers who transferred;
April Chapman, special education teacher at Ruston High School, replacing Zachary Smith who resigned;
Ainsley Noel, English teacher at Ruston Junior High School, replacing Brittany Bryant who resigned;
LaDarius Mamon, in school suspension proctor at Ruston Junior High School, replacing Angie Brewer who retired;
Shalaya O’Neal, health and physical education teacher at Ruston Junior High School, replacing Demetria Johnson who resigned;
Courtney Hill, English teacher at Ruston Junior High School, replacing Abigail Ambrose who resigned;
Shari Owen, adaptive physical education teacher at Special Education, replacing Jeanie Rowland who retired;
Patricia Jarrell, special education teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Aaron Norris who resigned;
Ragan Thorne, elementary teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Claire Haight who was reassigned;
Carey Travis, English teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Alexis Faucheux who was reassigned;
Kaitlin Taylor, mathematics teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Kristen Ragan who resigned; and
Jamieka Hester, alternative learning teacher at Youth Rescue Center, replacing Amanda Cauley who transferred.
4. Faculty Points of Reference/Transfers of the following effective August 12, 2024:
Kelly Washam, from elementary teacher at Choudrant Elementary to elementary enrichment teacher at Choudrant Elementary, due to new position;
Jennifer Coleman, from elementary teacher at Dubach School to elementary teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Allison Smith who resigned;
Kimberly Sutton, from special education teacher at Choudrant Elementary to elementary teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Kelly Washam who was reassigned;
Chelsie Brown, from elementary teacher at Hillcrest Elementary to elementary teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Christina Johnston who resigned;
Claire Smith, from elementary teacher at Choudrant Elementary to special education teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Kimberly Sutton who was reassigned;
Kristen Boydstun, from special education teacher at Ruston High School to elementary teacher at Cypress Springs Elementary, replacing Sarah Roach who resigned;
Diamond Mitchell, from special education teacher at Dubach School to elementary teacher at Dubach School, replacing Jennifer Coleman who transferred;
Jackie Evans, from special education teacher at Glen View Elementary to special education teacher at Dubach School, replacing Diamond Mitchell who was reassigned;
Rebecca Patrick, from special education paraprofessional at I.A. Lewis School to special education paraprofessional at Dubach School, due to transfer of position;
Erica White, from elementary teacher at Glen View Elementary to special education teacher at Glen View Elementary, replacing Deborah Smithey who retired;
Katie Davis, from elementary teacher at Ruston Elementary to special education teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing MacKenzie Davidson who resigned;
Chloe Winstead, from science teacher at Ruston High School to elementary teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Katie Davis who was reassigned;
Emily Bishop, from mathematics teacher at Ruston High School to art teacher at Ruston High School, replacing Nancy White who retired;
Isaac Ramirez, from health and physical education teacher at Ruston High School to special education teacher at Ruston High School, replacing Laundi Williams who was reassigned;
Robert Ball, from science teacher at I.A. Lewis School to science teacher at Ruston Junior High School, due to transfer of position;
Octave Perot, from English teacher at Simsboro School to social studies teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Felicia Dunbar (slot) who retired;
Amy Hiers, from mathematics teacher at Ruston High School to mathematics teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Jeremy Hattaway who resigned;
Alexis Faucheux, from English teacher at Simsboro School to English teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Octave Perot who was reassigned; and
Claire Haight, from elementary teacher at Simsboro School to library media specialist at Simsboro School, replacing Kayla Melane Slocum who resigned.
5. Retirement of Nathaniel Burks, bus operator in the transportation department effective October 1, 2024.
6. Employment of Steven Haulcy, bus mechanic in the transportation department effective July 1, 2024, replacing Melvin McNeil who retired.
7. Retirement of Patricia Underwood, cafeteria technician at Ruston High School, effective July 29, 2024.
8. Employment of the following effective August 12, 2024:
Josie Santiago, cafeteria technician at Glen View Elementary, replacing Sharon Bradford who transferred;
Karesha Puckett, cafeteria technician itinerate at Child Nutrition, due to new position;
Alethea Gipson, cafeteria technician itinerate at Child Nutrition, due to new position; and
Stephanie Wright, cafeteria technician at Simsboro School, replacing Priscilla Caesar who was reassigned.
9. Employment of Annette Davis, custodian at Ruston High School, replacing Moshuma Keesee who resigned, effective August 5, 2024.
Ms. Duke delivered the sales tax collection report for the month of July, the first cash-basis collection for the new fiscal year. She reported a 34.28% increase in collections in the first month of the fiscal year compared to July 2023. She reminded the Board of the one-time tax refund that reduced July 2023 reported collections by about $670,000. Excluding the refund, collections this month are down 1.73% compared to July last year. Collections for July represent 8.79% of collections last fiscal year.
Moving on to the monthly financial report for the month of June 2024, Ms. Duke stated this is a preliminary report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 with the majority of revenues and expenditures reported therein. She stated that end-of-year accruals to close out the 2023-2024 fiscal year are still on going and the final report will be presented after the financial audit is completed. General Fund annual revenues are $67.9 million, annual expenditures are $59.7 million, other sources are $12.2 million, and other uses of funds are $13.1 million. General fund preliminary annual operating results is an excess of $7.3 million with an ending fund balance of $36.6 million. Approximately 42% of that fund balance, $26.3 million, is undesignated. The Special Revenue funds combined annual revenues are $44.3 million, annual expenditures are $38.6 million, other sources are $456,000, other uses are $7.4 million, resulting in a preliminary fund balance decrease of $1.2 million at $57.2 million. Ms. Duke pointed out ESSER program expenditures and federal reimbursements were $12 million for the fiscal year.
Moving to the group health insurance fund for the month of June, health plan contributions for the month are $1.2 million and expenses are $1.8 million, resulting in a $629,000 decrease in plan assets for the month. Ms. Duke stated that accruals were made in June for fiscal yearend financial reporting that increased June claims expense by $162,000 in June ($392,645 for the plan year to date), for estimated incurred but not reported claims liabilities as of June 30, 2024. The total year to date contributions to the plan are $7.3 million, year to date expenses including incurred but not reported claims are $8.9 million, resulting in a decrease in net assets of $1.6 million at mid-year. Compared to the previous year, expenses have increased significantly. She reported that recent information from Brown & Brown, indicates prescription drug claims have leveled off and medical claims are now driving the increase in claims expense.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Durrett said:
1. 2024-2025 Annual Disclosure Statements must be filed with the Louisiana Board of Ethics by September 15, 2024.
2. Schools are hosting Prep Nights beginning today and through next week.
3. School begins next week with teachers reporting on August 12th and students reporting on August 15th for the start of another exciting school year.
4. The September 10th board meeting will be held at Choudrant High School at noon. We will have an Academic Update at that meeting and will discuss the fact that we had a slight drop in student testing scores after three years of growth. We are addressing this and discussing ways that we can better serve the students of Lincoln Parish.
There being no further business, upon a motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
________________________ ___________________________
Ricky Durrett, Secretary Gregg Phillips, President