LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Wednesday, January 23, 1991 12 o'clock noon
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Wednesday, January 23, 1991 at 12 o:clock noon at Choudrant High School. Members present were: Mr. Allen Tuten, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Dr. Phil Rice, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Andy Shealy, Mr. James R. Kessler, Mr. Wayne Barfield, Mr. Calvin Wilkerson, Mr. Paul Woodard, Ms. Ann M. Boyd, and Mr. David Wright.
Absent: None
Mr. Allen Tuten, president of the board, called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Mr. Paul Woodard.
Mr. Tuten welcomed the press, members of the staff and other guests who were present for the meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Mr. Wayne Barfield, the board voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session of the board held on January 8, 1991 and the Special Session of the board held on January 15, 1991.
Upon a motion by Dr. Phil Rice, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted to accept the addendum to the Personnel Agenda and to also adjust the order of the board agenda to hear committee reports prior to addressing other items.
Mr. Ronald Crawford, principal of Choudrant High School, was recognized and extended a warm welcome to members of the Lincoln Parish School Board. He told the board that Choudrant High School was a good school getting better and expressed his appreciation for the support shown the school by the board in the past and looked forward to working with the new members recently elected to serve on the board. Mr. Crawford shared some of the good things that are taking place at Choudrant High School.
Mr. Tuten indicated that the addendum to the Personnel Committee would be addressed at this time and asked Dr. Cobb to present the agenda item:
1. Dr. Cobb told the board that there were three (3) formal applicants and two (2) informal applicants who expressed interest in the position of Ruston High School head football coach. The three formal applicants were: Greg Williams, Ken Lantrip and Billy Gillum. All three of these were interviewed extensively by Danny Garbarino and Dr. Cobb. Dr. Cobb then offered for the board's consideration, Billy Gillum as their recommendation as head football coach at Ruston High School. Danny Garbarino concurred in the recommendation. A detailed discussion followed with input from several other board members. Mr. Mack asked how the other applicants felt about this recommendation. Mr.Wright spoke on the board's decision as possibly providing an opportunity to offer enhancement to the other applicants. Dr. Cobb and Dr. Garbarino addressed all of the questions and remarks. Upon a motion by Dr. Phil Rice, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted 8-4 to employ Billy Gillum as the new head football coach at Ruston High School. The vote was as follows:
Voting for the motion: Dr. Phil Rice, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. Andy Shealy, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. Wayne Barfield, Ms. Ann M. Boyd, Mr. Paul Woodard, and Mr. Allen Tuten.
Voting against the motion: Mr. George Mack and Mr. Calvin Wilkerson
Abstaining: Mr. David Wright and Mrs. Loyace Braggs
2. Mr. Suggs presented the request submitted by Laura Frazier, elementary teacher at Cypress Springs School, for an emergency Sabbatical Leave from January 10, 1991 until May 31, 1991. This request is based on medical documentation. Upon a motion by Mr. David Wright, seconded by Dr. Phil Rice, the board voted to grant the request submitted by Laura Frazier, elementary teacher at Cypress Springs, for an emergency Sabbatical Leave from January 10, 1991 to May 31, 1991.
3. Mr. Suggs presented the letter of Intent to Resign submitted by Pam Cantwell, half-time Language Arts/Earth Science teacher at Ruston Jr. High School, effective January 18, 1991. Upon a motion by Dr. Marty Beasley, seconded by Mr. Wayne Barfield, the board voted to accept the letter of Intent to Resign submitted by Pam Cantwell.
4. As a point of reference, Mr. Suggs gave the following information: Delores Owens is transferring from the Alternative Program at Lincoln Center to a position as JOBS instructor at Lincoln Center, effective January 22, 1991.
5. Upon a motion by Dr. Phil Rice, seconded by Mr. George Mack, the board voted to employ the following teaching personnel:
a. Pamela Payne as social studies teacher at Dubach High School effective January 22, 1991 to replace Lorene Porter, resigned
b. Angela Mitchell as elementary teacher at Glen View, effective January 22, 1991 to replace Robin Davidson who is on Sabbatical Leave for the second semester of the 1990-91 school year
c. Stephanie Daly as elementary teacher at Glen View, effective January 22, 1991 to replace Jan Mitchell who is on Sabbatical Leave for the second semester of the 1990-91 school year
d. Sonya Arender as elementary teacher at Hillcrest, effective January 22, 1991 to replace Susan Hinton who is on Worker's Compensation
e. Kayla Spillers as elementary teacher at Hillcrest, effective January 22, 1991 to replace Sheryl Spikes, resigned
f. Betty Price as half-time teacher at Ruston Jr. High School effective January 22, 1991 to replace Pam Cantwell, resigned
g. Julia Hand as elementary teacher at Simsboro School, effective January 22, 1991 to replace Elaine Gaudet who is on leave-without-pay for the remainder of the school year.
h. Shirley May as Alternative Program teacher at Lincoln Center effective January 22, 1991 to replace Delores Owens who was transferred to another program
6. Upon a motion by Dr. Marty Beasley, seconded by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, the board voted to employ Jo Ann Standifer as a Special Ed. Aide at Ruston Elementary School in a new position. This will be effective January 2, 1991
At this time the board recognized a very special guest present for the meeting--Mrs. Jo Tatum, one of our two school nurses. Mrs. Mary Scheldorff is also a school nurse but due to illness was unable to be present. Wednesday, January 23, 1991 had been designated as School Nurse Day by Governor Roemer. The Lincoln Parish School System is very fortunate to have two outstanding nurses. Dr. Cobb spoke in appreciation of our nurses and commended them for the excellent job they do. Mr. Ron Suggs offered further comments and indicated that due to the hard work and dedication of the nurses, Lincoln Parish consistently has one of the highest percentages of completed immunization records for students in the state. Mr. Suggs gave some brief background remarks on each of the nurses and then asked Mrs. Tatum to speak to the board about their work in the schools. She gave a brief overview of the many varied responsibilities encompassed in a day as a school nurse. There was a time of questions from the board members regarding a number of different items. One of great concern to board members was the question of AIDS and the life threatening situation that it presents. Mrs. Tatum told the board of the ways that students are being made aware of this danger and the different ways that information and education are being offered. Following the time of discussion, Dr. Cobb presented Mrs. Tatum with a certificate of appreciation for her dedicated work in the Lincoln Parish School System.
Mr. Tuten reported on the a recent Reapportionment Committee meeting held jointly with members of the Lincoln Parish Police Jury. He indicated that following the 1990 census, all voting districts will be evaluated to insure that the, one-man, one-vote concept is being followed. The Lincoln Parish School Board will work jointly with the Lincoln Parish Police Jury in surveying district lines. At the recent orientation meeting, Mr. Ken Selle of Tri-S explained the process to be followed and gave the timetable to be used. New district lines will have no effect on present board members until the next school board election to be held in four years. Mr. George Mack, a member of our Reapportionment Committee, encouraged all board members to attend the meetings in order to be informed on procedures taking place. Also speaking on the recent meeting was Dr. Marty Beasley and Mr. Calvin Wilkerson.
Committee assignments for 1991 were given out at this time. Mr. Tuten indicated that all boardmembers would serve on at least two committees.
Dr. Cobb informed the board that reservations are now being made for the Louisiana School Boards Convention to be held in Baton Rouge on February 21-22, 1991. Any board member desiring to attend should so indicate.
The Superintendent's Report was given at this time and the following items were addressed:
1. Dr. Cobb asked Mr. Charles Owens to give a brief update on the renovation of the Ruston Elementary Cafeteria.
2. Benice Holloway was called upon to offer an explanation on the lease agreement on the 22 acre tract in Dubach. She indicated that the State Mineral Board at a lease sale held on January 9, 1991 considered bids which were received. The tract in Dubach was offered for leasing on behalf of the Lincoln Parish School Board. This tract was leased for a cash payment of $1,708.63.
3. Dr. Cobb called attention to the letter from the Caddo Parish School Board asking for assistance in increasing the graduation rate and helping students to become better prepared for the working world. Dr. Cobb indicated that this movement for helping students in becoming job-ready at the time of graduation is gathering support and speed. Senator Randy Ewing has recently spoken to BESE in support of this effort.
4. Dr. Cobb called attention to letters of appreciation that were written to Fire Chief Van McDonald and Sheriff Wayne Houck for their assistance in containing the fire at Ruston Elementary cafeteria.
There being no further business the board adjourned at 12:55 p.m. Immediately following the business meeting, the board enjoyed a delicious meal in the school cafeteria.
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary Allen Tuten, President