LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, March 20, 1991 12:00 Noon
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Wednesday, March 20, 1991 at 12 o'clock noon at Hico Elementary School. Members present were: Mr. Allen Tuten, Dr. Phil Rice, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Andy Shealy, Mr. James R. Kessler, Mr. Wayne Barfield, Mr. Calvin Wilkerson, Ms. Ann M. Boyd Mr. Paul Woodard and Mr. David Wright.
Absent: None
Mr. Allen Tuten, president of the board, called the meeting to order and gave the invocation. He welcomed members of the staff, media and other guests present for the meeting.
Mr. Tuten then called on Hollisanne Davidson, a fifth grade student at Hico Elementary School, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. After the Pledge, Mr. James Pilgreen, principal of Elementary School, gave further introduction of Hollisanne to the board. He indicated that she was an outstanding student and citizen at Hico Elementary and had been selected as Student of the Year. Dr. Cobb presented her with a certificate of appreciation from the board.
Upon a motion by Dr. Marty Beasley, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session of the Board held on March 5, 1991.
A warm welcome to Hico Elementary School was then extended to the board by Mr. James Pilgreen, principal. He expressed his appreciation to the board for their continued support and told them of some good things happening at Hico. Two programs that have been introduced this year are the Adopt a Service Program that requires some type of patriotism from students each day and also a program where the school has adopted grandparents from nursing homes. They adopt senior citizens who do not have nearby family members and invite them to school to visit and in turn, the children go the nursing home to read and visit with these senior citizens.
Mr. Jewette Farley, Lincoln Parish Tax Assessor, came before the board and shared his views about the period of time we are now in where seemingly everyone has a strong feeling of patriotism. He indicated that the recent events in the Persian Gulf afford us a unique opportunity to participate in "Operation Celebration" on July 4, 1991. This celebration will be a parishwide endeavor and involve many, many different groups and individuals. The board received this recommendation with favorable comments and observations. Mr. Farley told the board that elected officials will be asked to sponsor and underwrite this celebration. Upon a motion by Dr. Marty Beasley, seconded by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, the board voted unanimously to endorse "Operation Celebration" and to enter into the support of this endeavor.
The board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Finance Committee items were discussed:
1. A request for permission to advertise for new band uniforms for Ruston High School was presented by Dr. Cobb. Discussion led by Mr. Danny Garbarino, principal of Ruston High School, followed this request. The uniforms currently in use are at least 10 years old, but actually have received about 5 additional seasons of use due to the successful seasons enjoyed by Ruston High School which necessitated many extra games. The cost of purchasing new uniforms will be about $37,500 for 150 new uniforms at $250 each. However, approximately $15,000 of this amount has been donated. This would be funded by Sales Tax Instructional funds.
Upon a motion by Dr. Phil Rice, seconded by Mr. Paul Woodard, the board agreed to grant permission to advertise for new band uniforms for Ruston High School.
Mr. Calvin Wilkerson asked about furnishing uniforms for students who wish to participate in cheerleading/bearcat belles. Mr. Garbarino told the board that no student who desires to participate in these programs is denied the right to do so because of lack of finances to purchase uniforms. Any person desiring to compete in these programs has only to make this known to the administration at Ruston High School and financial help will be made available where there is a need.
2. Consideration of a lease/purchase agreement on buses was the next item to be addressed by Dr. Cobb. He told the board that each year about $30,000 is budgeted for bus purchases, but one new bus costs more than the amount budgeted. Most of Lincoln Parish's school buses are over 10 years old. Dr. Cobb explained to the board that the way to go now is though lease-purchase. Upon a motion by Mr. George Mack, seconded by Mr. Jim Kessler, the board voted to grant permission to advertise for bids to lease-purchase three new school buses.
Discussion of attendance at the National School Boards Association Convention to be held in Los Angeles, California in April, 1991 was held at this time. The amount of funds budgeted for board member travel expense has been expended; therefore, no one will go to the NSBA Convention.
Upon a motion by Mr. Jim Kessler, seconded by Ms. Ann Boyd, the board voted to look at next year's budgeted amount for travel to state and national board member conventions and to develop guidelines for attendance at these conventions. It was agreed that the travel allowance for this year would remain as is.
Mr. Wayne Barfield made brief remarks on the recent incident involving the showing of an inappropriate film to elementary and junior high age students. He expressed concern that the board make every effort to see that this does not occur again by taking necessary preventive actions.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:05 p.m. Following the meeting, board members enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Hico School Cafeteria.
Gerald Stanley, Secretary Allen Tuten, President