LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

REGULAR SESSION

Wednesday, October 16, 1991     12 o'clock noon

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Wednesday, October 16, 1991 at 12 o'clock noon at Ruston Elementary School.  Members present were: Mr. Allen Tuten, Dr. Phil Rice, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Andy Shealy, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. Calvin Wilkerson, Ms. Ann M. Boyd, Mr. Paul Woodard and Mr. David Wright.

Absent: Mr. Wayne Barfield

Mr. Tuten called the meeting to order and welcomed the guests and members of the media and staff who were present.  He then called on Dr. Marty Beasley to give the invocation.

Mr. Howard Whitlock, principal, introduced Ms. Patsy Plummer who in turn presented her kindergarten class to members of the board.  They led the board in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and also sang for the board.  They were warmly received and appreciation was expressed by members of the board for this very special treat.

Upon a motion by Dr. Marty Beasley, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on October 1, 1991.

The board was welcomed to Ruston Elementary School by Mr. Howard Whitlock, principal.  He presented some brief background remarks regarding Ruston Elementary School.  There have been three major renovations to the school since 1955.  In that year, there were 275 students enrolled at Ruston Elementary. There are now 529 students enrolled with over 50 faculty and staff members.  Mr. Whitlock expressed his appreciation to his faculty and staff for their dedication and hard work and to members of the Lincoln Parish School Board and the central office staff for their support.

The board served as a Committee of the Whole and addressed the following personnel recommendations as presented by Ron Suggs, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Lincoln Parish Schools:

1.         Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Mr. Paul Woodard, the board voted to employ the following teacher/aide personnel:

a.         Pat Jones as Gifted/Talented teacher at A. E. Phillips/Hillcrest, effective October 7, 1991.  Ms. Jones will be filling in for Beverly Slocum who is on Sabbatical Leave for the 1991-92 school year.

b.         Gwen Richardson as itinerant assessment teacher for Lincoln Parish, effective October 21, 1991, in a new position.

c.         Lowlette Evans as Special Ed. aide at Cypress Springs to replace Augusta Wilson, transferred.  This is effective September 30, 1991.

Dr. Gerald Cobb, Superintendent, offered remarks to the board concerning the upcoming Academic Awards Banquet to be held on Monday, October 21, 1991 at the Ruston Civic Center. He expressed his appreciation to those who have assisted in the organization of this annual affair. He indicated that in the past, this has been a very successful and well-received function.

Board members were invited to attend a City Council meeting to hear further debate concerning the status of the wet weather lagoon which is currently under dispute from residents who live near this lagoon.  Two Lincoln Parish Schools--Lincoln Center and I. A. Lewis are located in this vicinity.  Dr. Cobb indicated that the board usually receives an impact statement on such projects but did not receive one for this project.  He further indicated that he felt that because of the close proximity to Lincoln Center, the board, if they had been asked, would have expressed the opinion that the lagoon should be placed in another location.  A lengthy discussion by members of the board followed.

It was announced that Lisa Taylor, Lincoln Parish Teacher of the Year for Jr. High Schools, has been named as Regional Teacher of the Year for Jr. High Schools and is now in state competition at the Jr. High level.

Barbara Kirkland informed the board that plans are underway for Career Day to be held on Monday, October 28, at the Ruston Civic Center.  She indicated that this program is held yearly to assist students in making decisions as to their future.  Approximately 350 seniors and seven high school counselors will participate in the upcoming Career Day with 35 different organizations represented to assist students in their career decisions.

An update on the status of the LA Capitol Federal Credit Union was given by Benice McGee. She indicated that Credit Union representatives have scheduled staff meeting at the central office and all schools to offer opportunity for enrollment.

Superintendent Cobb, Ann Boyd and David Wright reported to the board on the LA 2000 meeting held on October 14 in Alexandria.  They indicated that this was an informational meeting for the purpose of discussing the goals of this committee.  The local committee will be enlarged to include other interested persons.  More and more people will be involved as time progresses.  It was pointed out that the goals that have been set are reachable goals.

In the Superintendent's Report, Dr. Cobb addressed the following items:

1.         He called attention to the Louisiana School Board Association questionnaire that was recently sent to legislative candidates representing Lincoln Parish in the upcoming election. These candidates were asked to give their views on certain issues that will impact on the Lincoln Parish School System.

2.         Dr. Cobb addressed some of the amendments to be on the ballot on October 19 and expressed words of explanation and concern in regard to amendments one and two.

Following the completion of all business, board members expressed their appreciation to the staff at Ruston Elementary School for hosting the board meeting and for the very festive fall decorations that were evident.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m. Board members enjoyed a delicious meal in the Ruston Elementary School cafeteria.

Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary                  Allen Tuten, President