LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

REGULAR SESSION

Wednesday, February 19, 1992    12 O'Clock Noon

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Wednesday, February 19, 1992 at 12 o'clock noon at Simsboro School.  Members present were: Dr. Phil Rice, Mr. David Wright, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Andy Shealy, Mr. Jim Kessler, Ms. Ann M. Boyd, Mr. Paul Woodard and Mr. Allen Tuten.

Absent: Mr. Wayne Barfield and Mr. Calvin Wilkerson.

Dr. Rice called the meeting to order and Mr. David Wright gave the invocation.

Dr. Rice welcomed the guests and members of the staff and media who were present.

Mr. Harry Jones, principal of Simsboro School, was recognized and he presented Jennifer Young, a fifth grade honor student at Simsboro, who was selected to lead the board in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.  Following the pledge, Jennifer was presented with a certificate of appreciation from members of 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 February 4, 1992.

At this time, Mr. Jones, principal of Simsboro School, welcomed board members to the school. He indicated that the philosophy at Simsboro school was that every child could learn and could be prepared for life after school.  He told the board that there were 580 students in grades K-12 enrolled at Simsboro.  Academics are emphasized at Simsboro as, indicated by one-fifth of the high school students participating in the parish academic awards program held in October.  Mr. Jones told the board of other academic offerings at the school as well as extra curricular activities.

Upon a motion by Ms. Ann Boyd, seconded by Mr. Andy Shealy, the board voted to adopt and implement the statement of support transition services for special education students as presented by Ms. Sharon Thomas, Supervisor of Special Education.  Ms. Thomas told the board that this service was designed to assist students in their transition from a school setting to a world of work.  The State Department of Education has developed policies for school systems to follow for transition services and the first step is to seek board approval for these policies.  She indicated that we have already begun working with Individual Transition Plans (ITP's) as well as parents and outside adult agencies in preparation for providing this service.

The board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following personnel items were addressed:

1.         Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, the board voted to accept the recommendation presented by Dr. Gerald Cobb that Fred Higginbotham's appointment as interim principal at Ruston High School be extended an additional year or through May, 1993.

2.         Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Mr. George Mack, the board voted to approve the following personnel recommendations as presented by Charles Owens:

a.         To employ Dorothy Bryant as Special Education teacher aide at Cypress Springs, effective January 23, 1992.

b.         To employ Freddie Moore as custodian at Ruston Elementary School, effective February 1, 1992, to replace Wiley Moore, transferred.

c.         To employ Bernard Crowe as bus driver in the Ruston School District, effective February 1, 1992, to replace Wilson Boyte, retired.

Upon a motion by Mr. David Wright, seconded by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, the board voted to adopt the proclamation designating the week February 24, 1992 as Literacy Week in Lincoln Parish. Dr. Cobb told the board that there is nothing more fundamental or important to education than literacy.

Dr. Cobb indicated that board members had in their folders copies of various resolutions.  These are to be reviewed by board members and addressed at the next board meeting.

The Superintendent's Report was presented and the following items were addressed:

1.         Dr. Cobb indicated that the after-school detention program for elementary students had begun.

2.         He called attention to a copy of the letter sent to area legislators asking for their assistance in opposing unemployment compensation to non-certified employees who do not work in the summer months but are paid on a twelve-month basis.

3.         Interviews for Supervisor of Finance will begin the week of February 24.

Mr. Mack commented on the meeting of the Reapportionment Committee to be held on Friday, February 21 at 1:30 in the Police Jury meeting room.  Committee members hope to finalize minor adjustments to the reapportionment plan at this meeting.

Following various comments from other members, the board voted to adjourn at 12:25 p.m. A delicious lunch was enjoyed at this time by members of the board and staff.

Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary               Philip F. Rice, President