LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, March 3, 1992
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, March 3, 1992 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Lincoln Parish School Board Office, 410 South Farmerville Street, Ruston, Louisiana. Members present were: Dr. Phil Rice, Mr. David Wright, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Andy Shealy, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. Wayne Barfield, Mr. Calvin Wilkerson, Ms. Ann M. Boyd and Mr. Paul Woodard.
Absent: Mr. Allen Tuten
Dr. Phil Rice, president, called the meeting to order and Mrs. Loyace Braggs gave the invocation.
Dr. Rice welcomed guests and members of the staff and media who were present.
Mrs. Ann Gilbert, principal of Hillcrest School was recognized at this time. She introduced a very special guest, Ohia Amadi, a fifth grade student from Hillcrest who was selected by his peers to lead the board in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Mrs. Gilbert told the board that Ohia was an honor roll student, a finalist in the recently held Spelling Bee, well-liked by his peers and a generally well-rounded student. Following the pledge, Dr. Cobb presented Ohia with a certificate of appreciation from members of the board.
Upon a motion by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, seconded by Dr. Marty Beasley, the board voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session of the board held on February 19, 1992.
Upon a motion by Ms. Ann Boyd, seconded by Mr. David Wright, the board voted to approve the minutes of the Special Called Session of the Lincoln Parish School Board/Lincoln Parish Police Jury held on February 25, 1992.
Mr. Danny Bell recognized other special guests in attendance at the meeting. Mrs. Donna White is a science teacher at Ruston High School, who was recently honored by being named second place winner for the outstanding high school teacher award. She was presented this award by the Louisiana Academy of Sciences She was nominated in recognition of her outstanding work as chemistry and physics teacher and as director of the annual science fair. Mrs. White was presented with a plaque from the Lincoln Parish School Board in appreciation for this outstanding recognition.
Also honored at this time was Andrew Jacobs, a senior at Ruston High School. Andrew was recently named a National Merit Finalist and is in a group representing about one-half of the top one percent of American high school seniors. He has received numerous awards during his high school career in both academics and athletics as well as other extra curricular activities. On behalf of the Lincoln Parish School Board, Andrew was presented with a plaque of appreciation by Superintendent Cobb.
The board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following personnel items were addressed:
1. Dr. Gerald Cobb reviewed the interview process held recently to select a replacement to fill the Supervisor of Finance position vacated by the resignation of Mrs. Benice McGee. He told the board that nine applicants were interviewed and the unanimous recommendation of the committee and Dr. Cobb was Richard Garrett. Mr. Garrett is currently audit manager in the Office of the Legislative Auditor for the State of Louisiana.
Upon a motion by Mr. Jim Kessler, seconded by Mr. Paul Woodard, the board voted unanimously to approve the recommendation to employ Mr. Richard Garrett as the new Supervisor of Finance to become effective March 30, 1992.
At this time, Dr. Cobb expressed his appreciation to Benice for the outstanding service that she has rendered to the school system while serving as Supervisor of Finance. Members of the board also spoke on behalf of their appreciation for the excellent job that she has done.
2. Upon a motion by Ms. Ann Boyd, seconded by Mr. Andy Shealy, the board voted to accept the letters of Intent to Retire submitted by the following faculty members, as presented by Ron Suggs:
a. Joyce Wooldridge, elementary teacher at I. A. Lewis, retiring effective June 2, 1992
b. Sara Campbell, elementary teacher at Ruston Elementary, retiring effective June 2, 1992
c. Barbara Norris, elementary teacher at Ruston Elementary, retiring effective June 2, 1992
d. Miriam Savage, elementary teacher at Ruston Elementary, retiring effective June 2, 1992
e. Roscoe Rollins, industrial arts teacher at Ruston High School, retiring effective June 2, 1992
3. Upon a motion by Mr. Paul Woodard, seconded by Dr. Marty Beasley, the board voted to grant the request for Sabbatical Leave submitted by the following faculty members, as presented by Ron Suggs:
a. Debra Carter, itinerant speech therapist, requesting Sabbatical Leave for the 1992-93 school year
b. Doug Stewart, science teacher at Ruston High School, requesting Sabbatical Leave for the 1992-93 school year
4. Upon a motion by Mr. Jim Kessler, seconded by Ms. Ann Boyd, the board voted to employ Fred Johnson as bus driver for Choudrant Schools effective March 1, 1992 and replacing Robert Dade, deceased, as presented by Richard Hinton.
Dr. Rice informed the board that the revised reapportionment plan has been submitted to the Justice Department.
A report on Sales Tax receipts for the month of February, 1992 was given by Benice McGee, Supervisor of Finance. She indicated that the report showed a slight increase of one and one-half percent or $2,961 over the same month last year and as of this month, collections reflect a year-to-date increase of one and one-fourth percent.
The financial update for the month of January, 1992 was given by Mrs. McGee. She indicated that fund balances as of January 31, 1992 reflected property taxes that were collected in the month of January, causing the balances in these funds to show an improvement over the prior month.
Dr. Cobb addressed the board regarding the draft given to members on the sales tax proposal for the school system. He stressed that this was only a draft and was a beginning point. State averages in all areas of school operation, with the exception of academics were studied and--at this point Dr. Cobb stressed that in academics we are much higher than average and will continue to be so -- and needs were determined after an in-depth study. Lincoln Parish was found to be below state average in sales tax and millages. Included in the information given to board members was a draft of tax/millage needs, rationale, and cost of each proposal; source of funds available and rationale; election dates options, and a sheet showing the impact of increased millages on those affected.
Dr. Cobb asked, with the president's approval, that this be referred to the Finance Committee for a detailed study, analysis, and recommendation. Dr. Rice indicated that this would be turned over to that committee and they would be asked to make a preliminary report to the board in April, with a full report to follow in May. Dr. Beasley asked that the community leaders be allowed to have input into this as soon as possible. Other members of the board were in agreement on this.
Upon a motion by Mr. Jim Kessler, seconded by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, the board voted to approve the quote for the auditing of accounting books/records for the two year period from July 1, 1990 to June 30, 1992, as submitted by Donald, Tucker, Betts, Allen & Green of Monroe in the amount of $16,800 for an estimated 600 hours of work. Mrs. McGee indicated that all bids were reviewed and this was her recommendation. Mr. Green of this firm was present and introduced members of the staff to the board.
Upon a motion by Mr. Wayne Barfield, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted to approve the lease granting Lincoln Parish Fire Protection District No. 1 permission to use the old Dubach School property (.523 acres) for the purpose of constructing a fire station. This is a 25 year lease with the option to renew, and a payment of one dollar per year.
Dr. Cobb commented on resolutions to be considered at the upcoming Louisiana School Boards Convention. He indicated that all of them are needed. Board members were given an opportunity to speak regarding any of these resolutions.
The report of the Superintendent was heard at this time and the following items were addressed:
1. Schedule of graduation dates for 1991-92 school year
2. Pamphlet composed by Chapter I teachers and principal at Cypress Springs dealing with computer assisted instruction and its impact on students
3. The next board meeting to be held on April 7, 1992
4. Friday Night Prime-Time Reading at Simsboro School, chaired by Ms. Cheryl Garner
Following comments from board members, and there being no further business, the board voted to adjourn at 6:40 p.m.
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary Philip F. Rice, President