LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, May 5, 1992 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, May 5, 1992 at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Lincoln Parish School Board Office, 410 South Farmerville Street, Ruston, LA. 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, Mr. Paul Woodard, and Mr. Allen Tuten.
Absent: None
Dr. Phil Rice, president, called the meeting to order and Mr. George Mack gave the invocation.
Dr. Rice welcomed the guests and members of the staff and media who were present.
Upon a motion by Mr. Allen Tuten, seconded by Dr. Marty Beasley, the board voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session of April 7, 1992.
Mr. Foster Harris, principal of I. A. Lewis, was recognized at this time and asked to introduce a very special guest, Jessie Hunt, a student at I. A. Lewis School who was selected to lead the board in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Mr. Harris told the board that Jessie was an outstanding student, maintaining all A's on her report card. She enjoys reading and playing the piano as hobbies. Following the pledge, Dr. Cobb, on behalf of the Lincoln Parish School Board, presented Jessie with a certificate of appreciation.
Other special guests recognized at this time were presented by Mr. Danny Bell, Supervisor of Elementary Programs. The next guest to be honored was Jeffery Miller, a second grade student at Alma Brown Elementary, who wrote a poem and as a result was named a winner in the Superintendent's Writing Award Contest. Another student, Laura Beasley, who was a winner in the Superintendent's Writing Award Contest was unable to be present and will be honored at a later board meeting.
Following these recognitions, Mr. Bell presented Scott Love, a regional winner in the Young Authors Contest from Simsboro Elementary School, with a certificate of appreciation. Mr. Harry Jones, principal, expressed his appreciation to Scott and to his teacher who encouraged him in this endeavor.
Members of the board expressed their appreciation and pride in the accomplishments of all of these students.
Ms. Jacqueline Sumler, representative of the Louisiana Association of Educators, was recognized at this time to speak on behalf of the School Food Service Employees. Ms. Sumler indicated that several months ago, members of School Food Service had asked the board, because of excessive workload created by the implementation of the mandated breakfast program, for either monetary compensation or compensatory time. She further stated that the general agreement of the board at that time was that there was no money available for compensation and that salaried employees are not entitled to compensatory time. Ms. Sumler indicated that salaried personnel were entitled, according to the Department of Labor, Application of Fair Labor Standards Act, to compensation, either monetary or compensatory time. A committee met at that time to address this concern and the possible purchase of computers to relieve the paperwork load was discussed. Ms. Sumler discussed the state department guidelines for staffing based on the participation formula. According to Ms. Sumler, School Food Service employees have been given no relief in response to their requests and they are now requesting a 2% salary supplement to be given this fiscal year since increased labor would be of no benefit to them due to the lateness in the school year.
After hearing Ms. Sumler, response was heard from the supervisory staff and from members of the board.
Mr. Owens asked for clarification on when the request for compensatory time was made.
Dr. Cobb questioned Ms. Sumler about plans to secure additional funds for Lincoln Parish. She responded by telling of methods used by her organization to help secure additional funds through the passage of tax elections.
Mrs. Brenda Theodos, School Food Service Supervisor, gave a summary of the financial situation that exists in this program. In closing her remarks, which clearly reflected a continuing decrease of funds in the program, she indicated unless the monetary situation improves, the school board general fund would have to help with the lunch fund. Reimbursements from lunch and breakfast are not enough to cover the continuing losses. Mrs. Theodos indicated that extra expenses have come from labor not funded by MFP, the 6% salary increase (3% given in 1989 and 3% given in 1990), $50,000 deductible paid due to the fire at Ruston Elementary cafeteria, the increase in retirement from 13.8% to 17.98%, social security and medicare costs increased $44,193 this year, food costs have increased due to drought and also the loss of commodities, substitute labor, health insurance, fingerprinting fees, equipment and repairs, utilities, as well as the increase in minimum wage.
At this point, Mr. Charles Owens, Director of Auxiliary Programs, pointed out that as a matter of record and as clarification, the request made by the School Food Service clerks at the first meeting held several months ago was met. Their work schedule was changed to give them 2 weeks off or they work two weeks less for the same salary with the stipulation that they would get their work done. The request was made to stagger technician's hours and this request has been met. Also, a request to have a roving manager was granted to alleviate paper work for the regular manager in case of illness. He further pointed out that a 6% pay increase has been given and intensive research has been done on installing computer systems in the cafeterias. Money would be the only factor in delaying the implementation of this project.
After additional discussion, Dr. Rice suggested that Ms. Sumler meet with Mrs. Theodos to work out some of these differences and report back to the board.
Upon a motion by Mr. Paul Woodard, seconded by Mr. George Mack, the board voted to grant permission for the H.E.L.P. Agency to use the Lincoln Center cafeteria for a summer feeding program, as presented by Brenda Theodos.
Upon a motion by Mr. Wayne Barfield, seconded by Mr. Paul Woodard, the board voted to grant permission to send Letters of Continued Employment for the 1992-93 school year, as presented by Ron Suggs as a routine request.
Upon a motion by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, seconded by Dr. Marty Beasley, the board voted to grant permission to apply for funds through Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Preschool Flow-Through, as presented by Sharon Thomas, Special Education Supervisor.
The board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee items were addressed:
1. A report from the Personnel Committee meeting held on Wednesday, April 29, 1992 at 4:00 p.m. given by Mr. Andy Shealy, chairman. He presented the following personnel committee items that were addressed:
a. The first item dealt with was consideration of the adoption of revised policy entitled Professional Organizations (FILE: GBS) as amended by the committee. The revised policy, with amended portions underlined, is as shown below:
Professional Organizations (revised)
The Board recognizes the right of its professional staff members to join and take part in reasonable professional organization activities which relate to their professional areas of responsibility in order to grow professionally and keep abreast of current developments.
Membership in professional organizations becomes a problem if an employee devotes too much time to meetings and activities of the organization in lieu of fulfilling the job responsibilities one is employed to perform for the Lincoln Parish School Board.
Therefore, it is the policy of the Board that any professional employee who wishes to become an officer of any school related or other organization which requires the employee to miss school time beyond that employee's personal leave time for organizational duties shall apply to the Superintendent for permission to seek such a position. The application shall include the name of the organization, position sought, responsibilities of the position, and the projected amount of school time which would be missed.
If the Superintendent denies the request of the employee to seek office, then the employee has the right to appeal to the Board for approval.
Upon the recommendation of the Personnel Committee and upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy,seconded by Mr. Jim Kessler the board voted to adopt the revised policy entitled Professional Organizations (FILE: GBS) as amended.
b. Mr. Shealy presented the second item that was addressed at the Personnel Committee meeting held on April 29. Ms. Cheryl Garner's request for additional professional leave days was discussed. it was pointed out that she had already missed a total of 31.5 school days in the 1991-92 school year. Upon the recommendation of the Personnel Committee and upon a motion by Mr. Allen Tuten, seconded by Mr. David Wright, the board voted to deny the request submitted by Ms. Garner for additional professional leave days for the 1991-92 school year.
2. Dr. Cobb addressed the board regarding the recommendation for Secondary Supervisory for Lincoln Parish Schools. He gave the board background information on the interview committee and the process they followed in screening each of the applicants. Upon a motion by Mr. Paul Woodard, seconded by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, and upon the recommendation of the screening committee and Dr. Cobb, the board voted to approve the appointment of Mr. Charile Scriber as Supervisor of Secondary Education for Lincoln Parish Schools, effective June 1, 1992
3. Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Mr. David Wright, the board voted to accept the Letter of Intent to Retire submitted by Jack Duncan, teacher at I. A. Lewis School, to be effective June 2, 1992, as presented by Ron Suggs.
4. Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Ms. Ann Boyd, the board voted to approve the request for Sabbatical Leave for 1992-93 submitted by Pat Stevens, teacher at Hico Elementary School, as presented by Ron Suggs.
5. Upon a motion by Mr. Jim Kessler, seconded by Dr. Marty Beasley, the board voted to approve the request for Leave Without Pay for the 1992-93 school year submitted by Lisa Taylor, math teacher at Ruston Jr. High School, as presented by Ron Suggs. Mrs. Taylor has been asked to serve as site coordinator with the LaSip Program at Northeast University. She will work to help upgrade math and science programs in north Louisiana.
6. Upon a motion by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, seconded by Mr. Andy Shealy, the board voted to accept the letter of resignation submitted by Earnestine Bennett-Johnson, teacher at Glen View Elementary School, effective April 7, 1992, as presented by Ron Suggs.
7. Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Mr. George Mack, the board voted to employ Mary Johnson as a Special Education teacher aide at Lincoln Center, effective May 1, 1992, to replace Nicole Howard, resigned. This was presented by Ron Suggs.
8. Upon a motion by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, seconded by Mr. Paul Woodard, the board voted to accept the following letters of Intent to Retire, effective June 2, 1992, and presented by Richard Hinton:
a. Margaret June Davis as bus driver for Ruston Schools
b. Robert J. Richard, Sr. as bus driver for Ruston Schools
9. Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted to accept the letter of resignation submitted by Terry Williams as bus driver for Ruston Schools, effective April 6, 1992, and presented by Richard Hinton.
10. An addendum to the personnel agenda was addressed and upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted to approve the letter submitted by Joyce Marie Jones, School Food Service technician at Hillcrest School, stating that she will take state approved disability retirement, effective March 16, 1992.
Richie Garret, Supervisor of Finance for Lincoln Parish Schools, gave the Sales Tax report for April, 1992 which reflected a decrease in collections of 2.58% or $6,098 over the same month last year. On a year to date comparison, collections are showing a slight increase. He indicated that expenditures are up about $108,660 or 6.5% increase over last year. In order for the full $1200/$600 sales tax check to be paid, we must have excellent remaining months of collection.
The Financial Update for March, was given at this time, showing 93% in certificates of deposit and 7% in interest bearing checking accounts.
A report on the Lincoln/Ruston Sales and Use Tax Advisory Committee meeting was given by Dr. Phil Rice, one of two members who represent the board on the advisory committee, along with members of the other taxing bodies. The following action was taken by the board as a result of this report:
1. Upon a motion by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, seconded by Mr. Jim Kessler, the board voted to approve the make-up in membership of the Lincoln/Ruston Sales and Use Tax Advisory Committee to include one representative from Grambling and one from Dubach. This has already been approved by the Lincoln Parish Police Jury and the City of Ruston.
2. Upon a motion by Mr. Allen Tuten, seconded by Dr. Marty Beasley, the board voted to approve the recommendation that the cost of expenses of the Lincoln/Ruston Sales and Tax Use Office be shared on a pro rata basis, based on percentage of collections, to be effective October 1, 1992.
3. Upon a motion by Mr. Jim Kessler, seconded by Mr. Allen Tuten, the board voted to approve amending the ordinance to require a majority vote of the taxing jurisdictions to appoint or revoke the appointment of the Sales and Use Tax administrator.
An update on Section 504 - Dyslexia was given by Ron Suggs. He told the board that this is a new program, mandated by the state, that is in the process of being implemented. The program will be a function of the regular education classroom within our school. Section 504 Rehabilitation Act has been in existence since 1973 and is the act that was responsible for enforcing the revamping of facilities to make them accessible to handicapped individuals. As a result of this, an elevator was installed at Ruston High School and all key buildings had to be accessible. Mr. Suggs indicated that in the last few years, the Office of Civil Rights has become proactive in the field of education of handicapped individuals. Section 504's requirements insure that each education system provides the full range of special accommodations and services necessary for students with special needs to participate in and benefit from a public education program. Regulations from the expanded 504 bill requires us to identity, evaluate, provide appropriate service for and to provide for safeguards in every public school in the United States.
There are some students who are not eligible for Special Education services; they have some type of problem that does not qualify them for Special Education. These students will be classified as Section 504 students and we will be responsible for meeting their educational needs as much as possible. Section 504 protects all handicapped students defined as those having any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities as follows: walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, and caring for one's self. School Building Level Committees will make the determination on the nature of help needed. Mr. Suggs further informed the board that Louisiana is one of three states in the nation that now has a Louisiana law for the education of dyslexic students. We have this because some parishes in South Louisiana were not recognizing and meeting the needs of students who were termed dyslexic. These parents filed a lawsuit and now all of Louisiana is involved in this current law. A plan will be written by Lincoln Parish School Board and submitted to the State Department by May 31, 1992.
Dr. Gary Stokley came before the board with a report on the recently conducted survey on the Lincoln Parish School Board proposed tax/millage increase. He indicated that it was his belief that if you desired to move forward as a school system, you must determine the public's attitude toward the school system. This allows you to make judgements in terms of action. He told the board that his report was preliminary and a very detailed report will be given later after an in-depth study of the survey results is made. He indicated that about 635 voters were contacted, or a 3% sample. Overall, the survey showed that approximately 87% of the people polled who have children in school are satisfied with the Lincoln Parish Schools. A majority of respondents gave a positive response when asked if they would be willing to support a 12 mill property tax and a 1/4 cent sales. Dr. Stokley was asked his opinion about the possible date for calling an election on this tax proposal. He indicated that he felt a call should not be considered until fall of 1992 or later. He felt that the public should be more informed and more ground work should be done prior to an election date.
A motion was made by Mr. Allen Tuten and seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd that the board call for a tax election on October 3, 1992 for the purpose of securing additional funding for the school system. Following the motion being offered, there was additional discussion among board members as to pros and cons of this date. A point of importance made by Dr. Beasley was that it has been determined that a tax election appears to be more successful when it is the only item on the ballot to be considered. Presumably, at this time people who are very supportive of this proposal will turn out to vote. After this discussion, Mr. Tuten withdrew his motion to call the tax election on October 3 and Ms. Boyd agreed to withdraw her second to the motion.
It was the consensus of the board that an election date will be set at the board meeting to be held in June. Board members unanimously agreed that this proposed tax proposal must have the unanimous support of all board members, as pointed out by Dr. Stokley and Mr. David Wright.
Upon a motion by Mr. David Wright, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted to adopt a resolution for Teacher Appreciation Week on May 4-8, 1992 as follows:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Lincoln Parish Public School System has a long history of academic achievement by its students; and
WHEREAS, this academic achievement has been accomplished because of an outstanding faculty; and
WHEREAS, the teachers of Lincoln Parish work long and hard to meet the needs of students; and
WHEREAS, the core of any good instructional program takes place in the classroom.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Lincoln Parish School Board designates May 4-8, 1992 as Teacher Appreciation Week and expresses its appreciation to the faculties of the Lincoln Parish Public School System.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this resolution be sent to each school in Lincoln Parish and also made a part of the official minutes of the Lincoln Parish School Board.
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In the Superintendent's Report, Dr. Cobb dealt with the following items:
1. Upon a motion by Mr. Jim Kessler, seconded by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, the board voted to grant Dr. Cobb permission to advertise the principalship of Ruston Jr. High School. Dr. Cobb made this request after the board approved the appointment of Mr. Charlie Scriber, currently principal of Ruston Jr. High School but on Sabbatical Leave, to serve as Supervisor of Secondary Education.
2. Dr. Cobb told the board that the Lincoln Parish School System is in no way impacted by the recent actions of the State Employees Group Benefits Hospitalization as it relates to St. Francis Hospital since we now participate in a very successful self-funded insurance program.
3. Board members' attention was called to the Progress Profiles that were distributed.
4. A letter from Mr. Jewette Farley expressing concern regarding bills that would affect property tax was given to board members.
5. A retirement reception for all retiring members of the Lincoln Parish School System will be held on Tuesday, June 2.
6. Dr. Cobb expressed his appreciation for the very excellent Cypress Springs Art Extravaganza held recently at Cypress Springs School.
7. Mr. Suggs called the board's attention to the fact that all seniors passed the graduate exit test thus enabling all eligible Lincoln Parish seniors to graduate.
Attention was called to the upcoming LSBA/LASS Day at the Legislature to be held on Tuesday, May 12, 1992. Mr. Jim Kessler and Dr. Marty Beasley will represent the board at this meeting.
There being no further business, the board voted to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary Philip F. Rice, President