LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

REGULAR SESSION

Wednesday, October 21, 1992  12:00 Noon

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Wednesday, October 21, 1992 at 12 o'clock noon at Choudrant Elementary School.  The following members were present: 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, and Mr. Paul Woodard.

Absent: Ms. Ann M. Boyd and Mr. Allen Tuten.

Dr. Phil Rice, president, called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Dr. Marty Beasley.

Mr. Charles Hogan, principal of Choudrant Elementary, introduced Anna Hancock, a fifth grade student who was selected to lead the board in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Mr. Hogan told the board that Anna is an outstanding student and is active in the 4-H club, Jr. Beta Club and other organizations in the school.  Following the pledge, Dr. Cobb, on behalf of the Lincoln Parish School Board, presented Anna with a certificate of appreciation.

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

Upon a motion by Mr. Paul Woodard, seconded by Mr. David Wright, the board voted to approve the minutes of the October 6, 1992, as distributed.

Mr. Charles Hogan, principal, welcomed the board to Choudrant Elementary School.  He indicated that there have been many changes in the facility and campus during the past four years.  Many improvements have been made in the facilities.  The enrollment has grown to include about 60 more students.  He commented on his excellent staff and faculty.

A report on the Academic Awards banquet held on Monday, October 19, 1992 was given by Ron Suggs.  He indicated that attendance has increased to include approximately 600 students, parents, teachers, supervisors, board members and invited guests.  This year we had 148 students who received academic awards.  Mr. Suggs commended the Morning Paper for their positive coverage of this very important event as well as their coverage of other school events.

Mr. Charles Owens gave a report on utilities in the schools and how the implementation of eleven energy conservation efforts has impacted the cost of utilities.  These conservation ideas were endorsed by the principals of all schools.  Mr. Owens elaborated on some of these efforts and indicated that as a result of these efforts, a savings of $11,126.60 has been realized.

Parishwide Career Night will be held on Monday, November 9, 1992 at the Ruston Civic Center. This is for Junior and Senior students and their parents.  Information will be offered on scholarships, financial aid, and admission procedures.  A large number of booths will be set up by colleges, universities, and other groups to give information to these students.

The next agenda item to be considered was the adoption of the amended Resolution, as distributed on October 6, 1992, calling for a Special Election to be held on January 16, 1993. Upon a motion by Mr. Jim Kessler, seconded by Dr. Marty Beasley, the board voted 9-0 by roll call vote to adopt the following resolution:

A resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held on January 16, 1993 by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana with respect to the levy of the one-half of one percent sales tax and use tax and a special tax making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

Voting for the motion: Mr. David Wright, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Andy Shealy, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. Wayne Barfield, Mr. Calvin Wilkerson, Mr. Paul Woodard and Dr. Phil Rice.

Voting against the motion: None

Absent and not voting: Ms. Ann M. Boyd, Mr. Allen Tuten, and Mrs. Loyace Braggs.

Following the adoption of the resolution calling for the special election to be held on January 16, 1993, various comments were received from board members.

Dr. Cobb presented a proposed resolution concerning the Constitutional Minimum Foundation Program amendment as shown below:

R E S 0 L U T I 0 N

            WHEREAS, the children of Louisiana are the state's most important resources and concern; and

            WHEREAS, the education of Louisiana's children is guaranteed by the state constitution; and

            WHEREAS, a Minimum Foundation Program of funding is provided under the constitution; and

            WHEREAS, any reduction in Minimum Foundation Program funding during the school year would have a devastating impact on school systems' abilities to provide even a minimum educational program, because such reductions would result in teacher layoffs, increased class sizes and decreases in funding for textbooks and other material of instruction; and

             WHEREAS, the constitutional proposal would create havoc in local systems by eliminating their ability to plan and budget; and

            WHEREAS, Minimum Foundation Program funds and Quality Education Trust funds are funds that the people of Louisiana have voted to protect from reductions because they believe the state's ability to provide a minimum program of education for our children is of utmost priority; and

            WHEREAS, the Quality Education Trust funds (8g) were constitutionally protected to enhance elementary, secondary and vocational education; and

            WHEREAS, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education adopted and the legislature funded in 1992, a new student-weighted Minimum Foundation Program designed to more equitably distribute funds to all school systems in the state; and

            WHEREAS, this new Minimum Foundation Program provided additional funds to poorer school districts to provide for the education of their children; and

            THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the State Department of Education record their strong opposition to granting administration authority to make funding reductions in such dedicated funds as the Minimum Foundation Program; the Quality Education Trust Program; and the unfunded accrued liability.

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:  That the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the State Department of Education call upon all Parish School Boards and Superintendents to inform their constituents of the disastrous consequences of this constitutional proposal.

Upon a motion by Mr. Jim Kessler, seconded by Dr. Marty Beasley, the board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed resolution as given above.

The Superintendent's Report was given by Dr. Cobb and the following items were presented:

1.         Friday Night Prime Time to be held on Friday night, October 30, 1992 at Simsboro School.

2.         Donation of funds for Sales Tax promotion -- "Citizens for Education"--will be received to defray expenses for the election.

3.         Board members were given a copy of Express, the Chapter I publication.      

There being no further business, the board voted to adjourn at 12:35 p.m. Following the meeting, the board members and others present enjoyed a delicious lunch in the school lunchroom.

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