LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

REGULAR SESSION

Tuesday, November 10, 1992     6:00 p.m.

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, November 10, 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, 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: Mrs. Loyace Braggs

Dr. Phil Rice, president, called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Mr. George Mack.

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

Mrs. Patsy Bullock, principal of Cypress Springs Elementary School, introduced Erik Boyle, a fifth grade student who was present to lead the board in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.  Mrs. Bullock asked Erik to present a brief summary of his activities at school and in the community.  She indicated that he is an excellent student as well as a leader and good citizen.  Following the pledge, Dr. Cobb, on behalf of the Lincoln Parish School Board, presented Erik with a certificate of appreciation.

Upon a motion by Mr. Wayne Barfield, seconded by Dr. Marty Beasley, the board voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session of the Board held on October 21, 1992, as distributed.

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

1.         Upon a motion by Mr. David Wright, seconded by Mr. Andy Shealy, the board voted unanimously to accept the following resignations, as submitted by Ron Suggs:

a.         Peggy Gray, elementary P. E. teacher at Hillcrest, to be effective November 4, 1992

b.         Mary Boden, elementary counselor at I. A. Lewis, to be effective October 23, 1992

Upon a motion by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, seconded by Mr. Jim Kessler, the board voted to approve the following teacher/aide recommendations, as presented by Ron Suggs:

a.         Sharon St. Andre as half-time kindergarten teacher at Choudrant in new position,effective October 16, 1992

b.         Kathy Johnson as teacher aide at Glen View Elementary to replace Debbie Pierot, effective October 16, 1992

c.         Marilyn Bryan as teacher aide at Lincoln Center to replace Suzette Green, effective October 16, 1992

3.         As a point of reference, Mr. Owens told the board that Bernice Outley, bus aide, has been transferred to Ruston High School as custodian, effective October 1, 1992.

4.         Upon a motion by Mr. Jim Kessler, seconded by Mr. Andy Shealy, the board voted to employ Pauline Johns as bus aide in the Ruston District to replace Bernice Outley, transferred.

An addendum to the Personnel agenda was presented and the following action was taken:

5.         Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted to accept the letter of resignation submitted by Linda Brazzel, SFS technician at Ruston High School, as presented by Brenda Theodos.  This resignation is to be effective November 2, 1992.

Richie Garrett, Supervisor of Finance, gave the sales tax report for October, 1992.  He indicated that receipts were up $2300 over the same month last year.  A four year comparison of sales tax collections was presented in graph form, as explained by Mr. Garrett.

A financial update for September, 1992 was given following the sales tax report.  An easier to read and discern format is now in use.  Board members expressed their appreciation for the effort that has been put into this new format.

Mrs. Barbara Kirkland, Supervisor of Federal Programs, reported to the board on the recently held Parishwide Career Night.  This event took place on November 9, at the Ruston Civic Center with about 200 11th and 12th grade students participating and about 50 parents in attendance. Mrs. Kirkland told the board that 32 different recruiters were present with booths set up to assist students with any type questions they had.  Information was also made available from college and universities concerning financial aid, scholarships, ACT scores, etc.

Under new business, Dr. Cobb told board members of the upcoming Louisiana School Board Convention to be held in Lafayette on March 4-6, 1993 and asked that they make their intent to attend known as soon as possible in order that plans can be made.

In the Superintendent's Report, Dr. Cobb told the board that Lincoln, Parish Schools recently lost the $40,000 increase allotted under the new Minimum Foundation Plan.  He indicated that inequity abounds and that our board will, at the next meeting, take steps to resist this inequity in funding.

 Mr. David Wright asked about the current status of the Lincoln Parish Bi-Racial Committee and indicated that he felt that it should be reactivated.  The board agreed with Mr. Wright's recommendation.

Representative Pinkie Wilkerson was present and addressed the board at this time.  She talked about the after school tutorial program that has been initiated as well as the Saturday Academy, designed to meet the needs of at-risk academically children.  She also told the board of her interest in education and her willingness to be of assistance.  She encouraged members of the board to call upon her at any time she can be of assistance.  Following additional interesting and informative remarks by Ms. Wilkerson, the board voted to adjourn at 6:40 p.m.

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