LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Wednesday, February 17, 1993
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Wednesday, February 17, 1993 at 12 o'clock noon at Hillcrest Elementary School. Members present were Dr. Phil Rice, Mr. David Wright, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Andy Shealy, Mr. Wayne Barfield, Mr. Calvin Wilkerson, Ms. Ann M. Boyd, Mr. Paul Woodard and Mr. Allen Tuten.
Absent: Mr. Jim Kessler
Dr. Phil Rice, president, called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Mr. Allen Tuten.
Mrs. Ann Gilbert, principal of Hillcrest Elementary School, introduced Jeremy Griffin, a fifth grade student who was present to lead the board in the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. Mrs. Griffin told the board that Jeremy is an outstanding student in the classroom as well as being very involved in his church activities. He serves as president of his class and maintains a 3.5 grade point average. Dr. Cobb presented Jeremy with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Lincoln Parish School Board.
Other special presentations for the board included the singing of America by Mrs. Hawkins' kindergarten class and an aerobics demonstration by Mrs. Anderson's fourth grade class, led by P. E. teacher, Gail Nelson.
Dr. Rice welcomed guests and members of the staff and media who were present for the meeting. Also in attendance was Mrs. Leachman's fifth grade class.
Upon a motion by Dr. Marty Beasley, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted to approve the minutes of the February 2, 1993 board meeting.
Mrs. Ann Gilbert, principal, welcomed the board to Hillcrest School and gave a brief update on some of the good work being done at the school. She indicated that there are 450 students enrolled this year, with 22 homeroom classes in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Mr. Paul Woodard, the board voted to implement a pilot program using a bus video camera, as presented by Mr. Richard Hinton, Supervisor of Transportation for Lincoln Parish Schools. This vote followed a discussion by members of the board on the effectiveness of this program. It was pointed out that this has proven to be very effective in systems where it has been implemented. The results of this program will be studied to determine its effectiveness in Lincoln Parish.
Upon a motion by Mr. Calvin Wilkerson, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted to allocate $1.50 per student to school libraries to be funded from the 1979 Sales Tax and, upon approval, to be immediately disbursed to schools. Included in the motion also was the recommendation that the money be sent directly to the schools with the September allocations and be earmarked specifically for library use, beginning with the 1993-94 school year and each year thereafter.
Upon a motion by Dr. Marty Beasley, seconded by Mr. David Wright, the board voted to approve the survey results for distribution of the 1993 1/2 cent Sales Tax, as presented by Dr. Cobb. All employees of the Lincoln Parish School System were given the opportunity to choose which method of disbursement they desired and the final tally of the votes received showed 492 in favor of Option I and 90 in favor of Option II. The 1993 Sales tax money will be paid in two payments: one in December and one in July. The 1979 Sales Tax method of distribution will remain the same.
Upon a motion by Mr. George Mack, seconded by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, the board voted to adopt the resolution to "Reinvest in America", as recommended by Dr. Cobb. He indicated that this is a nationwide effort on behalf of the National School Boards Association to encourage federal investment in the educational concerns of the nation.
Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted to adopt the resolution to employ special counsel, as recommended by Dr. Cobb. Board approval of this resolution would result in Lincoln Parish joining in the suit against State Employees Group Benefits Program. Suit is being filed due to the expressed intent of the State Employees Group Benefits Program to force all Louisiana Systems to join its program through legislative action, along with any money reserves the systems have accumulated.
Board attention was called to the Superintendent's Proclamation calling for support of the Louisiana Reading Association, through the North Louisiana Reading Council, to promote reading as the most fundamental and important aspect of our educational experience.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m. and board members and guests then enjoyed a delicious lunch in the school.
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary Philip F. Rice, President