LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

REGULAR SESSION

Wednesday, October 20, 1993

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Wednesday, October 20, 1993 at 12 o'clock noon at Ruston High School, Ruston, Louisiana.  Members present were: Mr. David Wright, Dr. Owen Jean Hall, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. Andy Shealy, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. Wayne Barfield, Ms. Ann M. Boyd, Mr. Paul Woodard and Mr. Allen Tuten.

Absent: Mr. George Mack and Mr. Calvin Wilkerson

Mr. David Wright, president, called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Mr. Jim Kessler.

Mr. Wright welcomed guests and members of the staff and media who were present for the meeting.

Upon a motion by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, seconded by Mr. Allen Tuten, the board voted unanimously to adopt the minutes of the Regular Session held on October 5, 1993 as distributed.

At this time, Mr. Randy Moore, the new principal of Ruston High School, came before the board to welcome them to Ruston High and also to provide them with some informative facts relative to the school.  Mr. Moore indicated that there were approximately 1,265 students enrolled at Ruston High School this year.  He called attention to the recently honored National Merit Semi-Finalists at Ruston High School and also gave special words of appreciation to assistant principals: Mr. Tommy Hay, Mr. David Crowe, and Mr. Theodis Johnson.  He indicated that they do an exemplary job in working with student discipline and parental concerns.  He also expressed appreciation to his guidance staff, faculty and other staff members for the outstanding job they do.  Appreciation for the board's support was given and he pledged his best efforts in helping to provide the best education possible for students at Ruston High School.

The board considered approval of the new Sales Tax Commission Agreement recently drafted to be entered into by five (5) public bodies: Lincoln Parish School Board, Lincoln Parish Police jury, City of Ruston, Town of Grambling, and Town of Dubach.  Mr. Andy Shealy spoke to the board regarding this recently drafted agreement.  He indicated that historically, the Sales Tax Commission has served only in an advisory capacity.  However, it has been deemed in the best interest of all entities involved to change from an advisory capacity to a more "hands on" involvement.  In other words, representatives from the five taxing bodies would have the authority to vote as well as speak for the body which they represent, without having to go back to that body for instructions on every decision made by the Sales Tax Commission.  It was reiterated that nothing else would be changed as it related to the responsibilities of the Commission.

Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Mr. Allen Tuten, the board voted unanimously to adopt the newly drafted Sales Tax Commission agreement.

Following various positive comments from several board members regarding this new agreement, the board moved to the next item of business.

In the Superintendent's Report, Dr. Cobb reported on the following:

1.         He introduced Mr. Bruce Slack, the new Supervisor of Finance for Lincoln Parish Schools.

2.         It was announced that Susan Hilton, teacher at Ruston Jr. High School, has been selected as a finalist in state competition in the Teacher of the Year completion.

3.         The Academic Awards Banquet was a tremendous success and well attended, according to Dr. Cobb.  He offered his appreciation to members of the staff who were responsible for organizing this function.

Various comments and observations were offered by different board members.  Dr. Beasley asked Mr. Moore to, at a later date, comment on the idea of forming a Parent Advisory Committee at Ruston High School.

Following the business meeting, the board and staff enjoyed a delicious lunch served in the Ruston High School cafeteria.

Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary                         David Wright, President