LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

SPECIAL CALLED SESSION

Monday, May 16, 1994     1:00 p.m.

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Special Called Session on Monday, May 16, 1994 at 1:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Lincoln Parish School Board Office, 410 South Farmerville Street, Ruston, Louisiana.  Members present were Mr. David Wright, President; Mr. Wayne Barfield, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Andy Shealy, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. Rob Shadoin, Mr. Calvin Wilkerson, Ms. Ann M. Boyd, Mr. Paul Woodard, and Mr. Allen Tuten.

Absent: None

The meeting was called to order by Mr. David Wright and the invocation was given by Mr. Paul Woodard.

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

He informed those present that the purpose of the Special Called Session was to consider the appeal of a student who has been recommended for expulsion for the remainder of the 1993-94 school year.

As is customary, Mr. Wright explained in detail the procedure to be followed in considering the appeal.

After hearing a review of the procedure, the parent and attorney representing the student indicated that the meeting could be held in open session.

Presenting background information on the hearing held at the Lincoln Parish School Board office was Mr. Richard Hinton, Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance for Lincoln Parish Schools.

Following Mr. Hinton's presentation, Ms. Sandra Henderson, principal of Ruston Jr. High School, gave a detailed listing of all charges or disciplinary infractions recorded and the resulting disciplinary action taken as a result.  She gave detailed information on the incident leading to the students recommended expulsion.

At this point in the meeting, Mr. Wright recognized Mr. Charlie Weaver, attorney, who was given opportunity to present his prospective or view of the charges lodged against the student and leading to the recommended expulsion and to ask questions regarding the charges.

Members of the board, administrative staff at the involved school and central office, and the parent and/or attorney were given opportunity to ask questions, offer rebuttals, and cross examine regarding comments or statements.  A lengthy discussion followed as each member of the board as well as other involved persons expressed their thoughts and observations.

Following this lengthy discussion, and upon a motion by Mr. Jim Kessler, seconded by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, the board voted 11-1 by roll call vote to uphold the recommendation for the expulsion of the student for the remainder of the 1993-94 school year.

Voting for the motion: Mr. Wayne Barfield, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. Andy Shealy, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. Rob Shadoin, Mr. Calvin Wilkerson, Ms. Ann M. Boyd, Mr. Paul Woodard, Mr. Allen Tuten and Mr. David Wright.

Voting against the motion: Mr. George Mack.

Following brief comments by members of the board, the meeting was adjourned at 2:10 p.m.

Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary                         David Wright, President