LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, September 6, 1994 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, September 6, 1994 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 Mr. David Wright, President; Mr. Wayne Barfield, 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 - Mrs. Loyace Braggs
Mr. David Wright, president, called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Mr. Wayne Barfield.
Mr. Wright welcomed guests and members of the staff and media who were present.
Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted unanimously to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Mr. George Mack, seconded by Mr. Paul Woodard, the board voted unanimously to adopt the minutes of the Regular Session held on August 2, 1994 as printed.
This was the meeting scheduled to serve as a Public Hearing for the proposed 1994-95 budget. It was declared to be a time of public hearing to give anyone present the opportunity to ask questions and make comments relative to the proposed budget.
Upon a motion by Mr. Allen Tuten, seconded by Mr. Andy Shealy, the board voted unanimously to approve the proposed budget for 1994-95.
Mark Fogas, representing South Central Bell, came before the board to present two teacher mini-grants--one to Debi Hauser of Glen View Elementary and one to Maribel Childress, teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School. Mr. Fogas told members of the board that Mrs. Hauser wrote a grant based on utilizing computer programs in thinking and reading skills and Mrs. Childress had written her grant based on "Math Magic" and her desire to instill a love of math in elementary children. These were both creative and innovative ideas and thereby resulted in these teachers being two of a total of 117 in the State of Louisiana who received these mini-grants. The board expressed their appreciation for the hard work and dedication shown by these individual teachers.
Upon a motion by Dr. Marty Beasley, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted unanimously to grant permission to apply for Impact Aid for 1994-95, as requested by Barbara Kirkland. Ms. Kirkland told members of the board that Lincoln Parish is eligible for these funds based upon the number of Federally-connected children in the parish. In order to qualify, children must have a parent (1) employed on Federal property; (2) on full-time activity duty in any branch of the armed forces; or (3) live on Federal property. She further indicated that we are able to identify approximately 300 students each year resulting in the receipt of approximately $10-15,000 in aid to be placed in the general fund to be used to defray extra costs that may be incurred as a result of these students moving into our system.
The board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following personnel agenda items were addressed:
1. Upon a motion by Mr. Paul Woodard, seconded by Mr. George Mack, the board voted unanimously to accept the letter of intent to retire, effective September 30, 1994, submitted by Jo Johnson, Secretary to the Superintendent of Lincoln Parish Schools, as presented by Ron Suggs.
2. Upon a motion by Mr. Wayne Barfield, seconded by Mr. Andy Shealy, the board voted unanimously to grant the request for leave without pay for the 1994-95 school year, submitted by Michelle McDowell, foreign language teacher at Ruston High School, effective August 1, 1994, as presented by Ron Suggs.
3. Upon a motion by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, seconded by Mr. Paul Woodard, the board voted unanimously to deny the request for a leave without pay for Cathy Gibson, elementary teacher at Simsboro, and instead to accept her letter of resignation effective August 19, 1994. This action is in keeping with policy followed in the past relative to granting leave to personnel who have accepted employment in other systems. The board expressed their desire to remain consistent in their position and policy in dealing with requests for leave under these conditions.
4. Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Mr. Rob Shadoin, the board voted unanimously to accept the following staff resignations as presented by Ron Suggs:
a. Vanessa Wilson, computer proctor at Cypress Springs, effective August 19, 1994
b. Virginia Stringfellow, special ed. aide at Hico Elementary, effective August 1, 1994
c. Melinda Farley, computer proctor at Hico Elementary, effective August 18, 1994
d. Bruce Roebuck, special ed. aide at I. A. Lewis, effective August 17, 1994
e. Melody Breland, special education teacher at Lincoln Center, effective July 29, 1994
f. Bertia Copeland, teacher at Ruston Elementary, effective August 18, 1994
g. Genever Smith, elementary teacher at Simsboro, effective August 11, 1994
5. The following points of reference were presented by Ron Suggs:
a. Kristie Frasier transferred from Cypress Springs to P.E. position at Glen View, to replace Julie Jones, resigned
b. Angela Thomas transferred from Cypress Springs to kindergarten position at Choudrant Elementary in a new position
6. Upon a motion by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, seconded by Mr. Paul Woodard, the board voted unanimously to employ the following instructional personnel as presented by Ron Suggs:
a. Denise Matthews in special education position at Choudrant Elementary to replace Judy Willis, resigned
b. Cara Rockett in a new special education position at Choudrant High School
c. Kathy Haynes as teacher at Cypress Springs to replace Kristie Frazier, transferred
d. Betty Hinton as computer proctor at Cypress Springs to replace Vanessa Wilson, resigned
e. Irma Goree as chapter I tutor at Grambling Middle School in a new position
f. Margie Dyes as computer proctor at Hico Elementary to replace Melinda Farley, resigned
g. Shirley Simonton as special education aide at Hico Elementary to replace Virginia Stringfellow, resigned
h. Jackie Daniels as half-time special education aide at Hillcrest in a new position
i. Sharon Hemphill as itinerant teacher in Even Start Program in new position
j. Sue Ledford as itinerant 3/5 time adapted P. E. instructor in new position
k. Tornie Bradshaw as special ed. teacher at Lincoln Center to replace Melody Breland, resigned
i. Patricia O'Brien as special education aide at Lincoln Center to replace Mia Johnson, resigned
j. Stephanie Robinson as Even Start tutor at Lincoln Center in new position
k. Arieta Harris as special education aide at Ruston Elementary in new position
l. Carmen Hoefler as special education teacher at Ruston Elementary to replace Elizabeth Mitchell, resigned
m. LeAnn Keith as teacher at Ruston Elementary to replace Bertia Copeland, resigned
n. Nick Brown as social studies/coach at Ruston High School to replace Glenda Smith who was promoted to assistant principal
o. Felicia Evans as math teacher at Ruston High School to replace Michelle Kessler, resigned
p. Janet Maxwell as home economics teacher at Ruston High School to replace Frances Harrison, retired
q. Carrie Rabalais as Spanish teacher at Ruston High School to replace Michelle McDowell, leave without pay
r. Susan Browder as teacher at Simsboro Elementary to replace Genever Smith, resigned
s. Jennifer Schubert as elementary teacher at Simsboro to replace Cathy Gibson, resigned
7. Upon a motion by Allen Tuten, seconded by Mr. Wayne Barfield, the board voted unanimously to accept the letter of resignation submitted by Terry Lewis, bus driver in Ruston District, as presented by Howard Whitlock. This will be effective August 17, 1994.
8. Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Ms. Ann M. Boyd, the board voted unanimously to employ Dennis Sutherland as bus driver in the Ruston District to replace Terry Lewis, resigned. This will be effective August 19, 1994.
9. Upon a motion by Mr. Paul Woodard, seconded by Mr. Rob Shadoin, the board voted unanimously to approve the transfer of Charlotte Davidson to the position of Internal Auditor/Accountant at the central office to replace Bruce Slack, resigned. This is to be effective September 7, 1994 and was presented by Charles Owens.
10. As a point of reference, Mr. Owens informed the board that Sandy Harris of the central office was transferring from receptionist/secretary to purchasing secretary to replace Charlotte Davidson, transferred.
11. Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Mr. George Mack, the board voted unanimously to approve the following custodial resignations as presented by Charles Owens:
a. Patricia Williams, custodian at Ruston Elementary, to be effective August 9, 1994
b. Danny Buggs, custodian at Ruston High School, to be effective August 15, 1994
12. As a point of reference, Mr. Owens informed the board that Allen Hartwell was transferring from Dubach High School to Ruston High School as custodian, to be effective August 15, 1994
13. Upon a motion by Mr. Rob Shadoin, seconded by Mr. Andy Shealy, the board voted unanimously to approve the following custodial recommendation as presented by Charles Owens:
a. Arlene Torbor as custodian at Cypress Springs to replace Patricia 'Williams, resigned and to be effective August 5, 1994
b. Robert Jenkins as custodian Dubach High School, effective September 1, 1994, to replace Allen Hartwell, transferred
c. Mary Smith as custodian at Hico Elementary, effective August 5, 1994, to replace Margie Dyes who was promoted to aide
d. Sylvia Goldsmith as custodian at Simsboro School, effective August 5, 1994, to replace Danny Buggs, resigned
An update on Louisiana Legislature that impacts education was given to the board by Dr. Gerald Cobb, Superintendent. He commented on the following legislative acts:
Act 18: Imposes sales and use taxes on mail order sales. To be distributed to local systems on a pro rata basis according to population.
Act 17: Prohibits use of tobacco products in elementary and secondary schools except in designated smoking areas. Also applies to school buses.
Act 27: Increases the number of required contact hours of instruction pertaining to alcohol, drug, and substance abuse for students in grades K-9 to 16 hours of instruction. Grades 9-12 remain at 8 contact hours.
Act 114: Peace officer, probation officer, or school attendance officer may detain any child between ages of 7 and 16 whom the official believes to be absent from school. If truant, the officer may apprehend child and take to school, release to parent, or to a receiving center for such children. Act makes parent(s) more accountable under Article 731 (Family in Need of Services).
Act 1: Teacher Accountability Act relative to new teachers
Act 45: Senate Bill No. 76, revises the basic school discipline Act
Act 91: Gives schools and principals more authority to protect the school environment concerning visitors to school during school hours and after school hours.
Act 107: Expands principal's responsibilities relative to firearms and weapons on school grounds. Makes it a misdemeanor violation if the principal fails to report the violator or the seizure of the weapon(s) to police.
Act 108: Relative to the transfer of expelled students to other systems within and outside the state. Information concerning expulsion be sent to the system to which the student is applying.
Act 118: Placing of graffiti on school property without consent of school officials is now a crime of criminal mischief.
Act 127: School systems may require students expelled for violence, weapons, or drugs to receive counseling before readmission to a school system at no cost to the school system.
Act 24: Expands present search and seizure laws to include not only the items themselves, but also the evidence that the student has violated the law.
Act 104: Law enforcement officials must notify principals within 24 hours of a student in grades 7 through 12 who is arrested, charged, or adjudicated delinquent for committing a felony grade delinquent act or a misdemeanor grade delinquent act involving drugs or violence. Principals must notify teachers who teach the student within two (2) school days. Information must be kept confidential within the school environment.
Act 38: Carrying a firearm or weapon on school property or at a school function by a student or non student is a violation of the firearm free zone laws.
Act 44: Raises the punishment for the battery of a school teacher or staff member when in performance of their school related duties.
Act 103: Habitually absent or tardy students may be reported by the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance to the family or juvenile court of the parish for court action after the fifth unexcused absence within any month's period of time.
A report on the opening of school for 1994-95 was presented to the board by Ron Suggs. He indicated that of this date, September 6, 1994, a total of 7,015 students were enrolled in parish public schools. October 1 is the official date used to determine the official number of students for which we will receive MFP funds.
An update on Sales Tax receipts for the month of August, 1994 reflected an increase in the '79 collections of $39,588.83 or 19.4% over the same month last year. Ms. Roy also indicated that $13,065 was recovered by parish auditors on a one-time basis. The 1993 sales tax showed collections for the month totaling $23,753.01.
At this point in the meeting, adoption of the proposed budget was discussed and Ms. Roy indicated that one change had been made in the budget reflecting a decrease in expenditures in the ad valorem taxes of $5,000. Mr. Allen Tuten amended the motion made earlier in the meeting to reflect the addition of this change as indicated by Ms. Roy and Mr. Wayne Barfield seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed budget to include decrease in expenditure of ad valorem taxes in the amount of $5,000.
Upon a motion by Mr. Allen Tuten, seconded by Mr. Jim Kessler, the board voted unanimously to adopt the following revised policies:
1) Policy Development
2) Working Conditions
3) Discipline
4) Suspension
5) Expulsion
Dr. Cobb indicated that these revisions were necessary in order to be in compliance with Acts 34 and 17 of the 1994 Third Extraordinary Session of the Louisiana Legislature.
Board representation for the Discipline Policy Review Committee was discussed at this time. Act 45 of the 1994 Louisiana Legislative Session mandates that each school system shall establish a Discipline Policy Review Committee composed of 16 members by November 1, 1994. One of those members must be a board member elected by the board. This committee shall review all school board discipline policies and make recommendations to the school board for possible revision to such policies by February 1, 1995.
Mr. George Mack nominated Mrs. Loyace Braggs to serve as the board's representative on this committee and this nomination was seconded by Dr. Marty Beasley. Mrs. Braggs was declared as elected to serve as board representative.
By common consent, the board agreed that the Academic Awards Banquet would be held on Monday, October 24, 1994 at the Ruston Civic Center.
Following comments and observations from board members, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President