LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, November 1, 1994 6.00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, November 1, 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, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Rob Shadoin, Mr. Andy Shealy, Mr. Allen Tuten, Mr. Calvin Wilkerson, and Mr. Paul Woodard.
Absent: Ms. Ann Boyd
Mr. David Wright, President, called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Dr. Marty Beasley. Mr. Wright welcomed guests, members of the staff and media, and Mr. Charles Turner, a former band director at Ruston Junior High School.
Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Mr. Rob Shadoin, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the agenda as amended, with the addition of two agenda items: 1) Ratify Poll Vote taken on Wednesday, October 26, 1994, requesting permission to advertise for materials and labor to renovate an area for an Even Start classroom at Lincoln Center and 2) Grant permission to accept the lowest bid meeting specifications on renovation at Lincoln Center.
Upon a motion by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, seconded by Mr. Rob Shadoin, the board voted unanimously to adopt the minutes of the Regular Session held on October 19, 1994, as distributed.
An update on the sales tax receipts for the month ending October 31, 1994, was given to the Board by Mrs. Pam Roy, Business Manager of Lincoln Parish Schools. She indicated that $13,771.00 was recovered by the parish auditor and that $10,752.95 was recovered by an outside recovery group on a one-time basis. Collections in the 1967 and 1979 sales tax funds reflected an increase of $45,656.86 or 20.49% over the same month last year. This reflects a yearly increase of 5.84%. Collections in the 1993 sales tax fund also showed an increase of $27,393.79 or 20-49% over the same month last year. She told the board that salary supplement checks in the amount of $700 for certified and $350 for non-certified employees will go out December 1, 1994.
A financial update for the month ending September 30, 1994, was presented to the Board at this time by Mrs. Pam Roy. She told the Board that fund balances as of September 30, 1994, were in pretty good shape but as the calendar year declines these funds will continue to be depleted.
Ronnie Suggs, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, reported on the upcoming Lincoln Parish Career Night to be held on Monday, November 14, in the Ruston Civic Center. Parish juniors, seniors, and their parents are invited to attend. Representatives from more than 30 colleges,universities, vocational schools, beauty schools, and all branches of the armed services will be available to meet with those interested in attending the various schools. Information on Scholarships, financial aid, ACT requirements, and admission policies will also be presented. This annual event is coordinated by the vocational supervisor and parish guidance counselors and has proven to be more successful when held at night.
Dr. Janie Humphries, Project Director of the Lincoln Institutions Networking for Children (LINC), gave an update on the program whose objective is to increase the self-esteem of the children to increase the possibility of school success. She indicated that LINC is participating in Phase II of the Excellent Beginnings Program, has been funded for 1994-95 and will be funded one year at a time instead of three years during Phase H. She shared other interesting information with the board including the fact that a video of Lincoln Center has been made and is available to be checked out. She thanked all who have supported LINC and said they are looking forward to hopefully three more years.
Background information on the Goals 2000 movement was presented by Dr. Charles Scriber, Secondary Supervisor. He said that according to the U. S. Department of Education, since 1983, when the report "A Nation at Risk" was released by then Secretary Bell many state and local leaders have been engaged in school reform What has been learned has shaped the underlying principals of the Goals 2000 movement. The Goals 2000 Act Educate America Act provides resources to states and communities to develop and implement comprehensive educational reforms aimed at helping students reach challenging academic and occupational skill standards. Congress has appropriated $105 million for Goals 2000 in 1994. A substantial increase, up to $400 million, in these funds will be seen in 1995. These amounts translate into our receiving a possible $20,000 for planning this year and approximately $500,000 in 1995 for implementation. These monies will be in the form of competitive grants to school systems. As a result, Lincoln Parish has joined a consortium made up of several northeast and north central Louisiana parishes. It is felt that combining our expertise and grant writing skills will increase the chances of getting the grant. Also, a grassroots panel has been appointed to give input related to the grant and to needs of our school system. The members of this panel are made up of community and business leaders, law enforcement and protection, health services, educators, a minister, and others who have an interest in the Lincoln Parish School System.
Dr. Gerald Cobb, Superintendent, informed that Board that the LSBA is requesting information on board members which will be kept confidential and for the use of the LSBA organization only. The data form had been mailed to board members with their agenda and board members were requested to complete and turn it in promptly for mailing to the LSBA.
After questions, comments and concerns being expressed by a few board members, upon a motion by Mr. Jim Kessler, seconded by Mr. Paul Woodard, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Sexual Harassment revised policy. This policy and the following ones have been checked by the Lincoln Parish Policy Review Service for inclusion in the Lincoln Parish School Board policy manual.
Upon a motion made by Mr. Paul Woodard, seconded by Mr. Jim Kessler, and after a brief discussion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Employee Drug and Alcohol Testing revised policy for inclusion in the Lincoln Parish School Board policy manual.
After a brief discussion and some expression of concern, upon a motion made by Mr. Allen Tuten, seconded by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Use of Metal Detector Guidelines revised policy for inclusion in the Lincoln Parish School Board policy manual.
Upon a motion by Mr. Jim Kessler, seconded by Mr. Paul Woodard, after one question, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Entrance Age revised policy for inclusion in the Lincoln Parish School Board policy manual.
Mr. David Wright recognized and welcomed Mr. Joe Mitcham and Mr. Curtis Dowling, newly elected board members whose terms begin January 1, 1995, who were in attendance at the meeting.
Dr. Gerald Cobb told board members that as part of Act 45 the Louisiana Legislature has mandated that each school board approve rules and regulations concerning in school suspension and detention. Dr. Charles Scriber said that each Lincoln Parish school has been contacted and requested to send in information related to this. From the information received from the schools, the law, and researched information rules and regulations have been written.
Upon a motion by Mr. Paul Woodard, seconded by Mr. Wayne Barfield, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Rules and Regulations for In-School Suspension and Detention as follows:
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
In-school suspension (ISS) is defined as removing a pupil from his normal classroom setting but maintaining him under supervision within the school. Pupils participating in in-school suspension may receive credit for work performed during the in-school suspension. However, any pupil who fails to comply fully with the rules for in-school suspension shall be subject to immediate suspension. Students may be assigned to in-school suspension for all or any part of a school day by the administration of the school.
Students are placed in ISS for reasons including but not limited to tardies, no homework, cutting class, minor behavior offenses, willful disobedience, and multiple infractions of minor offenses.
Rules for In-School Suspension
1. In-school suspension must be served at the time assigned.
2. Students must arrive on time.
3. Students may leave only for designated restroom breaks and lunch.
4. Students must come prepared to do their assignments. A student may not sit and do nothing.
5. There will be no talking or any form of communication from student to student
6. There will be no eating, drinking, or sleeping.
7. Failure to report may result in an out of school suspension.
8. Deviations from these rules for extenuating circumstances will be done at the discretion of the principal.
DETENTION
Detention is defined as activities, assignments, or work held before the normal school day, after the normal school day, or on weekends. Students who refuse to participate or fail to attend assigned detention shall be subject to immediate suspension.
Assignments, activities, or work which may be assigned during detention include but are not limited to counseling, homework assignment, behavior modification programs, or other activities, aimed at improving self-esteem and behavior of the student.
Rules for Detention
1. Detention will be held before or after school or on Saturday at times prescribed by the school with input from the central office administration.
2. Detention must be served at the time assigned.
3. Students must arrive on time.
4. Students may leave only for designated breaks.
5. Students must come prepared to do their assignments. A student may not sit and do nothing.
6. There will be no talking or any form of communication from student to student.
7. There will be no eating, drinking, or sleeping.
8. Failure to report may result in an out of school suspension.
9. Deviations from these rules due to extenuating circumstances may be made at the discretion of the principal.
Upon a motion by Mr. Andy Shealy, seconded by Mr. Rob Shadoin, the Board voted unanimously to ratify the poll vote taken on October 26, 1994, requesting permission to advertise for materials and labor to renovate an area for an Even Start Classroom at Lincoln Center.
Upon a motion by Mr. Paul Woodard, seconded by Mr. George Mack, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the President of the Board, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and the Superintendent to accept the lowest bid meeting specifications for the aforementioned project.
In the Superintendent's report, Dr. Cobb called the Board's attention to a letter from State Superintendent Raymond Arveson okaying the board approved 94-95 budget. He also noted that a form requesting LSBA convention plans of board members was included in the board members' information packet.
Following brief comments from several board members, the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President