LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Wednesday, January 18, 1995 12:20 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Wednesday, January 18, 1995 at 12:20 p.m. at Lincoln Center. Members present were Mr. David Wright, President; Dr. Marty Beasley, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Mr. James Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Rob Shadoin, Mr. Allen Tuten, and Mr. Calvin Wilkerson.
Absent: Mr. Wayne Barfield and Mr. Andy Shealy
Prior to the business meeting, board members enjoyed a delicious lunch in the school cafeteria.
Mr. David Wright, President, called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Mrs. Loyace Braggs.
Mr. Wright welcomed members of the staff, media, and special guests.
Upon a motion by Mr. Rob Shadoin, seconded by Dr. Marty Beasley, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Mr. George Mack, seconded by Mr. Curtis Dowling, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the minutes of the Regular Session held on January 3, 1995 as distributed.
Mr. Ray Bratton, Principal of Lincoln Center, welcomed members of the Board and guests who were visiting the school and expressed his appreciation to the Board for their support.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following personnel agenda items were addressed:
1. Upon a motion by Mr. Allen Tuten, seconded by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, the Board voted unanimously to grant the request for leave without pay for the remainder of the 1994-95 school year, submitted by Charlesetta Williams, adult education teacher at Lincoln Center. This is to be effective January 3, 1995 and was presented by Mr. Ronnie Suggs, Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
2. Upon a motion by Mr. James Kessler, seconded by Mr. Rob Shadoin, the Board voted unanimously to accept the following staff resignations as presented by Mr. Suggs:
a. Mrs. Kayla Grafton, elementary teacher at Hillcrest Elementary, effective January 13, 1995
b. Ms. Rosalyn Henry, teacher at I. A. Lewis, effective January 16, 1995
c. Mr. Joe Meeks, social studies/coach at Ruston High School, effective January 16, 1995
3. As points of reference, Mr. Suggs informed the Board that effective January 17, 1995 the following transfers have taken place:
a. Mrs. Cynthia McMurry from Chapter I to elementary at Hillcrest Elementary
b. Mrs. LeAnn Christensen from Chapter I Lab Manager to Chapter I teacher at Hillcrest for the remainder of the 1994-1995 school year only
c. Mr. Roger Haynes from a half-time P. E. position to a full-time P.E./social studies position at Ruston High School for the remainder of the 1994-1995 school year only
4. Upon a motion by Mr. Allen Tuten, seconded by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, the Board voted unanimously to employ Mrs. Karla Ward as Chapter I Lab Manager at Hillcrest Elementary for the remainder of the 94-95 school year only. This was presented by Mr. Ronnie Suggs.
5. At this time Mr. Suggs indicated that he had a final personnel item for the Board to consider. The employee was asked by Mr. David Wright if she desired the Board to remain in Regular Session or to go into Executive Session. She requested that the Board go into Executive Session.
Upon a motion by Mr. George Mack, seconded by Dr. Marty Beasley, the Board voted unanimously to go into Executive Session at 12:30 p.m.
Mr. Andy Shealy entered the meeting at 12:35 p.m.
Upon a motion by Mr. Rob Shadoin, seconded by Mr. Andy Shealy, and after lengthy discussion, the Board voted unanimously to end the Executive Session and move into Regular Session at 2:08 p.m.
Upon a motion by Mr. Allen Tuten, seconded by Mr. Curtis Dowling, the Board voted 8 - 3 by roll call vote to uphold the recommendation of Superintendent Gerald Cobb, Mr. Ronnie Suggs, and Mr. Ray Bratton to terminate the employment of Stephanie Robinson, Head Start tutor, effective December 16, 1994.
Voting for the above motion: Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Mr. James Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Rob Shadoin, Mr. Andy Shealy, and Mr. Allen Tuten.
Voting against the motion: Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Mr. Calvin Wilkerson, and Mr. David Wright.
Absent and not voting: Mr. Wayne Barfield
At 2:15 p.m. Mr. Allen Tuten left the meeting.
A financial update for the month ending November 30, 1994 was presented to the Board by Mrs. Pam Roy, Business Manager. She told them that looking at the shaded areas they would see that the general fund balances look good but to keep in mind that accrued summer salaries will have to be taken out of that figure. December supplemental checks were also taken out of the 1993 sales tax fund as they were paid in November.
Mr. Rob Shadoin, Chairman of the Discipline Policy and Review Committee, said that his committee met again on January 10 and is going to recommend no policy revisions at this time. This is due to the efficient policy updating service that Lincoln Parish employs. After the committee members check the wording, 3 or 4 suggestions will be shared at the February 7, 1995 meeting of the Board.
Committee assignments for the 1995 year were presented to the Board by Mr. David Wright.
Upon a motion by Dr. Marty Beasley, seconded by Mrs. Loyace Braggs, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the proclamation designating January 25, 1995 as School Nurse Day in Lincoln Parish. Dr. Cobb told the Board we are very fortunate to have the 2 outstanding nurses that we have.
In the Report of the Superintendent, Dr. Cobb addressed the following items:
1. He reminded the Board that last year Lincoln Parish was the only system in the State that had regular unannounced school visits. The number has expanded to five systems.
2. He mentioned that pictures will be taken prior to the next meeting on February 7.
3. He informed the Board that the buses recently ordered have come in.
Following brief comments from board members, the meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President