LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

SPECIAL SESSION

Wednesday, May 31, 1995   2:00 p.m.

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Special Called Session on Wednesday, May 31, 1995 at 2:00 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, Mr. Billy Abrahm (arrived after the meeting started), Mr. Wayne Barfield, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, and Mr. Allen Tuten.

Members absent were:   Mr. Rob Shadoin and Mr. Calvin Wilkerson.

Mr. David Wright, President, called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Mr. Tuten.

Mr. Wright welcomed special guests, members of the staff, and members of the media.  He indicated that the purpose of the meeting was to hear an appeal of a student who has been recommended for expulsion from school for one year.  After explaining in detail the procedure to be followed in considering the appeal, Mr. Wright asked if all parties were present.  Mr. John Guice, Attorney, introduced himself to the Board as the representative of the student and his mother, who were also in attendance.  Mr. Wayne Smith, Attorney, was present representing the Board.  Mr. Wright asked if an open or closed session was desired.  A closed session was requested by Mr. Guice.

Upon a motion by Mr. Tuten, seconded by Mrs. Braggs, the Board unanimously voted to enter into closed session at 2:05 p.m.

At 2:46 Mr. Billy Abrahm entered the meeting.

Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mrs. Braggs, the Board unanimously voted to go back into open session at 3:42 p.m.

Upon a motion by Mr. Tuten, seconded by Mrs. Braggs, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to uphold the recommendation that the student be expelled from school for one year as recommended by the Superintendent.

Dr. Beasley moved that the Superintendent review the record of the student in August to see the progress that the student has made to determine if he would recommend, as he is allowed to do under provisions of the law, that the student be allowed back in school on a probationary basis.  Mr. Wright said that the Superintendent has that prerogative and all he has to do is "put in on the agenda and make his presentation" and the Board would make a decision at that time; therefore, it is not the Board's responsibility at this time to have a motion to that effect.            

Attorney Guice asked if they could enter the request for the Board to consider that but was told by Mr. Wright to make it through the Superintendent and go through that procedure.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

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Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary                                                          David Wright, President