LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, June 6, 1995 6:30 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, June 6, 1995 at 6:30 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, Mr. Wayne Barfield, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Allen Tuten, and Mr. Calvin Wilkerson.
Absent was Mr. Rob Shadoin.
Prior to the meeting, retirees of the Lincoln Parish School System for 94-95 were honored with a reception in the lobby of the School Board.
President David Wright called the meeting to order and gave the invocation. He welcomed the numerous guests, members of the staff, and media.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Mr. Abrahm, seconded by Mr. Barfield, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on May 2, 1995 as distributed.
At this point in the meeting, the retirees honored with an earlier reception were presented with certificates of appreciation for their many years of faithful and dedicated service to the parish. Retirees are as follows:
NAME SCHOOL YRS. IN LINCOLN TOTAL YEARS
Mary Jo Johnson Central Office (Secretary) 20 20
Frances Smith Central Office (Accounts Payable) 25 25
Antionette Anderson Hillcrest (Teacher) 30 30
Betty Lee Ruston High (Teacher) 20 20
Jean Phillips Choudrant High (School Lunch) 25 25
Clyde Barham Ruston Schools (Bus Driver) 17.5 17.5
C. "Hop" Johnson Ruston Schools (Bus Driver) 29 29
James Mattox Ruston Schools (Bus Driver) 31 31
O. B. McDonald Ruston Schools (Bus Driver) 22 22
V. A. Torbor Ruston Schools (Bus Driver) 19 19
Recognition of first place winners in state level competition was the next order of business on the agenda. Principals of the respective schools presented plaques to the following students for first place state honors as shown:
NAME SCHOOL AWARD
Leah Beasley I. A. Lewis Social Studies Fair
Caitlin Griffin Ruston Junior High Creativity in Portfolio Contest
Shannon Sivils Ruston Junior High Innovative Spirit in Portfolio Contest
Hari Tunuguntla Ruston Junior High Evidence of a Life Long Learner in Portfolio Contest
Kerry Byrnes Dubach High School Agricultural Science IV-Literary Rally
Jeff Foster Ruston High School Commodity Challenge Program- Chicago Board of Trade
Torie Hinson Simsboro High Girls' Class B, All State, First Team
Karen Kilgore Simsboro High French I-Literary Rally
Shelby Marshall Simsboro High Management of Resources-Literary Rally
Tony Woodard Simsboro High Sociology-Literary Rally
Mr. Wright expressed the Board's congratulations to those retiring and said their experience and service rendered will not be easy to replace. He conveyed pride and appreciation to the young people on their outstanding accomplishments.
Mr. Bill Smith, Director of Ruston Parks and Recreation, came before the Board and shared information relative to the proposed renewal of their 2 mil property tax and request for 1 additional mil. He shared background information, ongoing projects, and plans for the future. He strongly requested the Board's support in the upcoming tax issue to be voted on July 15. No vote was required but several members and Superintendent Gerald Cobb expressed their support.
Upon a motion by Mrs. Braggs, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Ruston Daily Leader as the official journal for fiscal year 95-96 as presented by Business Manager, Ms. Pam Roy. This yearly request is required by revised statute 43:171.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were discussed:
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Mack, and after one question the Board unanimously voted to grant/accept the following requests: Mr. Ronnie Suggs, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, presented a.-h.; Mr. Charles Owens, Director of Auxiliary Services, presented i.-j.; Ms. Brenda Theodos, Supervisor of Child Nutrition, presented k.; and Mr. Howard Whitlock, Transportation Supervisor, presented l.:
a. As a point of reference, Mr. Track Kavanaugh is transferring from Dubach High School to a new agricultural position at Ruston High School effective June 1, 1995.
b. Retirement of Ms. Betty Lee, art teacher at Ruston High, effective June 1, 1995.
c. Resignation of Ms. Anita Henderson, elementary teacher at Choudrant, effective June 1, 1995.
d. Resignation of Ms. Kathryn Rowell, special education teacher, effective June 1, 1995.
e. Resignation of Ms. Agatha Lowe, elementary teacher at Hico Elementary, effective June 1, 1995.
f. Resignation of Ms. Diane Sistrunk, counselor at Ruston High School who has been on sabbatical for the 94-95 school year, effective June 1, 1995.
g. Leave without pay for the 95-96 school year for Ms. Peggy Boone, secretary at Ruston High, effective June 12, 1995. Mr. Suggs said that this fits guidelines used in the past.
h. Sabbatical leave for the 95-96 school year for Ms. Casandra Lyles, home economics teacher at Ruston High, effective August 18, 1995.
Mr. Suggs said this meets local and state guidelines for sabbatical leave.
i. Retirement of Ms. Nan Colvin, secretary/bookkeeper at Ruston Junior High, effective February 20, 1996.
j. Employment of Ms. Bonnie Lowe, Accounts Payable Clerk, effective July 1, 1995 to replace Ms. Frances Smith, retired.
k. Retirement of Ms. Jean Phillips, cafeteria manager at Choudrant, effective June 1, 1995.
l. Retirement of Mr. James Mattox, bus driver, effective June 1, 1995.
Ms. Roy told the Board that $2,234.00 was recovered by audits during the month of May, 1995. This brings the total sales tax revenue recovered by audits to $101,172.00 for the year. She also reported that sales tax receipts for the same month reflected an increase in the 1967 and 1979 collections of $36,936.46. Collections in the 1993 fund also showed an increase of $22,168.17. These figures reflect a 14.4% growth over the same month last year. Ms. Roy said at this time projections allow an increase in the salary supplement from the '67 and '79 sales tax funds to $1500/$750. This is a $100 increase for certified and a $50 increase for noncertified personnel over the 93-94 amount and a total increase of $300/$150 over the past two years. This check will be given to employees June 30. Also to be distributed June 30 is a second check from the '93 sales tax increasing from $1000/$500 to $1100/$550. The Board was pleased with the excellent tax collections and the ability to increase employees' June salary supplement checks by a total of $400/$200 over the last 2 years.
A financial update for the month ending April, 1995 was also presented by Ms. Roy. She said that fund balances look good but to keep in mind that we draw off of these funds throughout the year.
Supervisor of Special Education, Ms. Sharon Thomas, called the Board's attention to the detailed summary of numerous workshops which have been available to the special education staff and to others during the 94-95 school year. The list included state, regional, and local workshops and consisted of dates, funding sources, and other information. These workshops were designed to help staff members improve professionally, stay in compliance with federal and state mandates, and keep up with new and innovative techniques and information. Dr. Beasley indicated that she would like to be informed of upcoming workshops as many of these are of interest to her.
Also touching on the diverse opportunities afforded by Chapter 1 was Ms. Jackie Whitlock, Supervisor, Chapter 1. Administrators, teachers, and paraprofessionals were offered numerous opportunities to improve professionally, and parents had the chance to improve their parenting skills while building stronger home-school connections Board members had been given a summary of the workshops, many of which were a collaborative effort of Chapter 1 with other sponsors including the general fund, 8 (g) funds, the LINC project, Even Start, and Ruston Housing Authority.
The next report, presented by Mr. Suggs at Mr. Wright's request at a previous meeting, concerned the Alternative Program. LEAP handles lower elementary grades (4-5), YES is higher elementary (grade 6), and BEST is junior high (7-8). Prior to 95-96 students were assigned to 1 year of alternative studies. Beginning with 95-96, students will be given the opportunity to continue their studies at Lincoln Center for more than 1 year; therefore, he told the Board of plans to expand from 4 sections to 6 with the addition of 3 classroom aides. He touched on guidelines, strengths, weaknesses, funding, and other possible changes including moving grades 7-8 to more vocational skills.
He also reported on the feasibility of a suspension room, directly related to the availability of money through the Goals 2000 grant, is being discussed. The room, located at Lincoln Center, would be an alternative assignment for students who are suspended from school 2 or more days. Parents would be required to bring the child to the suspension room on the first day of assignment and meet with the principal. The parent would have to provide transportation for each day thereafter until the suspension room time is served or the student may catch a bus going to the school after the first day, if approved by the principal of Lincoln Center. The in-school suspension rules adopted by the Board in November, 1994 would apply to students in the suspension room. While there, the student would be introduced to a series of self-help subjects such as study skills, building self esteem, conflict resolution, and work on school assignments. The teacher from the home school would not be required to send assignments to the suspension room. If the parent chose the suspension room as an alternative to suspension from school, the student would be allowed to make up work missed at his regular school upon his/her return and the absences from regular school would not count against the student. Major infractions or continuous infractions would make a student ineligible to take advantage of this option.
Mr. Suggs said he cannot recommend that local or state instructional money be used to fund such a program as long as we have 25-26 students in K-3 classrooms and 30-33 students in classrooms 4-12. These are classrooms full of students who are not misbehaving, handling their business, and achieving academically. It would be most unfair to take money away from these classrooms to fund a program for students who have the same opportunity to learn and be successful. He told the Board that Lincoln Parish will be notified on or about August 1, 1995 if our Goals 2000 grant has been funded and plans can be made regarding the suspension room at that time. A brief period of questions and comments followed. The Board was very interested in the plans presented by Mr. Suggs even if alternative sources of funding would be required and requested an update in August.
Mr. Kessler, Dr. Beasley, and Mrs. Braggs spoke to the Board regarding the recent Louisiana School Board Association's Day at the Legislature held recently. They shared information regarding legislation dealing with educational issues and said the Lincoln Parish Senators and Representatives were very gracious and listened attentively. The three shared their thoughts with our elected officials, including the continuing problem of not being able to afford the Minimum Foundation Program not being fully funded. We can't survive mandates without funds.
Dr. Daneta Bardsley, Ms. Diane Stuckey, and Ms. Catherine Bowden, representing the Office of Family Support, shared interesting facts and figures about the JOBS Project Independence program which is designed to "educate single moms and get them off of welfare." They said since the program began in Lincoln Parish in 1990, 207 have been referred for services at Lincoln Center, 61 have earned GEDs with 41 of those maintaining employment at this time, and they have spent a little less than one-half million dollars on the program. Dr. Cobb, Mr. Bratton, and the Board were thanked as they have been helpful and a pleasure to work with. Unfortunately, because of the expansion of the alternative program at Lincoln Center, the 2 classrooms previously used by JOBS PI will no longer be available. Although they were offered the use of a temporary building, it was decided to cancel the remaining 3 years of the contract. Other arrangements are being made.
Ms. Roy reminded the Board that they are not required to seek bids for property and casualty insurance but in order to make sure we are competitive it is usually done. After advertising in the newspaper and sending letters to companies who had contacted the Lincoln Parish School Board concerning the insurance, 2 bids and 1 partial bid were received. She said National Casualty Company was a reduction in coverage and not as geared toward school boards as our present company, Coregis Insurance Program.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Mr. Wilkerson, the Board unanimously voted to approve securing property and casualty insurance for 95-96 through Coregis.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Barfield the Board unanimously voted to ratify the poll vote taken on May 23, 1995 requesting permission to re-bid a portable building at Ruston Junior High School. This was presented by Mr. Owens.
The Board, at its May 2, 1995 meeting, voted to table the issue of bus lease purchase until more information could be gathered. At this time, Mr. Kessler moved that the matter be taken from the table. The motion was seconded by Mr. Abrahm and the Board decided by acclamation to do so.
Subsequent to the May meeting, Mr. Howard Whitlock gathered information and met with small groups of board members to discuss the program. He proposes that the three buses bought in the original lease purchase program but not involved at this time, be offered to presently employed contract drivers in the followed order: first to Mr. Otis Hill, second to Mrs. Shirley Dring, and third would be offered to any presently employed contract driver, in order of seniority. All contract drivers would be notified by mail of this opportunity to purchase one of these three buses. Written requests will be accepted beginning Friday, June 9, and ending at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 1995. Requests already submitted will be accepted. Drivers would assume payments on the buses as of July 1, 1995 and would pay the balance of the loan through August, 2003. They would be required to sign a contract with the School Board. If no drivers accept this option, the buses will remain board buses. Mr. Whitlock strongly recommended that the Board accept the option proposal and then officially terminate the bus lease purchase program for contract drivers.
Upon a substitute motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Tuten, the Board unanimously voted to accept the bus lease purchase option proposal and then terminate the bus lease purchase program.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barfield, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to approve the renewal of a 12 month contract with the Policy Updating Service, beginning July 1, 1995 and ending June 30, 1996 at a cost of $1,640.00. Dr. Cobb reminded the Board that for a number of years the Lincoln Parish School Board has employed the services of the Policy Updating Service for the purpose of maintaining our policy manual's accuracy while at the same time keeping it as current as possible. He said this is becoming more important each year. Board mandates, selected state and federal court cases, pertinent legislation and attorney general's opinions are reviewed to determine their effects on our policy manual. Mr. Kessler suggested looking into the possibility of purchasing the policy manual on computer offered by the company. It was agreed that this would be helpful but Dr. Cobb said he believed this is in the beginning stages and we should wait and see how it goes.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the board unanimously voted to adopt the revised final budget for the 94-95 fiscal year. During the year, Mrs. Roy said, we are required to monitor the budget and make adjustments as needed.
Mr. Wright suggested changing the wording of agenda item 10.3 to: Consider adoption of Resolution authorizing issuance of certificates of indebtedness for Computer Curriculum Corporation purchase and there was no objection to the change. Mr. Willie Washington, Administrative Supervisor, ESEA Title I, indicated that the Chapter 1 Computer Assisted Instruction laboratory at Cypress Springs was updated last year as a pilot program to include 28 stations with state-of-the-art capabilities. This allows all students in the school to take advantage of the computer instruction. As a part of Title I Schoolwide programs, Ruston Elementary and Simsboro have included plans to use Title I funds to implement CAI programs similar to the lab at Cypress Springs. The cost of these labs will be borne by Title I funds and will be paid in yearly installments over the next five years or sooner. The agreement will include installation and maintenance of a complete 30-station lab, all hardware and software, and staff development for management of the lab. The pricing reflects a trade-in of all used equipment presently in the lab. CCC is the sole source of the software, and the hardware is included in the state contract.
Glen View Elementary will be a Title I Targeted Assistance school for next year. They are also in need of updating and expanding the CAI lab. Current Chapter 1 funds can be used to install the lab and pay for the first yearly installment. At that point, Glen View can assume the remaining payments for their Title I Targeted Assistance funds. Mr. Tuten encouraged the three schools to pay off the certificates of indebtedness in less than 5 years if possible.
Upon a motion by Mrs. Braggs, seconded by Mr. Mack, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the resolution authorizing the incurring of debt and issuance of Four Hundred Five Thousand Dollars ($405,000) of Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 1995, of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana; and authorizing the President and Secretary of the Parish School Board to sign copies thereof as evidence of the approval thereof.
Parental Involvement Coordinator, Mrs. Sallie Evans, told the Board that the new Title I program focuses on increasing parental involvement with stronger links among schools, parents, and communities. The Act emphasizes major components of parental involvement including: 1) policy involvement at the school and district level, including parental involvement in developing school level programs; 2) building capacity for involvement through such means as increased training and enhanced involvement of community-based organizations; 3) shared parent and school responsibility for improved student achievement, embodied in school-parent compacts; and 4) strengthening Title I school-community connections with health and social service programs. The local educational agency may receive funds under this part only if such agency implements programs, activities, and procedures for involvement of parents. She shared a draft of a parental involvement policy, including the purpose, school-parent compact, types of parent involvement, staff-parent communication, evaluation, and other suggestions with the Board and asked for their approval.
Upon a motion by Mr. Wilkerson, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Title I Parental Involvement Policy.
The last item for the Board to consider was the status of the mid-term break. Mr. Mack said that Lincoln Parish is 1 of only 5 parishes out of 66 parishes in Louisiana that does not celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. As it is a national holiday and may soon be a state holiday, he felt the Board should go ahead and change the mid-term break to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. Mr. Mack made a motion to make mid-term break officially Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Braggs. Prior to the vote an intensive deliberation and discussion ensued. While several board members enthusiastically endorsed the motion, there was also some discussion regarding singling out one great American to honor with a school holiday instead of honoring all great Americans. More likely alternatives of Presidents'/Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Martin Luther King, Jr./Great Americans' Day were suggested. No motion was made to change the original motion, and after approximately one hour of discourse, Mr. Wright reluctantly urged board members to decide what they wanted to do. He asked for a vote on Mr. Mack's motion that the Board change the mid-term break to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday.
Voting for the motion: Dr. Beasley, Mrs. Braggs, Mr. Mack, Mr. Wilkerson, and Mr. Wright.
Voting against the motion: Mr. Abrahm, Mr. Barfield, Mr. Dowling, Mr. Kessler, Mr. Mitcham, and Mr. Tuten.
Absent and not voting: Mr. Rob Shadoin.
The result of this show of hands vote was 5 for, 6 against, and 1 absent; therefore, the motion was lost.
Mr. Barfield moved that the Board adjourn. Mr. Wilkerson seconded the motion. An objection was raised by Dr. Beasley. It was decided by acclamation to complete the agenda.
Dr. Beasley moved that the Board consider a compromise motion of declaring a Martin Luther King, Jr./Great Americans' Day in the place of mid-term break. The motion was seconded by Mr. Tuten.
Voting for the motion: Mr. Abrahm, Dr. Beasley, Mrs. Braggs, Mr. Dowling, Mr. Kessler, Mr. Mack, Mr. Mitcham, Mr. Tuten, and Mr. Wright.
Voting against the motion: Mr. Barfield and Mr. Wilkerson.
Absent and not voting: Mr. Shadoin.
The result of this show of hands vote was 9 for, 2 against, and 1 absent; therefore, the motion carried.
In a report of the Superintendent Dr. Cobb shared the following information with the Board:
1. Lincoln Parish's insurance program is self-funded. A battle has been fought during the last 3 to 4 years over the state putting money into state employee insurance funds and none in self-funded. Although the state is constitutionally mandated to give us our share, it has not been done. He has been notified that we will receive a June state cut of $16,000 but a comparable state employee funded parish, Morehouse, will be cut $396,000. Dr. Cobb predicts that other parishes will now join Lincoln in proposing that this practice is unfair.
2. The supplemental pay of $1,200 maximum or 5% for state workers is in disarray. The latest figure is $984 and no clue has been given on when or if it will actually be paid to employees.
There being no further business, the Board decided by acclamation to adjourn at 9:45 p.m.
___________________________________________________________________
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President