LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

REGULAR SESSION

Wednesday, March 20, 1996   12:30 p.m.

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Wednesday, March 20, 1996, at 12:30 p.m. at Ruston Elementary School.  Members present were Mr. David Wright, Mr. Billy Abrahm, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mrs. Loyace Braggs, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Rob Shadoin, and Mr. Calvin Wilkerson.

Members absent were:  Mr. Wayne Barfield  Mr. Allen Tuten.

Prior to the business meeting, board members enjoyed a delicious lunch in the school cafeteria.

Mr. David Wright, President, called the meeting to order, gave the invocation, and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.  He welcomed guests, members of the staff, and media.

Upon a motion by Mr. Abrahm, seconded by Mrs. Braggs, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.

Mr. Eric Carter, Principal of Ruston Elementary School, welcomed the members of the Board and guests and invited them to visit the school anytime.  He encouraged them to walk through the building at the conclusion of the meeting.  He briefly discussed two new things happening at Ruston Elementary thanks to the reorganization of the Chapter I program.  A 30 station instructioal CCC lab with two excellent instructors allows each child at least two thirty minute visits per week of learning.  An Accelerated Reader lab has been developed in the library to encourage children to check-out and read library books of choice.  Already visible is significant participation from children that have trouble reading.  In fact, those participating give up recess time to take a comprehensive test on the books.     

Following this welcome by Mr. Carter, Superintendent Gerald Cobb said that once again revisions to the Lincoln Parish Policy Manual are needed to be in compliance with acts of the 1996 Legislature.  He included a synopsis of the proposed changes, additions, and a deletion along with the proposed policy for review.  Discussion and a vote on the policy revisions will be an item on the agenda of the April 2, 1996 meeting.

Mr. Kessler mentioned CAPS (Computer Assisted Policy Service), offered by the policy updating service, Forethought, which he felt would be extremely beneficial

The final item of business to come before the Board was an appeal of Johnathan Hatter, 16 year old student from Ruston High School, who was recommended for expulsion.  Mr. Wright introduced the item and went through the appeal procedure and options open to members of affirming, modifying, or reversing the administration's 

After a brief discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 1:19 p.m.

_____________________________________________________________________

Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary                         David Wright, President