LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, April 1, 1997 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, April 1, 1997 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, Mr. Billy Abrahm, Mr. Otha Anders, Mr. Wayne Barfield, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Rob Shadoin, Mr. Allen Tuten, and Mr. Calvin Wilkerson.
No members were absent.
President Wright called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Mr. Shadoin.
Ms. Kathy Shipp and Ms. Debra Carter's class from Cypress Springs Elementary School led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag using sign language. Ms. Carter introduced the students to the Board. Mr. Wright thanked the teachers for bringing the children to the meeting and expressed the Board's appreciation to the children for leading in the pledge.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as amended, with the addition of one item of Request: Bids for renovations to corridor ceiling, light fixtures, and lockers at Ruston High School.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Sessions held on March 4 and March 19, 1997 as distributed.
Principal of Ruston High School, Mr. Randy Moore, introduced Brooke Anderson, Shannon Callens, and Molly McMahone who were recently recognized as recipients of the prestigious National Merit Finalist award. This recognition is awarded annually to only .5% of the seniors in the entire nation. Mr. Moore was proud to report that Ruston High School has had over 140 semi-finalists with approximately 75% of them going on to become finalists. Superintendent Gerald Cobb, on behalf of the Lincoln Parish School Board, presented plaques of appreciation to the girls for this outstanding honor. Following each conferral, the seniors introduced their guests. Mr. Wright congratulated the students and parents and wished them the best.
Secondary Supervisor, Dr. Charles Scriber, introduced Ms. Cathi Cox, biology II, chemistry, and physical science teacher at Choudrant High School. She is a dedicated, exemplary teacher who was one of the few teachers who received grants allowing them to have the Internet in their classroom. Ms. Cox is also a workshop presenter and is on the LASIP Advisory Council for the region. Dr. Scriber gave background information on a prestigious national award for math and science teachers. He presented a plaque to Ms. Cox in recognition of being selected as the Louisiana winner of the Presidential Award for Excellent in Math and Science Teaching. He asked her to share a few words.
Ms. Cox accepted the plaque on behalf of her students, without whom she would not have been selected. She told the Board how she applied for and received the Presidential Award and said about $7,500 will be awarded to Choudrant High School as a result of this honor. She feels this money will be allocated for technology. She will represent her students, colleagues, school, and the parish as she goes to Washington in June. Ms. Cox thanked the Board for recognizing her accomplishments, for continued support, and allowing growth at the schools.
Mr. Wright thanked Ms. Cox and complimented her for the recognition she brings to the system as a whole.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barfield, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to advertise for bids for duplicating fluid; thermal masters and spirit masters; toilet tissue and paper towels; dust mops; and gasoline and diesel. This yearly request was recommended by Director of Auxiliary Services, Mr. Charles Owens.
Administrative Supervisor of Title I, Mr. Willie Washington, told the Board that the LEA Consolidated Application for Federal Programs is designed to improve teaching and learning by encouraging greater cross-program coordination, planning and service delivery under the Improving America's Schools Act (IASA), and to enhance integration of programs under IASA, Goals 2000, the School-to-Work Opportunities Act, and with other educational activities carried out with state and local funds. He requested permission to submit an application for the grant.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to submit an application for grant--"LEA Consolidated Application for Federal Programs," Improving America's Schools Act of 1994.
Mr. Charles Owens reported that approximately eleven years have passed since any major repairs were done to Ruston High School. The ceiling tile, light fixtures, and lockers on the main floor are in need of repair. He suggests the removal and replacement of all ceiling tile, repair of light fixtures, and repair or replacement of 200 locker units - all on the main floor,- and the replacement of ceiling tile in the lobby. Mr. Owens expects the work to cost approximately $27,000 - $30,,000. He requested permission to advertise for bids for the project.
After several questions and some discussion, upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to advertise for bids for repairs and renovations to the ceiling tile, light fixtures, and 200 locker units on the main floor and the ceiling tile in the lobby of Ruston High School.
Mr. Wayne Barfield informed the Board that the Executive Committee, consisting of himself, as Chairman; Mr. Abrahm, Mr. Tuten, and Mr. Wright as an ex-officio member; met at 4:00 p.m. on March 26, 1997. The Executive Committee had two recommendations for the Board:
1. That Mr. Ronnie Suggs' title be changed from Director of Curriculum and Instruction to Assistant Superintendent. This proposal originated with Dr. Cobb.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to change Mr. Ronnie Suggs' title from Director of Curriculum and Instruction to Assistant Superintendent.
2. That Dr. Gerald Cobb's contract as Superintendent, which expires June 30, 1997, be extended another four years.
After comments from several board members, upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Tuten, the Board unanimously voted to extend Superintendent Cobb's contract for another four years. The new contract will expire June 30, 2001.
Dr. Cobb expressed his appreciation to the Board for the way they handle their business. He also mentioned central office supervisors and principals who create a safe environment and the key to the educational success of Lincoln Parish - teachers who produce. He appreciates members' confidence and pledged to do everything he can to not let them down.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were discussed after being presented by Assistant Superintendent Suggs:
1. Retirement of the succeeding faculty members effective May 31, 1997:
Rachel Barmore as an elementary teacher at Cypress Springs.
Edna Franklin as an elementary teacher at Cypress Springs.
Betty Perritt as an elementary teacher at Cypress Springs.
Sylvia Crawley as a gifted/talented teacher at I. A. Lewis.
2. Resignation of:
Melinda Mitchell, effective April 1, 1997 as a half-time science teacher at Choudrant High.
Amy Talley as a science teacher at Ruston High School, effective March 18, 1997.
3. Sick leave request from April 2, 1997 through June 30, 1997 by Dubach High School Principal, Mr. Howard Brown. He also requested a sabbatical leave effective July 1, 1997 through June 30, 1998 due to health reasons.
4. Transfer of Helen Hall from administrative assistant/counselor/librarian at Dubach High to Interim Principal of Dubach High, effective April 2, 1997 and ending June 30, 1998.
5. Employment of Kathryn Young, replacing Amy Talley effective March 18, 1997, as science teacher at Ruston High.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barfield, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to approve the above requests/recommendations.
Ms. Pam Roy, Business Manager, reported that $30,546.20 was recovered by auditors during the month of March, 1997. This brought the total collected by auditors for the year to $249,752.47. The 1967 and 1979 sales tax collections for the same month were $232,059.95 which reflected a decrease of $14,565.89 over the same time last year. With only three months remaining in 96-97 collections, the fund is down $95,563.22. Collections in the 1993 sales tax fund also showed a decrease of $8,368.81 compared to last year, with $139,235.69 being collected. This fund is also down $56,966.51 for the year. These funds are down 6.3% over the same time last month and 2.9% for the year. There was some discussion as to the reasons for the lower tax collections.
Ms. Roy called the Board's attention to the February, 1997 financial statement which shows the fund balances. She said the funds are in good shape right now. Approximately $300,000 of Ruston High School's fire proceeds are still in the general fund. The maintenance and operation funds look really good. All of the ad valorem taxes have been collected so these fund balances are at their highest. They will now begin to decrease.
Transportation Supervisor, Mr. Howard Whitlock, said that schools could not continue to exist without the hard work of the support staff. This staff includes secretaries, bus drivers, bus aides, cafeteria workers, custodial and maintenance staff, and teacher aides. Their jobs being a vital part of the overall education of each child in Lincoln Parish, he recommended that the Board adopt a resolution declaring a Support Personnel Week.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the resolution declaring the week of April 21-25, 1997 as Support Personnel Week in Lincoln Parish, sending it to all of the schools in the parish, and making it a part of the official minutes of the Lincoln Parish School Board.
Dr. Cobb requested the adoption of a resolution which designates May 5-9, 1997 as Teacher Appreciation Week. He said that good teachers are important to any school system, and that the teachers of Lincoln Parish have always given of themselves to work long and hard to meet the educational needs of the students. The many successes of our school system are a direct result of the quality teachers that have been employed, in Dr. Cobb's opinion. He wishes to recognize these individuals for their hard work and show appreciation to them by designating a week by which they might be honored.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasly, seconded by Mr. Tuten, the Board unanimously voted to approve the resolution designating May 5-9, 1997 as Teacher Appreciation Week in Lincoln Parish, sending it to all schools in the parish, and making it a part of the official minutes of the Lincoln Parish School Board.
Principal of Hillcrest, Ms. Ann Gilbert, retired effective April 19, Superintendent Cobb reminded the Board. In order to allow principals time to complete the 96-97 school year before beginning committee work to name a replacement, the first week of June will need to be reserved for that purpose. This will necessitate changing the Board meeting date from June 3, 1997 to June 10; therefore, he suggested that the June meeting of the Board be postponed one week in order for the principal to be named before July. Dr. Cobb gave the following time line for filling the position:
Applications May 14 - 28, 1997
Interviews June 2 - 4, 1997
Recommendation June 10, 1997
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to change the June board meeting from June 3 to June 10, 1997.
The Superintendent's Advisory Council met on March 19 for the purpose of reviewing the three calendar options available for the 97-98 school calendar, Dr. Cobb reported. Council members were instructed to take the information to their schools, give employees an opportunity to vote for the calendar option of their choice, and call the results in to the office. Central office personnel were also given an opportunity to vote. Dr. Cobb recommended the proposed option 1 calendar as the choice of 85% of school employees.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the proposed 97-98 school calendar as follows:
Lincoln Parish School Calendar
1997-1998
Parishwide Workshop August 20, 1997
Labor Day Holiday September 1, 1997
Thanksgiving Holiday November 24-28, 1997
Christmas/New Year Holidays December 22- January 2, 1998
End of First Semester January 14, 1998
Parishwide lnservice January 16, 1998
Martin Luther King/Great Americans' Day January 19, 1998
Spring Break March 9-13, 1998
Easter Holiday April 10 & 13, 1998
Last Day of School June 1, 1998
Superintendent Cobb said the Southern Region School Boards Association 1997 Conference will be held June 13-16, 1997 in Baton Rouge. He gave the Board a schedule of events for the conference and deadlines for registration ($185 for board members/staff and $90 for spouses if received by LSBA by June 27,- $200/$100 after June 27) and room reservations. He asked members to complete a form, which was included in their packet, so plans can be made.
After brief comments, the meeting was adjourned by acclamation at 7:13 p.m.
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President