LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, June 10, 1997 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, June 4, 1996 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. 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.
Prior to the meeting, retirees of the Lincoln Parish School System for 96-97 were honored with a reception in the lobby of the School Board.
President David Wright called the meeting to order and Mr. Shadoin gave the invocation. Mr. Wright welcomed special guests, members of the media, and members of the official staff. He led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as amended, with an addendum of Unfinished Business: Consider change order on Ruston High School auditorium and an addendum to the personnel agenda containing three items.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tuten, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on May 6, 1997 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:
YEARS TOTAL
NAME SCHOOL IN LINCOLN YEARS
Ann Gilbert Hillcrest Elementary (Principal) 28 37
Ann Andrews Ruston Junior High (Teacher) 22.5 25.5
Rachel Barmore Cypress Springs (Teacher) 27 31
Shirley Boyd Ruston High (Teacher) 6 33
Darlene Caver Dubach High (Teacher) 26.5 26.5
Col. Lynn Clark Ruston High (Teacher) 16 16
Sylvia Crawley I. A. Lewis (Teacher) 12 34
Edna Franklin Cypress Springs (Teacher) 27 27
Peggy Grigsby Ruston Junior High (Teacher) 31 31
Edith Hawkins Hillcrest Elementary (Teacher) 22 33.5
Betty Perritt Cypress Springs (Teacher) 30 33
Mary Richard Alma J. Brown Elem. (Teacher) 13 35
Gloria Robinson Alma J. Brown Elem. (Teacher) 12 29
Billie Smith A. E. Phillips (Teacher) 26 29
Lindelle Weaver Ruston Jr. High/I. A. Lewis (Tchr.) 19 19
Doretha Gipson Hillcrest Elementary (School Lunch) 28 28
Jane Kent Ruston Elementary (School Lunch) 27 27
Otis Hill (Bus Driver) 25 25
Charles Holloway (Bus Driver) 10 10
Bob Perritt (Bus Driver) 17.5 17.5
Will Roane (Bus Driver) 17 17
Mr. Wright, on behalf of the Board, and Superintendent Gerald Cobb expressed their appreciation to this exceptional group, wished them well, and offered congratulations on their retirement.
Transportation Supervisor, Mr. Howard Whitlock, said as a result of the Board granting permission at their May meeting to acquire one new and four used buses, two older buses have become superfluous. He requested permission to dispose of them through the bid process.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to declare two older school buses as surplus, advertise, and sell to the highest bidder for use other than transporting students.
Principal of Ruston High, Mr. Randy Moore, related that in June of 1993 a 1989 Chevrolet Caprice was purchased with schools funds. This automobile was used for school-related transportation and driver education. It is no longer used for driver education and the need for it to be used by Ruston High School staff has diminished to the point that it is no longer needed, in Mr. Moore's opinion. He requested permission to dispose of it through the bid process with a modification of the minimum bid amount to $5,000 (not the $5,500 figure listed).
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to declare Ruston High's 1989 Chevrolet Caprice as surplus and disposal to be through the competitive bid process with a $5,000 minimum bid.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Shadoin, the Board unanimously voted to approve The Ruston Daily Leader as the official journal for fiscal year 97-98 as presented by Business Manager, Ms. Pam Roy. This annual petition is required by revised statute 43:171.
Ms. Brenda Theodos, School Food Service Supervisor, said due to the large number of students at Choudrant Elementary School, the food service program has had to increase the number of satellite containers to transport food. These containers have to be plugged in to keep the foods at the correct temperature. There is not enough room in the kitchen area, nor are there enough electrical outlets to accommodate the satellite containers. She requested permission to enlarge the existing porch area and to enclose the entire structure. The approximate cost of $20,000 will be deducted from school food service Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) funds.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids for the expansion of the existing porch area at Choudrant Elementary and the enclosure of the entire structure.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were discussed.
Mr. Ronnie Suggs, Assistant Superintendent, presented 1.- 6. from the Personnel Agenda and 7.- 9. from the Personnel Addendum.
1. Retirement of the following teachers, effective June 1, 1997:
Edith Hawkins, kindergarten teacher at Hillcrest.
Shirley Boyd, special education teacher at Ruston High.
Col. Lynn Clark, R.O.T.C. at Ruston High.
2. Resignation of the following teachers, effective June 1, 1997, except as noted otherwise:
Beverly Holmes, English/French at Choudrant High.
Patricia Jimenez, music at I. A. Lewis/Ruston Junior High.
Toni Bilberry, special education at Lincoln Center.
Tracey Calcote, P. E. at Lincoln Center.
Kathy Hughes, science at Ruston High, effective May 21, 1997.
Wanda Mays, math at Ruston High.
3. Request for rest and recuperation sabbatical for the first semester of 97-98 for Mattie Harrison, librarian at Ruston Junior High. Mr. Suggs said this meets all state and local guidelines for leave.
4. Leave without pay for the 97-98 school year for Ruston High speech/debate teacher Becky Barnett, effective June 1, 1997.
5. Employment of Charles Presley, social studies teacher/coach at Ruston High, effective August 1, 1997, to replace Eric Parmley, who resigned.
Employment of Lt. Col. Burnie Watson, effective July 1, 1997, as R.O.T.C. instructor at Ruston High replacing Col. Lynn Clark, retired.
6. Mr. Suggs presented background information on the selection process followed with the unanimous recommendation of the Interview Committee and Dr. Cobb of Ms. Patrice Hay as the new principal at Hillcrest Elementary School effective July 1, 1997. She would replace Mrs. Ann Gilbert, who retired.
He told the Board that he chaired the Committee which consisted of the following members: Danny Bell, Ray Bratton, Patsy Bullock, Charles Owens, and James Pilgreen.
The top three applicants were: Patrice Hay, David Rogers, and Mary Null.
7. Retirement of Peggy Grigsby, effective May 30, 1997 as a science teacher at Ruston Junior High.
8. Resignation as principal of Simsboro Schools of Harry Jones, effective July 1, 1997.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Shadoin, the Board unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Harry Jones as principal of Simsboro Schools effective July 1, 1997.
Proposition to open the application process for the principalship of Simsboro School on Wednesday, June 11, 1997. The application period will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 1997. Advertisements will be sent to school systems and newspapers across North Louisiana seeking applicants.
Interviews for the position will be held on June 23-24, 1997 with a recommendation to fill the position to be presented to the Board at its July 1, 1997 meeting.
The Interview Committee will consist of three principals and two central office staff members. No more than three members shall be of the same race.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to advertise June 11-20, 1997 and interview June 23-24, 1997 for the Simsboro principal position.
Ms. Brenda Theodos presented 10. and Mr. Whitlock presented 11.
10. Retirement of Jane Kent, effective April 28, 1997 as school food service technician at Ruston Elementary.
11. Retirement of Will Roane as Ruston bus driver effective June 1, 1997.
Upon a motion by Mr. Shadoin, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to grant/accept the above personnel requests except for items 8. and 9. which had previously been voted on.
Since the final item on the personnel agenda was the termination of a school food service employee, President Wright asked if the employee was present at the meeting. As she was, he inquired if she preferred an open or closed session. Closed session was her choice.
Upon a motion by Mr. Shadoin, seconded by Mr. Mack, the Board unanimously voted to go into executive session at 6:31 p.m.
Upon a motion by Mr. Abrahm, seconded by Mr. Mack, the Board unanimously voted to return to regular session at 8:08 p.m.
Upon a motion by Mr. Shadoin, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board voted 10-2, by a show of hands, to table the recommendation of termination of a school food service employee until the next regular session of the Board, July 1, 1997.
Voting against the motion: Mr. Dowling and Mr. Tuten.
A teacher/staff inservice report was the next item on the agenda. Ms. Barbara Kirkland, Supervisor of Federal Programs, described the numerous occurrences which were made available to the instructional staff during the 96-97 school year. Teachers from all grade levels, K-12, and from most subject areas were offered an opportunity to attend a number of workshops planned and funded through the Dwight D. Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Program, Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program, Carl Perkins Vocational Education Program, Title I, Special Education, LEARN 2000, as well as locally-sponsored workshops designed for professional improvement. She distributed a handout which gave more information on the various training sessions, number of participants, and funding sources. She also gave a brief preview of several opportunities planned for the 97-98 year and urged members to contact her with areas or programs they would like to suggest for inservice topics.
Ms. Roy told the Board that $21,176.86 was recovered by the outside recovery group during the month of May, 1997. This brings the total recovered by audits for the year to $279,004.64 which is unusually high. The 1967 and 1979 sales tax collections for the same month were $231,194.60 which is down.$30,047.42 over the same month last year. This is about a 13% decrease over the same time last year. Total sales tax collections for the year are $2,916,411.13 which is down $183,551.32. The monthly state sales tax check on automobiles had not been received so these figures are misleading. Collections in the 1993 fund were $138,716.48 which is a decrease over the same month last year of $18,028.42. For the year collections are $1,749,843.19 which is down $109,759.28. As you can see, she explained, by combining the '67 and '79 fund and the '93 fund, collections for the year are down about $293,000.00. She indicated that it's fortunate this year that audits can be fallen back on.
She shifted to the topic of salary supplement checks. This year, by combining the revenue recovered by audits with the regular sales taxes, we are at approximately the same place as last year. She urged members to remember that audits are a one time recovery and cannot be counted on from year to year. But, because they are available this year, she recommended that the same amount of salary supplements paid in July of 1996 be paid this year. From the '67 and '79 sales tax fund certified personnel would receive $1800 and $900 for noncertified and from the '93 sales tax fund the amounts would be $1200/$600. These checks are based on the amount of sales tax collected and are distributed to regular, salaried employees who have worked during that fiscal year. If collections do not increase next year, there is a possibility that these supplement checks will have to be decreased.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Barfield, the Board unanimously voted that June salary supplements be disbursed as recommended by Ms. Roy.
A financial update for the month ending April, 1997 was also presented by Ms. Roy. After calling attention to the shaded area, she said fund balances look as good as can be expected for April. She indicated that they all have a fairly healthy fund balance for this time of the year.
Dr. Beasley spoke to the Board regarding the Louisiana School Board Association's Day at the Legislature held Tuesday, May 20. She said 4,000 bills had been filed with approximately 2,000 of them relating to education. She mentioned bills allowing public comments during meetings and dealing with charter schools. She asked Dr. Cobb to inform the Board of the latest involving the MFP. He said the current idea is to form a committee. He also touched on charter schools and pay raises for teachers and support persons.
Mr. Charles Owens said that authorization was given at the April 1, 1997 meeting to advertise for bids on materials and supplies for the 97-98 school year. He recommended the acceptance of the lowest bid meeting specifications for each item to be purchased.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to accept the lowest bid meeting specifications for the purchase of materials and supplies for the 97-98 school year as shown below:
COMPANY SUBMITTING BID Gasoline & Diesel
E. Lee Young Unleaded Regular Cost + .049 gallon
Unleaded Plus Cost + .049 gallon
Unleaded Premium Cost + .049 gallon
Diesel Low Sulfur Cost + .049 gallon
FuelMan-Central Oil & Supply Reg. Off Road Diesel Cost + . 10 gallon
Unisource 200 Cases Toilet Tissue
Price Per Case: $26.22
Total for 200 Cases: $5,244.00
250 Cases Paper Towels
Price Per Case: $10.30
Total for 450 Cases: $2,575.00
Standard Stationary 384 Gallons Duplicator Fluid
Price Per Gallon: $2.75
Total for 384 Gallons: $1,056.00
Prairie Carbon & Ribbon 25 Cases Spirit Masters
Price Per Case: $45.20
Total for 25 Cases: $1,130.00
Standard Stationary 125 Cases Thermal Masters
Price Per Case: $41.60
Total for 125 Cases: $5,200.00
Mr. Owens reminded members that authorization was given at the April 1, 1997 meeting to advertise for bids for repairs and renovations to corridors, the gym lobby, and lockers at Ruston High School. He recommended acceptance of the lowest base bid for the work submitted by Davis Construction.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Mack, the Board unanimously voted to accept the lowest base bid of $17,000.00 from Davis Construction for repairs and renovations to corridors, the gym lobby, and lockers at Ruston High School and to reject all alternatives.
Each year it is necessary to make revisions to the budget to reflect changes in revenue and expenditures of each fund, Ms. Roy informed the Board. She presented a revised budget for 96-97 with conservative figures for both the estimated revenue and the anticipated expenditures and recommended its adoption.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to approve the revised 96-97 budget as presented.
In December of 1994, the Board declared a '76 GMC van, VIN TZE366VlO2546, as surplus. Mr. Owens said that since that time the van has not been disposed of because of the minimum bid stipulation of $7,500. He recommended that the Board transfer the van to the Lincoln Parish Sheriff's department for use as a command center in the event of an emergency. An intergovernmental agreement was prepared and presented by Mr. Owens for the Board's perusal.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff's department in order to transfer ownership of a '76 GMC van.
For a number of years the Lincoln Parish School Board has employed the services of Forethought Consulting, Inc. for the purpose of maintaining the Lincoln Parish policy manual's accuracy while at the same time keeping it as current as possible. Dr. Cobb said this is becoming more important each year and is an effective, valuable service. 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. He recommended renewal of this contract.
Upon a motion by Mr. Abrahm, seconded by Mr. Shadoin, the Board unanimously voted to approve the renewal of a 12 month contract with Forethought Consulting, Inc. beginning July 1, 1997 and ending June 30, 1998 at a cost of $1,695.00.
Dr. Cobb presented the proposed Lincoln Parish Sales and Use Tax 97-98 budget which the Commission approved at their May 20, 1997 meeting. He urged the Board's approval of the budget.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barfield, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to go on record as supporting the proposed 97-98 Sales and Use Tax budget.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President