LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, August 5, 1997 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 5, 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, and Mr. Calvin Wilkerson.
Mr. Allen Tuten was absent.
President David Wright called the meeting to order and Mr. Anders gave the invocation. Mr. Wright welcomed special guests, members of the official staff, and members of the media. He led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda with the addition of a personnel addendum and moving item #9.3, Consideration of Greenwood School presentation, to #4.1.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on July 1 and the Special Called Session on July 17, 1997 as distributed.
Executive Director of People Unlimited, Mr. Greg Scott, came before the Board concerning MRC Industries vacating the Greenwood School. He began by thanking the Board for the opportunity to speak to them. After mentioning an amicable resolution or a legal conclusion; integrity, principles, and character ethics he suggested choosing an alternative, workable solution rather than displacing an established program. Three organizations are presently being operated in the Greenwood School. One of them, Lincoln ARC, is a non-profit agency that provides self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities with families which is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and renovation of the building. The second, People Unlimited, is also a non-profit agency which is state and federally funded. Six licensed programs are operated by People Unlimited from early intervention to respite case management personal care attendant services and vocational services. Under vocational services is one of the programs the Board knows as MRC Industries. The third agency housed at the school is Community Bridges, a for-profit organization that provides residential services only. They have four administrative offices and occupy approximately 20% of the building. People Unlimited occupies the remaining 80%. This arrangement has been in place 14 years and both agencies pay a total monthly rent of $1800 to Lincoln ARC. "Eighteen years ago an agreement was made with the School Board with the intent that it continue for 30 years," Mr. Scott said. In his opinion, all of the renovations and modifications which have been completed say nothing to contradict that original intent. He recommended that the Board put aside all legal interpretations, do what's right, live up to the original intent, and allow the three agencies to remain in the Margaret Roane Center.
President Wright reminded the Board that the administration had been notified in July that the parish was to be the recipient of a grant that allowed an alternative school to be set up as a pilot program. Tonight's quandary came about when the administration suggested that this could best be done in the Greenwood School facility which is presently occupied by the MRC Industries. Their $1.00 per year lease on the facility expired in 1994. He asked if there were any questions.
There were none. After one point of clarification, Mr. Wright turned the floor over to Superintendent Gerald Cobb. He shared that in the two weeks following notification of the grant, various possibilities were explored which included the Greenwood School, the old National Guard Armory, and some abandoned hangers at the old Ruston Airport. At this time none of the above appear to be viable alternatives for various reasons. He conveyed two proposals: one, that the Lincoln Parish School Board allow MRC Industries to continue its occupancy of the Greenwood School pending negotiations with the Board's Executive Committee as to an appropriate lease for the facility; and secondly, that the Board grant permission to advertise for bids for a classroom facility to be built on the old Lincoln High School football field. A proposed diagram of the building was distributed. This facility would consist of a building constructed of cinder block containing approximately six classrooms, office area, and restrooms. This location would allow the use of the gymnasium and the old vocational shop and music areas at Lincoln Center. The projected cost for this facility would be between $220,000 and $240,000. He anticipates being in the structure by midterm of this school year which is about the same time frame proposed for the Greenwood School building.
During a lengthy period of questions and comments, it became evident that although the school was not being used for educational purposes as originally intended and the rent being paid to the Board was extremely reasonable, very worthwhile programs were being operated for handicapped clients and families. Mr. Scott was unable to answer a question by Mr. Wright; therefore, Mr. Bill Autrey, Executive Director of ARC, joined the discussion.
After suggesting that the Building and Grounds Committee sit in on the meeting drawing up a new lease, Mr. Mack moved to accept the Superintendent's proposal regarding the continuation of MRC Industries occupying the Greenwood School pending lease negotiation with the Executive and Building and Grounds Committees. Mr. Barfield seconded the motion and the Board unanimously voted in favor of the motion.
Several members expressed their thanks and appreciation to the administration for their hard work, intentions, and a wonderful solution to a very difficult predicament. Mr. Wright thanked Mr. Scott and Mr. Autrey for their interest and presence.
Upon a motion by Mr. Shadoin, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to advertise for bids for the construction of school facilities on the old Lincoln High School football field.
The meeting continued after a brief recess.
Director of Auxiliary Services, Mr. Charles Owens, said plans are underway to expand the Agriscience Program at Ruston High School for the 97-98 school year to include Agriscience III. To provide instruction for additional students, with facilities and equipment that is up-to-date to meet labor market demands and lead to increased student work and job placement, it is necessary to purchase additional shop equipment to teach advanced levels of welding, small engines, woodworking, horticulture, and electricity. Local funds available to RHS will be used, supplemented with vocational funds as available.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to advertise and accept the lowest bids for agriscience shop equipment for Ruston High School.
The contract for a state and local library book vendor has expired according to Mr. Danny Bell, Elementary Supervisor. A new contract, which will be secured through the bid process, will apply to the purchase of library books with state and local funds for the 97-98 fiscal year with an option for renewal for the 98-99 fiscal year. All books except those available by a sole supplier will be purchased from the vendor with the lowest and best bid.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Barfield, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to advertise for bids for the purchase of library books for 97-98 with a renewal option for 98-99.
Prior to the personnel committee recommendations, Mr. Ronnie Suggs, Assistant Superintendent, gave a brief report on professional personnel hiring for 97-98. He explained, step by step, the process followed when a certified teacher applies for a job in Lincoln Parish. Statistics regarding the number of applicants interviewed by the 5 Ruston principals from 93 through 97 were presented along with numbers of personnel recommendations made to the Board in each of those years. Personnel trends he mentioned were: a significant decrease over the 4 year period in the overall number of elementary and secondary applicants, approximately 50% of applicants in 93 were secondary certified and in 97 only about 10% of the applicants were secondary certified, many elementary teachers are requesting to teach K - 3 grade levels, and the number of minority and male applicants continues to decrease. Recent nationwide figures from Education Weekly he shared were: 33% of new teachers leave the classroom within the first 3 years of teaching and 50% of new teachers leave within the first 7 years of teaching. Although he believes Lincoln Parish's numbers are not that high, "We do not keep teachers as long as we once kept teachers in the classroom," he said.
Dr. Beasley suggested that the personnel committee and anyone interested meet to come up with some creative ideas for hiring and encouraging minority applicants.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following recommendations, including the items in the addendum. Items l.-5. were presented by Mr. Suggs and Mr. Owens presented 6.:
1. Extension of sabbatical leave request for Title I Supervisor Jackie Whitlock from July 1, 1997 to November 21, 1997. Mr. Suggs said this follows state and local guidelines.
2. Resignation of the following:
Gretchan Cooper, elementary teacher at Cypress Springs, effective July 21, 1997.
Shai Garrett, elementary teacher at Hillcrest, effective July 29, 1997.
Jamie Rawlinson, preschool teacher at Lincoln Center, effective July 29, 1997.
Matt Fisher, social studies/coach at Ruston High, effective June 30, 1997.
Karen Vining, P.E./coach at Ruston High, effective July 9, 1997.
Kathryn Young, science teacher at Ruston High, effective July 1, 1997.
Kamala Roan, language arts at Ruston Junior High, effective June 30, 1997.
Jerrilene Washington, math at Ruston junior High, effective August 15, 1997.
3. Retirement, effective September 1, 1997 of LaQuita Sutton, special education aide at Ruston Junior High.
4. Points of Reference (Transfers) all effective August 20, 1997:
Sharon St. Andre from Choudrant Elementary to 1/2 time, itinerant remediation replacing an individual working on a time sheet.
Lisa Thigpen from Ruston Elementary to Cypress Springs replacing Teresa Parmley who resigned.
Jennie Franks in an interim administrative assistant position at Dubach High replacing Helen Hall who is serving as interim principal.
Michelle Rosenberger transferring from Simsboro to a junior high position at Dubach replacing Guyette Barham who moved to a new position.
Leigh Ann Horton transferring from Hico Elementary to P.E. at Hillcrest replacing Shai Garrett who resigned.
Jeanette Many transferring from Cypress Springs to a teaching position at I. A. Lewis replacing Tammy Caldwell who was granted a sabbatical.
Donna Miles transferring from Ruston Elementary to a special ed. position at I. A. Lewis replacing Rethea Nelson who was a retired teacher filling in for one year.
Laureen Mayfield transferring from Hillcrest to a new special ed. position at Ruston Elementary.
Doug Pierrelee transferring from Ruston Elementary to an elementary position at Simsboro replacing Michelle Rosenberger who transferred.
5. Employment of the following persons effective August, 20, 1997 unless otherwise noted:
Kathleen Thrower, 1/2 time foreign language at Choudrant High, replacing Melinda Mitchell who resigned.
Shannon Barmore, teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Edna Franklin who retired.
Bobbi Conner, special Ed. at Cypress Springs, replacing Cynthia Breed who transferred.
Sally Grigsby, teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Gretchan Cooper who resigned.
Mary Lee, teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Martha Hayes who was granted a sabbatical leave.
Jane Watson, teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Jeanette Many who transferred.
Kenny Bostwick, math teacher at Dubach, replacing Donna Doss who was granted a sabbatical.
Jason Harvey, social studies teacher at Dubach, replacing Michael Few who resigned.
Jonathan Zeno, social studies teacher at Dubach, replacing jenny Franks who transferred.
Marcia DeMoss, coordinating teacher at Hillcrest, effective August 13, 1997 replacing Patrice Hay who became principal.
Amy Dickerson, teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Marcia Demoss who transferred to coordinating teacher.
Kim Miller, special ed. at Hillcrest, replacing Laureen Mayfield who transferred.
Mary Jane Hawley, academically gifted at I. A. Lewis, replacing Sylvia Crawley who retired.
Letitia Freeman, preschool at Lincoln Center, replacing Jamie Rawlinson who resigned.
John Currie, science at Ruston High, replacing Kathy Hughes who resigned.
Jane Hamby, special ed. at Ruston High, replacing Shirley Boyd who retired.
Herb Holliman, social studies/coach at Ruston High, effective August 1, 1997 replacing Matt Fisher who resigned.
Katherine Keil, speech at Ruston High, replacing Becky Barnett who was granted a leave without pay.
Sherita Lewis, science at Ruston High, replacing Edwin Murphy who did not meet state guidelines.
Lori May, P.E./coach at Ruston High, replacing Karen Vining who resigned.
Consuella Major, English at Ruston High, replacing Lori Golden who was granted a leave without pay.
Jill Murphy, special ed. at Ruston High, replacing Carlos Wilson who transferred.
Aleta Overby, science at Ruston High, replacing Kathryn Young who resigned.
Dana Talley, math/debate at Ruston High, replacing Wanda Mays who resigned.
Tami Alexander, teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Kamala Roan who resigned.
Debra Anderson, librarian at Ruston Junior High, replacing Mattie Harrison who was granted a 1/2 year sabbatical.
Colleen Coleman, music at Ruston Junior High, replacing Patricia Jiminez who resigned.
Vivian Davis, teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Gayanne Coleman who resigned.
Nan Hundemer, teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Peggy Grigsby who retired.
Whitney Myers, teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Ann Andrews who retired.
Christy Reeves, teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Jerrilene Washington who resigned.
Carlos Wilson in new, itinerant discipline coordinator position.
Debbie Cloud, special ed. at A. E. Phillips, replacing Alice Higginbotham who was granted a 1/2 year sabbatical.
Brenda Rice, computer proctor at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Cynthia Phillips who resigned.
6. Employment of Lori Jenkins as secretary at Cypress Springs replacing Beverly Redden who resigned.
Mr. Suggs presented 1.- 3. and Mr. Owens presented 4. of the personnel items needing action that were listed in the addendum.
1. Resignation of the following:
Shai Scriber as teacher at Choudrant Elementary effective August 1, 1997.
Harry Jones, effective August 15, 1997, as junior high teacher at Choudrant High.
Marcia Franz as 1/2 time English teacher at Ruston High who resigned August 5, 1997.
Carmen Hoefler, effective August 1, 1997, as special ed. teacher at Simsboro High.
2. Points of Reference (Transfers) effective August 20, 1997 of the following:
Ricky Durrett from Simsboro High to Ruston High as math/coach.
Jerry Griffin from Ruston High to Simsboro High as math/coach.
3. Employment of the following effective August 20, 1997:
Nicole Postel, language arts at Choudrant High, replacing Beverly Holmes who resigned.
Paulette Johnson, special ed. at Cypress Springs, replacing Carmen Hoefler who resigned.
Cindy Boudinot, 1/2 time music at Simsboro, replacing Vicki Colvin who went from 1/2 time at Choudrant and 1/2 time at Simsboro to 1/2 time at Choudrant only.
4. Resignation of the following custodians:
Mary Minnifield, effective July 21, 1997, from Ruston Elementary.
Hattie Edmonds, Ruston junior High, effective May 16, 1997.
Ms. Pam Roy, Business Manager, told the Board that $33,630.23 was recovered by audits during the first month of the fiscal year, July, 1997. Amounts recovered by audits during the previous years, which are not included as revenue for the subsequent fiscal years, are: 93/94 - $56,541; 94/95 - $106,578; and 95/96 - $97,339. The 1967 and 1979 sales tax collections for the July, 1997 were $298,260.36. This is a $14,686.48 decrease over the same month last year, or approximately 4.7%. Collections for the month in the 1993 fund were $178,955.85 which is an $8,811.87 decrease. These figures reflect the same loss percentage.
Dr. Beasley and Mr. Kessler recently attended the Southern Region Conference held in Baton Rouge. Mr. Kessler said it was an excellent conference. He mentioned new federal mandates regarding children with disabilities and said these would require study by the administration. Dr. Beasley suggested that as time was limited she would not go into special education mandates and changes but at a time in the near future Sharon Thomas, Special Education Supervisor, should speak to the Board regarding those and what the local impact would be.
Board approval was granted in June to advertise for bids on an 89 Chevrolet Caprice Classic owned by Ruston High School with a minimum acceptable bid of $5,000. Principal Randy Moore said no bids were received; therefore, he asked for permission to re-advertise with no minimum bid requirement but with the right to reject any and all bids.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barfield, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to re-advertise the 89 Chevrolet Caprice Classic belonging to Ruston High School with no minimum bid and the right to accept or reject any and all bids.
Mr. Owens said bids were opened July 23 for the addition to the Choudrant Elementary cafeteria. He recommended the acceptance of the low bid by Davis Construction.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Shadoin, the Board unanimously voted to accept the low bid on the Choudrant Elementary cafeteria addition by Davis Construction Company of Ruston in the amount of $17,000 contingent upon approval of the plans by the State Fire Marshal.
It was suggested that in the future when bids are being sought on smaller projects, specifications be included in Board members' packets.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Anders, and without any discussion the Board unanimously voted to approve a resolution recognizing Senate President Randy Ewing for his leadership in securing grant money for a pilot, secondary, alternative school in the parish.
Ms. Roy said each year ad valorem taxes must be levied. To be levied are maintenance and operation taxes as well as the millage to pay interest and principal on outstanding bonds in the Debt Service Funds. Maintenance and operation taxes are levied based on the millage passed by the voters. The bonded indebtedness taxes are levied based on the amount required to pay principal and interest due on the bonds in each district. Accordingly, there were two changes in the district taxes for bond and interest fund: Simsboro's increased from 16.20 mills to 17.20 mills and Choudrant's decreased from 43.00 mills to 33.00 mills.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to adopt the resolution levying millages on the 1997 assessment roll for Lincoln Parish as follows:
I. Parishwide
A. 4.95 Mills Constitutional Tax
B. 5.10 Mills Special Repair & Equipment Tax
C. 5.10 Mills Special Maintenance & Operation Tax
D. 12.00 Mills Parishwide Maintenance & Operation Tax
II. District Taxes - For Bond and Interest Fund
A. 17.00 Mills Ruston School District #1
B. 17.20 Mills Simsboro School District #3
C. -O- Mills Dubach School District #5
D. 33.00 Mills Choudrant School District #6
III. District Taxes - Maintenance and Operation
A. 3.01 Mills Ruston School District #1
B. 2.98 Mills Simsboro School District #3
C. 3.02 Mills Dubach School District #5
Voting by roll call for the above motion was: Billy Abrahm, Otha Anders, Wayne Barfield, Dr. Marty Beasley, Curtis Dowling, Jim Kessler, George Mack, Joe Mitcham, Rob Shadoin, Calvin Wilkerson, and David Wright.
Voting against the motion: None
Absent and not voting: Allen Tuten
In a Report of the Superintendent, Dr. Cobb related that the qualifying period for Ms. Braggs' ward 1-E slot would begin on Wednesday, August 13, and end at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 1997.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President