LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

SPECIAL CALLED SESSION

Tuesday, March 17, 1998 4:30 p.m.

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Special Called Session on Tuesday, March 17, 1998 at 4:30 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, Dr. Marty Beasley (arrived after the meeting began), Mr. Curtis Dowling, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Rob Shadoin (arrived after the meeting began), and Mr. Allen Tuten.

Absent were Mr. Wayne Barfield and Mr. Calvin Wilkerson.

President David Wright 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 the media.

Mr. Shadoin arrived at the meeting.

The only item of business to come before the Board was a concern by a parent regarding the baseball program at Ruston High School.  Mr. Wright asked if both parties were present and they were.  He asked school personnel if an open or closed session was preferred.  Principal, Randy Moore, indicated that a closed session was preferred.

Mr. Tuten asked the District Attorney's opinion on going into executive at this time.  Mr. Bob Levy said coaches' and Ronnie Suggs' behavior and treatment of a student were to be discussed and therefore subject to be excluded from a public hearing.  Mr. Wright said Mr. Moore anticipated getting into areas that are governed by executive session regulations.

Dr. Beasley arrived at this point.

Based on Randy Moore's request and Bob Levy's opinion, Mr. Tuten moved that the Board enter into executive session.

Superintendent Gerald Cobb read a portion of R.S. 42:6.1. regarding executive session.

Mr. Dowling seconded Mr. Tuten's motion and the Board unanimously voted to go into executive session at 4:40 p.m.

Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, after a question by Mr. Mack, Dr. Beasley seconded the motion, and the Board voted by acclamation to return to regular session at 7:06 p.m.

Mr. Wright asked what the Board's wishes were.

Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board decided

by acclamation to adjourn at 7:07 p.m.

Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary                                          David Wright, President