LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

REGULAR SESSION

Wednesday, April 22, 1998 12:30 p.m.

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Wednesday, April 22, 1998 at 12:30 p.m. at Ruston High School.  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, and Mr. Rob Shadoin.

Absent were Mr. Allen Tuten and Mr. Calvin Wilkerson.

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

President Wright called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Dr. Beasley.  Mr. Wright led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.

Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda, with the addition of one item of New Business: Resolution regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Principal of Ruston High School, Randy Moore, welcomed the Board to the school where 25% of the parish's students attend.  He shared interesting information about a variety of accomplishments by a diverse group of students and staff.  "Ruston High School is a safe, productive, functioning school and is having a banner year," Mr. Moore said.  He considers it a privilege to serve and pledged to do everything in his power to maintain the tradition of a safe, effective, productive school at Ruston High School.  Mr. Wright commended Mr. Moore and his staff for the excellent job they are doing.

Superintendent Gerald Cobb reminded the Board that Act 478 of the 1997 Regular Session of the Legislature mandates that schools develop a plan for improving academic achievement or modify any existing educational improvement plan.  Each of the fourteen public schools' plans were sent to the Board and Dr. Cobb requested their approval.

Following brief comments and questions, upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to approve compliance of Act 478:  School Improvement Plans.

Aiming for an effort nationwide to bring reason and common sense back to the discipline of special education students, Superintendent Cobb presented a resolution supporting Senator Gorton's amendment to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  He went through the background of discipline of these students and said a poor job is being done preparing them for life after school.  An excellent opportunity exists with this amendment to the Act, and Dr. Cobb requested approval of the resolution.

Ms. Sharon Thomas, Supervisor of Special Education, shared her opinion on work with special education students and also voiced her support of the amendment.  A brief period of questions and comments followed.

Upon a motion by Mr. Abrahm, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following:

                                                                 RESOLUTION

            RESOLVED, that the Lincoln Parish School Board supports the Gorton amendment designed to amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to permit state and local educational agencies to establish uniform disciplinary policies.

            RESOLVED, that the Lincoln Parish School Board requests that our Congressional Representatives, State Legislators, Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Governor of the State of Louisiana, and Louisiana School Boards Association use their positions of influence to encourage Congress to pass this amendment and return to the state and local school systems the authority to address these discipline issues on an individual basis.

After brief comments, the meeting was adjourned at 1:23 p.m.

Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary                               David Wright, President