LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, June 2, 1998 6:15 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, June 2, 1998 at 6:15 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. Allen Tuten.
Mr. Calvin Wilkerson was absent.
Prior to the meeting, retirees of the Lincoln Parish School System for 97-98 were honored with a reception in the lobby of the School Board.
President David Wright called the meeting to order and Mr. Barfield 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 Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as amended, with an addendum to the personnel agenda.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tuten, seconded by Mr. Barfield, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on May 5, 1998 as distributed.
Title I Supervisor, Mr. Willie Washington, reported that only four schools in Louisiana were selected as United States Department of Education Title I Distinguished Schools. He recognized Cypress Springs Elementary School and the involved faculty members who were recently recognized for this achievement at a conference in Orlando, Florida. Superintendent Gerald Cobb presented a certificate and flag to the group and expressed his pride in their outstanding accomplishment, "Which didn't happen by accident," he said. Mr. Wright, on behalf of the Board, congratulated Principal Patsy Bullock and her staff on the fine job they have done. It isn't often, he felt, that a system the size of Lincoln receives national recognition. Therefore, they are to be commended.
At this point in the meeting, the retirees honored with an earlier reception were presented with small gifts and certificates of appreciation for their many years of faithful and dedicated service to the parish. Retirees are as follows:
YRS IN
NAME SCHOOL LINCOLN TOTAL YEARS
Selma Davidson Central Office (Payroll Clerk) 25 25
Pam Roy Central Office (Business Manager) 15.5 20.5
Patsy Bullock Cypress Springs Elem. (Principal) 24 32
Foster Harris I. A. Lewis (Principal) 30 33
Bobbie Adams Ruston Jr. High (Teacher) 21 33
Guyette Barham Dubach High (Counselor) 16 20
Dorothy Clark Ruston High (Teacher) 24 25
Shirley Cobb Cypress Springs (Teacher) 29 30
Providence Gibbs Ruston Elem. (Teacher) 19 25
Mattie Harrison Ruston Jr. High (Librarian) 13 32
Myrtle Livingston Simsboro (Teacher) 17 30
Ollie Miller Alma J. Brown (Teacher) 31 31
Ruby Moore Ruston High (Teacher) 31 31
Mellie Jo Neaville Ruston High (Teacher) 27 33
Eva Hammons (Bus Driver) 17 17
Jesse Mamon (Bus Driver) 23 23
Buddy McFadden (Bus Driver) 9.5 9.5
Jack Snow (Bus Driver) 7 7
President Wright wished the retirees well and offered congratulations on their retirement.
The Outstanding School Support Employee Awards Program provides an opportunity to honor an outstanding employee at the elementary, middle, and high school levels who support and provide leadership in the operation of non-instructional activities within the school system, Director of Auxiliary Services, Mr. Charles Owens, explained. He reviewed the selection procedure and presented plaques to the following in order to recognize their contribution to the Lincoln Parish School System:
Bernice Anderson Elementary School Food Service
Robert Jenkins Jr. High Custodian
Jerry Dade High School Lead Maintenance Person
Mr. Wright conveyed the Board's appreciation to the Outstanding Support Persons.
Transportation Supervisor, Mr. Howard Whitlock, said as a result of the Board granting permission at their May meeting to acquire one new and five used buses, two older buses have become superfluous. He requested permission to dispose of them through the bid process.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Dr. Beasley, 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.
Upon a motion by Mr. Abrahm, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to approve The Ruston Daily Leader as the official journal for fiscal year 98-99 as presented by Business Manager, Ms. Juanita Duke. This annual petition is required by revised statute 43:171.
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.-4., Mr. Whitlock presented 5., and School Food Service Supervisor, Ms. Brenda Theodos, presented 6.:
1. Resignation of the following teachers, effective June 3, 1998:
Pam Pruden, science at Dubach High.
Michael Williams, social studies/coach at Ruston High.
Whitney Myers, science and social studies at Ruston Jr. High.
2. Request for sabbatical leave:
Robin Davidson, elementary teacher at Glen View, effective January 14, 1999 and for the second semester of the 98-99 school year.
John Wallace, special education transition coordinator, effective July 1, 1998 and for the entire 98-99 school year.
Mr. Suggs said these meet all state and local guidelines for the granting of sabbatical leave.
3. Employment of the following:
Christian Block, PE/coach at Ruston High, effective August 1, 1998 and replacing Michael Batey who resigned.
Effective August 19, 1998, Michael Hunter, Sr., replacing Michael Williams, as social studies/coach at Ruston High.
Regina Leonard, in a new vocation/agriculture position at Ruston High, effective July 1, 1998.
Effective August 1, 1998, Ritchie Sims, replacing Robert Arvie, as social studies/coach at Ruston High.
Nora Buentello, itinerant speech therapist, effective August 19, 1998 replacing Diana Grigsby who was granted a leave without pay.
4. Mr. Suggs presented background information on the selection process followed with the recommendation of the majority of the Interview Committee and Dr. Cobb of Mr. David Rogers as the new principal at Cypress Springs Elementary School and Ms. Mary Null as the new principal at 1. A. Lewis. Previous principals, Patsy Bullock and Foster Harris, retired.
He told the Board that he chaired the Committee which consisted of the following members: Danny Bell, Ray Bratton, Patrice Hay, Charles Owens, and James Pilgreen.
The top three applicants were: Mary Null, Judy Mabry, and David Rogers.
5. Retirement of Eva Hammons as bus driver in the Ruston area effective June 1, 1998.
6. Resignation of school food service technician at Cypress Springs, Sandra Spillers, effective June 1, 1998.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to accept the above requests/recommendations as presented.
7. Superintendent Cobb announced that Ruston High School Principal Randy Moore has submitted his resignation, effective June 30, 1998, along with a request to continue as an administrator in the system. Dr. Cobb recommended the transfer of Dr. Charles Scriber, Secondary Supervisor, to the position of principal of Ruston High School effective July 1, 1998. He also proposed a one year interim appointment, effective July 1, 1998, of Mr. Moore as secondary supervisor with the understanding that the position will be opened for interviews during the second semester of the 98-99 school year.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to approve the transfer of Dr. Charles Scriber to principal of Ruston High School and the interim appointment of Randy Moore as secondary supervisor.
Mr. Shadoin expressed his appreciation to central office personnel for their cooperative spirit.
8. 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. She wasn't and Ms. Theodos indicated that a closed session was needed in order to present new information regarding the situation.
Upon a motion by Mr. Abrahm, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to go into executive session at 7:30 p.m.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to return to regular session at 7:40 p.m.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted, by a voice vote, to uphold the administration's original recommendation of termination of a school food service employee.
Ms. Juanita Duke told the Board that she was glad to report that 1967 and 1979 sales tax collections for the month ending May, 1998 were up 26% over the same month last year and about 6.6% for the year. Sales tax collections were $292,329 in the '67 and '79 funds and $175,397 in the '93 fund.
She shifted to the topic of June salary supplement checks and recommended that an increase of $100 for certified employees and $50 for noncertified employees be given because of an increase in all three sales tax collection funds. From the '67 and '79 sales tax funds certified personnel would receive $1800 and $900 for noncertified and from the '93 sales tax fund the amounts would be $1300/$650. These checks will go out with June payroll checks. She reminded Board members that the checks are based on actual collections, and there is no guarantee that the same amount will be paid next year.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tuten, seconded by Mr. Barfield, the Board unanimously voted that June salary supplements be paid as recommended by Ms. Duke. Mr. Abrahm abstained from voting.
A financial update for the month ending April, 1998 was also presented by Ms. Duke. After calling attention to the shaded area, she said funds have good healthy balances for April. She indicated that the salary fund is the one from which the salary supplement checks will be drawn and the district M & O funds are currently making utility payments.
Each year it is necessary to make revisions to the budget that are a result of changes that have occurred in revenue and expenditures throughout the year in order to align the budget to the actual figures, Ms. Duke informed the Board. She presented a revised budget for 97-98 with conservative figures and recommended its adoption.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tuten, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to approve the revised 97-98 budget as presented.
Mr. Charles Owens said that authorization was given at the April 7, 1998 meeting to advertise for bids on materials and supplies for the 98-99 school year. He recommended the acceptance of the lowest bid meeting specifications for each item to be purchased.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to accept the lowest bid meeting specifications for the purchase of materials and supplies for the 98-99 school year as shown below:
COMPANY SUBMITTING BID Gasoline & Diesel
E. Lee Young Unleaded Regular Cost + .05 gallon
Unleaded Plus Cost + .05 gallon
Unleaded Premium Cost + .05 gallon
On Road Diesel Cost + .05 gallon
Off Road Diesel Cost + .05 gallon
X-Pedx 225 Cases Toilet Tissue
Price Per Case: $25.18
Total for 225 Cases: $5,665.50
Unisource 450 Cases Paper Towels
Price Per Case: $10.19
Total for 450 Cases: $4,585.50
Home Oil Company 588 Gallons Duplicator Fluid
Price Per (Plastic) Gallon: $2.99
Total for 588 Gallons: $1,758.12
Mr. Owens said that permission was also given at the April 7 meeting to advertise for bids to repair the northwest wall of the gym at Ruston High. By poll vote on May 18, 199 the Board voted 11 - 0 to accept the only bid received, from Triad Builders of Ruston, for $34,500. Mr. Kessler was not contacted and did not vote.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Barfield, the Board unanimously voted to ratify the poll vote of May 18, 1998 accepting the bid from Triad Builders of Ruston for $34,500 to repair the northwest wall of the gym at Ruston High.
A number of changes to the special education building being constructed at Glen View Elementary were mandated by the city of Ruston inspection department, Mr. Owens reported. These changes, totalling $3,284, were necessary in order to meet current city codes and will be paid through a federal grant.
Upon a motion by Mr. Abrahm, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to approve a change order for $3,284 for the special education building at Glen View.
Superintendent Cobb proposed to open the application process for the principalship of Simsboro High School, for the third time, on July 6, 1998. The application period will close at 4:00 p.m. on July 20, 1998. Interviews will be held on July 27 and 28 with a recommendation to fill the position to be presented to the Board at its August 4 meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to advertise July 6-20, 1998 and interview July 2728, 1998 for the Simsboro principal position.
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. 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. Dr. Cobb said this is becoming more important each year and is an effective, valuable service. Renewal of the Policy Updating Service for July, 1998 to June, 1999 is $1,745 which is $50 more than the previous year. In April, 1996 the Board also voted to subscribe to their Computer Assisted Policy Service (CAPS) which has cross-referenced and linked the policy manual, Louisiana statues, BESE bulletins, and minutes. These are updated by computer disk periodically. Cost for the CAPS semi-annual updating service for the fiscal year is again $820. He recommended renewal of the contract with Forethought for both of these services.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to approve the renewal of a 12 month contract with Forethought Consulting, Inc. beginning July, 1998 and ending June, 1999 at a cost of $2565 for the policy manual and CAPS updating services.
The State Legislative Auditor's Office requires all Louisiana governmental units to complete a Systems Survey & Compliance Questionnaire and provide it to the independent auditor at the beginning of the financial and compliance audit, Ms. Duke informed the Board. She recommended approval of the questionnaire.
Upon a motion by Mr. Barfield, seconded by Mr. Tuten, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Systems Survey & Compliance Questionnaire as presented by Ms. Duke.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Dr. Cobb said he invited the local legislative delegation to the meeting but they were unable to attend because they were in session. Also, included in Board members' portfolios were:
1) Information from the Secretary of State on fall 1998 elections.
2) Response from Senator John Breaux regarding the IDEA Flexibility Amendment.
3) Letter regarding RHS teacher, Gary Green, and his students from Ernest Stevens, Museum Curator.
After brief comments, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President