LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, July 7, 1998 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, July 7, 1998 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. Otha Anders, Dr. Marty Beasley, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, and Mr. Allen Tuten,
Absent were Mr. Billy Abrahm, Mr. Wayne Barfield, Mr. Rob Shadoin, and Mr. Calvin Wilkerson.
President David Wright called the meeting to order and Mr. Mack gave the invocation. Mr. Wright led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and welcomed special guests, members of the official staff and members of the media to the meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Tuten, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as printed.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on June 2, 1998.
Director of Auxiliary Services, Charles Owens, introduced the next item to be contemplated, the repair of Ruston High gym walls, by providing background information beginning in early October, 1997. Triad Builders began work on a cracked portion of the wall in mid June, 1998 as authorized by the Board. In the course of removing the damaged section of the wall, it was noted by the contractor that there were no brick ties between the brick and block in the wall. In addition to this, the wall cavity was filled with broken brick and cinder block. Mike Walpole, Architect on the project, and Robert Fenner, Structural Engineer, were called in to assess the situation. They discovered that there were no lateral reinforcements or wire stabilizers in the entire upper portion of the east and west walls and the wall cavity was filled with broken pieces of concrete and brick. Nothing tied the inside and the outside together except below the windows. With this revelation, it was their opinion that the entire east and west walls were dangerous and should be repaired immediately.
Mr. Walpole elaborated on what Mr. Owens said, informed the Board that this is more of a structural problem than an architectural problem, and also illustrated the difficulty for further clarification. He stated that the wall would not be cracking if the original plans from the latter 1960's had been followed. A full repair of the entire east and west walls (eight bays) in the manner in which the original cracked bay was being repaired, would cost approximately $300,000 to $350,000. Mr. Walpole contacted Mr. Fenner who suggested anchoring a steel frame to the steel structure above and to the concrete below on both sides of the big windows inside the gym on the second floor. Holes would be drilled in the mortar in the joints of the bricks at approximately 4' intervals on the outside of the gym. Thru-bolts would be inserted into the holes and nuts would be attached to the bolts on either side of the walls and the masonry would then be patched. The gridwork, along with the inside wall, would then be painted. Mr. Walpole agrees with Mr. Fenner that this solution is acceptable and adequate and would cost between one-half and one-third of the amount which would be needed for a complete repair job. He distributed a letter from Tom Jones of Triad Builders estimating the cost of the project, as recommended by Mr. Walpole and Mr. Fenner, to be between $100,000 and $150,000.
It was noted by Mr. Owens and Mr. Walpole that walls in other sections of Ruston High, which were constructed at the same time and by the same contractor and architect as the gym, were examined and appear to have been constructed properly. Some discussion and questions regarding solicitation of bids, liability, and fraud followed. Mr. Walpole indicated that both the architect and contractor on the original project were deceased. Nevertheless, Superintendent Gerald Cobb was asked to contact the Board's attorney for advice on how to proceed with recouping the monies to be expended.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to declare an emergency to exist at Ruston High School because of safety factors involved with the gym wall and in order to get the repair work done before the start of school and also authorized the administration to contact Triad Builders in order to get the work done as suggested by Mr. Fenner and Mr. Walpole.
Mr. Tuten moved that the Board approve Mike Walpole as architect on the project and Mr. Mack seconded the motion. Mr. Walpole indicated that since the problem with the gym wall is a structural problem, Mr. Robert Fenner should be named as structural engineer on the project and as an architect, he would be secondary to him. Mr. Tuten and Mr. Mack agreed to this modification of their motion, and the Board unanimously voted in favor of the motion.
Next Mr. Owens stated that authorization was given at the May 5, 1998 meeting to advertise for one new and five used school buses. Cost was estimated at approximately $250,000. He recommended acceptance of the only bid submitted which was from Ross Bus Sales for $240,111.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to accept the bid from Ross Bus & Equipment Sales for 1 new 1999, 71 passenger bus for $59,796; 3 used 1996, 65 passenger buses for $36,781 each; and 2 used 1995 71 passenger buses for $34,986 each.
Four light poles at the James Stadium which are over 30 years old, have begun to lean, twist, and weaken to the point that additional guy wire had to be installed, Mr. Owens reported. The light fixtures and the installers' platform that are attached to each of these poles weigh approximately 1500 pounds each. By replacing these poles, he said, the company assures staff members of proper load bearing capacity for the light fixtures and installer's platform, along with eliminating the leaning, twisting and weakening that is currently occurring. The projected cost is $13,500.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to install four new, direct burial, prestressed, concrete poles at James Stadium.
Ronnie Suggs, Assistant Superintendent, reminded the Board that each year the system must submit a revised copy of the Pupil Progression Plan to the State Department of Education for their approval. The changes to be considered were presented and briefly explained. He recommended approval of the document which addresses placement, promotion, and retention policies; roles of School Building Level Committee (SBLC); alternative school programs; adult education; remediation; grading of students; and selected areas of special education and Title I.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to approve the 98-99 Pupil Progression Plan.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were discussed:
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to grant/accept the following requests. Mr. Suggs presented items 1.-3. and Mr. Owens presented 4.
1. Resignation of the following teachers, effective June 3, 1998:
Tammy Coates, elementary at Choudrant Elementary.
Lori Braddock, elementary at Glen View Elementary.
Tami Stewart, elementary at Glen View Elementary.
Aleece Shepherd, pre-school at Lincoln Center.
Kecia Theodore, social studies at the Secondary Alternative School.
Doug Pierrelee, elementary at Simsboro.
2. Request for sabbatical leave for the 98-99 school year, and unless otherwise stated, effective August 19, 1998 for:
Howard Whitlock, supervisor of transportation at the central office, effective August 1, 1998 and through July 31, 1999.
Judy Crawford, elementary teacher at Hico Elementary.
Lisa Moody, elementary teacher at I. A. Lewis.
Barbre Trigg, counselor at Ruston High School.
According to Mr. Suggs, these requests meet current state and local guidelines for sabbatical.
3. Employment of:
James Payton as interim supervisor of transportation, replacing Howard Whitlock who was granted a sabbatical, and effective July 1, 1998.
Effective August 5, 1998, Sue Guilatt as assistant principal at Ruston Junior High replacing David Rogers who was named principal of Cypress Springs.
Abigail James as coordinating teacher at I. A. Lewis, effective August 12, 1998, replacing Mary Null who was named principal of the school.
As a point of reference, effective July 1, 1998, Theodis Johnson will assume coaching duties at Simsboro High in addition to his administrative assistant duties, as Jimmy Nail resigned.
4. Employment of the following, effective August 19, 1998:
Mary Austin as bus driver in the Ruston area replacing Eva Hammons who retired.
Bus driver in the Simsboro area, Reita Otwell, replacing Jesse Mamon who retired.
Barbara Manning as bus aide in the Ruston area replacing Elbe Harrison who became a driver.
Juanita Duke, Business Manager, told the Board that sales tax monies for the month ending June 30, 1998 decreased 13% over the same month last year. She explained that tax collections in June of 1997 were enlarged because of payments received from the state for two months of auto sales. This year, they were received in May and June instead of two in June. Overall, for the year, the funds are experiencing about a 5.37% increase over last year. Audit recoveries for the year were $92,672 which was less than last years $97,339 mainly because of a large payment last August. Sales tax supplement checks were distributed to employees as anticipated.
A financial update for the month ending May, 1998 was also presented by Ms. Duke. She called attention to the shaded line of the report which gives fund balances and said the general fund balance is again a good, healthy balance compared to last year. The 5 mill maintenance fund balance is a little low.
Mr. Suggs shared interesting information about a variety of summer programs taking place around the parish which include high school summer school classes at the Secondary Alternative School in English I - IV, Algebra I, and Geometry; driver education classes with 120 students; special education extended year program at Lincoln Center serving about 20 students which is mandated by the State Department of Education; varied Title I programs; Ms. Lottie Green's introductory reading skills program for selected third graders at Ruston Elementary; and miscellaneous projects all under the heading of Tech Prep. He also mentioned that the Lincoln Parish Administrators' Workshop is scheduled for next week.
Principal of the Secondary Alternative School, Clifton Lewis, summarized a very successful partial first year of operation. He expressed his appreciation to Ronnie Suggs, Charles Owens, and Superintendent Gerald Cobb for their nurturing and support during this initial, beginning year. He shared original goals of the faculty, gains made, and programs initiated during the year. In his opinion, and research shows, that the academic and social climate can be made even better by students wearing uniforms during school hours. Mr. Lewis also believes that the wearing of uniforms will allow all students the opportunity to participate on a level psychological field, eliminate distractions caused by emerging styles and fashions, encourage each student's sense of belonging and teach the importance of the relationship between a person's attire and their performance. In order to make plans for the one year pilot program, he formed a committee containing faculty, students, and parents who checked with the local Wal-Mart and selected necessary items in the school's colors, purple and white. The articles of clothing range in price from the least expensive, $7.96 for a girls' blouse, to the most expensive, $19.96 for a girls' pleated skirt. At Wal-Mart, they would be accessible year round. The emphasis at the beginning of the project is on economics but if the venture continues, he said, all Lincoln Parish merchants would be given the opportunity to participate in supplying the uniforms. Mr. Lewis recommended approval of the project requiring uniforms at his school and said faculty members would also wear them.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to approve the pilot project requiring uniforms at the Secondary Alternative School.
Ms. Duke 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. The only change proposed this year is in the Choudrant School District #6 which can be lowered from 33.00 mills to 28.00 mills because of refinancing done earlier by the Board.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted by roll call to adopt the resolution levying millages on the 1998 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. 28.00 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 were: Otha Anders, Dr. Marty Beasley, Curtis Dowling, Jim Kessler, George Mack, Joe Mitcham, Allen Tuten, and David Wright.
Voting against the motion: None
Absent and not voting: Billy Abrahm, Wayne Barfield, Rob Shadoin, and Calvin Wilkerson.
Ronnie Suggs said 4-H is a very vital program for the students within the parish. He shared a request from the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which supports the 4-H program, to increase the amount given by the Board to the Service's 4-H program from $2,300 to $9,800 per year. He recommended approval of the increase.
Gary Stockton, 4-H agent for the parish, was present at the meeting and said this request is being made to the Board and to the Police jury in order to bring local monies up. This would allow them to fill a vacant 4-H agent position which is necessary in order to work with approximately 900 youth enrolled in the 19 clubs within the parish.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to approve the $7,500 annual increase in support given to the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service for a total expenditure of $9,800 each year.
Dr. Cobb informed the Board that during the Regular Session of the 1998 LA Legislature, House Concurrent Resolution 64 was passed by the Legislature. This resolution required local systems to allow students to participate in graduation ceremonies if the student had passed sufficient carnegie units to graduate, but had not passed the Graduate Exit Exam (GEE). He related that a resolution does not have the force of law but rather encourages compliance. The second part of the resolution requires the Board of Elementary (BESE) and Secondary Education and the State Department to adopt the resolution as law. The present law allows local systems to determine the graduation policy and 63 of the 66 local systems require passage of both the carnegie units and the GEE to participate in the graduation ceremony. Superintendent Cobb suggested that the Board approve the resolution continuing the local Board option graduation policy.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION
Whereas, With the local option policy, as with all other BESE policies allowing flexibility at the local level, school boards have faithfully followed the general intent and dictates of the State Board, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the preference of the Lincoln Parish School Board for the local option policy allows this system to permit participation in graduation exercises only by those students who have successfully passed all requirements including the GEE, that such graduation is a privilege and an honor as well as a prestigious accomplishment, and as such is consistent with the intent and purpose of BESE's established graduation requirements, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Lincoln Parish School Board does hereby request that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education allows its local option policy on high school graduation exercises to remain as it is currently written.
In order to make the Administration of Medication policy (JGCD) correspond to guidelines set by BESE and the State Board of Nursing, revisions have become necessary, according to Dr. Cobb. School nurses have indicated the changes which are needed and a revised policy was presented for consideration. Also, recent additions to the policy manual of Code of Ethics (BH) and Health Examinations (GBRA) have made Code of Ethics (BH-E) and Health Examinations (GCRA) obsolete. Therefore, he recommended the deletion of BH-E and GCRA. These were presented for the Board's deliberation and a vote will be taken on the matter at the next meeting of the Board.
In a Report of the Superintendent, he called attention to the list of Board meeting dates for 98-99 and a note concerning Wayne Barfield, who is ill and hospitalized.
President Wright mentioned that a superintendent's evaluation form was in packets for those who would like to respond.
After brief comments and questions, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President