LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, July 6, 1999 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, July 6, 1999 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, Ms. Priscilla Barfield, Dr. Marty Beasley (arrived late), Mr. Curtis Dowling, Ms. Mattie Harrison, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, and Mr. Allen Tuten (arrived late and left early).
Mr. Rob Shadoin was absent.
President David Wright called the meeting to order and Ms. Harrison 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.
Dr. Beasley arrived at the meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda with an addendum containing two items of unfinished business.
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 1, 1999.
Randy Moore, Secondary Supervisor, reminded the Board that each year the system must submit a revised copy of the Pupil Progression Plan (PPP) to the State Department of Education for their approval. The PPP is based on regulations from the state and local policies having to do with promotion and retention. The changes to be considered were: 1) In grades 4 and 8 the new "high stakes" testing policy goes into effect for 99-00 requiring that students scoring "Unsatisfactory" in English/language arts OR mathematics on the LEAP 21 test must repeat the respective grade and 2) Students scoring "Unsatisfactory" in English/language arts OR mathematics in grades 4 and 8 on the LEAP 21 must be offered remediation in a summer session at no cost to the student. Students offered summer remediation will be retested at the end of the session to determine promotion or retention. Mr. Moore recommended approval of the revised document.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to approve the revisions to the Pupil Progression Plan.
Mr. Tuten joined the meeting during the beginning of Mr. Moore's PPP report and was involved in the vote.
As an added safety factor for the students at Ruston Junior High School, Principal Sandra Henderson approached Assistant Superintendent, Ronnie Suggs, with a proposal to place video cameras in the hallways and common's area (cafeteria area). A recording device would make instant review of any incident that occurs in these area possible and would be an added safety feature for the facility itself twenty-four hours per day. The equipment could be installed and operating by the start of the 99-00 school year. These devices have been used for the past one and one half years at Ruston High and the administration there feels that this has had a direct effect in curtailing the number of disturbances occurring in the cafeteria. The projected cost is $8500, with half to come from the school's fund and half from the school board's funds. Mr. Suggs asked for approval of the request to install the video system at Ruston Junior High School.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to approve the request to install the video system at Ruston Junior High School.
Epsey Samuel, President of the Lincoln Parish School Bus Association, shared the results of their recent survey to determine the sales tax and base pay for bus drivers in three different parishes, Jackson, Union, and Ouachita. It appeared that Lincoln Parish was one of the lowest paying parishes. Therefore, a large group of bus drivers came before the Board to present a negotiable pay raise proposal, 12.69% of their base pay of $788 (which is $100 per month) and a field trip increase. They said they have had no increase in base salary in eight years, but have seen a large increase in paperwork requirements during that time. Several bus drivers, including the Vice President of the Association, Charlie Jones, made comments ranging from the amount of time bus drivers attend to Board business besides their twice-a-day routes and the fact that beginning drivers earn the same amount of money as those that have longer tenure. They concluded their presentation with the request that the Board consider this negotiable cost of living increase.
Transportation Supervisor, Howard Whitlock, shared the administration's information which compared the Lincoln Parish bus drivers' salary with eleven other parishes. Included in the chart were base pay, sales taxes added, sales tax extra, total salary, and benefits. He pointed out that all of the other parishes had State Group Insurance for which bus drivers pay $109 monthly for individual coverage or $216 for family coverage. Lincoln Parish is self insured and the Board pays the entire monthly premium, $203, for individual coverage and $346 for family coverage. Bus drivers who have family coverage do pay $84 out of their pocket. He indicated that the small amount, if any, paid for insurance by bus drivers and the better insurance coverage should be considered when looking at salaries. With benefits added, Lincoln Parish drivers earn more than any other parish surveyed. He also compared Lincoln Parish bus drivers' base salary, sales tax, benefits, daily salary, and hourly salary with other Lincoln Parish support personnel. While bus drivers usually work the least amount of hours, they are second to Cafeteria Managers in salary. It was Mr. Whitlock's conclusion that Lincoln Parish school bus drivers are well compensated for the job that they perform and for making field trips.
After a brief period of questions and comments, President Wright asked if there would be a problem meeting with the Bus Drivers Association Board/Committee and sharing the administrations' information and surveys, explaining the other side, and attempting to come back with an understanding or report. The administration had no problem with this request.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Dr. Beasley, the Board unanimously voted to postpone the discussion on both bus drivers' requests and for the staff and Bus Drivers Association to meet together, look at the proposals, and bring it back to the Board at the next meeting.
Superintendent Gerald Cobb updated the Board on a new position, Coordinator of Auxiliary Programs and School Food Service. In a June 7 memo, he proposed to create this new slot instead of filling two recently vacated positions because of changing needs and in order to reduce costs. This employee would report directly to Charles Owens, Director of Auxiliary Services, and Brenda Theodos, Supervisor of School Food Service, and would be responsible for the coordination of school food service maintenance/inventory and school transportation and vehicle maintenance, coordination and supervision of school facilities and maintenance, and participation in the academic school visitation program. Applications were to be accepted June 11 through June 25 and interviews scheduled June 29 or 30. By a poll vote taken during the week of June 14-18, 1999 the Board voted 11-0 in favor of the suggested advertisement and interview timelines for the new position. He requested the Board's ratification of the poll vote.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to ratify the poll vote approving the suggested timelines to advertise and interview for the Coordinator of Auxiliary Programs and School Food Service position.
In order to have more functional labs and classrooms at the Secondary Alternative School in terms of lighting, heating, protection from the elements and safety, Charles Owens presented two change orders for the Board's perusal. The classroom building would have upgraded lighting fixtures, from 2 bulb to 4 bulb, high output fixtures, at an increase of $623.50 and would not have an electrical distribution panel for a reduction of $4,050.00. These changes would lower the original contract price of the classroom building, $38,450.00, by $4,673.50. The lab building would also have the same upgraded lighting fixtures as mentioned above at an increase of $623.50, installation of emergency chemical wash down station for $1,350.00, upgraded air and heating units from heat pumps to energy efficient, 2 ton, gas closet units for $1,800.00, installation of a walkway connecting the two buildings at a cost of $2,161.00, and the installation of the main electrical distribution panel moved from the classroom building for an additional $4,050.00. The change order would raise the original contract price of the lab building, $43,125.00, by $9,984.50. Mr. Owens said 100% of the cost of these changes would be funded by a state grant. He asked the Board to approve the change orders.
After questions and a brief discussion, upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to approve the change orders decreasing the cost of the classroom building by $4,673.50 and increasing the cost of the lab building at the Secondary Alternative School by $9,984.50.
Since the next item of Unfinished Business, John Hays/Morning Paper vs. Lincoln Parish School Board Temporary Restraining Order, involved litigation; Mr. Wright suggested that the Board go into Executive Session.
Upon a motion by Dr. Beasley, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to enter into Executive Session at 7:20 p.m.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to go back into Regular Session at 7:38 p.m.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were discussed:
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to grant/accept the following requests. Mr. Suggs presented items 1.-6. and Mr. Owens presented 7.
1. Retirement, effective June 3, 1999 of:
Ruston High special education teacher, Bonnie Sherrard.
Betty Parks, home economics teacher at Ruston Junior High.
2. Resignation of the following, effective June 3, 1999, unless otherwise stated:
William Carter, music at Dubach/Hico.
Virgie Jackson, Glen View Elementary, effective June 14, 1999.
Debbie Pruitt, special education at Hillcrest.
Jeanette Many, elementary at I. A. Lewis.
Amy Grigsby, preschool at Lincoln Center, effective June 22, 1999.
Jane Hamby, special education at Ruston Elementary.
Steve Johnson, social studies/coach at Ruston High, effective July 1, 1999.
Charles Presley, social studies/coach at Ruston High.
Barbara Stokes, counselor at Ruston High, effective June 21, 1999.
Kathryne Boddie, science at Ruston Junior High, effective June 8, 1999.
Melissa Harwell, math at Ruston Junior High.
Nan Hundemer, science at Ruston Junior High, effective June 22, 1999.
Ben Green, elementary at the Secondary Alternative School.
Natorshau Davis, 1/2 music at Simsboro.
Christina Reeves, science at Simsboro.
Elizabeth Harkleroad, itinerant speech therapist.
3. Request for sabbatical leave for the 99-00 school year, and unless otherwise stated, effective August 18, 1999 for:
Sharon St. Andre, itinerant 1/2 time remediation.
Mary "Libby" Perry, teacher at Ruston Elementary.
Barbara Torbor, Director of Counselors at Ruston High, effective July 1, 1999 and for rest and recuperation.
Jennifer Green, French teacher at Simsboro and for the fall semester only.
According to Mr. Suggs, these requests meet current state and local guidelines for sabbatical.
4. Leave without pay for the 99-00 school year, effective August 18, 1999, for Mandy Bain, math teacher at Ruston Junior High.
Allen Tuten left the meeting at this point.
5. Points of Reference/Transfers not requiring a vote but for information purposes and all effective June 3, 1999 unless otherwise specified:
Steve Baker from Ruston High to a new vocational ag./science position at Choudrant High effective July 1, 1999.
Barbara Boyd from Ruston Elementary to Cypress Springs replacing Frances Burford who retired.
Jan Canterbury from Glen View to 1/2 time librarian at Dubach High replacing Helen Hall who was named principal.
Randy Dunn from Glen View to a new teaching slot at Hillcrest Elementary.
Virginia Suggs from itinerant gifted/talented to Hillcrest Elementary replacing Gail Reeder who retired.
Allison Carodine from Ruston Elementary to Lincoln Center replacing Katina Rhodes who transferred.
Debra Minnifield from I. A. Lewis to special education at Ruston Elementary replacing Jane Hamby who resigned.
Terri Singleton from Hico Elementary to Ruston Elementary replacing Allison Carodine who transferred.
Shauna Vallery from Glen View Elementary to Ruston Elementary replacing Libby Perry who was granted a sabbatical.
Lora Hammons from Dubach High to English at Ruston High replacing Kristie Johnson who resigned.
Diane Madden from Secondary Alternative School to Ruston Junior High replacing Kathryne Boddie who resigned.
Mildred Smith from Lincoln Center to Ruston Junior High replacing Tami Alexander who resigned.
Katina Rhodes from Lincoln Center to a junior high position at Simsboro replacing Steve Miller who resigned.
Phillip Thigpen from Dubach High to math/coach at Simsboro replacing Marcia Colvin who resigned.
6. Employment of the following teachers, effective August 18, 1999, unless otherwise specified:
Susan Feduccia in a new teaching position at Choudrant Elementary.
Julie Schifferer in a new teaching position at Cypress Springs Elementary.
Shane Lee as P.E./coach at Dubach High replacing Phillip Thigpen who transferred.
Pam Pruden as science teacher at Dubach High replacing Tamitha O'Rear who resigned.
Stefanie Parker as teacher at Hillcrest Elementary replacing Kay Huffman who was granted a sabbatical leave.
Cathy Kavanaugh as special education teacher at I. A. Lewis replacing Debra Minnifield who transferred.
Adaryll Moore as teacher at Lincoln Center replacing Mildred Smith who transferred.
Kristi Powell as Title I preschool teacher at Lincoln Center replacing Amy Grigsby who resigned.
Ellen Breed at special education teacher at Ruston Elementary replacing Laureen Mayfield who was granted a sabbatical leave.
Carla DiMento as teacher at Ruston Elementary replacing Helen Bissic who retired.
Vicki Solomon in a new teaching K-3 ratio position at Ruston Elementary.
Robert Arvie as English/coach at Ruston High effective July 21, 1999 replacing Steve Johnson who resigned.
Mark Milstead as vocation agriculture teacher at Ruston High effective July 1, 1999 replacing Steve Baker who transferred.
Tim O'Neal as social studies/coach at Ruston High effective July 21, 1999 replacing Charles Presley who resigned.
Curley Bordelon as 1/2 time math teacher at Ruston Junior High replacing Betty Parks who retired.
Lori Frasier as math teacher at Ruston Junior High replacing Melissa Harwell who resigned.
Jonathan Shows as teacher at Ruston Junior High replacing Nan Hundemer who resigned.
Nancy Durrett as 1/2 time music teacher at Simsboro replacing Natorshau Davis who resigned.
Amy McIntyre as teacher at Simsboro replacing Bonnie Thomason who transferred.
Jennifer Owen as teacher at Simsboro replacing Julia Callaway who resigned.
Karen Roberson as junior high teacher at Simsboro replacing Christina Reeves who resigned.
Kelly Stuckey as social studies/coach at Simsboro replacing Len Bryan who resigned.
Leigh Ann Wawrzyniak in a new K-3 ratio teaching position at Simsboro.
Sonja Cardwell as itinerant school nurse effective August 4, 1999 replacing Jo Tatum who retired.
Kathy Shipp as itinerant IEP Facilitator effective August 1, 1999 replacing Sharon Patterson who retired.
7. Transfer of James Payton into the new Coordinator of Auxiliary Programs and School Food Service slot effective July 1, 1999. He was previously interim transportation supervisor because the Board granted Howard Whitlock a one year sabbatical.
Juanita Duke, Business Manager, told the Board that sales tax monies for the month ending June 30, 1999 rose 4.9% over the same month last year. The year ended with a 9.82% increase over all. Total sales tax collections for the 98-99 fiscal year in the 1967 and 1979 fund were $3,735,179 and $2,241,103 was collected in the 1993 fund. Audit recoveries for the month were unusually large with $22,997 being collected by the outside recovery group. This brings the total sales tax revenue recovered by audits for the year to $109,939 which is $17,267 more than last years' total. Sales tax supplement checks were distributed to employees as anticipated.
A financial update for the month ending May, 1999 was also presented by Ms. Duke. She called attention to the shaded line of the report which gives fund balances. The general fund, the only unrestricted funding source, has a low balance for this time of year. She reiterated that she is expecting at least a $350,000 deficit in the general fund. She reviewed each fund balance and stated her expectations.
Mr. Suggs shared interesting information about three different sets of test scores from the Spring of 1999. On the Graduate Exit Exam (GEE) which 10th and 11th graders take, Lincoln Parish students' scores increased in three areas; English/language arts, science, and social studies; and went down in two areas; mathematics and written composition. However, the parish remains above the state average from one to nine points in all five areas. He noted that this exam will be used for the last time in the Spring of 2000 at which time a new exit testing program will be instituted for 10th and 11th graders. With a second year of IOWA test scores, Mr. Suggs compared 99 and 98 scores. Scores for grade one: +1, grade two: +4, grade three through eight: +3 and -3, grade nine: -3. The 10th and 11th graders took the IOWA for the first time in 1999; therefore, there are no figures from 98 for comparison. "Lincoln Parish has always strived for consistency in its test scores," he said. The new LEAP for the 21st Century is given to 4th and 8th graders and measures their competence in math and English/language arts. There are five performance levels; Advanced, Proficient, Basic, Approaching Basic, and Unsatisfactory. These scores will determine promotion in those grades next year. Those scoring in the unsatisfactory range in both subject areas will not be promoted. Mr. Suggs was pleased with the first LEAP 21 test scores. The parish had a higher percentage in the advanced level in each category and a lower percentage in the unsatisfactory level in each category than the state averages. He reminded Board members that this test is a much harder test than those given in the past and requires the students to use more thinking skills. Overall, it was his opinion, that students in Lincoln Parish continue to test well compared to others in the state and nation.
The State Legislative Auditor's office requires all Louisiana governmental units to complete a Systems Survey & Compliance Questionnaire and submit 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. Dowling, seconded by Ms. Barfield, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Systems Survey & Compliance Questionnaire for fiscal year 99-00 as presented.
The Superintendent had a list of Board meeting dates for 99-00 included in packets.
President Wright mentioned that a LSBA legislative update has been planned in August in Baton Rouge and he encouraged all to attend.
After brief comments the meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
_________________________________ _______________________________
Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President