LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, October 5, 1999 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, October 5, 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 (arrived after the meeting began), Mr. Otha Anders, Ms. Priscilla Barfield, Mr. Curtis Dowling, Ms. Mattie Harrison, Mr. Jim Kessler, Mr. George Mack, Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Rob Shadoin, and Mr. Allen Tuten.
Absent was Dr. Marty Beasley.
President David Wright called the meeting to order and Mr. Shadoin gave the invocation. Mr. Wright led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and welcomed guests, members of the official staff and of the press.
Upon a motion by Mr. Dowling, seconded by Mr. Tuten, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as distributed.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Mr. Mack, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on September 7, 1999 as printed.
Secondary Supervisor, Mr. Randy Moore, reviewed the background information and selection process on the Teacher of the Year program. He introduced Mr. Chris Barr, Chairman of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce's Education Committee. Mr. Barr spoke of several ways the Chamber and area businesses have been involved in supporting education in Lincoln Parish. He specifically mentioned the fact that three businesses have committed to providing $500 each year for the next three years for a Teacher of the Year. The following 99-00 parish winners were presented with a plaque of appreciation by Superintendent Gerald Cobb on behalf of the Board and $500 from their business sponsor for their excellence and hard work:
Pat Albritton - Simsboro High School - elementary division - Security First Bank
Carol Matthews - A. E. Phillips - junior high division - Hogan Hardwoods
Debbie Pender - Simsboro High School - high school division - J. C. Penney
Mr. Moore announced that he had heard a few hours earlier that Mrs. Albritton has also been selected as the regional Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Abrahm entered the meeting during the Teacher of the Year recognition.
Ruston High School senior, Ifeyinwa Ifeanyi, was recognized and presented a plaque by her principal, Dr. Charles Scriber, for being named a National Achievement Scholarship semi-finalist. National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists, Keren Corley, Rebecca Cross, Kyle Guice, Laura Mitcham, Rachel Serio, and Paul Stellman, were also recognized. Dr. Scriber reminded the Board that these students scored in the top 1% of students in the country who took the PSAT last fall. He also indicated that Ruston High School is the only public high school north of I-10 in Louisiana to have this large number of semi-finalists. He mentioned that Ruston High could not take all of the credit for these students' honors because they were very well prepared by their K-8 schools. After the students introduced their parents, Mr. Wright commended them for their hard work.
Each year the parish applies and receives federal money under Title I of Public Law 81-874 which provides funds for general operation and maintenance, according to Barbara Kirkland, Supervisor of Federal Programs. Eligibility is based upon the number of federally-connected children in the parish. To qualify, children must have a parent employed on federal property, on full-time active duty in any branch of the armed forces, or live on federal property. Approximately 300 students are identified each year which brings in about $10,000 in aid to be placed in the general fund to be used to defray costs that may be incurred as a result of these students moving into our system. She requested permission to apply for these funds.
Upon a motion by Mr. Kessler, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission to apply for Impact Aid funding for 99-00.
Technology Coordinator, Deborah Sandidge, presented her annual request to revise the Lincoln Parish Technology Plan. Revision highlights include strategies to: increase the number of student and teacher work stations, convert business labs from typewriters to computers, upgrade student computer labs to multimedia computers, convert from 56KB fram relay to T1 lines, convert automated library software to network version, and continue participation in FCC/SLD e-rate discount program. She requested approval of the revisions.
Upon a motion by Ms. Barfield, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board unanimously voted to approve the technology plan revisions.
Based on observation from the supervisory staff, the administrative staff, faculty, and parental opinion, the students at the Secondary Alternative School would greatly benefit from a computer lab, Willie Washington, Title I Supervisor, shared. Software from Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC) would cost $41,000, hardware from Time Trends runs $31,000, and Title I is willing to incur this expense in order to establish a 15-station computer lab at the school. The prices include installation of hardware and software, maintenance, and staff development for management of the lab's first year. As CCC is the sole source of the software and the hardware is included on the state contract, the bid process would not need to be utilized. He asked for permission to proceed as outlined.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mack, seconded by Mr. Dowling, the Board unanimously voted to grant permission for Title I to purchase a 15-station computer lab for the Secondary Alternative School.
The Board served as a Committee of the Whole and the following Personnel Committee agenda items were discussed:
Ronnie Suggs, Assistant Superintendent, presented items 1.-5., Brenda Theodos, School Food Service Supervisor, presented 6.-8., and Howard Whitlock, Transportation Supervisor, presented the addendum items, 9.-10.:
1. Retirement of Ruston Junior High teacher, Sue Jones, effective November 13, 1999.
2. Resignation of:
Phillip Thigpen, math teacher/coach at Simsboro effective September 13, 1999.
Central office secretary, Donna Cook, effective October 1, 1999.
3. Leave without pay for the 99-00 school year, effective August 18, 1999, for Leah Hall, itinerant speech therapist.
4. Point of reference (transfer) of Nick Brown from Ruston High to math teacher/coach at Simsboro effective September 9, 1999 replacing Phillip Thigpen who resigned.
5. Employment of the following:
Anthony Dade, effective September 20, 1999, in a new special education aide/coach position at Ruston High.
Effective August 18, 1999, Charles Mathis, in a new Ruston High School ROTC slot.
Pam Pfister, effective September 15, 1999, as science teacher at Ruston High replacing Nick Brown who transferred.
6. Point of Reference (transfer) of Edna Drayton from 4 hour to 7 hour school food service technician position at Ruston High.
7. Resignation of 4 hour school food service technician at Cypress Springs, Wendy Dotson, effective September 15, 1999.
8. Employment effective September 15, 1999 of the following School Food Service personnel:
Sharon Younse as technician at Choudrant replacing Tracie McGowen who resigned.
Four hour technician at Cypress Springs, Linda Lawles, replacing Wendy Dotson who resigned.
Charlotte Woods as technician at Ruston Junior High replacing Stella Richardson who retired.
Technician at Simsboro, Sharon Council, replacing Nina Rogers who retired.
9. Resignation effective September 7, 1999 of bus driver in the Ruston area, Danny Howard.
10. Employment of Pete Theodos, effective September 7, 1999, as bus driver in the Ruston area replacing Danny Howard who resigned.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to approve the personnel requests and recommendations.
Mr. Wright provided background information on a tax proposal needed in order to add to teachers' salaries. At the Tax Proposal Planning meeting on Wednesday, September 22, 1999, it was the consensus of opinion of the members in attendance to move forward in presenting a sales tax/millage proposal to the voters on January 15, 2000. The basic proposal discussed consisted of the following: a 1/2 cent sales tax which would bring in approximately $2,000,000 and a 10 mill ad valorem tax with anticipated revenues of $1,116,000. The sales tax proceeds would be used to fund a certified staff pay increase and related benefits of $2,260-$2,460 and the same for support workers in the $1,130-$1,230 range. One-half of the ad valorem monies would go toward another certified staff pay increase and related benefits of $650-$700 and $325-$350 for support workers. The remaining one-half of the ad valorem collections would provide payment in full of retirees' single coverage health insurance at an approximate cost of $120,000, another $120,000 for parishwide technology, and the remainder of funds would be used to help offset the increasing cost to maintain and upgrade the aging facilities and utility costs, a need indicated by the operating transfer made from the General Fund the past two years. The proposed certified staff pay increase, totalling $2,910 to $3,160, would bring the Lincoln Parish teachers' salaries up from twelfth in comparison with other North Louisiana teachers to fourth. The sales tax supplements currently being paid to all employees in November and June would be included in employee annual salaries and would be paid out in monthly paychecks beginning July 1, 2000 should the propositions pass. Certified employees would see an annual increase of $4,000 and support staff's salaries would increase by $2,000. Because of the original plan to form a tax proposal steering committee, Mr. Wright had asked members to bring a list of nominations for the committee with them to the October 5 regular session. He went around the table and asked for the nominations. After receiving numerous suggestions, he said that he and Superintendent Cobb would meet as soon as possible and design a list of names to form a committee which would be responsible for devising a stratagem and gathering support from the entire parish. After some discussion, questions, and comments, Mr. Wright asked the Board's pleasure concerning the basic tax proposal received from the September 22, 1999 planning meeting.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Mr. Shadoin, the Board unanimously voted to approve the recommended sales tax and millage proposal in order that a formal Resolution can be placed on the October 20, 1999 Board agenda.
Ms. Kirkland told the Board that Career Night has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 17, 1999 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Ruston Junior High School. Parish juniors, seniors, and their parents are invited to attend. Representatives from more than 30 colleges and universities from Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi; Louisiana technical colleges; beauty schools; and all branches of the armed services will be available to meet with those interested in attending the various schools. Information on scholarships, financial aid, ACT requirements, and admission policies will also be presented. This annual event is coordinated by Ms. Kirkland and the parish high school guidance counselors. No Board action was required but it was noted by a Board member that this is an outstanding source of valuable information for our students and their parents and is always so well organized.
Ms. Juanita Duke, Business Manager, told the Board that the 1967 and 1979 sales tax collections for September were $282,946.90 which is a 1.76% decrease over the same month last year but is better than the 97-98 collections. Collections for the year are down $65,744.25 in those two funds which is a 6.74% decrease. Collections for the month in the 1993 fund were $169,767.80 which is a decrease of $3,048.92 over the same month last year. That fund is down $39,446.51 for the year. The percentages are the same. Recovered from audits is about 22.80% of last years' total with $13,857.82 being recovered during September. This brings the total recoveries by audit for the year to $25,069.28.
Ms. Sandidge shared, "where we are and where we hope to be," in relation to technology in the parish. Specifics she mentioned were: over 300 multimedia computers have been purchased in the last 3 years which are located in classrooms, libraries, and offices; all 18 schools are completely wired for Internet; 15 schools have a computer lab; 10 of the school libraries are fully automated; approximately 60% of school administrators and counselors have a multimedia computer which is used extensively in daily work; all business education departments will be fully computerized by the end of this year; Internet content filtering software is being installed on classroom and lab computers; anti-virus software will also be installed on the network; administrative computers were converted to Y2K compliance during 98-99; and finally that maintenance of aging computers and peripherals is becoming a main concern. Targeted goals alluded to were: more than a single computer in classrooms; other technologies such as digital cameras, scanners, projectors, and interactive software; improved distance learning equipment; addition of courses to high school curricula giving students an opportunity to expand their technological knowledge; online courses to be designed and implemented in all core and/or elective curricula; and professional development online courses to be designed and implemented for teachers to receive training at their convenience and at their own pace. She requested no Board action but shared for informational purposes only.
Mr. Suggs said the administration is quite pleased with the first-ever School Performance Scores. Overall, consistency continues to be shown as Lincoln Parish continues to rank among the top systems in the area and in the state. He reviewed the six school performance categories which are School of Academic Excellence (150.0 and above), School of Academic Distinction (125.0 - 149.9), School of Academic Achievement (100.0 - 124.9), Academically Above Average (69.4 - 99.9), Academically Below Average (30.1-69.3), and Academically Unacceptable School (30.0 or below). Hillcrest Elementary was the only school in Lincoln Parish to rank as a School of Academic Achievement with a score of 102.6 and Dubach High School was the only parish school in the Academically Below Average category. All other schools, excluding the lab schools, rated Academically Above Average with scores between 95.7 and 72.5. Mr. Suggs did note that the lowest score in the Above Average range was a 69.4 and Dubach scored a 65.3. Since there is no Average category, Dubach fell in the Below Average group. He shared how accountability presently affects and will influence the immediate future our schools, students, and personnel. Growth targets were discussed along with timelines and the leadership's strategy for getting Lincoln Parish ready for the accountability program.
At the previous meeting of the Board on September 7, 1999, eleven revised policies were presented for scrutiny until the next meeting of the Board. Superintendent Cobb recommended approval of the eleven revised policies.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve the revised Policy Development, BD; Sabbatical Leave, GBRHA; General Leaves of Absence, GBRIA; Sick Leave, GBRIB; Acceptable Use Policy for School Computer Systems and the Internet - Student Use, IFBGA; Acceptable Use Policy for School Computer Systems and the Internet - Faculty Use, EFA; Prayer in Schools, IKDC; Student Conduct, JCD; Discipline, JD; Suspension, JDD; and Expulsion, JDE; policies.
Having already received permission to advertise for bids for library books for the 99-00 school year, Mr. Moore recommended that the Board accept the low bid which was submitted by Brodart.
Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Ms. Harrison, the Board unanimously voted to accept the bid of Brodart Company for library books for 99-00 with an option to renew in 00-01.
Following Howard Whitlock's introduction of his family, Elementary Supervisor, Danny Bell, read a Resolution honoring the late Jackie Whitlock, Title I Supervisor and Mr. Whitlock's wife.
Upon a motion by Mr. Tuten, seconded by Mr. Kessler, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following:
Resolution
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Lincoln Parish School Board expresses appreciation to the family of Mrs. Jackie Woodard Whitlock for her remarkable record in shaping the lives of so many of our children and youth.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we express our sympathy in the loss of her physical presence.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we offer our gratitude to God for the significant and lasting contributions she has left with us.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the family and also reflected on the official minutes of the Lincoln Parish School Board.
In the Report of the Superintendent, Dr. Cobb mentioned that:
1) Rankings and comparisons in North Louisiana which will make good talking points to study and share regarding Lincoln Parish's taxing effort, rates, millages, Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) raises, and teacher salaries was included in portfolios.
2) Another item inserted was a letter from the State Department regarding MFP and funding.
3) The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 20, at Lincoln Center at 12:30.
After brief questions, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
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Gerald W. Cobb, Secretary David Wright, President