March 9, 2004

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2004.

The School Board of the Parish of Concordia, State of Louisiana, met in a regular session at the Concordia Parish School Board office in Vidalia, Louisiana, on Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at five-thirty (5:30) o'clock p.m. The meeting was called to order by Ernest Lynn White, President, who after prayer and the Pledge, declared that the Board was ready for the transaction of business.

Members present were Mr. Ernest Lynn White, Rev. Johnnie Brown, Ms. Mary Campbell, Mr. Raymond Riley, Mr. Ricky Raven, Mr Darrell Crofford, Mr. Donald Joseph, Ms. Martha Rabb and Mr. Jimmy Wilkinson.

The following students were recognized for School Level Student of the Year winners:

12^th grade Ferriday High School Rayelle Henderson

Vidalia High School William Frederick Marsalis, Jr.

8^th grade Ferriday Junior High Saleun Fletcher

Vidalia Junior High Hunter Lee Davis

5^th grade Ferriday Upper Elementary Bria NoJuan Harris

The following students were recognized for Parish Level Student of the Year winners:

12^th grade Vidalia High School William Fredrick Marsalis, Jr.

8^th grade Vidalia Junior High Hunter Lee Davis

5^th grade Ferriday Upper Elementary Bria NoJuan Harris

The following schools were recognized for K-12 Accountability Rewards given to schools for Exemplary and Recognized Academic Growth:

Ferriday High School Exemplary Growth $11,702.46

Monterey High School Recognized Growth $9,351.80

Vidalia Upper Elementary Recognized Growth $8,150.05

It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of February 10, 2004.

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Joseph and carried unanimously to approve invoices for the month of January in the amount of $2,430,359.

The Board heard a request from the floor to be heard. A spokesperson for parents requested that a teacher be allowed to return to work prior to being released by a physician. Mr. Jon Guice, Board Attorney, explained the legal position of the Board.

It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. Riley and Mr. Joseph and carried unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 5:45 p.m.

It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Ms. Campbell and carried unanimously to return from Executive Session at 6:50 p.m.

It was recommended to the Board that after review by the Personnel Committee, termination of the employee is recommended. It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried 7 to 2 with Rev. Brown voting no and Mr. Riley abstaining.

It was announced that the Board had reached an agreement with Ms. Sue Ann Easterling pursuant to her grievance in order to allow Ms. Easterling to supply additional information to the Board and bring the matter back to the Board for disposition.

Mr. Butcher, Director of Academics, reviewed the 2004-05 school calendar with Board Members. It was moved by Mr. Riley, seconded by Mr. Wilkinson and carried unanimously to approve the 2004-05 school calendar.

CONCORDIA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM

2004-2005 School Calendar

GRADING PERIODS

FIRST SEMESTER..................................................................................................August 12, 2004 - January 10, 2005

SECOND SEMESTER.............................................................................................January 11, 2005 - May 26, 2005

1^st Six Weeks................................................................................................................August 12, 2004 - September 23, 2004

2^nd Six Weeks...............................................................................................................September 24, 2004 - November 8, 2004

3^rd Six Weeks................................................................................................................November 9, 2004 - January 10, 2005

4^th Six Weeks.................................................................................................................January 11, 2005 - February 24, 2005

5^th Six Weeks.................................................................................................................February 25, 2005 - April 15, 2005

6^th Six Weeks................................................................................................................April 18, 2005 - May 26, 2005

MID-SIX WEEK PROGRESS REPORTS

1^st Six Weeks..................................................................................................September 1, 2004

2^nd Six Weeks.................................................................................................November 13, 2004

3^rd Six Weeks..................................................................................................December 1, 2004

4^th Six Weeks..................................................................................................January 26, 2005

5^th Six Weeks..................................................................................................March 16, 2005

6^th Six Weeks.................................................................................................May 4, 2005

IMPORTANT DATES

11 Month Certified Employees report to work.........................................................................................................July 14, 2004

10 Month Certified Employees report to work.........................................................................................................July 28, 2004

New Teacher Orientation.......................................................................August 9-10, 2004

9 Month Certified Employees report to work..........................................................................................................August 11, 2004

9 Month Non-certified Employees report to work..........................................................................................................August 12, 2004

Pre-School Roundup.................................................................................May 6, 2005

Graduation.................................................................................................May 12-13, 2005

Report Cards Issued 2 p.m.........................................................................May 27, 2005

Summer School Dates..................................................................................June 6, 2005 - July 8, 2005

Summer School Teacher Work Days................................................................................................................June 2-3, 2005

TESTING DATES

Fall Semester Exams............................................................................................................December 14-16, 2004

GEE 21 & GEE Retakes Testing.........................................................................................October 18-22, 2004

LEAP/IOWA/GEE 21 Testing.............................................................................................March 14-18, 2005

Senior Exams........................................................................................................................May 4-6, 2005

Final Exam............................................................................................................................May 24-26, 2005

Summer LEAP Retakes........................................................................................................July 6-8, 2005

EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS (1:00 P.M.) SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

August 12, 2004 First Day of School Labor Day - September 6, 2004

September 8, 2004 Staff Development Fall Break & Election Day - November 1-2, 2004

October 1, 2004 Conference Day Thanksgiving - November 22-26, 2004

October 13, 2004 Staff Development Christmas - December 20-31, 2004

November 10, 2004 Staff Development Martin L. King Day - January 17, 2005

December 8, 2004 Staff Development Mardi Gras - February 7-8, 2005

December 17, 2004 Christmas Holidays Easter Break - March 25, 2005 - April 1, 2005

January 21, 2005 Conference Day

May 24-26, 2005 Final Exams

Rev. Brown asked that the Board look into an incentive for personnel not to abuse sick leave. The Board was reminded that it would not be possible to provide incentives to personnel due to legal issues.

Rev. Brown asked if there were plans or programs to address drug abuse at the junior high and high school level. The Board was reminded of the following programs already in place to address drug use/abuse such as Title IV, D.A.R.E., Get Real About Violence and Lifeskills.

The Board was also reminded that the Reading First Grant would place counselors at the elementary level.

Rev. Brown asked that the area of math and science be looked into. Mr. Huhn, Director of Federal programs informed the board that a grant for math and science has been applied for and, if approved, will be for three years.

Mr. Riley addressed the Board concerning the appointment of an assistant superintendent. He reminded the Board that this had been discussed in times past. Mr. Riley wanted to know what the policy would be on this position. There was general discussion concerning advertising for the position or making the appointment upon the recommendation of the superintendent.

Mr. Riley requested that Superintendent Laster bring something in writing to the Board on how an assistant superintendent would be appointed.

Mr. Crofford made a motion to table the issue and allow the new Board to handle the matter.

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Joseph to table the matter until the next meeting.

There was general discussion concerning the appointment of an assistant superintendent. Mr. Riley requested that next month the Board consider the method of appointing an assistant.

The Board was reminded that all is subject to the will of the Board unless there is a policy in place.

Superintendent Laster was asked for her feelings on the matter. No comment was made.

Mr Riley stated that no one was second in charge and that the Board needed to come back next month "rock solid" on the issue. Mr. Crofford stated that he did not feel that the Board had enough information on the issue.

The motion carried 8 to 1, with Mr. Riley not voting.

Mr. Riley also requested that Building and Grounds committee meetings be set at a time when he could attend the meetings. Mr. Riley stated that he wanted the meetings held at 4:00 p.m. or after. Mr. Riley was informed that the meetings could be arranged when he would be off and able to attend.

Ms. Fairbanks reviewed the purchasing cooperative resolutions. It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the Child Nutrition Purchasing Cooperative Agreement.

It was moved by Ms. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the following personnel items:

Resignations:

Sherika Taylor, Paraprofessional, Ferriday Lower Elementary, effective February 24, 2004

Charles Chandler, Teacher, Ferriday Junior High, effective May 27, 2004

Shirley A. Percy, Teacher, Ferriday Upper Elementary, effective May 27, 2004

Kim DeSylva, Teacher, Ferriday Upper Elementary, effective May 27, 2004

Melvara Bell Wilson, Teacher, Ferriday High School, effective May 27, 2004

Jennifer D. Adams, Teacher, Vidalia High School, effective May 27, 2004

Retirements:

Patricia A. Washington, Teacher, Ferriday High School, effective February 20, 2004

Amy Y. Blunschi, Teacher, Ferriday Lower Elementary, effective May 27, 2004

Mary Ann V. Adams, Teacher, Ferriday Lower Elementary, effective October 12, 2004

Mary G. LeBlanc, Teacher, Ferriday High School, effective May 27, 2004

Nancy King, Teacher, Vidalia Upper Elementary, effective May 27, 2004

Katie Moore, Teacher, Ferriday Upper Elementary, effective May 27, 2004

Change in Coaching Assignment

Ashley Avery- Monterey High School, requests release from Softball Coaching duties

Leaves

Latara Corner, Band Director, Vidalia High School, maternity leave, effective February 10, 2004

Terri Nan Mount, Teacher , Monterey High School, medical leave, effective February 2, 2004, through May 27, 2004

Mary Ann V. Adams, Teacher, Ferriday Lower Elementary, leave effective Aug.12, 2004- October 11, 2004

Appointments:

La; Shinda S. Nix, Ferriday Lower Elementary, Paraprofessional, to fill position, effective March 1, 2004

Olivia Paul, Teacher, Monterey High School, effective for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year, effective February 10, 2004

Major Henry Storey, Ferriday High School- JROTC

Catherine Matthews, Teacher, Vidalia Lower Elementary, reappointment as Kindergarten teacher, effective August 12, 2004

Leonard Turner, Vidalia Upper Elementary, temporary Interim Head Custodian, effective February 13, 2004

Transfers:

Anthony Clomon, Band Director, from Ferriday High School to Vidalia High School effective February 10, 2004, for leave period of Vidalia High School Band Director only

Belinda D. Baroni, Teacher, Vidalia Lower Elementary to Vidalia Upper Elementary as Library Media Specialist, effective 2004-2005 school year

It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried 7 to 2 with Mr. Crofford and Mr. Joseph voting no, to add a parent request to be heard to the agenda.

It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Ms. Rabb to place the student at the alternative center for the remainder of the school year.

There was lengthy discussion of the issue. Mr. Jon Guice, Board attorney cautioned the Board that there was not enough information available to the Board to make an informed decision. Mr. Guice advised the Baord that he would contact Judge Kathy Johnson's office to obtain the needed information.

Rev. Brown withdrew his motion.

Superintendent Laster made several announcements to the Board.

The Reading First Grant was submitted.
A packet on Test Taking Tips has been made available to principals.
The ministerial alliance had requested the packet for distribution in Sunday School Classes.
The state recalculated school performance scores on a new target. Our scores are positive.

It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. Crofford and carried to adjourn at 7:35 p.m.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2005

The School Board of the Parish of Concordia, State of Louisiana, met in a Public Hearing at the Concordia Parish School Board office in Vidalia, Louisiana, on Tuesday, September 13, 2005, at five-thirty (5:30) o'clock p.m. The meeting was called to order by Raymond Riley, Sr., Vice- President, who after prayer and the Pledge, declared that the Board was ready for the transaction of business.

Members present were: Ms. Mary Campbell, Mr. Raymond Riley, Mr. Ricky Raven, Mr. Jerry Roberts, Mr. Gary Parnham, Ms. Martha Rabb, and Ms. Melanie Watson.

Members absent were: Mr. Jimmy Wilkinson and Mr. Ernest Lynn White.

Mr. Tom O'Neal, Director of Business Affairs, reviewed the resolution to adopt the adjusted millage rate(s) for the tax year 2005 with the millage to remain as is with no increase.

Mr. O'Neal also reviewed the budget process, congratulating the Board for a very successful year.

There was a call for questions or public comments.

It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Mr. Roberts and carried to adjourn at 5:40 p.m.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2005

The School Board of the Parish of Concordia, State of Louisiana, met in Regular Session at the Concordia Parish School Board office in Vidalia, Louisiana, on Tuesday, September 13, 2005, at five-forty (5:40) o'clock p.m. The meeting was called to order by Raymond Riley, Sr., Vice- President, who after prayer and the Pledge, declared that the Board was ready for the transaction of business.

Members present were: Ms. Mary Campbell, Mr. Raymond Riley, Mr. Ricky Raven, Mr. Jerry Roberts, Mr. Gary Parnham, Ms. Martha Rabb, and Ms. Melanie Watson.

Members absent were: Mr. Jimmy Wilkinson and Mr. Ernest Lynn White.

The Board recognized Ms. Dorothy Ulmer and Ms. Jeannie Hall for having received a 2005 Bell South Mini Grant.

The Board recognized Ms. Derinda Smith for having been selected as Middle School Teacher of the Year for Concordia Parish.

It was moved by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of Tuesday, August 9, 2005.

It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Mr. Roberts and carried unanimously to approve the invoices and financial report for the month of August.

It was moved by Mr. Riley, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried to approve the resolution to adopt the adjusted millage rate(s) for the tax year 2005 as follows:

RESOLUTION

BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millage is hereby levied on the 2005 tax roll, on all property subject to taxation by the Concordia Parish School Board.

1) Constitutional 02.97 Mills

2) Additional support for maintaining

and operating of parish schools 24.14 Mills

On roll call vote the following resolution was adopted as follows:

YEAS: Mary H. Campbell

Gary Parham, Sr.

Martha J. Rabb

Ricky L. Raven

Raymond T. Riley, Sr.

Jerry Roberts

Melanie Watson

NAYS None

ABSENT: Ernest L. White

Jimmy Wilkinson

I hereby certify that the above resolution levying the property tax millage for 2005 was adopted at a regular scheduled board meeting of the Concordia Parish School Board on September 13, 2005, by a vote of seven (7) yeas, no nays and two (2) absent, being at least a two-thirds majority of the full membership of the Board as required by Act 433 of 1981.

RESOLUTION

BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millage is hereby levied on the 2005 tax roll, on all property subject to taxation by the Concordia Parish School Board.

1) Acquiring and construction of additional classrooms and

for the providing of additional support for public education 12.55 Mills

On roll call vote the following resolution was adopted as follows:

YEAS: Mary H. Campbell

Gary Parham, Sr.

Martha J. Rabb

Ricky L. Raven

Raymond T. Riley, Sr.

Jerry Roberts

Melanie Watson

NAYS None

ABSENT: Ernest L. White

Jimmy Wilkinson

It was moved by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to adopt the 2005-06 Consolidated Budget as proposed by Mr. O'Neal.

The bids for Fiscal Agents for 2005-06 and 2006-07 were opened. It was moved by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Parnham, and carried unanimously to take the bids under advisement for further study and grant Mr. O'Neal the authority to award.

Ms. Rabb requested that the award be made only after review of the finance committee.

The bids for Vidalia High School Library/Science Facility were as follows:

Company Base Bid Alternate 1 Alternate 2

Skip Converse $1,562,000 $69,000 $68,000

Traxler Construction Co. 1,568,000 62,000 55,000

Wilmar Construction 1,473,620 76,077 64,468

It was moved by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Parnham and carried unanimously to take the bids under advisement and grant Mr. O'Neal the authority to award the bid to the lowest bidder.

Ms. Rabb requested that the award be made only after review and recommendation of the finance committee.

Mr. O'Neal, Director of Business Affairs, provided the Board an update on the Delivery on Loan Proceeds. He advised that the money was in the bank ready to go to work.

It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Ms. Rabb and carried unanimously to adopt the current and future state travel policy.

It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Mr. Roberts and carried unanimously to adopt the Louisiana Compliance Statement for Audit Engagements.

It was moved by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Ms. Rabb and Mr. Parnham, and carried unanimously to approve the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement Resolution.

The Board discussed the possibility of calculating the operational changes for school bus operators every three months. It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Mr. Roberts and carried unanimously to table the issue until the business department and software personnel met to see if payment could be made every month or every three months. Mr. Cockerham and Superintendent would then reach an agreement on the payment method and bring this back to the Board for approval.

It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Mr. Roberts, and carried unanimously to break the lease with the Town of Ferriday for the old Ferriday Seventh Grade School.

The Board discussed hiring a School Resource Officer. Superintendent Kerry Laster presented the Board with a report from the Ferriday Police Department on the number of calls that Ferriday Police responded to last year. This report indicated that the Ferriday Police Department responded to a total of ten (10) calls for the Ferriday Schools last year.

Mr. Howard Jackson, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Board stating that he had requested the School Resource Officer. Mr. Jackson indicated that the Concordia Alternative Center was not dealing with the better students. He indicated that the center housed students with drug convictions as well as attempted murder. Mr. Jackson informed the Board that the numbers presented were not even close to the number of calls made to the schools and he did not want the Board deceived.

Mr. Jackson stated that every child at the Alternative Center was a troubled child. He also stated that the Resource Officer would be on call for all the Ferriday Schools.

Superintendent Laster stated that she had some concerns that Mr. Davis was a bus driver and would not be available during the most needed hours when busses were being unloaded and loaded. Mr. Jackson stated that the police department could still be contacted. Mr. Jackson restated his request that a School Resource Officer be hired to serve the Ferriday Schools and be home based at the Concordia Alternative Center.

Mr. Parnham informed Mr. Jackson that he did not want anything to happen and wanted safer schools, but did not want to make a hasty decision on the matter.

It was moved by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Parnham and carried unanimously to table the issue until the next regular meeting.

Mr. Joshua Scott addressed the Board concerning the disposition of Section 16, T1N, R8E. Mr. Scott was unaware that he did not have a contract on the land. Mr. Scott informed the Board that he was notified by the land office that the Board was putting this section into trees. Mr. Scott also informed the Board that he currently has a crop on the land, he built a base on the land and the only way to get to the property was through his grandfather's land.

It was moved by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Ms. Rabb and carried unanimously to enter into a contract with Mr. Scott after a meeting with Mr. Lynn White, Mr. Tom O'Neal and Mr. Jon Guice.

Superintendent Laster gave an update on hurricane related topics. The Board was informed of the need for additional bus routes as well as the need for additional teachers.

Mr. Howard Jackson provided and update on out-of-zone students.

It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Ms. Rabb and carried unanimously to allow Mr. Roberts to add an item to the agenda concerning the renaming of Viking Stadium.

It was moved by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Parnham and carried unanimously to allow the superintendent to create a committee to rename Viking Stadium. The superintendent would be granted the authority to rename the stadium upon recommendation by the committee.

It was moved by Ms. Campbell, seconded by Ms. Rabb and carried to approve the following personnel items in global.

Resignations

Vernita McKeel, teacher, Ferriday Lower Elementary, effective August 25, 2005

Sabrina Johnson, 3^rd grade teacher, Ferriday Upper Elementary, effective August 22, 2005

Amelia Danyale Bolin, paraprofessional, Vidalia Lower Elementary, effective August 19, 2005

Irene McGraw, bus driver, effective September 7, 2005

Robert Calhoun, custodian, Ferriday High School, effective August 23, 2005

Retirement

James L. Freeman, teacher, Ferriday High School, effective June 30, 2005

LaVerle McEntyre, teacher, Vidalia Lower Elementary, effective September 19, 2005

Appointments

James Sturgeon, 6^th grade math teacher, Ferriday Jr. High, effective September 1, 2005

Rachael Sutherland, 2^nd grade teacher, Vidalia Lower Elementary, effective August 8, 2005

George Barnes, physical education teacher 2/7 of the day Ferriday Education Center, physical science and physical education teacher/coach 5/7 of the day Ferriday High School, effective August 15, 2005 for the 2005-06 school year

Gail Vess, physical science teacher, Ferriday High School, effective August 24, 2005 for the 2005-06 school year

Sharlene Campbell, 3^rd grade teacher, Ferriday Upper Elementary, effective August 22, 2005 for the 2005-2006 school year only

Jennie Perkins, cafeteria manager, Vidalia High School, effective September 6, 2005

Easter Cain, Pre-K paraprofessional, Ferriday Lower Elementary, effective August 11, 2005

Carrie Yearby, Pre-K paraprofessional, Vidalia Lower Elementary, effective August 23, 2005

Monica Martin, technician, Ferriday Lower Elementary, 5 hour to 7 hour technician

Transfers

Linda Alexander, teacher, Ferriday Jr. High, to Ferriday Education Center, math teacher, administrative trainee, effective August 28, 2005

Michael Richey, adult education teacher Concordia Correctional Facility to Ferriday Education Center, effective September 7, 2005

Renee West, Jobs for America's Graduates Coordinator, effective pending State Department approval

It was moved by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Parnham, and carried unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 7:25 p.m.

It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Mr. Roberts and carried unanimously to return to regular session at 8:20 p.m.

Mr. Riley announced that the matter discussed in Executive Session had been turned over to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.

It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Mr. Roberts and carried to adjourn at 8:22 P.M.

_________________________ ________________________

Kerry Laster, Ph.D., Superintendent Ernest Lynn White, Board President