PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2006
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, January 10, 2006, 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. Ricky Raven, Mr. Raymond Riley, Mr. Gary Parnham, Ms. Martha Rabb, Ms. Melanie Watson, Mr. Jimmy Wilkinson and Mr. Ernest Lynn White. Members absent were Mr. Jerry Roberts and Ms. Mary Campbell.
It was moved by Ms. Watson, seconded by Mr. Parnham and Mr. Raven for the officers to remain as they are currently with Mr. Lynn White as president and Mr. Raymond Riley as vice-president.
Mr. White asked if any member requested a change in committee positions. As there were no changes, the Board committees will remain as follows:
Building and Grounds Finance Personnel
Mr. Raymond Riley Mr. Gary Parnham Ms. Mary Campbell
Mr. Lynn White Mr. Jimmy Wilkinson Ms. Martha Rabb
Mr. Jerry Roberts Ms. Melanie Watson Mr. Ricky Raven
Superintendent Laster presented the Citizenship Awards as follows:
Vidalia Lower Ferriday Lower Ridgecrest Monterey
Abby Wilkinson - PreK Xavier White - PreK Mitchel Seals - 1st Grade Hobart Little - PreK
Miranda McClure - PreK Jashun Gordan - PreK Ventra Poole - 2nd Grade Skylar Sanders - K
Thomas Mason - K McKenzie Davis - K Jachob LaPrairie - 1st Grade
Christina Olexy - 1st Grade Tyus Griffin - 1st Grade Jacob Barlow - 2nd Grade
Kymberli McDowell - 2nd Gr. Jordan Bridgewater - 2nd Grade
Ms. Terry Crawford, Concordia Extension Service, presented the Cooper Institute Gold Award. This award was presented to Ms. Loretta Peterman, Principal, Ferriday Lower Elementary School and to Ms. Lillian Franklin, Principal, Ferriday Upper Elementary School.
It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Mr. Parnham and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of December 13, 2005.
It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Mr. Wilkinson and carried unanimously to approve invoices from the month of November in the amount of $3,550,129.
It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Mr. Parnham and carried unanimously for Board Members' compensation and expenses remain at the current level.
It was moved by Mr. Wilkinson, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the following dates for the 2006 Board meetings.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the Request for Public Information form.
Mr. Tom O'Neal, Director of Business Affairs, reviewed the independent audit with Board members. He reported that the audit did not site any financial findings or shortfalls. Mr. O'Neal informed the Board that the issue of shortfalls in controls in the transportation area had been addressed and would be revisited in ninety days.
It was moved by Ms. Watson, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to authorize the additional payment for slab removal in the demolition of the Monterey meat packing plant.
It was moved by Ms. Rabb, seconded by Mr. Parnham and carried unanimously to approve the first reading of the following policies:
ED - Student Transportation Management
DJD - Expense Reimbursement
GBA - Contracts and Compensation
Removal of Policy DJD-R - Expense Reimbursement Regulations
It was moved by Ms. Rabb, seconded by Mr. Parnham, and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of buses by Mr. Rock Davis and Ms. Rose Tillary.
It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Ms. Rabb and carried unanimously to approve the job description and salary schedule for Technology Technician.
It was moved by Ms. Rabb, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the addendum to the agenda as follows:
VIII. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND APPROPRIATE ACTION
1. One-time Increase in Annual 13th Payroll Check Supplements
IX PERSONNEL
Resignations
Carmen Chatman, 2.5 hr. sweeper, Ridgecrest School, effective January 6, 2006
Medical Leave
Vergie Cain, teacher, Ferriday Upper, extended sick leave, effective February 15, 2006, through May 26, 2006
Appointments
Benjamin Carter, 2.5 hour sweeper, Ridgecrest School, effective January 11, 206
Janice Thompson, teacher, Ferriday Upper effective January 11, 2006 for the remainder of the 2005-06 school year
It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve a one time increase in the annual 13th payroll check supplements.
It was moved by Ms. Rabb, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve all personal items in global.
Resignations
Robbie Cade, social studies/English teacher, Ferriday High School, effective December 16, 2005
Beverly Gordon, fifth grade teacher, Ridgecrest Elementary, effective December 16, 2005
Vanessa Johnson, insurance, Central Office, effective January 13, 2006
Barbie Mason, special education paraprofessional, Vidalia Lower Elementary, effective January 6, 2006
Kelvin Cook, school food technician, Ferriday Upper Elementary, effective November 17, 2005
Medical Leave
Linda Lushute, fourth grade teacher, Ferriday Upper, extended sick leave effective January 12, 2006, for the remainder of the 2005-06 school year
Appointments
Ashley Paulk, fifth grade teacher, Ridgecrest Elementary, effective January 3, 2006, for the remainder of the 2005-06 school year
Anise Garnier, social studies/English teacher, Ferriday High School, effective January 3, 2006, for the remainder of the 2005-06 school year
Lucia Gauthier, fourth grade teacher, Ferriday Upper, effective January 3, 2006, for the remainder of the 2005-06 school year
Amanda Stricklin, math teacher, Ferriday High School and Ferriday Jr. High, effective January 4, 2006, for the remainder of the 2005-06 school year
Jerolyn Smith, sixth grade science teacher, Ferriday Jr. High, effective October 24, 2005, for the remainder of the 2005-06 school year
Herman Ceasor, head custodian, Ferriday Jr. High, effective January 11, 2006
Yolanda Henderson, special education paraprofessional, Vidalia Elementary, effective January 6, 2006
It was moved by Mr. Riley, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 6:35 P.M. to hear a grievance filed by Angela McKeel on behalf of her son Dominique McKeel.
It was moved by Ms. Rabb, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to return to regular session at 7:30 P.M.
Mr. White reported that there would be no action taken on the issue discussed in Executive Session and informed the public that the Superintendent would make a response.
Superintendent Laster made several announcements including information on Seal-A-Smile, virtual school courses on-line, Ferriday High School speaker, Dr. Fairest Hill, number of days remaining until testing and Taylor & Sons partnering for employee of the month award.
It was moved by Mr. Riley, seconded by Mr. Parnham, and carried unanimously 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
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.
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, 3rd 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, 6th grade math teacher, Ferriday Jr. High, effective September 1, 2005
Rachael Sutherland, 2nd 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, 3rd 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