PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2008
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 Thursday, April 10, 2008, at six (6:00) o’clock P.M. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Gary Parnham, who after prayer and the Pledge, declared that the Board was ready for the transaction of business.
Members present were, Mr. Daryle Price, Ms. Martha Rabb, Mr. Raymond Riley, Sr., Mr. Gary Parnham, Sr., Ms. Darlene Baker, Ms. Deanie Roberts, Mr. Fred T. Butcher, Mr. Ricky Raven and Ms. Mary Campbell.
Mr. Ralph Kimball, Taylor and Sons Insurance Representative, presented the Taylor and Sons Employee of the Month award to Ms. Lydia Wilson, teacher, Ridgecrest School.
The following students were recognized for having placed at the State D.E.C.A. conference:
Elected as state officers: State Vice President - Chelsey Burley
Northern Region Vice President - Rachel Tubbs
Chelsey Burley - 5th Place, Quick Serve Restaurant Management
Amanda Huff - 4th Place, Food Marketing Management
Hillary Guillot - 3rd Place, Apparel & Accessories
Rachel Tubbs - 1st Place, Apparel & Accessories
Monterey High School was recognized by the State of Louisiana for outstanding test scores for the 2006-07 school term. The school will receive approximately $19,000 in reward money. Ms. Neeva Sibley, principal, thanked the Monterey teachers, staff and students for their hard work. Ms. Sibley announced that a portion of the money would be used to purchase playground equipment for the school.
It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Ms. Rabb and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of March 13, 2008.
It was moved by Mr. Butcher, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve invoices for the month of March in the amount of $3,031,004.
It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Ms. Baker and carried unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 6:20 P.M.
It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Ms. Baker and carried unanimously to return from Executive Session at 7:17 P.M.
It was moved by Ms. Baker, seconded by Ms. Rabb and carried to uphold the decision of the administration in the matter discussed in Executive Session.
It was moved by Mr. Butcher, and seconded by Ms. Campbell to have three Board meetings per year for academic purposes. There was additional discussion concerning the specifics of the meetings. The motion was amended to read: The Board will have three additional meetings per year to discuss academics. It will be the responsibility of the Superintendent to contact principals, establish a timeline, prepare the agenda and work out the specifics of the meetings. The motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Ms. Rabb and carried unanimously to approve a rate increase for the Data Processing contracted programmer.
It was moved by Ms. Rabb, and seconded by Mr. Riley to replace only the local sliding scale operational allowance with a Fuelman card for the contract drivers. There was lengthy discussion concerning the cost of gasoline and the need for an increase for contract drivers. Mr. Riley called for question on the motion. Mr. Riley amended the original motion to include that the Board will make a decision after the committee meeting next Thursday. Mr. Butcher seconded the amendment. It was carried unanimously to approve the amendment.
It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Ms. Rabb and carried to approve the following recommendation by Superintendent Blankenstein.
Procedure for Reimbursement for State Playoff Games
For 2007-08 and subsequent school years, the Concordia Parish School Board will pay up to a total of $1,500.00 per sport/per high school to assist in deferring the cost of travel to state championship games.
Games which determine eligibility for reimbursement will include the following:
Track Team - State Championship Track Meet
Boy’s Baseball Team - Final Four (State Semi-finals)
Girl’s Softball Team - Final Four (State Semi-finals)
Boy’s Basketball Team - Final Four (State Semi-finals)
Girl’s Basketball Team - Final Four (State Semi-finals)
Football Team - State Championship Football Game
Documentation of actual expenses incurred shall accompany all requests for reimbursement.
Superintendent Blankenstein recommended Ms. Sheila Alwood for the position of Principal of Ferriday Lower Elementary School to be effective April 11, 2008. It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Ms. Baker and carried unanimously to accept the superintendent’s recommendation.
Superintendent Blankenstein recommended Ms. Nancy Anders for the position of Principal of Ridgecrest School to be effective April 24, 2008. It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Mr. Butcher and carried unanimously to accept the superintendent’s recommendation.
It was moved by Mr. Riley, seconded by Mr. Butcher and carried unanimously to approve the Bathroom Project Change Order as proposed by Mr. O’Neal.
It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Ms. Rabb and carried unanimously to approve the resolution which would oppose the takeover by the state of the local tax collections.
It was moved by Mr. Butcher, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the contract for sales tax collection for LaSalle Parish.
It was moved by Mr. Riley, seconded by Ms. Rabb and Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to authorize Mr. O’Neal to dispose of excess vehicles owned by the Concordia Parish School Board.
It was moved by Ms. Campbell, seconded by Ms. Rabb and carried unanimously to approve all personnel items in global.
Resignations:
Ariane Asmore, teacher, Vidalia Lower, effective May 23, 2008
Sarah Ruth Baker, teacher, Vidalia High School, effective May 23, 2008
Kristen Brown, teacher, Vidalia Lower, effective May 23, 2008
Jason Breeland, teacher, Ferriday Jr. High, effective April 4, 2008
Dorothea Davis, teacher, Ferriday Jr. High, effective April 11, 2008
Dorothy Ulmer, math teacher, Vidalia High, effective May 23, 2006
Rikki Knapp, teacher, Ferriday Upper, effective May 23, 2008
Natasha Poole, teacher, Ferriday Upper, effective May 23, 2008
Retirements:
Peggy Crow, teacher, Ferriday Lower, effective August 6, 2008
Anna Gooden, English teacher, Ferriday High, effective May 28, 2008
Errol J. Perez, science teacher, Vidalia High, effective May 23, 2008
Gloria Perez, teacher, Vidalia Lower, effective May 23, 2008
Mary Rebecca Reeves, teacher, Vidalia Jr. High, effective May 23, 2008
Lucille Morace, school secretary, Vidalia Jr. High, effective June 9, 2008
Leave:
Erma Davis, teacher, Ferriday Jr. High, extended medical leave, effective February 2, 2008-March 21, 2008
Appointments:
David Williams, English teacher, Vidalia High School, effective August 8, 2008
It was moved by Mr. Riley, seconded by Ms. Campbell and carried unanimously to adjourn at 8:10 P.M.
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Gary P. Parnham, Board President
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Loretta Blankenstein, Superintendent