PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015
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, December 10, 2015. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Raymond Riley, Sr., who after prayer and the Pledge, declared that the Board was ready for the transaction of business.
Members present were Mr. Warren Enterkin, Ms. Mary Campbell, Mr. Fred T. Butcher, Mr. Ronnie Bradford, Mr. Raymond Riley, Ms. Cheryl Probst, Mr. John Bostic, Mr. Jeffery Goodman and Mr. Rickey Raven.
Dr. Paul Nelson recognized the Christmas Card Art Contest Winners.
Pre-K - 2nd Grade
1st Place – Jaden Lee, 1st grade, Vidalia Lower, Ms. Sanders’s class
1st Place – Hope Jordan, 2nd grade, Vidalia Lower, Ms. Bell’s class
2nd Place – Isabella Young, Kindergarten, Vidalia Lower, Ms. Fielder’s class
3rd Place – Kolbi Brown, 1st grade, Vidalia Lower, Ms. Beach’s class
3rd - 5th Grade
1st Place – Kyshaune McCullar, 5th grade, Ferriday Upper, Ms. Smythe’s class
2nd Place – Orquavious Jefferson, 5th grade, Ferriday Upper, Ms. Wallace’s class
3rd Place – Keya’Nasia Scott, 5th grade, Ferriday Upper, Ms. Perry’s class
Junior High School
1st Place – Grace Montpelier, 7th grade, Vidalia Jr. High, Ms. Vaughn’s class
2nd Place – McKenzie Thompson, 8th grade, Concordia Academy, Ms. Neal’s class
2nd Place – Chesney Seals, 8th grade, Concordia Academy, Ms. Neal’s class
3rd Place – Jada Posey, 7th grade, Vidalia Jr. High, Ms. Thornton’s class
High School Division
1st Place – Octavia Sims, 11th grade, Ferriday High School, Ms. Henderson’s class
2nd Place – Madison Carney, 11th grade, Monterey High School, Ms. McIntosh’s class
3rd Place – Hilary Saunders, 11th grade, Vidalia High School, Ms. Allison Smith’s class
3rd Place – Madison Taliaferro, 11th grade, Monterey High School, Ms. Steven’s class
Committee reports were presented.
It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Ms. Probst and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of November 12, 2015.
It was moved by Mr. Butcher, seconded by Mr. Enterkin and carried unanimously to approve invoices in the amount of $3,802,496 for the month of November.
It was moved by Mr. Bradford, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the following Policies for the Second Reading.
GAK – Personnel Records JBD – Student Absences & Excuses
GAMFA – Employee Communicable Diseases JDD - Suspension
IDCJ – Supplemental Educational Services JGCC – Student Communicable Diseases
II – Testing Program
It was moved by Mr. Goodman, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously for the board to enter into Executive Session at 6:15 p.m. to pursuant La.R.S.42:17 to discuss potential litigation: Irma J. Smith, et al, and United States of America v. Concordia Parish School Board, et al. Civil Action No.: 65-cv-1157, United States District Court; Western District of Louisiana.
It was moved by Mr. Bradford, seconded by Mr. Bostic and carried unanimously to return to Regular Session at 7:04 p.m.
It was moved by Mr. Butcher, seconded by Mr. Bostic and carried to authorize the attorney to continue the negotiation with the US Justice Department and the Delta Charter School in relation to the Federal Desegregation Order. Motion passed six to two.
Roll call vote is as follows:
Mr. Ronnie Bradford – No
Mr. Fred T. Butcher – Yes
Ms. Mary Campbell – Yes
Mr. Jeffery Goodman – Yes
Mr. John Bostic – Yes
Ms. Cheryl Probst – Yes
Mr. Rickey Raven – No
Mr. Raymond Riley, Sr. – Yes
Mr. Warren Enterkin – Had to leave
Let the record show that Mr. Fred T. Butcher’s motion is not in reference to the original lawsuit, but focused on Delta Charter’s compliance with the order and the judge’s desire for the parties to come to a settlement without an actual trial.
It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Mr. Bradford and carried unanimously for the board to enter into Executive Session at 7:10 p.m. to pursuant La.R.S.42:6.1 to discuss the Superintendent’s Contract.
It was moved by Mr. Bostic, seconded by Ms. Probst and carried unanimously for the board to return to Regular Session at 7:20 p.m.
It was moved by Mr. Bostic, seconded by Mr. Bradford and carried unanimously to accept Dr. Nelson’s resignation within the terms of his contract.
The following Personnel Announcements were made:
Leaves:
Karen Nelson, teacher, Vidalia Upper Elementary School, extended medical leave, effective November 13, 2015 through January 4, 2016.
Patricia Poole, teacher, Ferriday Lower Elementary School, return from extended medical leave, effective November 18, 2015.
Resignations:
Amanda Wingfield, math teacher, Vidalia High School, effective January 4, 2016.
Amanda Beard, 2nd grade teacher, Vidalia Lower Elementary School, effective January 4, 2016.
Retirements:
Myra Price, science teacher, Ferriday High School, effective May 23, 2016.
Hattie Derozan, 5 hour / 10 month janitor, Vidalia Lower Elementary School, effective December 7, 2015.
Sharon Davis, ELA teacher, Ferriday Junior High School, effective December 15, 2015.
Dr. Paul Nelson made the following announcements:
The first semester will end on Friday, December 18, 2015.
The schools will close on Friday, December 18, 2015, at 12:30 p.m. After successfully closing all schools, I anticipate closing the central office at 2:00 p.m. The office will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2016, and students will return on Tuesday, January 5, 2016.
The December 2015, supplement check will be distributed on Friday, December 11, 2015.
There will be a Special Board meeting held on next Thursday, December 17, 2015, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
It was moved by Mr. Butcher, seconded by Mr. Bostic and carried unanimously to adjourn at 7:25 P.M.