PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2023

The School Board of the Parish of Concordia, State of Louisiana, met in Regular Session at the Vidalia City Hall meeting room in Vidalia, Louisiana, on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.  The meeting was called to order by Board President, Mr. Fred Butcher.  Mr. Butcher, after prayer and the Pledge, declared that the Board was ready for the transaction of business.

Board members present were Mr. Wayne Wilson, Mrs. Dorothy Parker, Mr. Fred Marsalis, Sr., Mr. Derrick Carson, Mr. Fred Butcher, Mrs. Lisette Forman, Mr. Matt Taunton, Mrs. Angela Hayes, and Mrs. Vanessa Houck. 

Superintendent Bachus recognized the summer graduates:  Zaria Jefferson, Roosevelt Lewis, and Jordan Cauley.  Wearing her cap and gown, Ms. Jefferson walked into the board room while the traditional music “Pomp and Circumstance” was played.  Roosevelt Lewis, also wearing his cap and gown, entered a few minutes later as Mr. Butcher gave words of encouragement to the graduates.  Jordan Cauley did not attend.  A small reception was given for the graduates and their families in the adjacent kitchen while the board meeting continued.

Mr. Keith Capdepon with Bryant Hammett & Associates gave an update on the football field projects at Ferriday High School and Vidalia High School.  He reported that the Ferriday field is on schedule, but the Vidalia field will need more time, about September 10th, for the sod to root. 

Marco Gonzalez was not present so Mr. Tom O’Neal gave the update on the ESSER projects of windows and HVAC systems.  O’Neal explained that he has been working on the bid packages for the Vidalia and Monterey windows projects.  Those advertisements will run in the Concordia Sentinel August 16, 23, and 30.  The school board will receive bids on September 12, two days prior to the next board meeting.  We will expect the architects and Mr. Gonzalez to go over the bids and make a recommendation to you at the September meeting.  Mr. Butcher asked if a special meeting would be necessary.  O’Neal stated there might need to be a special meeting for the Ferriday windows project later.  The Ferriday package is not ready to go out for bids.  We’re hoping it will be ready so we can advertise August 23, August 30, and September 6.  We will be able to receive them by September 19 and have a recommendation by September 21.  We may have to call a special meeting at that time.  O’Neal explained that hopefully by advertising the projects separately there won’t be a materials holdup that might affect both projects. 

The committee reports were presented. 

Mrs. Forman reported in the Finance Committee report that they decided to change the terminology of the Special Education Department to Exceptional Education.

It was moved by Mrs. Parker, seconded by Mrs. Forman, and unanimously carried to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on July 13, 2023.

Mr. Fred Marsalis, Jr., gave the financial report with invoices in the amount of $4,191,663 for the month of July 2023.  It was moved by Mrs. Forman, seconded by Mrs. Hayes and unanimously carried to approve the financial report.

Mrs. Rhonda Moore presented the personnel report.  The report was available in the board members’ binders.

School Administrators:

Ricky Collins, Assistant Principal, Ferriday High School, to Principal, FHS Freshman Academy, effective July 27, 2023.

Joseph Smith, Principal, FHS Freshman Academy, to Principal, Ferriday High School, effective July 27, 2023.

Jamie Taunton, Teacher / Administrative Intern, Monterey High School, to Assistant Principal, Monterey High School, effective July 13, 2023.

Melissa Doughty, Interim Principal, Monterey High School, to Principal, Monterey High School, effective July 1, 2023. (Date correction).

Susan Carpenter, Interim Assistant Principal, Vidalia Junior High School, effective July 25, 2023.

Leaves:

Kristen Thurman, Teacher, Ferriday Upper Elementary School, maternity leave, effective August 7, 2023 through August 18, 2023.

Tracy Fleming, Teacher, Vidalia High School, return from family medical leave, effective August 1, 2023.

Appointments:

Janica Green, Paraprofessional, Ferriday Junior High School, effective August 9, 2023.

Victoria Wilson, Paraprofessional, Ferriday Junior High School, effective August 9, 2023.

Victoria Harper, Teacher, Vidalia Lower Elementary School, effective August 7, 2023.

Loren Price, Teacher, Ferriday Lower Elementary School, effective August 7, 2023.

Courtney Carter, JAG Specialist, Vidalia Junior High School, effective August 7, 2023.

Za’Keedra Spurs, Teacher, Ferriday High School, effective August 7, 2023.

T’Keyah Fletcher, Teacher, Ferriday Lower Elementary School, effective August 7, 2023.

Lashanti Martin, Paraprofessional, Ferriday Lower Elementary School, effective August 9, 2023.

Shirley Cruel, Teacher, Ferriday Junior High School, effective August 9, 2023.

Jaley Havard, Behavior Interventionist, Ferriday Upper Elementary School, effective August 7, 2023.

Zuri Brown, Librarian / Teacher, Ferriday High School, effective August 7, 2023.

Nicole Tewes, Teacher, Vidalia High School, effective August 7, 2023.

Hilda Hunter Stewart, Teacher, Vidalia Lower Elementary School, effective August 7, 2023.

Marcisha Johnson, Teacher, Vidalia Lower Elementary School, effective August 7, 2023.

Cylynthia Bertrand, Teacher, Vidalia Junior High School, effective August 7, 2023.

Kimberly Graves, Teacher, Concordia Parish Academy of MST, effective August 7, 2023.

Nathaniel Hood, Interim Teacher/Band Director, Ferriday High School, effective July 31, 2023.

Ashlee Willson, Teacher, Monterey High School, effective August 7, 2023.

James Thomas, General Maintenance, CEC/FHS, effective August 1, 2023.

Raven Butler, Paraprofessional, Vidalia Upper Elementary School, effective August 9, 2023.

Sharron Williams, Teacher, Ferriday Upper Elementary School, effective August 7, 2023.

Shamoni Jenkins, Teacher, Vidalia Upper Elementary School, effective August 7, 2023.

Resignations:

Nancy Clingon, Teacher, Concordia Parish Academy of MST, effective August 4, 2023.

Walter Clingon, Teacher, Concordia Parish Academy of MST, effective August 4, 2023.

Annetta Book, Teacher, Vidalia High School, effective August 5, 2023.

Ebony Campbell, Teacher, Ferriday Upper Elementary School, effective August 4, 2023.

Nikki Walsworth, School Secretary, Vidalia High School, effective July 25, 2023.

Shannon Doughty, Principal, Ferriday High School, effective July 26, 2023.

Monica Skipper, Teacher, Ferriday High School, effective August 3, 2023.

Jasmine Fells, Behavior Interventionist, Ferriday Upper Elementary School, effective August 4, 2023.

Debra Walker, SFS Technician, Ferriday Junior High School, effective July 31, 2023.

Debra Spurs, SFS Technician, Monterey High School, effective August 4, 2023.

Stacey Wright, Paraprofessional, Ferriday Junior High School, effective August 7, 2023.

Tariq Jackson, General Maintenance, Central Administration, effective August 8, 2023.

Gail Conner, Paraprofessional, Vidalia Lower Elementary School, effective August 9, 2023.

Transfers:

LaTonya Dixon, Teacher, Ferriday Lower Elementary School, to Teacher, Concordia Parish Academy of MST, effective August 7, 2023.

Alethia Lawrence, Teacher, Concordia Parish Academy of MST, to Teacher, Vidalia Upper Elementary effective August 7, 2023.

Terry Watson, Paraprofessional, Ferriday Lower Elementary School, to School Secretary, Ferriday Lower Elementary effective July 25, 2023.

Natesha Harris, Teacher, FHS Freshman Academy, to JAG Specialist, Vidalia Junior High School, effective August 7, 2023.

Argee Crowell, Teacher, Ferriday Junior High School, to Teacher, Concordia Parish Academy of MST, effective August 7, 2023.

Retirements:

Elizabeth Baker, School Secretary, Ferriday Lower Elementary School, effective August 10, 2023.

Non-Renewals:

Veleka Bousley, Behavior Interventionist, Ferriday High School, effective August 4, 2023.

Sirena Harris, Behavior Interventionist, Ferriday Junior High School, effective August 4, 2023.

Mr. O’Neal gave an update on the central office.  A pre-construction meeting was held Monday, July 31.  We’re looking at October 1, 2023, to get back into the building.

Mr. O’Neal then announced the election call for November 18, 2023.  It was moved by Mrs. Parker, seconded by Mrs. Forman and unanimously carried to authorize the renewal of a special tax of 13 mills on all property subject to taxation in the school district.  The term of the tax is 10 years, beginning with the year 2025 and ending with the year 2034, for the purpose of acquiring and constructing additional classrooms for public schools in the district and for giving additional support for constructing, improving, maintaining and operating public schools and school related facilities in the district, including payment of salaries of teachers and other school system employees.  A roll call vote was taken:

            Mr. Wayne Wilson                     Yea

            Mrs. Dorothy Parker                  Yea

            Mr. Fred Marsalis, Sr.                Yea

            Mr. Derrick Carson                    Yea

            Mr. Matt Taunton                       Yea

            Mrs. Angela Hayes                    Yea

            Mrs. Lisette Forman                   Yea

            Mrs. Vanessa Houck                 Yea

            Mr. Fred Butcher                       Yea.

The motion passed by 9 yea, 0 nay, and 0 abstain.

Mr. O’Neal presented the sealed bids for copy paper, cleaning supplies, and janitorial supplies as follows: 

The board members considered the copy paper bids first.  It was moved by Mr. Carson, seconded by Mrs. Parker and unanimously carried to take the copy paper bids under advisement and give Superintendent Bachus and Mr. O’Neal the authority to award the contract to the lowest bidder meeting the specifications.

The board members then considered the bids for paper, cleaning and janitorial supplies.  It was moved by Mrs. Forman, seconded by Mr. Marsalis, Sr., and unanimously carried to take the paper, cleaning, and janitorial bids under advisement and give Superintendent Bachus and Mr. O’Neal the authority to award the contracts to the lowest bidder meeting the specifications.

Superintendent Bachus introduced the discussion of Item E, Consider Approval of Assistant Business Director’s Pay Scale.  She noted that there are two issues to consider:   (1)  The base pay scale increase of 15% for the executive business manager’s pay beginning July 1, 2023, in the amount of $4,925.75, and (2)  to go back to February 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023, to begin the prorated adjustment to his base pay for the 15% increase.  That amount is $1,985.25.  It was moved by Mrs. Forman and seconded by Mr. Taunton to accept the recommendation of Superintendent Bachus for the base pay scale increase of 15% for the executive business manager’s pay beginning July 1, 2023, in the amount of $4,925.75.  Mr. Carson asked what the increase was based upon.  Superintendent Bachus stated it was for a higher education degree as they had done for all other positions.  The motion carried by 8 yeas and 1 abstention by Fred Marsalis, Sr.

It was moved by Mrs. Forman to approve the request of Mr. Fred Marsalis, Jr., the Executive Business Manager, to go back to February 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023, to begin the prorated adjustment to his base pay for the 15% increase.  That amount is $1,985.25.   It was noted by Superintendent Bachus that she did not recommend this adjustment to pay as that would be to go against our attorney’s advice.  The motion died for the lack of a second. 

Mr. Marsalis presented the board members with a quote from Easterling Music Company for $5,500 each to supply and install new additional audio/visual systems at the football stadiums at Ferriday High School and Vidalia High School.  It was moved by Mr. Carson, seconded by Mr. Marsalis, Sr., to accept the quotes of $5,500 for each school to have new additional audio/visual systems supplied and installed at FHS and VHS and the schools will reimburse the school board over a period of two years.  The principals of each school were present at the meeting, and they agreed to reimburse the school board over the next two years for the expense of the additional audio/visual systems.  Mr. Butcher suggested that at the next meeting the board needed to get a list of what the schools owe the board already and offer them a payment plan with all payments combined.

There was discussion on the unsafe condition of the bleachers at the Ferriday High School football stadium.  Mr. Wilson reported that he had looked at the bleachers with Mr. Henderson and had seen that the base was rusted out and really should not be used in its present condition.  It was moved by Mrs. Parker, seconded by Mrs. Forman and unanimously carried to declare an emergency to repair the bleachers on the visitors’ side and authorize Superintendent Bachus and Mr. O’Neal to draw up the specs needed and find someone to do this work.  Mr. Butcher noted that we need to get two bids to find out how much this is going to cost, and how fast the repairs can be made.  Mr. Marsalis suggested that while we are looking at the bleachers at FHS, we should check the bleachers at Vidalia High School as well.  Mr. Butcher agreed and made that request to Superintendent Bachus. 

Mr. Wilson said there is an issue with the fencing at the football fields.  At Vidalia the contractor had to take down more fence there to get the slope on the field out.  But the fence is in front of the home side and needs to be changed out also.  At Ferriday there is a fence that ties into what was put back in and it should be replaced.  Brant Young got a bid of $12,000-$13,000 to replace both fences.  The fence at Vidalia is more of a safety and eyesore issue, being bent over and patched and welded on over the years.  With an updated stadium, we should make the fences look better too.

Fred Marsalis, Jr., asked permission to address the board, noting that he attempted to speak while there was discussion on the adjustment of his pay.  Mr. Butcher stated that three or four items have been discussed since that item was voted on.  Butcher then asked Superintendent Bachus what was her pleasure.  She said to allow permission for Marsalis, Jr., to speak.  Mr. Marsalis, Jr., first thanked the board for approving the first item on the superintendent’s recommendation.  He then asked the board to reconsider the second part of the pay scale issue of going back to February 1^st, the date of his first request to the board members for an increase in pay. He noted that nothing has changed since February 1^st, the job description did not change, the certification did not change, and the education degree did not change.  He indicated that this has taken seven months to get an answer and that if the board had answered the request in February, his pay would have changed then.  Marsalis asked the board to reconsider the second part of the pay scale issue, ask for a second to the motion and take a roll call vote.  Mr. Butcher asked John Blanchard, board attorney, for his opinion.  Blanchard said the board has already taken action on that item, but that a board member who did not make the motion could be a path to ask for reconsideration, but you’ve passed the action item on the agenda.  He said if any reconsideration was to be had, a board member who did not vote for the second would have to make that an action item at a future board meeting. 

Mr. Wilson continued his report on the fencing at Ferriday High School.  Mr. Butcher said he’d like to see something other than a chain link fence.  Mr. Wilson said Brant Young is looking at a commercial grade fence.   Mr. Taunton said they are talking about the fence between the stadium and the field where the people always lean on it. After discussion it was moved by Mrs. Forman, seconded by Mr. Marsalis, Sr., and unanimously carried to have Superintendent Bachus, her staff, as well as Mr. Wilson go and see specifically what Mr. Wilson is looking at and see what kind of product he’s talking about so everybody can be on the same page.

It was moved by Mrs. Forman, seconded by Mrs. Houck, and unanimously carried to enter into executive session for a strategy session and/or action, as necessary, regarding litigation entitled Smith, et. al. v. Concordia Parish School Board, et. al., Civil Action No. 65-11577 on the docket of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.  The time was 7:28 PM.

 At 7:55 PM it was moved by Mrs. Forman, seconded by Mr. Marsalis, Sr., and unanimously carried to come back into regular session.  Mr. Butcher noted that legal matters had been discussed in executive session.

Mr. Marsalis, Sr., told board members he had the opportunity last week to meet with the ladies who wrote a book and developed the program, Lovescaping, that Superintendent Bachus has introduced to our system.  He told them, “You need to read this book.”  We are planning for November 2, to outreach to share with mayors and everyone about this program because it’s very good.  Mr. Marsalis placed a copy of the book at each board member’s seat prior to the meeting.

Announcements:

·         Superintendent Toyua Bachus stated that today we had our Back-to-School Professional Development Day with all our staff.  Mr. Larry Bell was the speaker.  She guaranteed that no teacher thought it was a waste of time.  It appeared that everyone had a great time. 

·         The town halls in Ferriday and Vidalia were well attended.  Mr. Cooley shared information at both town halls about bullying, and what we’re doing about it. 

·         Tomorrow is the first day of school.  Ferriday High School will have the “Welcome Back” signs, Vidalia High School is having a “Welcome Back Seniors Pep Rally,” and Monterey High School is having a Senior Breakfast.

There being no further business, it was moved by Mr. Carson, seconded by Mr. Marsalis, Sr., and unanimously carried to adjourn at 8:00 PM.