PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1994.

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, May 3, 1994, at five-thirty (5:30) o'clock p.m.  The meeting was called to order by the Honorable J. W. Calhoun, President, who declared that the Board, after prayer by Rev. Gary Howington, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, was ready for the transaction of business.

Members present were the Honorable J. W. Calhoun, Mrs. Marie Cowan, Mr. Jerry King, Mrs. Polly Miley, Mr. Manson Nelson, Mr. Charles Partridge, and Mr. Walter Stampley.

Members absent:          Rev. Johnnie Brown and Mrs. Georgia Washington

Superintendent Lee recognized Mr. Herb Bassett, Director of Vidalia High School Band, who reported on the band's accomplishments during the past school year.  VHS Band won all superior ratings at District Festival and has improved in all areas of competition, including solo and ensemble.

Mrs. Washington arrived at 5:35.

Marques Webber, FUE, was recognized as Concordia Parish Student of the Year for 5th grade.

Mrs. Beverly Winston, MHS teacher, was recognized to report on achievements of students at State Literary Rally.  She introduced Jimmy Boyd, who placed 4th in advanced math; Rebecca Mock, who placed 4th in food and nutrition; and Amy Sandidge, who received a superior rating as a member of a trio. The other members of the trio were Sandy Duncan and Angelique Grammon.  Ms. Paula Crawford, MHS teacher, presented James Morris, who placed 1st in American history for their division.

Superintendent Lee recognized school and parish winners for the Superintendent's Writing Awards:

School Winners:

Matthew Ashley, RES, Grade 2

Tony Ponce, FLE, Grade 2

Brannon Dwight Snow, RES, Grade 6

Emily Wiggins, VJH, Grade 6

Parish Winners:

Matthew Ashley, RES, Grade 2

Brannon Dwight Snow, RES, Grade 6

Rev. Brown arrived at 5:45.

Mr. Tom O'Neal, Director of Business Affairs, presented invoices and answered questions.  It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Nelson and carried to approve invoices in the amount of $1,522,850.50.       

It was moved by Mrs. Cowan, seconded by Mrs. Miley and carried to approve minutes of the April 5, 1994, and April 19, 1994, meetings.

Mr. Gary Parnham, principal of VLE and chairperson of the Reading Textbook Adoption Committee, gave a report on the activities of the committee.  The committee recommended that the Board adopt the Harcourt Brace Jovanovich reading series for grades k-5.  It was moved by Mrs. Miley, seconded by Mr. Nelson and carried to approve this recommendation.

Dr. Pete Peterman, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, requested that the Board fund the purchase of reading textbooks for grades k-5 for the 1994-95 school year at a cost of $101,932.89.  Following discussion, it was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mrs. Miley and carried to implement the reading textbook adoption as recommended.

Mr. Julius Huhn, Director of Chapter 1, presented amendments to the Chapter 1 program for the 1994-95 school year.  It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. King and carried to approve the amendments.

Superintendent Lee recommended hiring 5 painters for the summer paint crew at $5 per hour.  It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mrs. Washington and carried to hire 5 summer painters at $5 per hour.

Superintendent Lee requested that the Board approve one week of his vacation for July 5, 1994, through July 11, 1994, inclusive.  It was moved by Mrs. Washington, seconded by Mrs. Miley and carried to approve this vacation period.

Following discussion, it was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. King and carried to approve the Honeywell, Inc., Plan of Action through Step 3, which is a preliminary presentation following their preliminary evaluation of the energy savings their program might achieve.

Dr. Peterman discussed the state requirements that a principal's evaluation process be included as part of the local personnel evaluation program.  He recommended that the Personnel Evaluation Committee be expanded and charged with amending the local evaluation program to include the new state guidelines for the evaluation of principals.  It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Nelson and carried to approve the recommendation.

Harry Creighton, president of the Concordia Federation of Teachers, presented a resolution in support of state pay raises for teachers.  It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mrs. Cowan and carried to approve the following resolution:

                                                                  RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the education of Louisiana's children and young adults, from kindergarten through college, is our state's best hope for economic progress and a brighter future; and

WHEREAS, the education professionals who guide the development of our students are the key element in developing and maintaining high standards of educational excellence; and

WHEREAS, the salaries of Louisiana's elementary and secondary school teachers rank 48th in the nation; our college and university professors rank 12th out of 15 in the Southern United States; and paraprofessionals and school-related personnel are so woefully underpaid that thousands qualify for food stamps; and

WHEREAS, the Concordia Parish School Board also recognizes the need for raising the salaries of professional educators in this school district and around the state; now

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Concordia Parish School Board endorse the efforts of organizations to obtain pay raises for teachers, college professors and school-related personnel; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Concordia Parish School Board forward a copy of this document to Governor Edwin Edwards and the members of the legislative delegation.

 •••

Mr. Creighton also presented information on Concordia Parish teachers' salaries in comparison with Adams County, Mississippi, southeastern states and other Louisiana parishes.  He pointed out that many teachers are nearing retirement age and that salaries will need to be improved to attract new teachers.  It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Nelson and carried to draw up a resolution to study a plan to provide additional money for teachers' salaries when financially possible.

It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mrs. Miley and carried to approve tenure for the following teachers, effective May 27, 1994:

             Certificate                     School

Rosetta Bailey                                       C132899                         FLE

Willie Barnes                                         A041325                        VHS

Gigi Campbell                                         C133072                        MHS

Janice Fletcher                                        B061574                       FLE

Pam Ganey                                               C133328                      MHS

Denny Hinson                                        C094950                       FJH

Una Knapp                                              C005095                      FLE

Brenda Logan                                          B064615                      FJH

It was moved by Mrs. Miley, seconded by Mr. Nelson and carried to approve retirement for Juanita Irvin, effective May 27, 1994.

It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Rev. Brown and carried to approve extended sick leave for Sharon Byrd, effective April 1, 1994, through May 27, 1994.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

_______________________________                                  ______________________________

James E. Lee, Superintendent                                                    J. W. Calhoun, President