PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1994.

The School Board of the Parish of Concordia, State of Louisiana, met in committee at the Concordia Parish School Board Office, in Vidalia, Louisiana, on Tuesday, May 17, 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 Mr. Manson Nelson and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, was ready for the discussion of agenda items.

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

Members absent:          Rev. Johnnie Brown

Superintendent Lee recognized the Concordia Parish Middle School Quiz Bowl winners.  The 6th, 7th and 8th grade teams from FJH and their sponsors were present.  FJH was the winner of each grade competition and of the championship round.  Sponsors were Bobbie Hinson, Gayle Carlock, Sharon Smith and Johnnie Clay.  Mr. Howard Jackson, principal of FJH, thanked the Ferriday PTA for providing some of the study materials used by the teams.

Rev. Brown arrived at 5:35 p.m.

Mrs. Beatrice Williams, Chapter 1 Reading Supervisor, reported on the Reading Rally held earlier that day.  Sixty-two children competed in reading activities.

Mr. Tom O'Neal, Director of Business Affairs, presented the Financial Report and answered questions.

Superintendent Lee explained the plan to upgrade existing Chapter 1 computer labs beginning with FUE, which is the oldest computer lab in the parish.  One Chapter 1 computer lab per year will be upgraded beginning with the 1994-95 school year.  This item will be on the agenda for approval at the next Board meeting.

Superintendent Lee reported that after further consideration, he feels that rather than having two maintenance crews beginning next year, it would be more financially feasible to increase the number of workmen on the current crew from 5 to 7.  This item will be a voting item on the next agenda.

Mr. O'Neal reported that the school board car, a 1985 model, currently has 184,700 miles on it and needs some repairs.  The 1974 school board vehicle was sold some time ago and has not been replaced.  Superintendent Lee stated that he would ask the Board to approve the purchase of one car for use by instructional supervisors and the superintendent.  Mr. O'Neal reported that leasing a vehicle is not feasible because it cannot be done under state contract and because there is a limit on the mileage allowed on a lease vehicle.

Superintendent Lee reviewed the discussions to date with Mr. Eli St. Julian of Honeywell Inc. regarding energy cost cutting.  Mrs. Miley pointed out that the employees would be the people who make any energy cost-cutting measure effective.  Following discussion, it was agreed to continue to work with Honeywell with the stipulation that the Board will determine the timelines and not Honeywell.

Rev. Brown  stated that he would like the school system to develop a program to address the problem of suspensions and expulsions.  He said that the key would be getting parents involved.  Several alternatives were discussed, including in-school suspension, Saturday detention, and contracts with parents.  Mrs. Doretha Woodfork, Supervisor of Special Education, commented on the Parenting Group in the Special Education Department and how pre-school teachers are making home visits.  There was additional discussion with general agreement that the home, school and church must work together.

Mrs. Gloria Dangerfield, Assistant Director of Business Affairs, distributed information on the budget for the Clayton School Project.  The total budget cost is $149,594.  To date, the total expenditures have been $5454.84.

Superintendent Lee distributed information on rules and guidelines regarding the use of company vehicles.

There was lengthy general discussion regarding kindergarten and pre-school curriculum.  Superintendent Lee reported that he had discussed this issue with principals and instructional supervisors.  They agreed that the current program needs to be assessed because of the high retention rate at the kindergarten level.  Mrs. Miley suggested that kindergarten teachers be allowed to provide input into any study of curriculum in this area.  Superintendent Lee stated that a committee would be appointed to develop an action plan to reduce the retention rate.  He also distributed information on evaluating teacher's aides and stated that he hopes to have an evaluation form for aides by the 1994-95 school year.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

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