PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1994.
The School Board of the Parish of Concordia, State of Louisiana, met in a special meeting at the Concordia Parish School Board Office, in Vidalia, Louisiana, on Tuesday, June 21, 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 transaction of business.
Members present were 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 were Rev. Johnnie Brown and Mrs. Georgia Washington.
The following retirees were recognized for their years of service and presented a plaque by Superintendent Lee and Mr. Calhoun. Each retiree was given an opportunity to make a statement.
Teachers
Marilyn Campbell, MHS, 35 years of service
Mildred Dunham, FJH, 26 years of service
Archie Hagan, FJH, 29 years of service
Lollie Hammett, FLE, 28 years of service
Juanita Irvin, VUE, 17 years of service
Support Personnel
Leeora Cockerham, SFS Technician, RES, 21 years
Annie Henderson, Janitor, FJH, 21 years
Eula Joseph, Janitor, FJH, 28 years
Christine Kelly, SFS Manager, FHS, 23 years
Marion Melancon, SFS Manager, FKC, 30 years
Hilda Payne, SFS technician, FHS, 11 years
Rose Mary Rose, SFS Manager, 22 years
Hazel Smith, SFS Manager, FLE, 35 years
Frank Warner, Maintenance Technician, CPSB, 12 years
Rev. Brown arrived at 6:40 p.m.
Mr. Tom O'Neal, Director of Business Affairs presented the Financial Report and answered questions. It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Nelson and carried to accept the Financial Report.
Mr. O'Neal presented a proposed budget revision for the current budget period. He reviewed the recommended revisions and answered questions. It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. King and carried to approve the revised budget.
Mr. H. L. Irvin, Supervisor of Supportive Services, introduced Mr. John Reed, who presented information on drug-testing mandated by the federal government for implementation by January 1, 1995. Mr. Reed represents Compliance Services, a Louisiana company which provides drug-testing services for organizations across the state. Mr. Reed presented a proposal for testing the CPSB employees who will be affected by the mandate, namely those who hold a Commercial Driver's License. The proposal was taken under advisement.
It was moved by Mrs. Cowan, seconded by Mrs. Miley and carried to approve payment of annual dues for the Louisiana School Boards Association in the amount of $5000.
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. King and Mrs. Cowan and carried unanimously to advertise for bids for milk, bread and exterminating services for 1994-95.
It was moved by Mr. Nelson, seconded by Mrs. Miley and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Macon Ridge Economic Development Region, Inc. is submitting an application for the establishment of an Empowerment/Enterprise Zone consisting of portions of Catahoula, Concordia, Franklin, Morehouse, and Tensas Parishes in Northeast Louisiana; and,
WHEREAS, the Macon Ridge Economic Development Region, Inc. is charged with establishing a viable economic development program within these parishes; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed Empowerment/Enterprise Zone will focus on economic development through improved education and job training; now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Concordia Parish School Board offers its full support to the Macon Ridge Economic Development Region, Inc. application for an Empowerment/Enterprise Zone.
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It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. King and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Macon Ridge Economic Development Region, Inc. will establish an Empowerment/Enterprise Zone as part of a proposal submitted to the United States Department of Agriculture; and,
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board has gone on record as supporting the establishment of the Empowerment/Enterprise Zone, which will improve the economic climate of Northeast Louisiana through improved education and job training; now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Concordia Parish School Board gives permission for the Macon Ridge Economic Development Region, Inc. to use the Clayton School gym located next to Clayton School in Clayton, Louisiana, as a youth center and for office space for an expansion of the Macon Ridge staff to house small business development staff and industrial marketing personnel for the duration of this program.
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Rev. Brown stated that he is in support of a 7-period school day for the high schools to provide an opportunity for students to take more elective classes, including the vocational courses. Mr. Stampley stated his opposition to the 7-period day because seniors have few required courses to take and do not stay at school the entire day. He requested that VHS be exempted if the Board approves a 7-period day. Superintendent Lee stated his support of the 7-period day. It was moved by Rev. Brown and seconded by Mr. Partridge to implement a 7-period day in the high schools beginning with the 1995-96 school year. Mr. Stampley offered an amendment to exempt VHS; however, the amendment died for lack of a second. The motion was carried, with Mr. Stampley voting no.
Dr. Pete Peterman, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, briefly reviewed the history of the development of the Alternative Center and discussed plans to expand the program to the high school level during the upcoming year. Dr. Peterman introduced Mrs. Betty Cade, Alternative Center Teacher, to provide a report on the results of the first year program. Mrs. Cade reported that the Center served 22 students with 18 completing the program. She praised the 100% participation by parents and discussed 14 program mentors who volunteered their time.
Rev. Brown suggested investigating the possibility of purchasing two additional maintenance worktrucks on state contract. Following general discussion, it was agreed to consider this action following the consideration of replacing 3 parish school buses.
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. King and carried to approve Policy IDBA on the second reading.
It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. King and carried, with Mr. Partridge voting no, to advertise for the position of Principal, FLE, with the appointment pending the retirement of Mrs. Jimmye Campbell.
It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Miley and carried to advertise for the positions of SFS Managers at FHS, FKC and RES.
It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Miley and carried, with Mr. King and Mr. Partridge voting no, to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel at 7:05 p.m.
It was moved by Mr. Nelson, seconded by Rev. Brown and carried to return to Open Session at 7:40 p.m. Superintendent Lee reported that the Board had discussed personnel items.
Superintendent Lee read the following list of transfers carried out administratively under the right of transfer:
Certified Personnel From To
1. Linda Alexander Regular Education, FJH Special Ed., FUE
2. Rick Brown Regular Education, FHS Alternative Center, FHS
3. Donna Byrd Special Education, FEC Ch. I 4-yr-old program, FKC
4. Katharine Calhoun VUE LaSIP Coordinator
5. Gloria Colston RES VUE
6. Jolene Finlay Regular Education, MHS G/T, MHS
7. Darla Johnston FUE VUE
8. James McFarland FJH FHS
9. Annie Parker RES FJH
10. Joyce Schoby Ch. I 4-yr-old, FKC Chapter 1, FLE
11. Clara Ware VUE RES
Support Personnel
1. Delnora Cook Custodian, RES Maintenance, CPSB
2. Mildred Parker SFS Manager, RES SFS Manager, FJH
3. Betty Taylor SFS Manager, FJH SFS Manager, FLE
It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Cowan and Mrs. Miley to approve appointments as follows:
Elizabeth Boothe, Teacher, FJH, effective 8/17/94
LaDonnie Bowman, Teacher, FJH, effective 8/17/94
Danielle Fontenot, Teacher, RES, effective 8/17/94
Pam Weeks Graham, Teacher, VLE, effective 8/17/94
Christopher G. Lee, Teacher, FUE, effective 8/17/94
Brad Lipsey, Teacher, MHS, Effective 8/17/94
Billie Maples, SFS Manager, VHS, effective 8/17/94
Karen Nelson, Special Ed. Teacher, FEC, effective 8/17/94
Paul Nelson, Special Ed. Teacher, MHS, effective 8/17/94
Gary Paul Parnham, Teacher, VJH, effective 8/17/94
Beth Reed Pilgrim, Teacher, FUE, effective 8/17/94
Carolyn P. Ratcliff, School Bus Operator, MHS, eff. 8/17/94
Jerrod B. Webb, Maintenance Crew, CPSB, eff. 6/20/94
Roosevelt Williams, Custodian, RES, effective 6/22/94
Lydia Wilson, Teacher, RES, effective 8/17/94
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Rev. Brown and carried to adjourn at 8:47 p.m.
____________________________ ___________________________
James E. Lee, Superintendent J. W. Calhoun, President