PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1994.

The School Board of the Parish of Concordia, State of Louisiana, met in special session at the Concordia Parish School Board Office, in Vidalia, Louisiana, on Tuesday, October 18, 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 the Honorable J. W. Calhoun, Mrs. Marie Cowan, Mrs. Polly Miley, Mr. Manson Nelson, Mr. Charles Partridge, Mr. Walter Stampley and Mrs. Georgia Washington.

Members absent:          Rev. Johnnie Brown and Mr. Jerry King

Mr. Tom O'Neal, Director of Business Affairs, presented the Financial Report.  It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mrs. Cowan and carried to accept the report.

Superintendent Lee distributed the official record of the election returns for the October 1, 1994, school board election as reported by the state.  It was moved by Mr. Stampley, seconded by Mr. Partridge and carried to accept these returns and make them part of the minutes.

Following lengthy discussion regarding whether or not to require drug testing of all employees, it was moved by Mr. Nelson and seconded by Mr. Partridge to establish a policy for drug testing of all employees beginning January 1, 1995.  Superintendent Lee pointed out that at this time, the law requires a policy for drug testing of bus drivers only, and he requested the opportunity to meet with employee groups prior to developing a policy to cover other categories of employees.  Mr. Nelson withdrew his motion.  It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mrs. Washington and carried unanimously to establish a policy for drug testing of all bus drivers and to bring it back for a first reading at the next meeting.

Superintendent Lee requested the Board to make a decision regarding attendance at the National School Board Convention in San Francisco in April in order to allow time to make the necessary arrangements.  After discussion, no decision was made.

It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Nelson and carried unanimously to approve Homework Hotlines for FHS, FJH, and VJH at a budget of $3000 for each school.

Mrs. Beatrice Williams, Chapter 1 Parent Involvement Coordinator, reported on the Parent Fest which was held at VHS on October 15, 1994.  She stated that 243 parents were in attendance and that their comments on the evaluation forms were very positive.  Superintendent Lee stated that he hoped the Parent Fest would become an annual event.

It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Nelson and Mr. Stampley and carried unanimously to postpone agenda items E, F, and G.

It was moved by Mr. Stampley, seconded by Mr. Partridge and carried to adjourn at 6:05 p.m.

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