PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 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, November 1, 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. Kenneth Thornton and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, was ready for the transaction of business.

Members present were Rev. Johnnie Brown, 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:          None

President Calhoun stated that before proceeding with the order of business, he would like to recognize Judge Glenn Gremillion who wished to make a brief statement.  On a motion by Mrs. Miley and second by Mr. Stampley, it was carried 8-1, with Mr. Partridge voting no, to hear Judge Gremillion.  Judge Gremillion announced his intention to run for judge of the Third Court of Appeals.

Ms. Evelyn Fairbanks, Supervisor of School Food Service, explained the process of selecting Non-instructional Personnel of the Year.  She recognized Ms. Connie Morace, SFS manager at VLE, who was selected as a state winner, and presented her with a framed certificate.

Mrs. Gloria Dangerfield, Assistant Director of Business Affairs, presented invoices and answered questions.  It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mrs. Cowan and carried to approve payment of invoices in the amount of $1,601,397.01.

Superintendent Lee reviewed the discussions about activity buses which have taken place since January 1994.  He informed the Board of several recent breakdowns involving activity buses and referred to letters from several principals, a supervisor and representatives of organizations, all of whom requested that an emergency be declared and the buses be purchased immediately.  Superintendent Lee reported that he had requested Mr. Norman Magee, Board attorney, to research the legality of declaring an emergency in this situation.  Mr. Magee stated that in his opinion the present situation cannot be considered an emergency under the law and stated several reasons.  Following discussion, Superintendent Lee recommended, and it was agreed, that the Board  continue the bid process previously approved at the October 4, 1994, meeting.  Superintendent Lee assured the Board that schools needing financial help to rent buses for activities would receive it.

Superintendent Lee requested that Board members clarify whether it is still considering requiring drug tests of all employees or only of those mandated by the federal government.  Mr. Magee recommended that the Board require drug testing only of those employees mandated because of the safety-sensitive nature of their positions and informed the Board that the U. S. Supreme Court has ruled it unconstitutional to conduct drug-testing of all employees without just cause.  It was moved by Mr. Partridge to require all employees to be tested for drugs, but the motion died for lack of a second.  Superintendent Lee recommended that the Board test only those employees being mandated for testing because they are in safety-sensitive positions and to accept this as the first reading of the proposed drug-testing policy (Policy GBRAB).  It was moved by Mrs. Miley, seconded by Mr. Stampley and carried unanimously to approve the superintendent's recommendation.

Superintendent Lee introduced Mr. Doug Mills, representing Riverland Hospital, and reported that the hospital had provided a quote for carrying out the required drug tests at the following rates:  $37.50 for DOT tests and $35.00 for other tests per employee.  It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Stampley and carried to accept the quote from Riverland Hospital.

Mrs. Dorothy Parker, who was representing the Concordia Association of Educators, provided information relative to drug testing of employees.  She also stated that salaries are another concern of employees and distributed comparative salary schedules for Board consideration.

Mr. Harry Creighton, representing the Concordia Federation of Teachers and School Employees, thanked the Board for allowing employees to have input into the question of drug testing and stated that the CFT lawyer would be available to provide assistance regarding this issue.

Superintendent Lee stated that Mr. King requested that the next item be placed on the agenda, and he called on Mr. King to discuss the issue of student absenteeism.  Mr. King expressed his concern about children being on the street during the school day and he requested that the Board do something in this area.  Superintendent Lee reported that educators have made numerous efforts in this area, inluding Parent Conference Days, Parent Fest,  letters to parents from administrators, the Alternative Center and Saturday Suspension Center.  He also stated that we are reaching the majority of students as shown by the 95% attendance rate for the parish.

It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mrs. Cowan and Mr. King and carried to open bids for student desks.  The following bids were received:

Brodhead-Garrett                                 Bid was not sealed in accordance with specificiations.

Interstate                                              18" desks - $57.83

16" desks - $57.58

Rowley                                     Desks bid did not meet specifications.

Teachers' Mart                                     Bid was not sealed in accordance with specifications.

Virco Mgf. Corp.                                 18" desks - $56.50

16" desks - $56.50

It was moved by Mr. King, seconded by Mr. Nelson and carried unanimously to accept the low bid from Virco Manufacturing Corporation.  Dr. Pete Peterman, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, explained how new desks would be distributed among schools in the parish.

It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. King and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution:

                                                                  RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Ms. Evelyn W. Hall passed away on Monday, October 17, 1994, at the age of 50 years after devoting 29 years to the education of children, with 22 of those being devoted to the children of Concordia Parish; and,

WHEREAS, Ms. Hall faithfully served the Concordia Parish School System as a teacher at Ferriday High School beginning in August 1972 and as Coordinator of the Cooperative Office Education Program, a position she held at the time of her death; and,

WHEREAS,  Ms. Hall, who endeavored to instill in students an appreciation for and a love of learning in order to achieve their full potential, was an inspiration to her fellow educators; and,

WHEREAS,  the Concordia Parish School Board wishes to recognize the significant contributions Ms. Hall has made to the education of children in Concordia Parish; now,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Concordia Parish School Board hereby declare their sorrow at the professional and personal loss of Ms. Evelyn W. Hall and extend their condolences to her family and many friends; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to members of Ms. Hall's family and to Ferriday High School.

                                                                          •••

It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mrs. Miley and carried unanimously to approve the following disability retirements:

Sharon Lynette Baker, Bus Operator, effective 10/31/94

Terri Howington, Teacher, FLE, effective 9/13/94

It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mrs. Cowan and carried to adjourn at 7:05 p.m.

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