PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1995.
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, September 19, 1995, at five-thirty (5:30) o'clock p.m. The meeting was called to order by the Honorable Manson E. Nelson, Sr., President, who declared that the Board, after prayer by the Rev. Jim Twilbeck, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, was ready for the transaction of business.
Members present were the Honorable Manson E. Nelson, Sr., Mr. Arthur A. Arnold, Mr. Eddie L. Coleman, Sr., Mrs. Marie Cowan, Mrs. Shirley Crnkovic, Mr. Charles Partridge, Mrs. Georgia Washington, Mr. Lynn White, and Mr. Sam Williams, Jr.
Members absent: None.
Superintendent Lee stated that there were several persons to be recognized during the time reserved for special recognitions. President Nelson called on Dr. Pete Peterman, Assistant Superintendent, to make the presentations. Dr. Peterman recognized Kelly M. Brown, a 6th grade student at FJH, for her participation in the Louisiana All-American Student Scholarship and Recognition Program.
Dr. Peterman recognized Mr. Larry Nugent and Ms. Phyllis Boone, who were representing South Central Bell. Mr. Nugent announced that two teachers were winners of mini-grants from South Central Bell:
Hazel Brallier MHS $500
Dorothy Marsalis VHS $282
Dr. Peterman announced the Concordia Parish Teachers of the Year for 1995-96:
Linda Spinks MHS Elementary Teacher of the Year
Melvara Bell VJHS Middle School Teacher of the Year
Paula Crawford MHS High School Teacher of the Year
Dr. Peterman announced that two EDCORE grants have been awarded by International Paper Company:
Patty Bellis Central Office $8945 LEAD: Leadership for Empowering Academy Development
Pam Hilton VJH $9000 Mathematical Scientists at Work
Dr. Peterman also recognized Mrs. Erma Davis of VJH for receiving an 8(g) competitive grant for $57,222 to continue the integrated curriculum program "Restructuring for Optimum Outcomes".
Mr. Tom O'Neal presented the Financial Report. It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Coleman and carried unanimously to accept the Financial Report.
It was moved by Mrs. Cowan, seconded by Mrs. Washington and carried 7-2, with Mr.Arnold and Mr. Partridge voting no, to go into Executive Session at 5:55 p.m.
It was moved by Mr. White, seconded by Mrs. Washington and carried unanimously to return to Open Session at 6:23 p.m. President Nelson reported that the Board had discussed personnel during Executive Session.
It was moved by Mr. Coleman, seconded by Mr. Arnold and carried to add to the agenda the administration of the oath of office to Mike Grantham, who was unopposed in the upcoming election to fill the seat for Ward 4B. It was moved by Mr. Coleman, seconded by Mrs. Crnkovic and carried unanimously to administer the oath. Mr. Norman Magee, Board attorney gave the oath of office to Mr. Grantham.
Mr. Partridge requested that the Board commend Mrs. Crnkovic for serving as representative for Ward 4B. Mrs. Crnkovic stated that she had appreciated the opportunity to serve and departed at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Grantham took his seat at that time.
President Nelson stated that while in Executive Session, the Board had also discussed a student incident at VHS. Superintendent Lee reported to the audience that the student who was the aggressor in the incident has been suspended indefinitely pending a due process hearing for expulsion.
It was moved by Mr. Coleman, seconded by Mrs. Washington and carried unanimously to approve the joint fiscal agent bid by Concordia Bank and Louisiana Bank. The bid had been taken under advisement at the August 15, 1995, meeting.
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Williams and carried unanimously to open bids for air conditioning cafeterias and kitchens. The only bid received was from Comfort System from Jonesville, Louisiana. It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Arnold and carried unanimously to reject the bid from Comfort System because the license number was not properly displayed on the envelope as required by law and to rescind the motion to advertise for bids on all school cafeterias and kitchens and any other motions in that regard. It was moved by Mr. Arnold, seconded by Mr. Partridge and carried unanimously that the air conditioning of each school is deemed a separate project and, accordingly, separate quotes for the cost thereof are to be obtained and each project is to be completed in numerical order.
President Nelson recognized Mr. Bull Murray, Mr. George Cupit, and Mr. Don Joseph, who were appearing on behalf of the Vidalia Recreation District #3. Mr. Murray stated that they were requesting to lease a portion of the campus between VLE and the ballpark on a short term basis. It was moved by Mr. Arnold, seconded by Mr. Partridge and carried unanimously to approve a three-year lease with annual renewal and with stipulations as determined by the Board attorney.
Mr. Lowery Herrington, chairperson of the Insurance Committee, reported that the committee had voted to recommend the dental plan and the Super Flex annuity plan provided by Taylor & Sons Insurance Company. It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Arnold and carried unanimously to approve the recommendation of the Insurance Committee.
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Williams and carried unanimously to approve the following proclamation:
RED RIBBON WEEK
WHEREAS, cities across our nation have been plagued by the numerous problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse; and
WHEREAS, there is hope in winning the War on Drugs, and that hope lies in the hard work and determination of our communities to create a drug free environment; and
WHEREAS, local leaders, in government and the community, know that the support of the people in the neighborhoods is the most effective weapon they can have in their efforts to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and drive away the suppliers of those drugs; and
WHEREAS, success will not occur overnight, our patience and continued commitment to drug education and prevention is imperative; and
WHEREAS, the National Red Ribbon Celebration has been established by the National Family Partnership to help create awareness of the drug problems facing every community, to develop parent and community teams to combat illegal drugs, and to promote drug free lifestyles for America's youth; and
WHEREAS, October 22-31, 1995, has been designated as National Red Ribbon Week, with President Clinton, as honorary chair of the celebration, calling on all Americans to show their support for a drug free nation by wearing a red ribbon during this week; now,
THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Concordia Parish School Board does hereby designate October 22-31, 1995, as National Red Ribbon Week in the schools in the Concordia Parish School System and encourages all parents, students, teachers, administrators and staff members to wear and display red ribbons throughout that week to join the rest of the nation in promoting the Red Ribbon Celebration and a drug free America.
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Mrs. Patty Bellis, Coordinator of Grants and Public Information, presented an update of the grant programs currently being implemented in the parish schools:
Source Title Amount
U. S. Office of Education America 2000 $ 25,000
Goals 2000 Professional Development Gateway 2000 $ 30,000
Goals 2000 School Improvement Northeast LA Consortium $137,687
8(g) Innovative Professional Development Improving Student Achievement $ 21,786
8(g) Innovative Professional Development Internet Support $ 3,000
8(g) Competitive Restructuring for Optimal Outcomes $ 57,222
8(g) Instructional Enhancement $ 4,634
8(g) Providing Equal Access to Knowledge $ 13,736
through Library Materials
8(g) Starting Points $ 41,625
8(g) Early Childhood $ 38,464
8(g) Multisensory Arts $ 2,088
8(g) Save Our Schools $ 11,093
8(g) KinderComp $ 21,055
Louisiana Systemic Initiative Program K-4 Project $ 88,000
International Paper EDCORE LEAD: Leadership for Empowering $ 8,945
Academy Development
International Paper EDCORE Mathematical Scientists at Work $ 9,000
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Total $513,335
It was moved by Mr. Coleman, seconded by Mrs. Cowan and carried unanimously to approve a request by the Vidalia Birthday Celebration Committee to use VUE gym for activities during the 125th Birthday Celebration beginning on September 28, 1995.
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Arnold and carried to advertise for a Central Office maintenance worker to fill a vacancy currently existing on the crew.
It was moved by Mr. Arnold, seconded by Mr. Partridge and carried unanimously to delay the proposed salary schedules and teacher incentive plan.
Superintendent Lee reported that the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is recommending a program entitled "Commit '95" to gain the support of the gubernatorial candidates for such education issues as:
1. Full funding of the Minimum Foundations Program
2. Increased pay and benefits for teachers, as well as improved opportunities for professional development
3. Discipline and safety in the schools
4. Commitment to students from the classroom to the workplace, including pre-school programs, vocational-technical programs, parent and community involvement in the schools, and integration of technology and education
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Arnold and carried unanimously to support the Commit '95 Program and to request a record of the candidates who agreed to sign the commitment statement.
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Arnold and carried unanimously to approve the personnel items en globo as follows:
Retirement
Edwina Halford, School Bus Operator, effective 5/26/95
Resignations
Mary Ann Adams, SFS Technician, FUE, effective 8/18/95
Terry Crochet, Maintenance Crew, Central Office, effective 8/28/95
Sally Langston, Teacher, VUE, effective 8/18/95
Maternity Leave
Terri C. Mount, Teacher, MHS, effective 12/11/95 - 1/19/96
Transfer
Billie Atkins, FLE, to Counselor, VJH, effective 8/4/95
Appointments
Trisha Brown, 2.5 hour Sweeper, VUE, effective 8/18/95
Angela Guillot, Teacher's Assistant, VLE, effective 8/18/95
Barbie Mason, Teacher's Assistant, VLE, effective 9/13/95
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Arnold and carried unanimously to adjourn at 7:20 p.m.
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James E. Lee, Superintendent Manson E. Nelson, Sr., President