PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1996.
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, March 5, 1996, at five-thirty (5:30) o'clock p.m. The meeting was called to order by the Honorable Ernest Lynn White, President, who declared that the Board, after prayer by Rev. Raymond Riley, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, was ready for the transaction of business.
Members present were the Honorable Ernest Lynn White, Mr. Eddie L. Coleman, Sr., Mrs. Marie Cowan, Mr. Mike Grantham, Mrs. Polly Miley, Mr. Manson E. Nelson, Sr., Mr. Charles Partridge, Mrs. Georgia Washington, Mr. Lynn White, and Mr. Sam Williams, Jr.
Members absent: None
It was moved by Mr. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Grantham and carried unanimously to take the special recognition out of order.
Superintendent Lee announced that because athletic teams at each high school had excelled during this school year, the teams and their coaches would be recognized and presented a resolution. Superintendent Lee presented the VHS football team which won the district championship and reached the quarterfinals. It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Nelson and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board encourages a program of full participation for students encouraging excellence in academics and athletics; and
WHEREAS, the level of athletic achievement by Concordia Parish high school football teams and boys' and girls' basketball teams during the 1995-1996 school year has been exceptionally high; and
WHEREAS, building successful athletic programs requires enormous sacrifices and extraordinary efforts by coaches, students, parents, teachers, staff members and all other individuals associated with the school; and
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board wishes to celebrate the tremendous achievements of the VIDALIA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM for reaching the playoffs; now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Concordia Parish School Board does hereby congratulate the coaches and players of the VIDALIA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM and make known its appreciation for their outstanding achievements.
•••
Mr. Arijo Ray Green, Assistant Principal of VHS, introduced the football players who were present. President White presented a copy of the resolution to Mr. Green.
Mrs. Lillian Johnson, girls' basketball coach at VHS, introduced her team which completed its season as Co-District Champions. It was moved by Mr. Nelson, seconded by Mrs. Miley and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution, a copy of which was presented to Coach Johnson by President White.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board encourages a program of full participation for students encouraging excellence in academics and athletics; and
WHEREAS, the level of athletic achievement by Concordia Parish high school football teams and boys' and girls' basketball teams during the 1995-1996 school year has been exceptionally high; and
WHEREAS, building successful athletic programs requires enormous sacrifices and extraordinary efforts by coaches, students, parents, teachers, staff members and all other individuals associated with the school; and
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board wishes to celebrate the tremendous achievements of the VIDALIA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM for reaching the playoffs; now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Concordia Parish School Board does hereby congratulate the coaches and players of the VIDALIA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM and make known its appreciation for their outstanding achievements.
•••
Mr. Robert Sanders, boys' basketball coach at VHS, introduced his team which finished second in District 4-2A. It was moved by Mr. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Coleman and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution, a copy of which was presented to Coach Sanders by President White.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board encourages a program of full participation for students encouraging excellence in academics and athletics; and
WHEREAS, the level of athletic achievement by Concordia Parish high school football teams and boys' and girls' basketball teams during the 1995-1996 school year has been exceptionally high; and
WHEREAS, building successful athletic programs requires enormous sacrifices and extraordinary efforts by coaches, students, parents, teachers, staff members and all other individuals associated with the school; and
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board wishes to celebrate the tremendous achievements of the VIDALIA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM for reaching the playoffs; now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Concordia Parish School Board does hereby congratulate the coaches and players of the VIDALIA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM and make known its appreciation for their outstanding achievements.
•••
Mrs. Paula Crawford, girls' basketball coach at MHS, introduced her team which finished second in the district. She noted that MHS girls have reached the playoffs six years in a row. It was moved by Mr. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Williams and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution, a copy of which was presented to Coach Crawford by President White.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board encourages a program of full participation for students encouraging excellence in academics and athletics; and
WHEREAS, the level of athletic achievement by Concordia Parish high school football teams and boys' and girls' basketball teams during the 1995-1996 school year has been exceptionally high; and
WHEREAS, building successful athletic programs requires enormous sacrifices and extraordinary efforts by coaches, students, parents, teachers, staff members and all other individuals associated with the school; and
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board wishes to celebrate the tremendous achievements of the MONTEREY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM for reaching the playoffs; now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Concordia Parish School Board does hereby congratulate the coaches and players of the MONTEREY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM and make known its appreciation for their outstanding achievements.
•••
Mr. Cordell Bailey, Mr. James McFarland, Mr. Tony Moore, and Mr. Terrance Pipes, FHS football coaches, introduced the team which reached the semifinals in the playoffs. It was moved by Mr. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Williams and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution, a copy of which was presented to Coach Bailey by President White.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board encourages a program of full participation for students encouraging excellence in academics and athletics; and
WHEREAS, the level of athletic achievement by Concordia Parish high school football teams and boys' and girls' basketball teams during the 1995-1996 school year has been exceptionally high; and
WHEREAS, building successful athletic programs requires enormous sacrifices and extraordinary efforts by coaches, students, parents, teachers, staff members and all other individuals associated with the school; and
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board wishes to celebrate the tremendous achievements of the FERRIDAY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM for reaching the playoffs; now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Concordia Parish School Board does hereby congratulate the coaches and players of the FERRIDAY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM and make known its appreciation for their outstanding achievements.
•••
Mr. Robert Cade and Mr. Edwin White, boys' basketball coaches at FHS, introduced their team which won the district championship. It was moved by Mr. Nelson, seconded by Mr. Williams and carried unanimously to approve the following resolution, a copy of which was presented to Coach Cade by President White.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board encourages a program of full participation for students encouraging excellence in academics and athletics; and
WHEREAS, the level of athletic achievement by Concordia Parish high school football teams and boys' and girls' basketball teams during the 1995-1996 school year has been exceptionally high; and
WHEREAS, building successful athletic programs requires enormous sacrifices and extraordinary efforts by coaches, students, parents, teachers, staff members and all other individuals associated with the school; and
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board wishes to celebrate the tremendous achievements of the FERRIDAY HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM for reaching the playoffs; now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Concordia Parish School Board does hereby congratulate the coaches and players of the FERRIDAY HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM and make known its appreciation for their outstanding achievements.
•••
Mrs. Joan McFarland, FHS girls' basketball coach, introduced her team which won the state championship in Class 3A. Superintendent Lee read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board encourages a program of full participation for students leading to excellence in both academics and athletics; and
WHEREAS, the level of athletic achievement by Concordia Parish high school football teams and boys' and girls' basketball teams during the 1995-1996 school year has been exceptionally high; and
WHEREAS, building successful athletic programs requires enormous sacrifices and extraordinary efforts by coaches, students, parents, teachers, staff members and all other individuals associated with the school; and
WHEREAS, Concordia Parish School Board wishes to celebrate the tremendous achievements of the FERRIDAY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM for completing an undefeated season, winning all 35 games, and achieving NUMBER ONE RANKING IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA IN CLASS 3A; now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Concordia Parish School Board does hereby congratulate the coaches and players of the FERRIDAY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM and make known its appreciation for their outstanding achievements.
•••
It was moved by Mr. Coleman, seconded by Mr. Williams and carried unanimously to approve the resolution with the noted correction. President White presented a copy of the resolution to Coach Joan McFarland.
It was moved by Mr. Coleman, seconded by Mrs. Cowan and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the February 6, 1996, meeting.
Mrs. Gloria Dangerfield, Assistant Director of Business Affairs, presented invoices and answered questions. It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Nelson and carried unanimously to approve the payment of invoices in the amount of $1,461,242.24
Mr. Tom O'Neal, Director of Business Affairs, presented the Financial Report and answered questions.
Mr. Coleman, Chairperson of the Personnel Committee, read the minutes of the committee meeting held on February 22, 1996, at 3:00 p.m.
Mrs. Cowan, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, read the minutes of the committee meeting held on February 22, 1996, at 5:00 p.m.
Superintendent Lee announced that the Building and Grounds Committee did not meet as previously scheduled.
Mr. O'Neal announced that no bids had been received for agricultural/grazing lease on Section 6, T7N R9E.
Dr. Pete Peterman, Assistant Superintendent, presented the proposed school calendar for the 1996-97 school year and informed the Board of changes in state guidelines regarding the number of student contact days which are required. It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Coleman, and carried 8-1, with Mr. Partridge voting no, to approve the calendar as recommended by the Superintendent. The 1996-97 school calendar is as follows:
GRADING PERIODS
FIRST SEMESTER......................Monday, August 19, 1996 - Tuesday, January 14, 1997
1st 6 Weeks..................................Monday, August 19, 1996 - Monday, September 30, 1996
2nd 6 Weeks................................Tuesday, October 1, 1996 - Tuesday, November 12, 1996
3rd 6 Weeks.................................Wednesday, November 13, 1996 - Tuesday, January 14, 1997
SECOND SEMESTER........................Wednesday, January 15, 1997 - Friday, May 30, 1997
4th 6 Weeks........................................Wednesday, January 15, 1997 - Friday, February 28, 1997
5th 6 Weeks........................................Monday, March 3, 1997 - Friday, April 18, 1997
6th 6 Weeks.........................................Monday, April 21, 1997 - Friday, May 30, 1997
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Labor Day ..............................................................................September 2, 1996
Election Day.............................................................................November 5, 1996 Employees' Conventions..............................................................................November 25, 26, 27, 1996
Thanksgiving Holidays...............................................................November 28, 29, 1996
Christmas Holidays ...................................................................December 23, 1996 - January 3, 1997, inclusive
Martin Luther King's Day...........................................................January 20, 1997
Mardi Gras ...............................................................................February 10, 11, 1997
Spring Holidays.........................................................................March 24, 25, 26, 1997
Easter........................................................................................March 27, 28, 1997
TESTING DATES
LEAP...................................................................................................April* 1997
California Achievement Test..................................................................April* 1997
*Specific dates to be announced
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Friday, November 15, 1996
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES
Teachers' Workday ..................................................May 29, 1997
Parent Conference Days ..........................................October 4, 1996 & January 24, 1997
Preschool Round-up.................................................May 2, 1997
Senior Exams...........................................................May 14, 15, 16, 1997
Graduation...............................................................May 22, 23, 1997
Final Exams.............................................................May 26, 27, 28, 1997
Report cards issued ................................................May 30, 1997
•••
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Coleman and carried unanimously to approve the Summer Feeding Program Application. Preparation sites will be at Ferriday Upper Elementary and Vidalia Junior High School with a satellite site in Clayton, Louisiana.
It was moved by Mr. Coleman, seconded by Mrs. Miley and carried unanimously to approve the Summer School Proposal as presented.
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Coleman and carried unanimously to approve the use of the Vidalia Junior High School gymnasium for the Dewayne Albert Youth Summer Basketball League from June 8 through August 3, 1996.
Dr. Peterman provided an update on the instructional program, including the installation of computers and Internet connections, the FBLA Convention, the National DECA Convention, the Early Childhood Committee, Administrative Academy Leadership Training with a nationally known consultant, and the parishwide Honors Banquet to be held on March 28, 1996. He informed the Board that Ms. Evelyn Fairbanks, Supervisor of Child Nutrition, would be conducting a Manager Training Program for SFS personnel who wish to become certified as managers. He also stated that the location for the flashing lights at MHS had been determined and that lights would be installed as soon as approval is given by the state.
Dr. Peterman presented a proposed job description for a special case worker to be funded by a grant from the state. He informed the Board that the position would be temporary depending on the availability of funding. It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Williams and carried unanimously to approve the job description as presented and to advertise for applications for the position.
Superintendent Lee informed the Board that Doris Williams had withdrawn her letter of resignation and that item A should be deleted from the agenda. Mr. Williams moved to approve personnel items B, C and D. However, there was a request to take each item separately and Mr. Williams withdrew his motion.
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Coleman and carried to approve retirement for Mildred Grimble, Teacher, VHS, effective August 15, 1996.
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Coleman and carried unanimously to approve military leave for Eddie Carter, Janitor, FHS, effective February 15, 1996, through March 5, 1996.
It was moved by Mrs. Washington, seconded by Mrs. Miley and carried unanimously to approve maternity leave for Tyberia Bell, Teacher's Assistant, VLE, effective February 15, 1996, through April 26, 1996.
Mr. Partridge made a motion to adjourn; however, Mr. Grantham requested information on the process of filling the teacher's assistant position at VLE during Mrs. Bell's maternity leave. Following discussion, it was moved by Mr. Grantham and seconded by Mr. Partridge that the Personnel Committee review the appointment of Cindy Roberts as a substitute at VLE in Mrs. Bel's absence. The motion failed on a vote of 2-7, with Mr. Grantham and Mr. Partridge voting yes.
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Grantham and carried unanimously to adjourn at 6:45 p.m.
____________________________ ______________________________
James E. Lee, Superintendent Ernest Lynn White, President