PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A SPECIAL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 1997.
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, June 30, 1997, at five-thirty (5:30) o'clock p.m. The meeting was called to order by the Honorable Marie Cowan, Vice-President, who declared that the Board, after prayer by Mr. Manson E. Nelson, Sr., and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, was ready for the transaction of business.
Members present were the Honorable Marie Cowan, Mr. Manson E. Nelson, Sr., Mr. Charles Partridge, Mrs. Georgia Washington, and Mr. Sam Williams, Jr. Absent were Mr. Eddie L Coleman, Jr., Mr. Mike Grantham, Mr. Ricky Raven, and Mr. Lynn White.
Superintendent Lee thanked Board members for adjusting their schedules and attending the meeting on short notice. He reviewed events related to the fire at Ferriday Junior High School on the night of June 28, 1997, and stated that the cause of the fire was still under investigation.
Mr. Grantham arrived at 5:34 p.m.
Superintendent Lee affirmed that the focus of the staff would be opening school on time and providing a quality educational environment.
Mrs. Washington, Chairperson of the Building and Grounds Committee read the minutes of the June 29, 1997, meeting of the committee regarding FJH. It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Nelson and carried unanimously to receive the Committee's report as follows:
The Building and Grounds Committee of the Concordia Parish School Board met at 9:15 a.m. on June 29, 1997, in the Conference Room of the Concordia Parish School Board office. Present were Superintendent James Lee; Pete Peterman, Assistant Superintendent; Mr. Tom O'Neal, Director of Business Affairs; Gloria Dangerfield, Assistant Director of Business Affairs; Leinda Peterman, Executive Assistant/Personnel Director; Marie Cowan, Chairperson of the Finance Committee and Board Vice-President; Mrs. Georgia Washington, Chairperson of the Building and Grounds Committee; Charles Partridge, Board Member; Lynn White, Board President; John Bostic, Principal of FJH, and Mrs. Ernestine Brown, Secretary of FJH. Superintendent Lee offered the opening prayer.
Superintendent Lee reviewed the events surrounding the fire at Ferriday Junior High School on Saturday night and early Sunday morning, June 29, 1997. He stated that the focus will be on making accommodations for FJH students and staff and beginning school on August 18, 1997. He also stated that there were some questions, as yet unanswered, about the continuation of summer school and the summer food program at FUE. According to the Fire Marshal, the damaged building must be completely cleared before school can begin at that site.
Dr. Peterman reviewed the space required for FJH students and discussed the available rooms at FUE. He stated that FJH students can be accommodated in the FJH annex, which was undamaged, and the first wing of FUE. This will necessitate relocating some classes at FUE and doing some additional painting of formerly unused classrooms at FUE. He also reviewed the possibility of salvaging some of the new desks and filing cabinets.
Superintendent Lee stated that Mrs. Barbara Rutland, Counselor, and Mrs. Brown would be called back in to help in the salvaging of school records and files, many of which appear to be in relatively good condition.
Mr. O'Neal reported that insurance coverage on building and contents totaled about $500,000. Mrs. Cowan suggested that he investigate whether the coverage included removal of debris and demolition. Dr. Peterman reported on concerns about asbestos removal.
Mrs. Dangerfield provided a list of fixed assets located in the main part of the building, including a computer laboratory, a science laboratory, and other equipment.
Following additional discussion regarding the placement of students and staff, the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m.
Mr. Tom O'Neal, Director of Business Affairs, reported on insurance coverage and stated that the insurance adjuster would visit the site and make a final determination of exact amount of coverage.
Mrs. Gloria Dangerfield, Assistant Director of Business Affairs, distributed information about estimated loses of fixed assets.
Mr. Coleman arrived at 5:44 p.m.
Mr. Fred T. Butcher, Director of Academic Affairs, reported that summer school classes had been shifted to FUE. He also stated that first wing at FUE is being surveyed to determine repair needs and that textbook losses are being calculated.
Mr. H. L. Irvin, Supervisor of Supportive Services, reported on his meetings with the Fire Marshal and stated that the Chief Fire Marshal has agreed to allow school to continue at FUE if the FJH site is fenced and a guard is posted. The Department of Environmental Quality will be contacted regarding asbestos removal. The gym and cafeteria were saved, but there was some damage to the cafeteria. The Sheriff Department is providing deputies to maintain security.
Dr. Pete Peterman, Assistant Superintendent, stated that school would start on time and that efforts were being made to determine what furniture and equipment could be salvaged, including student desks. School records were salvaged but sustained some smoke and water damage.
Ms. Leinda Peterman, Executive Assistant/Personnel Director, reported that letters had been sent to FJH teachers and staff, as well as to the fire departments assisting in the effort to save the school.
It was moved by Mr. Partridge, seconded by Mr. Nelson and carried unanimously to declare an emergency to secure the FJH site, provide for the removal of the remnants of the building and provide for instructional essentials for the beginning of school.
Vice-President Cowan thanked the staff for the hard work and extra hours worked in order to address the situation.
Superintendent Lee stated that if the fire is determined to be arson, he would ask the permission to solicit donations and establish a fund for a reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible. The motion was made by Mr. Nelson and seconded by Mr. Coleman to approve the request for permission. However, following additional discussion, it was agreed to wait until a determination of the cause was made before establishing such a fund. Mr. Nelson withdrew his motion.
On a motion by Mr. Partridge and second by Mrs. Washington, the meeting was adjourned at 6:14 p.m.
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James E. Lee, Superintendent Ernest Lynn White, President