PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, JULY 20, 1999

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, July 20, 1999, at five-thirty (5:30) o'clock p.m.  The meeting was called to order by the Honorable Mike Grantham, President, who declared that the Board, after prayer by Rev. Johnnie Brown, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, was ready for the transaction of business.

Members present were the Honorable Mike Grantham, Mr. Eddie L. Coleman, Sr., Mr. Darrell Crofford, Mr. Don Joseph, Rev. Johnnie Brown, Mrs. Mary Campbell, and Mrs. Martha Rabb.

Members absent were Mr. Ricky Raven and Mr. Lynn White.

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mrs. Rabb and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the June 1, 1999, June 10, 1999, and July 8, 1999, Board meetings.

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mrs. Campbell and carried unanimously to approve invoices in the amount of $2,062,249.00.

Mr. O'Neal, Director of Business Affairs, provided the Board with an update on the progress being made at the Ferriday Junior High Site.

Students from the Vidalia High School DECA gave a report to the Board on their recent trip to Canada. 

Mrs. Perez, Louisiana Business Partnership, explained to the Board how classrooms earned points toward rewards offered through the Louisiana Business Partnership.  Mrs. Perez also informed the Board that Vidalia High School DECA students were in the top ten in the State of Louisiana in the reward program.  Items on display which students had earned through the partnership included a computer scanner, color printer, teacher's chair, zip drive, computer and color copier.

It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. Coleman and carried to advertise for bids for tile at Ridgecrest Elementary School.

Mr. O'Neal opened and read into record the bids received for exterminating service for the School Food Service Program.  The bids were as follows:

B&B Pest Control                    $245.00/unit

Dr. Bug                                    $300.00/unit

Northeast Pest Control             $280.00/unit

E.A. Redd Pest Control           $420.00/unit

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mrs. Rabb and carried unanimously to take the bids under advisement.

Superintendent Peterman informed the Board that a Student Code of Conduct must be in place by August 1, 1999.  Mr. Howard Jackson, Visiting Teacher, reviewed for the Board the draft of the Student Code of Conduct and Statement of Compliance.  Mr. Jackson informed the Board that the Statement of Compliance which requires the parent/guardian signature, will assure parent contact.

It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. Crofford and carried unanimously to approve the Student Code of Conduct.

Mr. Fred T. Butcher, Director of Academics, reviewed the Pupil Progression Plan for Board members.  Points covered included retention, selection of valedictorian, LEAP testing and remediation.

There was general discussion concerning the retention of students in kindergarten.  Mrs. Odeal Montgomery, Ferriday Mayor, addressed the Board concerning kindergarten retention.

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Coleman and carried 5-2 with Rev. Brown and Mrs. Campbell voting no, to approve the Pupil Progression Plan.

Superintendent Peterman requested that the Board consider establishing a committee to review the current policies.  The committee would be comprised of board members and appropriate personnel. 

Superintendent Peterman explained the purpose of early dismissal for staff development.  Schools would be dismissed one hour early on the second Wednesday of each month, with the exception of the month of August.  Early dismissal in August will take place on the fourth Wednesday.  The early dismissals will be  for staff development purposes.

It was moved by Mr. Coleman, seconded by Mrs. Campbell and carried unanimously to approve the early dismissal days.

Superintendent Peterman reviewed the purchase of math and social studies textbooks.  He explained that the money was in the current year budget.  It was moved by Mrs. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Crofford and carried unanimously to approve the purchase of the math and social studies textbooks.

It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. Crofford and carried unanimously to approve the new job description and evaluation instrument for custodians.

The Board heard the first reading of the policy ID - Curriculum.  Superintendent Peterman reviewed the policy for the Board.

A visual presentation was made by a representative of the Abstinence Program.  Information was provided to Board members in hand-outs.  The WAIT training would consist of a two week course to be presented by a trained volunteer with the regular classroom teacher in attendance.  There was general discussion and board members voiced concern over how best the training would fit into the regular curriculum.  It was suggested that this be referred to committee for study.  President Grantham requested that the Board be given time to look at the program .

Mr. Butcher, Director of Academics, presented the BESE Mandated Character Education program to the Board.  Mr. Butcher suggested that this be referred to the same committee as the  WAIT Training.

It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. Crofford and carried unanimously for a committee to be established to address the WAIT Training along with the Character Education and report back to the Board at the September meeting.

Rev. Justin Conner addressed the Board concerning out-of- zone students.

Mr. Coleman suggested that the Board combine items M and N.  There was a general discussion on the problem of retaining teachers in the troubled schools in the parish.  It was suggested that the Board study monetary incentives for teachers who teach in troubled schools or in areas of shortage.  There was a lengthy discussion by the Board concerning the problem.

Mr. Coleman requested that the Board seriously review the policy dealing with teachers who resign from the system and then request to return.  There was general discussion concerning teachers who resign from or request transfers out of troubled schools.

Superintendent Peterman requested that the Board add the resignation of Paula Crawford to the personnel section of the agenda.  It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Rev. Brown and carried unanimously to add the item to the agenda.

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Coleman and carried unanimously to approve the following personnel items.

Appointments

Willis Lee, School Bus Operator, to cover route vacated by Sue Cockerham

Wanda Nell Temple, School Bus Operator, to cover route vacated by Mary Green

Mary Green, School Bus Operator, to cover route vacated by Max Knapp

Jennie Kimble, School Bus Operator, to cover route vacated by Nell Temple

Resignations

Chrisandra J. Lee, Teacher, FLES, effective July 6, 1999

Paula Crawford, Assistant Principal, FHS, effective July 31, 1999

Retirement

Augustine Thomas, Teacher, FJHS, effective July 1, 1999

Cleveland Watts, Teacher, FJHS, effective July 12, 1999

It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Rabb and carried to adjourn at 6:55 p.m.

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Dr. Lester L. Peterman, Interim Superintendent Mike Grantham, Board President