PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 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, October 5, 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 Mr. Eddie Coleman, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, was ready for the transaction of business.

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

Interim Superintendent Peterman recognized the Teacher of the Year Award winners as follows:

            Delores Thomas, FUES, school and parish winner

            Julia Walker, VJHS, school and parish winner

            Nancy Crosby, FKC, school winner

            Ernestine Watts, FJHS, school winner

Interim Superintendent Peterman recognized Amber Diana Harrigill for having received the honor of 1999 Pre-Teen North Louisiana Sr. Division Title Holder.  This title was based on academic achievements, school clubs and activities, development of personal skills and abilities and involvement in church and community.

Mrs. Dorothy Marsalis, Teacher, VHS, recognized Sarah Cotton, teacher, VJHS, Claudia White, Teacher, FJHS, and Jodie Trant, Teacher MHS, for outstanding work in the School to Work Job Shadowing program. 

Interim Superintendent Peterman commended all three teachers as well as Dorothy Marsalis for their work and dedication in making the project a success.

It was moved by Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to add the Sidney A. Murray Citizenship Award recognitions to the agenda.

Interim Superintendent Peterman recognized the recipients of the Sidney A. Murray Citizenship Awards as follows:

            Julie Clark, MHS, grade 12

            Audra Kemp, MHS, grade 11

            Akeirah Rosenthal, FHS, grade 12

            Charidy Parker, FHS, grade 11

            Justin Seals, VHS, grade 12

            Brendy Renee Ellis, grade 11

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of September 14, 1999.

Gloria Dangerfield, Assistant Director of Business Affairs, presented the financial report to the Board.  Rev. Brown asked the purpose of the insurance reserve fund.  Rev. Brown also questioned the Board’s authority in the America 2000 funds concerning the hiring of personnel. 

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried to approve invoices in the amount of $2,119,166.00.

It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Mr. Crofford and carried unanimously to go into executive session at 6:05 p.m.

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to return to open session at 7:30 p.m.

President Grantham explained that the Board had discussed items dealing with the position of Superintendent.

Mrs. Campbell, Chairperson, Superintendent Search Committee, gave a report on the committee’s findings.  Mrs. Campbell reviewed the search process, the interviews with candidates and the outcome of the interviews.  Mrs. Campbell recommended to the Board, on behalf of the Search Committee, that Dr. Lester Peterman be appointed to the position of Superintendent of Concordia Parish School System.

Rev. Brown expressed concerns over the recommendation coming from the Search Committee rather than the entire Board, as well as the interview process.  

Mr. Coleman voiced concerns over the recommendation due to the fact he knew nothing about Richard Miles and had not interviewed either candidate.

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Raven to accept the recommendation of the Search Committee that Dr. Lester Peterman be appointed Superintendent of Concordia Parish School System.

Roll call vote was as follows:

            Rev. Johnnie Brown      Pass

            Mrs. Mary Campbell    Yes

            Mr. Eddie Coleman      No

            Mr. Darrell Crofford     Yes

            Mr. Donald Joseph       Yes

            Mrs. Martha Rabb        Yes

            Mr. Ricky Raven          Yes

            Mr. Ernest Lynn White Yes

            Mr. Mike Grantham      Yes

            Rev. Johnnie Brown      No

Motion carried 7-2 with Rev. Brown and Mr. Coleman voting no.

It was moved by Mr. White, seconded by Mrs. Rabb and carried 8-1 with Mr. Coleman voting no to add the item to the agenda, to have Mr. Magee to prepare a contract for Dr. Peterman.

Rev. Brown informed the Board that he was not satisfied as a Board Member with the procedure the Board had taken.  Rev. Brown felt that the Board was not following established policies.

Mr. White stated that the item was on the agenda as Superintendent and called for question.

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mrs. Rabb and carried 7-2 with Mr. Coleman and Mr. Brown voting no, to have Mr. Magee prepare a contract for Dr. Lester Peterman for the position of Superintendent of Concordia Parish School System.

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Joseph and carried unanimously to award the bid for replacement of flooring at RES to Martin Floor Covering in the amount of $12,404.00.

Mr. O’Neal, Director of Business Affairs, reviewed the purpose and intent of the System Compliance Statement.  Mr. O’Neal explained to the Board that this statement was required by the legislative auditors.  It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the System Compliance Statement.

It was moved by Mr. White, seconded by Mrs. Rabb and carried unanimously to approve the second reading of the following policies:

                        Policy BD - Policy Development

                        Policy GBRHA - Sabbatical Leave

                        Policy GBRIB - Illness

                        Policy IKDB - Graduation Exercises (replaces IKD)

                        Policy IKDC - Prayer in Schools (replaces IKD)

                        Policy JCD - Student Conduct

                        Policy JD - Discipline

                        Policy JDD - Suspension

                        Policy JDE - Expulsion

                        Policy GBRAA - Drug Testing/Substance Abuse

                        Policy JBCC - Student Assignments

President Grantham requested that Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Rabb serve on the Curriculum Committee and Rev. Brown and Mr. Joseph serve on the Policy Committee.

Superintendent Peterman requested that Mr. Huhn and Mr. Butcher serve on the Curriculum Committee and Mr. Jackson and Dr. Eidt serve on the Policy Committee.

It was moved by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mrs. Campbell and carried unanimously to approve the proclamation for Red Ribbon Week.

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 23-31, 1999, has been designated as National Red Ribbon Week, 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 23-31, 1999, 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.

It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the Childnet/Child Search Proclamation.

PROCLAMATION

CHILD NET/CHILD SEARCH AWARENESS

WHEREAS, each year all over Louisiana, some children will need special help in reaching their potential and in gaining an education commensurate with their abilities; and

WHEREAS, there are children currently enrolled in the public schools who are having difficulty working at their age levels; and

WHEREAS, children must be at the center of all educational programming; and

WHEREAS, early identification is a key to helping Louisiana’s children overcome their developmental and learning problems in order to gain an education; and

WHEREAS, time is of the essence in providing early opportunity for these children that will help them become productive citizens and to lead fulfilled lives; and

WHEREAS,children need to remain in school and have access to appropriate educaitonal programs; and

WHEREAS,The Concordia Parish School Board is working to offer our children special help so they can obtain an appropriate education;

NOW , THEREFORE, THE CONCORDIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD hereby proclaims the month of October 1999, Child Net/Child Search Awareness month in the Concordia Parish Schools.

Mr. Howard Jackson, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, provided the Board with a report on Attendance and Suspension.   Superintendent Peterman commended Mr. Jackson on his efforts.

Mr. Clarence Hymon requested that the Board table the request to appear from Mr. Kevin Bridgewater until the November meeting.

Rev. Brown addressed the Board concerning the purchase of band instruments for the students of Ferriday High School.  Mr. Coleman asked that more information be obtained from Mr. Dangerfield, band director, and Mr. Moore, school principal.

There was a general discussion of the band allotment and how it is being used.  Superintendent Peterman stated that he was not aware of a problem with the band allotments as the band directors have expressed their appreciation for the increase in the allotment.

It was moved by Mr. Coleman, seconded by Mr. Crofford for the Superintendent to meet with Mr. Moore and Mr. Dangerfield to bring the needs of the Ferriday High School Band before the Board at the next meeting.  The motion carried 6-3 on a roll call vote as follows:

            Rev. Johnnie Brown      Yes

            Mrs. Mary Campbell    Yes

            Mr. Eddie Coleman      Yes

            Mr. Darrell Crofford     Yes

            Mr. Donald Joseph       No

            Mrs. Martha Rabb        No

            Mr. Ricky Raven          Yes

            Mr. Ernest Lynn White No

            Mr. Mike Grantham      Yes

It was moved by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the use of the Vidalia High School Gymnasium for a fund raising activity for the Vidalia Police Department.

It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Mrs. Campbell and carried unanimously to approve the Crisis Management Plan.

Superintendent Peterman requested that an item be added to the agenda concerning the bleachers at Monterey High School.  It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Mr. Crofford and carried to add the item to the agenda.

It was moved by Mr. White, seconded by Mrs. Rabb and carried unanimously that Mr. H. L. Irvin draw up the specifications for Monterey High School bleachers and the bleachers be advertised for bids.

It was moved by Mrs. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the following personnel items.

            Resignation

            Colleen Twillbeck, Teacher, MHS, effective May 26, 1999                              

            Leave

            Extended Sick Leave

            Carla Washington, SFS Technician, FJHS, effective September 17, 1999, through November 15, 1999

            Betty Sigust, Teacher, FUES, effective October 6, through November 2, 1999

            Military Leave

            Wilton Nolan, School Psychologist, Ferriday Education Center, November 4 & 5, 1999

            Transfers

            Felicha Morales, Speech Pathology Assistant to Early Childhood Teacher, FUES, effective September 27, 1999

Sharlene Campbell, Special Ed. Teacher, FUES, to Special Ed. Teacher, Clayton Headstart Center (FKC), effective September 21, 1999

            Lucille Boxley, Janitor, FUES, from 5 hour janitor to 8 hour janitor, effective October 6, 1999

            Appointments

            Jennie R. Perkins, SFS Technician, VLES, VJHS, RES, effective September 14, 1999

            Iantha Hayes, Teacher, VJHS, effective September 13, 1999, through January 10, 2000

            Joyce Russ, Special Education Teacher, VLES, effective September 20, 1999

            Jacqueline Howard, Teacher, VJHS/VHS, effective September 20, 1999 through May 23, 2000

            Telina Book, Teacher, FKC, effective September 13, 1999, through January 10, 2000

            Sharon Stewart, O.S.S. Tutor, VJHS, effective October 6, 1999 through May 23, 2000

Wilma McKeever, Concordia Federation of Teachers/Support Employees, addressed the Board in support of the sales tax renewal in the October 23, 1999 election.

Mr. Grantham welcomed Mr. Coleman back after his recent illness.

Mr. Grantham announced the upcoming Parentfest to be held on Saturday, November 13, 1999.

It was moved by Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to adjourn at 8:35 p.m.

_______________________________           __________________________________________

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