PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 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, November 2, 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 Superintendent Peterman, 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.
Mr. Ralph Laukhuff, Louisiana Hydroelectric Representative, presented the Hydroelectric Grant Awards as follows:
Ann Sandidge, Teacher, Monterey High School $500.00
Brad Lipsey, Teacher, Monterey High School $900.00
Mr. Laukhuff also presented the Hydroelectric Citizenship Awards as follows:
Selena Book Monterey High School Grade 9
Jessica Wiley Monterey High School Grade 10
Sharina Mays Ferriday High School Grade 9
Robin McCastle Ferriday High School Grade 10
Jamie House Vidalia High School Grade 9
Holly Foster Vidalia High School Grade 10
Superintendent Peterman requested that Mr. Charles Bell, Director of Ferriday Housing Authority, come forward.
Superintendent Peterman informed the Board that the Ferriday Learning Center had been recognized by HUD for their tutorial program. Superintendent Peterman requested that the tutors for the program come forward. Ms. Katie Wesley and Ms. Aquanetta Lewis were recognized for their contributions to the program.
It was moved by Mr. Coleman, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of October 5, 1999.
It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Rev. Brown and carried to approve invoices in the amount of $2,048,951.00 for the month of October.
It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to go into Executive Session at 5:50 p.m.
It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. Crofford and carried unanimously to return to regular session at 6:50 p.m.
It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mrs. Campbell and carried to add items to the personnel section of the agenda.
It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the resolution providing or canvassing the returns and declaring the result of the special election held in the Parish of Concordia, State of Lousiaina, on Satruday, October 23, 1999, to authorize the levy of a sales and use tax therein.
Superintendent Peterman read the System Status Report into the Minutes as follows:
Concordia Parish Schools
System Status Report
November 2, 1999
This report is a summary of findings made from personal observations and discussions with individuals knowledgeable in the areas addressed. The purpose of the report is to provide the members of the Concordia Parish School Board with a brief overview of the status of some of the key program areas of the system.
Curriculum and Instruction
The current level of academic achievement throughout the system needs to be improved. Although there are areas of strength, our students are not scoring as well as most educators feel they should be on measures of accountability. There is, however, reason for optimism due to the notable amount of parental involvement and concern that has been observed in the schools during the first six weeks of school this year. Several interventions which are being implemented within the curriculum and instruction program should provide a foundation for addressing improved academic achievement.
We need to increase the number of high school special needs students in diploma tracks and ensure that daily interventions are implemented for every student with low level reading ability.
The current emphasis on increasing student attendance should result in improved student achievement. The onsite suspension centers and Saturday School programs have assisted in reducing the absentee rate at the high school and middle school levels.
Of great concern is the number of uncertified and undercertified teachers. Recruiting and holding certified teachers will continue to present a problem to the system until the state is able to assist in providing salaries that are competitive with surrounding areas.
Opportunities for our teachers and administrators to participate in meaningful staff development activities is a definite strength.
Educational Materials and Equipment
The level of educational materials and supplies provided by our system exceeds most districts of our size and means in the state. Access to technology remains a strength for our system. Although the flow of technology funds has been restricted, we are able to meet our needs by leveraging funds from grants. Technology maintenance is rapidly becoming a problem.
Student textbooks and library resources are a major strength in the area of educational materials. Not only do our teachers and students have access to the latest basal texts, they also are provided with the companion materials to accompany the texts. Our upper elementary, jr. high, and high school libraries will all be automated by the end of this year.
Our science labs are in need of renovation and upgrading to address content standards which emphasize student involved, handson, learning activities
Financial
The systems finances are in good condition. The Board has adopted a budget that will meet the needs of the system while allowing for the Insurance Reserve Fund to be returned to a level of $500, 000. The renewal of the one cent sales and use tax will provide security for the next ten years. However, there are several areas of concern that the Board must consider prior to undertaking any new venture which would require the expenditure of a considerable amount of unbudgeted funds beyond the current fiscal year. The concerns are listed below:
1. About two thirds of our revenues are derived from the states Minimum Foundation Program. Our system faces the probability of a reduction in funding from the MFP for several reasons among which are:
A. The system continues to experience a decline in student enrollment which is the prime factor in determining the amount of funding the state will provide. Our systems count of MFP students is down 251 students in 1998-99 and 119 this year. As the student population decreases, our chief sources of revenue will suffer.
B. There will almost certainly be a change in the way the MFP is structured beginning in the 2000-2001 school year. We do not yet have an idea of how our state funds will be allotted. Some legislators favor a plan to provide a raise for teachers which will be paid out of the districts MFP allocations. This could be a devastating blow to many school systems.
C. There is strong indication that the CPSBs employer contribution to employee retirement benefits will increase by about 1% without attendant funding from the MFP. This increase will create an additional finiancal burden for our system.
2. There is a possiblity of a change in federal funding. In addition to a possible reduction, there is a plan to change from the current method of providing federal funding based on the atrisk student count to a plan which would make all federal funds in block grants directly to the states through the Governors Office. There is concern about the equity of this plan.
Facilities
Currently most facilities are clean, neat, and in a good state of repair. However, the average age of our facilities is in excess of forty years. They require constant maintenance and repair. In addition, there are 23 portable buildings in our system which are used on a daily basis for instruction. Seventeen of theses buildings are substandard at best. These buildings require an abnormally high amount of maintenance time and cost to keep serviceable.
Our maintenance budget is being severely tested by fire code upgrades. Each month we seem to be reacting to another citation by the Fire Marshall. However, due to our efforts to comply with the regulations as quickly as possible, we have maintained a good standing so that none of our facilities are in immediate danger of being shut down for code violations. Compliance with federal handicapped regulations, while improving, is still not complete.
Old wiring and plumbing continue to cause problems. Most problems are due to aging facilities, but some are due to utility demand. Gym facilities at Ferriday High and Ferriday Jr. High are in need of renovation.
Although few roofs are currently leaking, many are not in good shape and require constant repair. Roofs at Ferriday Lower and Vidalia Lower are long past needing replacement. When the rainy season begins, we will have leaks.
Replacement of window glass is a daily maintenance chore in most facilities. The excessive amount of window space also hinders the efficiency of heating and cooling and contributes to vandalism.
All parking lots are in need of repair and resurfacing. Covered walkways are needed at several schools. Several buildings are in need of floor tile and blinds. Ceiling tile in four schools will have to be replaced to satisfy fire codes.
Improving school security is a primary concern. Security systems are needed at several facilities. Installation of two way communication systems from school offices to classrooms has started, and a program to install new door hardware is in progress.
Most schools have been recently painted inside and out. Although particular attention has been given to the renovation of student restrooms, there are still several areas that need addressing.
Transportation
The transportation area continues to be a strength. There is a concern about state requirements regarding the age of a bus coming into the system. These guidelines may prohibit many potential drivers from applying for routes due to the cost of a bus. This may limit our ability to attract quality drivers and may also necessitate overuse of our activity busses.
Equipment
There are a number of needs in the area of maintenance equipment. Tractor repairs are necessary on a monthly basis. These repairs are costly and the downtime repairs prevent scheduled grass cutting. Many of the buffers, vacuums, and wet vacs in our system are threadbare and marginally effective.
The exhaust vent hoods recently installed in the kitchens are working effectively to provide a better environment in the food preparation areas.
Maintenance vehicles and activity busses are in good condition. The maintenance shop and storage areas are in need of renovation.
Personnel
Although we have an experienced and dedicated workforce in many areas, the availability of certified teachers, qualified substitute teachers, and substitute bus drivers is limited.
The participation of our personnel in continuing training programs is a strength. Almost all of our personnel are involved in some type of inservice training that directly relates to their job performance.
Food Service
Federal USDA guidelines will continue to bring changes in the School Food Service program for at least two more years. The Louisiana Cycle Menus recently implemented have been well received except for a few areas. The salad bars will be returning to the high schools by popular demand. Participation is up in most schools.
Summary
The Concordia Parish School System is in an overall sound condition. While there are many areas of concern, the system finances and programs are operating soundly and efficiently. This is a tribute to the loyalty and dedication of our employees, the members of the school board, and to the support of the citizens of Concordia Parish.
The primary areas of immediate focus should be:
1. The improvement in student academic achievement throughout the parish, but particularly in the Ferriday area schools,
2. The improvement in the quality of life and the morale of our employees and the improvement of our ability to attract and hold qualified personnel,
3. The improvement of our facilities to provide a better environment for students and employees and to reduce maintenance and utility costs, and
4. The establishment of a strategic plan of action to help identify our needs, establish our goals, and direct our course into the future.
Superintendent Peterman also presented to the Board the following Strategic Plan of Action.
Strategic Plan of Action
A Recommendation from the Superintendent
We serve the Concordia Parish community. The community members are the stakeholders in the future of our children and in the level of the quality of life that we are a part of providing. In order to make wise decisions for our children and our community, we as leaders of the system need to let the people share their vision of where and what they want our system to be in the future and help us set goals that will accomplish that vision.
Our system operates on policy, procedure, budget and law, it should also operate on a well-designed plan for progress. As the major thrust of our effort to provide the highest possible level of education for our students, I am recommending that no later than January 2000, that Concordia Parish School Board authorize the development of a five-year Strategic Plan of Action for the Concordia Parish School System. I recommend that the plan be developed through the combined efforts of the professional staff, a recognized consultant, and a steering committee comprised of educators, parents, and community leaders.
As we discover where we need to be in the areas of academic and extra curricular programs, facilities, equipment, personnel, and finance, we will also explore solutions and identify the support systems we will need to utilize in reaching our goals.
The first step should be to identify and adopt a process for developing the Strategic Plan. I will be asking the board to consider taking that step at the December School Board Meeting. If this recommendation is received positively by the board, a five-year mission into the future will have begun for the Concordia Parish School System and community.
It was moved by Mr. White, seconded by Mrs. Rabb and carried unanimously to open bids for Library Automation System and Portable Bar-code Reader.
Bids were received from Books Systems, Inc. and Winnebago Software Company.
It was moved by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Coleman and carried unanimously to take the bids under advisement.
It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried to approve the first reading of the following Policies.
IFBGA-R - Guidelines for Use of the Internet
EFA - Computer Access and Use
IFBGA - Computer and Internet Use
GBRAA - Employee Substance Abuse
Mr. Joseph recommended that the Board approve the resolution for Oversight and Control of Property Leases and review all property owned by Concordia Parish School Board.
Mr. O’Neal, Director of Business Affairs, provided the Board with an explanation of indemnity land.
Mr. Joseph recommended that the indemnity lands held by the Concordia Parish School Board be reviewed by Mr. Willard, Sales Tax Auditor. It was moved by Mr Crofford, seconded by Rev. Brown and carried unanimously to distribute the information to all three board committees for review.
It was moved by Rev. Brown, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried for the Concordia Parish Sales Tax Department be the collecting agent for Catahoula Parish Police Jury Insurance Premium and occupational license taxes.
Mr. Anthony Moore, Principal, FHS, and Mr. Carl Dangerfield, Band Director, FHS, presented a report to the Board concerning the needs of the Ferriday High School Band. Rev. Brown asked how the Board should proceed in addressing this problem. Superintendent Peterman requested that Mr. Dangerfield provide a prioritized list of the items he is asking the School Board to purchase.
It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Rev. Brown and carried to look at the list at the December Board Meeting.
Mr. Kevin Guthrie, WAIT Training, introduced Mr. Dan Ritchie, State Coordinator Governor’s Program on Abstinence. Mr. Ritchie reviewed the WAIT program with the Board members. Mr. Butcher, Director of Academic Affairs, made a recommendation to the Board on WAIT implementation in the schools.
It was moved by Mr. Raven, seconded by Mr. White and carried to accept Mr. Butchers recommendation and move forward with WAIT training.
It was moved by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Raven and carried unanimously to approve the following personnel recommendations.
Termination
Valarie Prosser, SFS Technician, FUES, effective November 3, 1999
Resignations
Darlene Baker, Teacher, FJHS, effective October 25, 1999
Augustine Davis, 2.5 hour cleaner, FJHS, effective September 22, 1999
Robert Mahony, Teacher, FJHS, effective January 10, 2000
Maternity Leave
Bridget Willson, Teacher, MHS, effective September 30, through November 29, 1999
Extended Sick Leave
Betty Sigust, Teacher, FUES, effective November 3, 1999, through December 7, 1999
Sabbatical Leave
Zuleika Moore, Teacher, FHS, effective January 3, 2000, through May 12, 2000
Transfers
Geneva Hall, 5 hour cleaner, FJHS, to 8 hour cleaner, FJHS, effective November 3, 1999
Appointments
Daryle Price, Bus Driver, to fill vacant route in Monterey, effective November 3, 1999
Harriet Green, Teacher, FJHS, effective October 26, 1999
Larry Cole, 12 month/8 hour janitor, MHS, effective October 11, 1999
Rhonda Bradford, Tutor, In-School Suspension, FUES, effective November 1, 1999
Brenda Moore, Temporary, Part-time Administrative Assistant, FUES, effective November 3, 1999, through May 23, 1999
Irene Collins, SFS `Technician, FUES/FJHS effective November 3, 1999
Angie Caylor, Speech Therapist, effective November 3, 1999
President Grantham thanked the public for the vote of support in the October 23, 1999, Sales Tax Election.
It was moved by Mr. Crofford, seconded by Mrs. Rabb and carried unanimously to adjourn at 8:10 p.m.
Lester L. Peterman, Superintendent Mike Grantham, President