September 11, 2001
THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, AT, 5:00 P.M., AT 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA. PRESIDENT HARVEY CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
B.R. HARVEY, PRESIDENT
KIM REESE, VICE PRESIDENT
ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR.
WILLIS A. FARRIS
PHILIP L. GUNN
M. GENE HAYMON
JANE HOLTON
C.A. HUGHES
GAYE MCKEE
MURPHY O'BANION
TED PARIS
W.W. PARKER
MARK SMITH
LINDA WEST
BETTY WESTERCHIL
COL. THOMAS SITTNICK
There was also present Richard Schwartz, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Kim Reese.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Linda West.
On motion of Willis Farris, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of September 6, 2001.
On motion of W. W. Parker, seconded by the Board, the Board approved the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement regarding transitioning of military students.
Colonel Thomas Sittnick presented a plaque of appreciation to Jimmy Funderburk, Vernon Parish Schools' Director of Transportation, Food Services, and Athletics for his dedication and cooperation in dealing with issues concerning the students of the Fort Polk community.
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of Ted Paris, seconded by C.A. Hughes, the Board to approve the attached request for leave without pay.
ATTACHED
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of Betty Westerchil, seconded by Jane Holton, the Board voted to approve the attached employee transfers.
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On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Kim Reese, the Board voted to approve the attached list of new employees.
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Curtis Clay recognized several students for their participation in various events. Kim Villejoin, Home Economist, presented certificates to a number of 4-H students who competed at the state level. Also honored were three other students for individual accomplishments. Tiffany Lora, Hornbeck High School, was recognized for being elected first vice president of the National FCCLA, Clerc Koenck, Anacoco High School, was recognized for her accomplishment of Jr. Olympic silver medalist, and Jim Marcantel, Pickering Elementary School, was recognized as the State DARE Essay Contest winner.
Cleve Weisgerber, Vernon Parish County Agent, gave an informative presentation on the restructuring of the LSU Agriculture Center.
On motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Willis, the Board voted to enter into a cooperative agreement to sell seven drums at the Rosepine High School band department, to Allen Parish School Board.
On motion of Ted Paris, seconded by Jane Holton, the Board voted to reconsider lowering the salary of board members to $500.00 beginning in 2003.
Following some discussion, W.W. Parker made a motion to table the salary issue which was seconded by Willis Farris. A roll call vote was taken with results as as follows:
YEA NAY
Alvin C. Dowden, Jr. X
M. Gene Haymon X
Jane Holton X
C.A. Hughes X
Ted Paris X
Kim Reese X
Linda West X
Betty Westerchil X
Mark Smith X
W.W. Parker X
Willis Farris X
Murphy O'Banion X
B.R. Harvey X
Philip Gunn Not present at time of vote
Gaye McKee X
The motion to table passed by an 8-6 vote.
In other business, Superintendent Schwartz announced his plans to retire in January, 2002 and on motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Linda West, the Board voted to receive applications for the superintendent's position in October.
On motion of Murphy O'Banion, seconded by Kim Reese, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay claims.
On motion of W.W. Parker, seconded the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Vernon Parish School Board wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs. Maggie Morrison, of Anacoco, who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Morrison, a longtime resident of the Anacoco area, was the mother of Mrs. Mildred Haymon, custodian at Anacoco High School, and she will be sadly missed by her family and friends; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Board does hereby adopt this memorial resolution and requests that a copy be sent to Mrs. Haymon and her family at this time of sorrow.
On motion of Gene Haymon, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Nolan Rhodes, of Leesville, who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rhodes was a longtime resident and businessman in the Leesville area and the father-in-law of Mrs. Jeanne Rhodes, secretary at Leesville High School; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Board does hereby adopt this memorial resolution and requests that a copy be sent to Mr. Rhodes family at this time of bereavement.
On motion of B.R. Harvey, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Vernon Parish School Board wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs. Gladys McCollister, of Many, who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. McCollister was a lifetime resident of Sabine Parish and the aunt of Mrs. Maggie Harvey, wife of Board Member B.R. Harvey; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Board does hereby adopt this memorial resolution and requests that a copy be sent to Mrs. Harvey and her family at this time of bereavement.
There being no further business, on motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
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B.R. HARVEY, BOARD PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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RICHARD SCHWARTZ, SUPERINTENDENT