September 9, 2003
THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION, SEPTEMBER 9, 2003, AT, 5:00 P.M., AT 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA. PRESIDENT FARRIS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
WILLIS A. FARRIS, PRESIDENT
PHILIP L. GUNN, VICE PRESIDENT
JAMES K. ARMES, III
MEL HARRIS
ROBERT PYNES, JR.
MARK H. SMITH
BETTY WESTERCHIL
RICKY REESE
W.R. "RANDY" MARTIN
B.R. HARVEY
GAYE McKEE
COL. MARK ROCKE
ABSENT: M. GENE HAYMON, ILLNESS
There was also present Dr. Cynthia Gillespie, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Ricky Reese.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mark Smith.
On motion of B.R. Harvey seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of September 4, 2003.
On recommendation of Superintendent Gillespie and on motion of Mel Harris, seconded by B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to approve the attached sabbatical leave request.
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On recommendation of Superintendent Gillespie and on motion of Philip Gunn, seconded by Betty Westerchil, the Board voted to approve the attached request for a leave without pay.
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On recommendation of Superintendent Gillespie and on motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve the attached employee transfers.
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On recommendation of Superintendent Gillespie and on motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to approve the attached new employee. Robert Pynes, jr. voted no.
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On motion of Ricky Reese, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to approve budget amendments as related to personnel changes.
At this time, the Board recognized Miss Misty Dees, senior at Simpson High School, for placing fourth in Accounting I at the National Leadership Conference. Mrs. Kay Ketchum, Misty's advosor, made the presentation.
Kem Villejoin, Vernon Parish Home Economist, and Todd Sasser, Assistant County Agent, recognized students from schools throughout the parish for their participation and accomplishments in 4-H and Woodsman Skills activities and competitions.
On recommendation of Superintendent Gillespie and on motion of B.R. Harvey, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board voted to change the scheduled Tuesday, November 11th board meeting to Thursday, November 13th at 5:00 p.m. It was necessary to make the change because Veteran's Day will be observed on November 11th.
In other business, on motion of Mark Smith, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following resolution in appreciation of Mr. Bill Endris, Director of Finance, and his staff:
WHEREAS, the Vernon Parish School Board takes this means to express its sincere appreciation and congratulations to Mr. William L. Endris, Jr., Director of Finance and Business Affairs, upon receiving an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement; and
WHEREAS, the Award of Financial Reporting Achievement was awarded to Mr. Endris, designated by the government as the person responsible for preparing the award-winning Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Endris and his office staff work diligently to insure accuracy in all aspects of the accounting of the financial affairs of this school system and the attainment of the Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting; now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board adopts this resolution of gratitude and congratulations to Mr. Endris and his staff for the outstanding operation of the Vernon Parish School System's business office.
Also in other business, Mark Smith withdrew his previous move and James Armes withdrew his second to advertise for an activity bus at Leesville High School.
In further business, on motion of James Armes, seconded by Mark Smith, the Board voted to purchase a new bus piggy-backed on a bid awarded by Red River Parish School Board to Ross Bus Sales of Alexandria.
On motion of B.R. Harvey, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board take this means to express their heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs. Minnie Doyle, of Pitkin, who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Doyle was a longtime resident of the Pitkin area and the grandmother of Mrs. Dawn James, bus driver at Pitkin High School. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. James and her family at this time of sorrow.
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.
There being no further business, on motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
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WILLIS A. FARRIS, BOARD PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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DR. CYNTHIA GILLESPIE, SUPERINTENDENT