THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION, JULY 8, 2004, AT, 10:00 A.M., AT 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA. PRESIDENT GUNN CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
PHILIP L. GUNN, PRESIDENT
M. GENE HAYMON, VICE PRESIDENT
JAMES K. ARMES, III
MEL HARRIS
ROBERT PYNES, JR.
MARK H. SMITH
BETTY WESTERCHIL
RICKY REESE
WILLIS A. FARRIS
W.R. ”r;RANDY” MARTIN
B.R. HARVEY
GAYE McKEE
ABSENT: COL. A. WADE WOOLFREY, JR.
There was also present Dr. Cynthia Gillespie, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Robert Pynes, Jr.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ricky Reese.
On motion of Mark Smith, seconded by James Armes, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of June 8, 2004.
Tom Neubert, Superintendent Gillespie and the Board recognized the following Support Personnel-of-the-Year at the elementary, middle and high school levels: Elizabeth Creasy, paraprofessional at West Leesville Preschool, Wanda G. Wagner, secretary at Vernon Middle School and Sharon Wilhelm, cafeteria manager at Leesville High School.
Brenda Bealer, Director of Head Start, recognized top Head Start Volunteers as follows:
Kris Ferguson, Hornbeck, 538 hours, Liz Nichols, Hornbeck, 470 hours, and Christy Addison, Hicks, 346.75 hours. The teacher and aide with the most volunteer hours were Wendy Kreps, teacher, and Gloria Dowden, aide, at Hornbeck. The teacher and aide with the greatest percentage increase over the previous year were Kim Poe, teacher, and Katrina Queen, aide at West Leesville. Also recognized were Policy Council officers, Tonja Hillard, President, Barbara Kemp, Vice President, and Cheri’ Dowden, Secretary.
On motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve a resolution for continuing the 2004-05 consolidated application for program funding for Titles I, II, III, IV, V and X.
On motion of Betty Westerchil, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board approved a resolution to authorize the superintendent to sign amended Rapides Foundation Grant Agreements for the respective school that have been awarded grants: Anacoco Elementary School, East Leesville Elementary School, Evans High School, Leesville Jr. High School, North Polk Elementary School, Pickering Elementary School, Pickering High School, Simpson High School, South Polk Elementary School, Vernon Middle School and West Leesville Elementary School.
On motion of James Armes, seconded by Randy Martin the Board voted to approve the following parish-wide discipline policy:
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
Obtaining parental permission prior to administering paddling is not necessary, however, parents who do not want their child paddled must submit a written request asking the school not to paddle so another form of discipline may be used.
K-2 3-6 7-12
Willful disobedience:
1st offense-office time out 1 week recess detention 1 day suspension
2nd offense-2 days recess detention 1 day ISS/Corp. punishment 2 days suspension
3rd offense-Corp. pun./1 day susp. 1-3 days suspension 3 days suspension
Disrespect for authority:
1st offense-2 days recess detention 1 wk. recess detention 3 days suspension
2nd offense-1wk.det./corp. pun. 1 day ISS/Corp. punishment 5 days suspension
3rd offense-2 days suspension 1-3 days suspension 7 days suspension
Profanity verbal/written:
1st offense-time out 1 week recess detention 1 day suspension
2nd offense-2 days recess detention 2 days ISS/Corp. punishment 2 days suspension
3rd offense-1 day susp./corp. pun. 1-3 days suspension 3 days suspension
Immoral or vicious practices:
1st offense-corp. pun./1 day susp. 1day suspension 5 days suspension
2nd offense-2days suspension 2 days suspension 7 days suspension
3rd offense-3days suspension 3 days suspension 9 days suspension
Tobacco possession/use/products:
1st offense-2 day recess detention 1 day suspension 1 day suspension
2nd offense-1 day suspension 2 days suspension 3 days suspension
3rd offense-1 days suspension 3 days suspension 5 days suspension
Use or possession of alcohol:
1st offense-2 days recess detention 2 days suspension 5 days suspension
2nd offense-1 day suspension 3 days suspension 7 days suspension
3rd offense-2 days suspension 5 days suspension 9 days suspension
Use or possession of controlled dangerous substances:
1st offense-3days susp./ same 5 day suspension/recommend hearing
recommend hearing
Fighting:
Each offense
1st-2 days recess det./Corp. pun. 1 day susp./corp. pun. 5-9 days
2nd 1 wk. recess det./1 day susp. 3 days suspension
3rd 2 days suspension 5 days suspension
Firearms/weapons on school campus:
1st offense: 3 days suspension/ Same 9 days suspension/
recommend hearing recommend expulsion
Vandalism to school property:
1st: Work detail/restitution 1 day susp/restitution 5 days suspension/restitution
2nd: 1 day susp/restitution 3 days susp/restitution 7 days suspension/restitution
3rd: 3 days susp/restitution 5 days susp/restitution 9 days suspension/restitution
Unfounded charges against school personnel:
1st offense: Office time out ISS/detention 3 days suspension
2nd: 2 days recess detention 1 day ISS 5 days suspension
3rd: 1 day suspension 1 day suspension 7 days suspension
Leaving class without permission:
1st offense: Office time out ISS/detention 1 day suspension
2nd offense: 2 days recess detention 1 day ISS 2 days suspension
3rd offense: 1 day suspension 1 day suspension 3 days suspension
Leaving school grounds without permission:
1st offense: 1 day suspension 1 day suspension 2 days suspension
2nd offense: 2 days suspension 3 days suspension 3 days suspension
3rd offense: 3 days suspension 5 days suspension 5 days suspension
1st offense: Office time out ISS/detention 1 day suspension
2nd: 2 days recess detention/ 1 day detention 2 days suspension
corporal punishment
3rd: 1 day suspension 2 days suspension 3 days suspension
Stealing/theft/possession of stolen property:
1st offense: work detail 1 day suspension 5 days suspension
2nd: 1 day suspension/ 2 days suspension 7 days suspension
corporal punishment
3rd: 2 days suspension 3-5 days suspension 9 days suspension
1st: 2 days recess detention 1 day suspension 3 days suspension
corporal punishment
2nd: 1 day suspension 2 days suspension 5 days suspension
3rd 2 days suspension 3-5 days suspension 7 days suspension
Bus disruption:
1st offense: 2 day recess detention 1 day off bus 3 days off bus
2nd: 1 day off bus/corporal punish. 3 days off bus 5 days off bus
3rd: 3 days off bus 5 days off bus 7 days off bus
No suspended or expelled student is allowed on campus or may attend any school- sponsored event for the duration of such suspension/expulsion which would end at the beginning of the next school day following said suspension/expulsion.
On motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to adopt the 2004-05 Personnel Evaluation Plan.
On recommendation of Superintendent Gillespie and on motion of Robert Pynes, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board voted to appoint James Wesley as principal at Vernon Middle School. This is a one-year only, non-promotional appointment.
On motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Ricky Reese, the Board voted to open bids on a used bus at Rosepine High School. No bids were received and on motion of Mel Harris, seconded by James Armes, the Board voted to authorize the principal and Mr. Bill Endris to dispose of the bus.
On motion of Ricky Reese, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to open bids on a used bus at Evans High School. No bids were received and on motion of Mel Harris, seconded by James Armes, the Board voted to authorize the principal and Mr. Bill Endris to dispose of the bus.
On motion of Gene Haymon, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to open bids on copier paper. The bids received are as follows:
BIDDER BID PER UNIT
Tri State Marketing $21.99
Savin Corporation $19.57
On motion of James Armes, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board voted to award the low bid to Unisource.
On motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Mark Smith, the Board voted to open bids for milk and juice. Bids received are as follows:
BIDDER MILK CHOC LOWFAT JUICE
Foremost .28 .28 .28 .18
On motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Betty Westerchil, the Board voted to award the low bid for milk to Foremost Dairies.
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by James Armes, the Board voted to open bids for bread. Bids received are as follows:
HAMBURGER HOT DOG
BIDDER BREAD BUNS BUNS
Cottons .70 .90 .60
On motion of Ricky Reese, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board voted to award the low bid to Cottons Bakery.
Mr. Smith reported that the Personnel/Salary Committee had reviewed the list of personnel changes and recommended that the list be presented to the Board for approval on July 13, 2004.
On recommendation of the Insurance Committee and on motion of Mark Smith, seconded by B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to appoint R.J. Fertitta as AUL Agent of Record for the 457 Plan.
In other business, on motion of B.R. Harvey, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve a change order in the amount of $59,674.84 for the Pitkin School project.
Also, in other business, Mrs. Westerchil announced a meeting of the Curriculum/Technology Committee would be held on Tuesday, July 13th at 9:00 a.m.
On motion of Betty Westerchil, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Emerson Ashworth, of Bancroft, who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ashworth was the father of Mr. Elsee Ashworth, curriculum coordinator at Leesville High School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ashworth was a lifelong resident of the Bancroft area and he will be sadly missed by his family and friends; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mr. Elsee Ashworth and his family at this time of sorrow.
On motion of Betty Westerchil, 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 Mr. Mark Smith, board member, Mrs. Anne Smith, director of curriculum, at the central office, and Mrs. Pam Smith, Vernon Parish Homebound teacher, in the recent death of their brother-in-law, Mr. Steve Hayes, of Lafayette; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hayes, a native of Leesville and a Leesville High School graduate, will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by many members of this community; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mark and Anne Smith, John and Pam Smith and their family at this time of sorrow.
On motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
WHEREAS, the Vernon Parish School Board wishes to express its sympathies to the family of Mr. Guthrie Lewis, of Magnolia, Texas, who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis was the uncle of Charles Lewis, principal at Rosepine High School, Mr. Rufus Goins, retired Rosepine Elementary School principal, Mrs. Rhonda Perry, retired teacher, and Mrs. Darla Solinsky, teacher at Rosepine Elementary School and he will be sadly missed by his family and friends; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mr. Lewis’ family at this time of sorrow.
On motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
WHEREAS, Mrs. Pelt was the mother of Ms. Darlene Smith, retired cafeteria employee at Rosepine Elementary School, and the grandmother of Mr. Jeffery Smith, teacher at Rosepine High School and Mrs. Lanette Nolen, teacher at Rosepine Elementary School, and 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 the family at this time of sorrow.
On motion of Gene Haymon, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
WHEREAS, the Vernon Parish School Board records with sadness the recent death of Mr. Doug Williams, retired educator at Simpson High School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson, a native and lifelong resident of the Simpson/Vernon Parish area, dedicated more than forty years of faithful service as teacher, coach, assistant principal and counselor, to the students and families at Simpson High School; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. Tressie Williamson and her family at this time of sorrow.
On motion of Gene Haymon, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board were saddened by the recent death of Mrs. Earle Temple, retired teacher at Simpson High School; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Temple was a long-time resident of the Simpson-Vernon Parish area and taught her entire tenure in Vernon Parish School System at Simpson High School; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Temple was a loyal and dedicated teacher and a credit to the educational profession; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent, along with its heartfelt condolences, to the family at this time of sorrow.
There being no further business, on motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
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PHILIP L., BOARD PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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DR. CYNTHIA GILLESPIE, SUPERINTENDENT