DECEMBER 6, 2007

THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., AT 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA.  PRESIDENT REESE CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:

RICKY REESE, PRESIDENT

ROBERT PYNES JR.

MEL HARRIS

MARK SMITH

STEVE WOODS

BERYL FORD

RANDY MARTIN

MICHAEL PERKINS

VERNON TRAVIS

GAYE MCKEE

GENE HAYMON

COL. DAVID G. SAGE

ABSENT:        JAMES ARMES - ILLNESS

There was also present Dr. Cynthia A. Gillespie, Secretary of the Board.

The meeting was opened in prayer by Gene Haymon.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ricky Reese.

On motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2007 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.

Mr. Jimmy Funderburk on behalf of Edwards Risk Management presented the Bus Driver of the Year Award to Andy Addison.  Mr. Addison was presented a jacket and a plaque for his dedication and hard work.

Mr. Cary McGuffee and Mr. Ray Peters discussed the Wood Works Program.  Jerome Henson, Principal at Pitkin High School, Todd Sasser, teacher, and students from the Wood Works Program were recognized for their participation in the program.

On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Mark Smith, the Board voted to adopt the Records Retention Policy.

RECORDS RETENTION

Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records and all other records pertinent to accounting and reporting for sources and uses of funds shall be retained in accordance with the Records Retention Schedule, as approved by the Vernon Parish School Board.  All material records of the School Board shall be maintained for a minimum period of least three (3) years, unless otherwise noted in the schedule below:

Other time restrictions may apply to certain records.  A microphotographic process or other legal form of archival recordkeeping may be utilized and the resulting microform retained for storage in lieu of the original itself unless specifically prohibited by law.

Records should not be destroyed when there is pending litigation or until the appropriate state or federal audits have been conducted.  The disposal of public records in any school shall be supervised by the principal and a record made of the disposal, including the disposal date and names of those observing the disposal.

Any off-site storage of records or official documentation shall be properly labeled for easy reference, and protected for security.

New policy:  October, 2007

Ref:      La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:196, 39:1597, 39:1598, 39:1626, 39:1627, 44:36, 44:411.

On motion of Beryl Ford, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board voted to adopt the following policy changes with the addition of the words at any school in the Prohibited Sexual Conduct section of Employee Conduct:

CHILD ABUSE

The Vernon Parish School Board shall endeavor to ensure that all instances of child abuse and/or neglect are reported in accordance with appropriate state and local laws and regulations.  Therefore, the School Board directs that all school personnel be informed of their responsibilities under law as mandatory reporters when performing their occupational duties.

DEFINITIONS

Child, for purposes of child abuse, is defined as a person under eighteen (18) years of age, who prior to juvenile proceedings, has not been judicially emancipated or emancipated by marriage.

Abuse means any one of the following acts which seriously endanger the physical, mental, or emotional health of the child:

(a)        The infliction, attempted infliction, or, as a result of inadequate supervision, the allowance of the infliction or attempted infliction of physical or mental injury upon the child by a parent or any other person.

(b)        The exploitation or overwork of a child by a parent or any other person.

(c)        The involvement of the child in any sexual act with a parent or any other person, or the aiding or toleration by the parent or the caretaker of the child's sexual involvement with any other person or of the child's involvement in pornographic displays, or any other involvement of a child in sexual activity constituting a crime under the laws of this state.

Neglect means the refusal or willful failure of a parent or caretaker to supply the child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, care, treatment, or counseling for any injury, illness, or condition of the child, as a result of which the child's physical, mental, or emotional health is substantially threatened or impaired.  In accordance with statutory provisions, the inability of a parent or caretaker to provide for a child due to inadequate financial resources shall not, for that reason alone, be considered neglect. Whenever, in lieu of medical care, a child is being provided treatment in accordance with the tenets of a well-recognized religious method of healing which has a reasonable, proven record of success, the child shall not, for that reason alone, be considered to be neglected or maltreated.  However, nothing herein shall prohibit the court from ordering medical services for the child when there is substantial risk of harm to the child's health or welfare.

A mandatory reporter is any person who provides training and supervision of a child, including any one of the following individuals performing their occupational duties:  teacher, teacher's aide, instructional aide, school principal, and school staff member.

Caretaker means any person legally obligated to provide or secure adequate care for a child, including a parent, tutor, guardian, legal custodian, foster home parent, an employee of a public or private day care center, an operator or employee of a registered family child day care home, or other person providing a residence for the child.

PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT

Any mandatory reporter, notwithstanding any claim of privileged communication, who has cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare is endangered as a result of abuse or neglect, as defined by this policy, or that abuse or neglect was a contributing factor in a child's death, shall report immediately suspected abuse/neglect in accordance with the following:

I.          The mandatory reporter having the information shall contact the principal or designee immediately.  The principal or other supervising employee shall immediately:

(A)       When the suspected abuser is believed to be a parent or caretaker, make the report to the local child protection unit of the Department of Social Services.

(B)       When the abuse or neglect is believed to be perpetrated by someone other than a parent or caretaker, and a parent or caretaker is not believed to have any responsibility for the abuse or neglect, make the report to the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the place where the abuse/neglect occurred.

II.         If the initial report was in oral form, it shall be followed by a written report on the approved form, which written report shall be delivered within five (5) days to the local child protection agency or the local law enforcement agency to whom the initial report was made.

III.       The principal, assistant principal, or other supervisory employee to whom the initial reporter gave the report shall have the primary responsibility of reporting the information to the appropriate agency as herein provided. The teacher or other Board employee who was the initial reporter is not relieved of responsibility, however, and to ensure that the report is delivered to the appropriate agency as required by law, the principal/designee/supervisory employee shall confer with the initial reporting employee and confirm that the report was made to the appropriate agency.  If the principal/designee/ supervisory employee fails or refuses to make a required report, the initial reporting employee shall make the required report to the appropriate agency and shall, within five (5) days of filing the required written report file a confidential report of the entire matter in writing with the Superintendent.

                                    The report shall contain the following information, if known:

1)         The name, address, age, sex, and race of the child.

2)         The nature, extent, and cause of the child's injuries or endangered condition, including any previous known or suspected abuse to this child or the child's siblings.

3)         The name and address of the child's parent(s) or other caretaker.

4)         The names and all the ages of all other members of the child's household.

5)         The name and address of the reporter.

6)         An account of how this child came to the reporter's attention.

7)         Any explanation of the cause of the child's injury or condition offered by the child, the caretaker, or any other person.

8)         The number of times the reporter has filed a report on the child or the child's siblings.

9)         Any other information which the reporter believes might be important or relevant.

The report shall also name the person or persons who are thought to have caused or contributed to the child's condition, if known, and the report shall contain the name of such person if he/she is named by the child.

If the initial report was in oral form by a mandatory reporter, it shall be followed by a written report made within five (5) days to the local child protection unit, or if necessary, to the local law enforcement agency.

INVESTIGATION OF REPORTS

Admission of the investigator on school premises or access to the child in school shall not be denied by school officials.

ALLEGATION AGAINST SCHOOL EMPLOYEES OR VOLUNTEERS

When an employee is accused of the use of impermissible corporal punishment or moral offenses involving students, the principal shall initiate an investigation (see procedures under policy JDA, Corporal Punishment). If the offender is a central office employee, or principal, the immediate supervisor will initiate an investigation.

Upon any school employee receiving a report of, or information about, child abuse, against another school employee or volunteer, and the employee receiving said information has cause to believe the truthfulness thereof, the reporting procedure as outlined in this policy shall be followed, depending upon whether the employee or volunteer is considered a caretaker or someone other than a caretaker.

The school employee shall also, as soon as reasonably possible, notify the appropriate immediate supervisor of the accused individual, and that supervisor in turn will as soon as reasonably possible, notify the Superintendent or designee.  The Superintendent and the Board's attorney will determine what appropriate action the school system may take over and above the investigation being conducted by the appropriate state agency.  In any incident involving an employee or volunteer which is reported to the Superintendent or designee, the person shall be removed from all activities involving direct contact with students until the matter is resolved.

ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL OFFENSES

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall be required to notify the local law enforcement agency of any allegation made by a student of the commission of a sex offense as defined by La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:541(14.1). Such notification shall be made by the Superintendent or his/her designee within twenty-four (24) hours of the time the student notified the Superintendent or other appropriate personnel. Any school employee who receives information from a student concerning the possible commission of a sexual offense shall immediately inform the Superintendent and/or his/her designee.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The circumstances and information of the initial report, the fact that a report was made to an agency, and the written report shall be held in confidence and shall not be disseminated to third parties other than those persons or agencies designated by this policy or required by state law.  Any written report or other written information regarding the report shall be kept in a confidential file separate from the child's routine school records and accessible only by the principal/designee/supervisory employee or by court order.

INSERVICE TRAINING

At the beginning of each school year, each principal shall provide mandated inservice training for mandatory reporters and other school personnel and volunteers on how to recognize and report suspected child abuse or child neglect.  Each employee and volunteer shall sign a form indicating he/she has received and understands the guidelines for reporting child abuse/neglect.

IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY

Any person who in good faith makes a report, cooperates in any investigation arising as a result of such report, or participates in judicial proceedings authorized under the Louisiana Children's Code shall have immunity from civil or criminal liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed.  This immunity, however, does not extend to (1) a person who participates in or conspires with a participant or an accessory to an offense involving the abuse or neglect of a child; (2) any person who makes a report known to be false or with reckless disregard for the truth of the report.

LIABILITY

The Louisiana Children's Code and Louisiana criminal law provide substantial penalties for mandatory reporters who fail to report facts which would support a reasonable belief that child abuse or neglect has occurred.  Additionally, educators or other employees of the Vernon Parish School Board who fail or refuse to report child abuse/neglect as provided by law or by this policy may be subject to disciplinary and/or dismissal proceedings for neglect of duty.

Revised:  September, 2004

Revised:  November, 2007

Ref:      La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:403, 15:542.2, 17:81.6; La. Children's Code, Title VI, Art. 601 et seq.; Board minutes, 12-4-03, 10-12-04.

EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

The Vernon Parish School Board believes the teaching profession occupies a position of public trust involving not only the individual teacher's personal conduct, but also the interaction of the school and the community.  Education is most effective when these many relationships operate in a friendly, cooperative, and constructive manner.  A teacher's conduct, as well as the conduct of all employees throughout the school district, should meet acceptable standards of the community and show respect for the law and the rights of others.

All employees have the responsibility to be familiar with and abide by the laws of the state, the policies and decisions of the Vernon Parish School Board, and the administrative regulations and procedures designed to implement Board policies.  Employees shall also comply with the standards of conduct set out in this policy and with any other policies, regulations, procedures, or guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards of conduct attendant to their status as School Board employees.

Employees shall be expected to observe at least the following standards of conduct:

             *          Be courteous to students, one another, and the public and conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner.

             *          Recognize and respect the rights and property of students, other employees, and the public.

             *          Maintain confidentiality of all matters relating to students and other employees.

             *          Demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality with regard to assigned activities and work schedules.

             *          Observe and adhere to all terms of an employee's contract or job description.

             *          Strive to keep current and knowledgeable about the employee's area of responsibility.

             *          Refrain from promoting personal attitudes and opinions for matters other than general discussion.

             *          Refrain from using undue influence to gain, or attempt to gain, promotion, leave, favorable assignments, or other individual benefit or advantage.

             *          Advocate positive personal behavior on or off campus and attempt to avoid improprieties or the appearance of improprieties.

While the operation of the Vernon Parish School Board and its schools is governed by the provisions of this and all other Board policies, regulations, and procedures, as well as procedures of the individual schools, no policy manual can list each and every instance of misconduct that is precluded.  Accordingly, employees are cautioned that the appropriateness of certain action or behavior must necessarily be dictated by the nature of the position held by the employee and standards of common sense.  By virtue of one's education and experience, an employee knows and understands that certain actions or conducts are unacceptable even in the absence of formal Board policy.  For instance, without the need of a specific prohibition or warning, a classroom teacher should be aware of the impropriety of certain practices such as leaving students unattended, using profanity or sexually suggestive language, or bringing a firearm onto campus.  Such conduct constitutes both incompetence and willful neglect of duty.  Such conduct, as well as violation of any state or federal law or Board policies, regulations, or procedures, or school regulations or procedures, shall result in the imposition of discipline up to and including termination.

PROHIBITED SEXUAL CONDUCT

Employees shall be prohibited from engaging in any form of sexual conduct with students at any school. In particular, it is a violation of criminal statutes for any educator, which includes any administrator, coach, instructor, teacher, paraprofessional, teacher aide, or student aide, to engage in sexual conduct, as defined in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:81.4 with a student who is seventeen (17) years of age or older, but less than nineteen (19) years of age.

Notwithstanding any claim of privileged communication, any educator, having cause to believe that prohibited sexual conduct has occurred between another educator and a student, shall be required by state law to immediately report such conduct to a local or state law enforcement agency.

NOTIFICATION BY EMPLOYEES

Teachers and/or any other School Board employee shall be required, in accordance with state and federal statutory provisions, to notify the Board upon conviction of certain crimes.

A.        A teacher or any other School Board employee shall report any final conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a crime enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:587.1, except La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:74, to the School Board within forty-eight (48) hours of conviction.

B.         A teacher or any other School Board employee shall notify the School Board of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

Revised:  September, 2006

Revised:  November, 2007

Ref:      41 USC 702 (Drug-Free Workplace); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:81.4, 17:15, 17:81; Sylvester v. Cancienne, 95-0789 (La. App. 1st Cir. 11/9/95), 664 So.2d 1259; Howard v. West Baton Rouge Parish School Board, 2000-3234 (La. 6/29/01), 793 So.2d 153; Spurlock v. East Feliciana Parish School Board, 03-1879 (La. App. 1^st Cir. 6/25/04), 885 So.2d 1225; Board minutes, 10-10-06.

On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by Vernon Travis, the Board voted to approve Board meeting dates for 2008.

VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

                       MEETING DATES

                     2008

JANUARY 10                                    10:00 A.M.      

JANUARY 15                                    10:00 A.M.      

FEBRUARY 7                                   10:00 A.M.

FEBRUARY 12                                  10:00 A.M.

MARCH 6                                          10:00 A.M.

MARCH 11                                          5:00  P.M.

APRIL 3                                            10:00 A.M.       

APRIL 8                                            10:00 A.M.

MAY 1                                               10:00 A.M.

MAY 6                                               10:00 A.M.

JUNE 5                                              10:00 A.M.

JUNE 10                                               5:00 P.M.

JULY 10                                             10:00 A.M.        

JULY 15                                             10:00 A.M.

AUGUST 7                                        10:00 A.M.

AUGUST 12                                      10:00 A.M.

SEPTEMBER 4                                  10:00 A.M.

SEPTEMBER 9                                    5:00 P.M.

OCTOBER 2                                     10:00 A.M.

OCTOBER 7                                     10:00 A.M.

NOVEMBER 6                                   10:00 A.M.

NOVEMBER 11                                 10:00 A.M.

DECEMBER 4                                   10:00 A.M.

DECEMBER 9                                     5:00 P.M.

On motion of Robert Pynes, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to elect Beryl Ford as President of the Vernon Parish School Board for 2008.

On motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Robert Pynes, the Board voted to elect Steve Woods as Vice-President of the Vernon Parish School Board for 2008.

On motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to receive bids for a used bus for Districts 1/6.  One bid was received from Ross Bus Sales in Alexandria, Louisiana for $38,485.00.  On motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to take this bid under advisement until the December 11^th Board meeting.

On motion of Robert Pynes, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to advertise for bids to sell a used 1990 bus at Leesville High School.

On recommendation of Superintendent Gillespie, and on motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to name Mitzi Martin as assistant principal at Rosepine High School replacing Steve Thomas.

Mark Smith reported that the Finance Committee had met and reviewed the Revised Budget for 2007-2008.  On motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Robert Pynes, the Board voted to adopt the Revised Budget for 2007-2008 as follows:

VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

DECEMBER 6, 2007

FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008

BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS

   FUND                                           CURRENT          INCREASE            REVISED

NUMBER                                          BUDGET         ( DECREASE)         BUDGET

167 EARLY CHILDHOOD                                   $199,570                   1,235                  $200,805

The FY 2008 Early Childhood grant award allocation was received in the amount of $200,805 which was $1,235 higher than originally budgeted.

230 HEADSTART                                                 $ 1,698,155             (38,796)                $1,659,359              

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Headstart was received in the amount of $1,659,359, decreasing the budget by $38,796.

232 PRESCHOOL                                               $82,843                     64,292                  $147,135

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Preschool was received in the amount of $147,135, increasing the budget by $64,292.

233 ADULT ED                                                      $70,214                       9,801                   $80,015

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for federal Adult Education was received in the amount of $80,015, increasing the budget by $9,801.

236 TECH PREP                                                   $148,494                     (3,780)                 $144,714

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Tech Prep was received in the amount of $144,714, decreasing the budget $3,780.

237 BASIC GRANT                                             $104,295                     23,375                 $127,670

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Basic Grant was received in the amount of $127,670, increasing the budget by $23,375.

240 INDIAN EDUCATION                                    $ 31,679                     (881)                  $30,798

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Indian Education was received in the amount of $30,798, decreasing the budget by $881.

241 ENHANCING EDUCATION                          $0                               21,515               $21,515   

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Enhancing Education Through Technology was received in the amount $21,515.  This is a new award and was not budgeted.

242 HERA                                                                  $0                               12,571              $12,571

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for HERA was received in the amount of $12,571. This is a new award that was not budgeted.

532 ADULT ED-STATE                                      $38,288                          28,308             $66,596

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Adult Education- State was received in the amount of $ 66,596, increasing the budget by $28,308.

534 LA 4                                                              $ 1,321,600                    (11,050)           $1,310,550 

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for LA 4 was received in the amount of $1,310,500, decreasing the budget by $11,050.

535 JAG                                                               $53,436                           (3,436)             $50,000

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Jobs for American Graduates was received in the amount of $50,000, decreasing the budget by $3,436.

536 HIGH SCHOOL REDESIGN                         $0                                 54,500              $54,500

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for High School Redesign was received in the amount of $54,500. This is a new award that was not budgeted.

538 LEAP TUTORING                                         $107,558                       52,850              $160,408

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Leap Tutoring and Remediation was received in the amount of $160,408, increasing the budget by $52,850.

540 GEE REMEDIATION                                   $16,536                         (2,135)                $14,401

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for GEE Remediation was received in the amount of $ 14,401, decreasing the budget by $2,135.

542 LEARN & SERVE                                         $0                                   7,000                  $7,000

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Learn & Serve, The Garden Variety was received in the amount of $7,000. This is a new award that was not budgeted.

543 LEARN & SERVE                                        $0                                   4,920                  $4,920

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Learn & Serve, SAFE was received in the amount of $4,920. This is a new award that was not budgeted.

543 LEARN & SERVE                                        $0                                   5,000                  $5,000

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Learn & Serve, Learning to Serve was received in the amount of $5,000. This is a new award that was not budgeted.

545 LA KICKOFF SUMMIT                                $0                                  2,696                  $2,696

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Louisiana Kickoff Summit was received in the amount of $2,696. This was a new award that was not budgeted.

640 TITLE I                                                         $2,227,413                     364,260              $2,591,673

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Title I was received in the amount of $2,591,673, increasing the budget by $364,260.

643 TITLE III                                                      $20,427                             (565)               $19,862

The FY 2008 grant award allocation for Title III was received in the amount of $19,862, decreasing the budget by $565.

501 WARD ONE MAINT

        REVENUE                           $580,323                               0                      $580,323

        EXPENDITURES                 489,390                          54,126                    543,516

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                       90,933                           (54,126)                   36,807

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING  410,364                              0                         410,364

        FUND BAL:  ENDING        501,297                          (54,126)                  447,171

An adjustment was made to Ward One Maintenance Fund to increase expenditures by $54,126.  This adjustment was made mostly due to purchase of bleachers at Vernon Middle School and increased spending.

502 WARD TWO ANACOCO MAINT

        REVENUE                           $80,771                                   0                   $80,771

        EXPENDITURES                 56,039                            13,082                    69,121

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                      24,732                           (13,082)                  11,650

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING  49,324                               0                          49,324

        FUND BAL:  ENDING        74,055                           (13,082)                   60,973

An adjustment was made to Ward Two Maintenance Fund to increase expenditures by $13,082 to reflect increased current year expenditures. 

503 HORNBECK MAINT

        REVENUE                             $74,615                                0                     $74,615

        EXPENDITURES                    38,443                           7,084                    45,527

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                        36,172                           (7,084)                   29,088

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING    40,852                                 0                       40,852

        FUND BAL: ENDING           77,025                           (7,084)                   69,940      

An adjustment was made to the Hornbeck Maintenance Fund to increase expenditures by $ 7,084 due to increased current year spending. 

504 WARD THREE MAINT

        REVENUE                             $126,397                      (10,317)               $116,080

        EXPENDITURES                   154,397                       (24,745)                 129,652

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                        (28,000)                       14,428                   (13,572)

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING    189,785                               0                     189,785

        FUND BAL: ENDING          $161,785                      14,428                $176,213

An adjustment was made to Ward Three Maintenance to reduce revenues by $10,317 due to an anticipated decrease in property tax revenue.  Expenditures were decreased by $24,745 to reflect current fiscal year spending.  

505 WARD FOUR MAINT

        REVENUE                             $169,011                          0                      $169,011

        EXPENDITURES                   156,705                        (142)                    156,563

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                          12,306                         142                       12,448

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING      97,798                             0                       97,798

        FUND BAL: ENDING         $110,104                          142                  $110,246

An adjustment was made to Ward Four Maintenance to decrease overall expenditures by $142 due to reflect current year expenses. 

506 WARD FIVE MAINT

        REVENUE                             $426,182                       (99,987)              $326,195

        EXPENDITURES                   145,806                         72,236                 218,043

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                        280,376                       (172,224)              108,153

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING    985,842                               0                    985,842

        FUND BAL: ENDING       $1,266,218                      (172,224)          $1,093,995

An adjustment was made to Ward Five Maintenance to decrease revenues by $99,987 due to decreased property tax revenue.  Expenditures were increased by $72,236 to reflect current fiscal year expenses.

507 WARD SIX MAINT

        REVENUE                             $ 51,053                        (9,000)                $42,053

        EXPENDITURES                     46,339                        (9,628)                  36,711

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY) 

        OF REVENUE                           4,714                             628                     5,342

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING     15,252                               0                     15,252

        FUND BAL: ENDING           $19,966                           628                  $20,294

An adjustment was made to Ward Six Maintenance to decrease revenues by $9,000 to remove fund transfers.  Expenditures were decreased by $9,628 to reflect a decrease in fund transfers paid and current fiscal year expenses.

508 WARD SEVEN MAINT

        REVENUE                              243,147                     (88,038)               $155,109

        EXPENDITURES                   172,850                     (21,106)                151,744

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                          70,297                     (66,933)                     3,364

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING    157,700                               0                  157,700

        FUND BAL: ENDING         $227,997                     (66,933)               $161,064

An adjustment was made to Ward Seven Maintenance to decrease revenues by $88,038 due to decreased property tax revenue.  Expenditures were decreased by $21,106 to reflect current fiscal year expenses.

509 WARD EIGHT MAINT

        REVENUE                               $53,195                       3,300                  $56,495

        EXPENDITURES                     48,549                       4,574                    53,123

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                           4,646                       (1,274)                    3,372

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING       4,062                              0                       4,062

        FUND BAL: ENDING            $8,708                       (1,274)                  $7,434

 An adjustment was made to Ward Eight Maintenance to increase revenues by $3,300.  Expenditures were increased by $4,574 to reflect current fiscal year expenses.

510 LUNCH FUND

        REVENUE                           $5,203,010                        0                   $5,203,010

        EXPENDITURES                 5,104,339                    (23,289)              5,081,050

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                          98,671                       23,289                 121,960

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING    149,649                            0                     149,649

        FUND BAL: ENDING         $248,320                       15,951               $271,609 

An adjustment was made to the Lunch Fund to decrease expenditures  by $23,289 to reflect personnel budget adjustments. 

514 EVANS PROCESSING PLANT

        REVENUE                              $ 44,023                            0                    $44,023

        EXPENDITURES                      43,947                      (1,448)                  42,499

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                                 76                        1,448                     1,524

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING           179                          0                             338

        FUND BAL: ENDING                $255                        1,448                    $1,703 

An adjustment was made to the Evans Processing Plant Fund to decrease expenditures  by $1,448 due to personnel budget adjustments. 

Mark Smith reported that the Salary/Personnel Committee had met and reviewed the personnel changes for December and would make its recommendations to the Board at the Tuesday, December 11^th meeting.  The Committee also discussed certification incentives and will make recommendations in January 2008.

In other business, Superintendent Gillespie reminded the Board of the LSBA Convention in Shreveport.  Superintendent Gillespie also noted that a revised draft of the Pediculosis Policy was in their folders and asked that the Board members review this policy change.

On motion of Beryl Ford, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to adopt a resolution for the Vernon Parish Police Jury to improve and maintain a bus turn-around at 104 Thurman Nash Road in Anacoco.  Mrs. Ford also reminded the Board of the Curriculum Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 11^th at 3:00PM.

On motion of Gaye McKee, 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 would like to express sympathy to the family of Doris Hughes who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Doris Hughes was the sister of Peggy Green, cook at Rosepine High School; and

            WHEREAS, Doris Hughes was a resident of Rosepine and she will be sadly missed by her family and friends; now

            BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her family at this time of sadness.

On motion of Randy Martin, 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 take this means to express their sympathy to the family of James Edward Holt who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Holt was a 1967 graduate of Leesville High School, served in the U.S. Navy, and was a member of the American Legion 145; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Holt was a lifelong resident of the Leesville area and he will be sadly missed by his family and friends; now

            BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to his family at this time of sadness.

There being no further business, on motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

___________________

Ricky Reese, President

Attest:

_____________________________

Cynthia A. Gillespie, Superintendent