JANUARY 25, 2008

THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN SPECIAL SESSION ON JANUARY 25, 2008 AT 9:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA.  PRESIDENT FORD CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:

BERYL FORD, PRESIDENT

STEVE WOODS, VICE-PRESIDENT

ROBERT PYNES JR.

MEL HARRIS

MARK SMITH

RICKY REESE

RANDY MARTIN

MICHAEL PERKINS

VERNON TRAVIS

GAYE MCKEE

GENE HAYMON

ABSENT:        COL. DAVID G. SAGE – MILITARY OBLIGATION

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

The meeting was opened in prayer by Vernon Travis.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mike Perkins.

President Ford welcomed Representative James Armes, Representative Dorothy Hill, Representative Frankie Howard, Representative Chris Roy Jr., and Senator John Smith to the Board meeting.

The Vernon Parish Representatives and Senator discussed the committees they had been appointed and the special sessions of the legislature.

Tim Ward discussed the GASB45 and its effect on the fund balance of the Vernon Parish School Board.

Superintendent Gillespie went over the following questions with the legislators and asked that they review them:

1.                    How could the MFP address added costs for transportation, insurance, retirement, textbooks, technology, and the lunch programs?  I believe the proposed MFP adds $100 per student to help with insurance and transportation cost.  Do you support that proposal?

2.                    Would you support LA4 becoming universal and funded through the MFP?

3.                    The military is encouraging us to build a new Leesville High School.  The current facility is over 50 years old and is out-of-date compared to the schools many of our military students are coming from.  We have talked to Sen. Vitter about federal funding.  We will be talking to the governor soon.  Will you help us as we try to grow Fort Polk; not only for the Vernon Parish School System, but also for the economic impact Fort Polk has on the state.

4.                    Louisiana is ranked at or near the bottom in nearly every ranking that you see.  Over the past 10 years great strides have occurred in education in Louisiana.  Do you support the accountability program? 

5.                    What is your view on pay raises for support and certificated employees?

6.                    Do you support a plan to fully fund our retirement system?

7.                    What is your stance on vouchers?  Would you support vouchers for parents of students who attend private schools that are not required to participate in the state accountability program?

8.                    What is your level of support for charter schools?

Several concerns were presented by Board members to the legislative guests.

In other business, Mark Smith reminded the Board of the Salary/Personnel Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 1:30PM.

Superintendent Gillespie thanked the representatives and senator for attending this meeting.

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

_______________________

Beryl Ford, Board President

Attest:_____________________________

Cynthia A. Gillespie, Superintendent