MAY 13, 2010

DRAFT

THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION, ON MAY 13, 2010, AT 10:00AM, 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA. PRESIDENT PERKINS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:

MICHAEL PERKINS, PRESIDENT

VERNON TRAVIS, VICE PRESIDENT

RANDI GLEASON

MEL HARRIS

ROBERT PYNES JR.

MARK H. SMITH

RICKY REESE

RANDY MARTIN

BERYL FORD

STEVE WOODS

GAYE MCKEE

KAY WILBANKS

COL. FRANCIS B. BURNS

ABSENT:               NONE

There was also present Mr. Jackie D. Self, Secretary of the Board.

The meeting was opened in prayer by Mark Smith.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mark Smith.

On motion of Mel Harris, seconded by Vernon Travis, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of May 6, 2010.

Students from the following schools were recognized and congratulated for their achievements:

Anacoco High School                         Leesville Jr. High                                  Hornbeck High School

Hicks High School                               Pickering Elementary                           Pickering High School

Evans High School                              Pitkin High School                               Leesville High School

On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Mel Harris, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to approve the following resignations:

Sarah Grammo, teacher/LHS

Rita Jeter, cook/ELE

James Brewer, custodian/LJHS

Kimberly Masaracchia, teacher/LHS

Leroy Brister, custodian/Pitkin

Christine Clark, teacher/PHS

Edwin Frazier, teacher/Evans

On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Kay Wilbanks, seconded by Randi Gleason, the Board voted to approve the following termination:

Jessica Rusmisel, cook/NPE-job abandonment

On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Kay Wilbanks, seconded by Vernon Travis, the Board voted to approve the following sabbatical leave requests:

Mary Ann Hagan, teacher/WLE-PROF SABB 8-10-10/5-27-11

Opalene Haynes, Sped supervisor-MED SABB 7-1-10/6-30-11

Millie Ballagh, teacher/WLE-PROF SABB-8-9-10/1-7-11

On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Kay Wilbanks, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board voted to approve the following requests for a leave without pay:

Belinda Newhouse, custodian/Pitkin-MED LWOP 5-11-10/1-28-11

Tana Thibodeaux, Sped aide/Hicks-OTHER LWOP 8-10-10/5-27-11

Sonja Squyres, teacher/ELE-OTHER LWOP-8-10-10/5-27/11

Wanetta Bolton, teacher/SPE-MED LWOP-4-30-10/5-28-10

Jacqueline Lonergan, teacher/Evans-OTHER LWOP-4-29-10/5-28-10

On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Beryl Ford, seconded by Ricky Reese, the Board voted to approve the following new employees:

Barbara Governale, Ed Diagnostician/central office-RRTW

Danna Howard, custodian/Pitkin-replacing Tracy Ware(resigned)

Willie Miller, custodian/LHS-replacing Jerel Gulley(resigned)

On recommendation of Superintendent Self, and on motion of Randi Gleason, seconded by Beryl Ford, the Board voted to accept the following employee retirements:

Lynda Boren, teacher/LHS              

Elaine Soniat, custodian/VMS

Billie Sims, title I aide/ELE

Audie Babcock, teacher/Pitkin

Tamra Fletcher, LA4coordinator/NPE

Barbara J, Curtis, Sped Specialist/CO

Martha Acey, cook/LJHS

Sheila Bilbo, teacher/PES

Donna Shepard, teacher/Evans

Myra Calhoun, teacher/AES

On motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Ricky Reese, the Board voted to advertise for copier paper.

On motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Randi Gleason, the Board voted to advertise for cafeteria and janitorial supplies.

On motion of Ricky Reese, seconded by Vernon Travis, the Board voted to accept from the bids received on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, the low bid from Pat Williams Construction Company in the amount of $2,118,850 for improvements for Orange School District (Anacoco).

The following bids were received on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 2:00PM:

Bessette Development                                        2,350,000

Skip Converse Inc.                                               2,293,000

Migues Deloach Company                                 2,240,600

Phillip Mayo Construction                                 2,294,700

Priola Construction                                              2,293,000

RDS Construction LLC                                       2,322,000

Pat Williams Construction                                  2,118,850

On motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve   changes in the Parish Student Handbook Policies regarding cell phone usage for students and outerwear for students.

On motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board voted to approve a resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the result of the special election held in Leesville School District No. 16 of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, on Saturday, May 1, 2010, to authorize the incurring debt and issuance on bonds therein.

On motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to approve the following resolution for JAG:

VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD RESOLUTION

                RESOLVED, on motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Gaye McKee, that the Vernon Parish School Board designated Jackie D. Self, Superintendent, to initiate, negotiate, and sign for grants between the Louisiana Department of Education and the Vernon Parish School Board.

_________________________

Mike Perkins, Board President

May 13, 2010

I hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct extract from the minutes of a regular meeting of the Vernon Parish School Board held on May 13, 2010, at which there was a quorum present and voting.

Attest:________________________, Jackie D. Self, Secretary

May 13, 2010

Mr. Travis gave the following Headstart Report:

Mr. Clay hosted the North Louisiana Director meeting on Monday, May 10^th.

Headstart will be holding their annual Parent Honors Luncheon at Catfish Junction to honor any parent or volunteer spending more than 50 hours in our classrooms.

Headstart has two students with perfect attendance - a bicycle and helmet has been donated by Hixson Autoplex of Leesville for each child.  The last day for Headstart students will be May 26^th.

Randy Martin reported that the Maintenance Committee had met and discussed general maintenance issues within the central office.  Mr. Keith Bush and Superintendent Self will conduct an inspection of the building and report back to the Maintenance Committee.

Mr. Bush also noted that most air conditioners at the schools are antiquated and parts are no longer available.  New air conditioning systems will have to be purchased as problems arise instead of repairing the old ones.

Ricky Reese reported that the Dress Code Committee had met and was recommending to the Board the following Staff Dress Code:

Vernon Parish Staff Dress Code

The Vernon Parish School Board is committed to the belief that teachers and employees have traditionally upheld high standards of professionalism to include appropriate, professional attire. To maximize the student learning process it is  important that school staff establish an example of excellence by their professional dress and demeanor. This dress code is the minimum standard, and at the principal’s discretion may be more stringent.

ACCEPTABLE DRESS FOR WOMEN

1.             Dresses or skirts (knee length or longer), pants or pantsuits. Capri pants may be worn if mid-calf length. Belts must be worn if there are belt loops. Blouses should be tucked in unless square-tailed or rounded. Jackets/blazers are optional.

2.             Sleeveless tops are only acceptable if the top meets the edge of the shoulder and no undergarments are showing. Appropriate footwear should be worn at all times.

ACCEPTABLE DRESS FOR MEN

1.             Slacks and dress pants (with belt if there are belt loops), dress shirt and tie for male teachers in the classroom. Socks are mandatory at all times.

2.             Agriculture and industrial art teachers are allowed to wear appropriate clothes, including denim, while working in the shop. Appropriate footwear should be worn at all times.

All Teachers, at the discretion of the principal, may wear collared school colored shirts with a school emblem or the school name.

The following attire is prohibited. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive:

. Jeans or cargo pants

. Wind suits or T-shirts, except for P.E. teachers

. Form fitting slacks including leggings

. Shorts or sweat suits

. Revealing or provocative clothing (such as low necklines)

. Body piercing ornamentation other than ears

. Flip flops, tennis shoes (except PE teachers), or crocs 

. Scrubs of all kinds (except for nurses)

Gym Teachers while in P.E. classes may wear athletic or tennis shoes, wind suits, jogging suits and shorts (approved by the principal). All shorts must be within at least three inches of the knee. T-shirts are allowed only in physical education classes. PE teachers are allowed to wear wind pants if they transition from gym classes to academic classes (principal approval).

The dress code has been established to promote professionalism among our employees. However, we do recognize that certain teaching situations will require deviation from the dress code, and those circumstances will be determined by individual principals. Additionally, at each school there may be special days (such as spirit day) selected by the principals, which may also deviate from the dress code. Other than secretaries, paraprofessionals and receptionists, support personnel shall not be required to meet the dress code.

On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve the Staff Dress Code.

Roll Call Vote as follows:   

YEAS:  Mel Harris, Mark Smith, Robert Pynes, Ricky Reese, Beryl Ford, Randy Martin, Gaye McKee, Kay Wilbanks, Michael Perkins, Vernon Travis

NAYS:  Randy Gleason, Steve Woods

Mark Smith reported that the Finance Committee had met and discussed the following budget revisions:

VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

May 13, 2010

FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010

BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS

   FUND                                           CURRENT          INCREASE            REVISED                  

NUMBER                                          BUDGET         ( DECREASE)         BUDGET

110 Workers Compensation          $500,000                  50,000                $550,000

An increase was made to the Workers Compensation fund of $50,000 due to higher workers compensation claims.

124 Rapides Wellness Grant         $124,000                   12,000                $136,000

The FY 2010 grant award allocation for the Rapides Wellness Grant was received in the amount of $136,000 which is $12,000 higher than originally budgeted.

253 EETT                                         $  12,790                      243                    $13,033

A supplement was received in the amount of $243 to the Enhancing Education Through Technology grant.

 266 Basic Grant                             $ 113,221                     9,270                 $122,491

A supplement of $9,270 was received to the FY 2010 Basic Grant.

268 Indian Education                    $   30,155                       4,176                  $34,331

The FY 2010 award for Indian Education was received in the amount of $34,331 increasing the budget to $34,331.

269 JAG                                          $   50,000                       90,000               $140,000

The FY 2010 award for Jobs for America’s Graduates was received in the amount of $140,000 increasing the budget by $90,000 which funds three JAG programs.

277 LA4 Federal                      $574,963                       22,061                  $597,024

A supplement was received to the LA4 Federal award in the amount of $22,061.

283 Nat. Board Cert Social W   $8,952                            (686)                   $8,266

The FY2010 award for National Board Certified Social Workers was received in the amount of $8,266 decreasing the budget by $686.

574 Extended Summer              $44,391                          2,045                  $46,436

A supplement was received in the amount of $2,045 to the Extended Summer Grant.

576 LA4 State                            $970,637                       19,823                  $990,460

A supplement was received in the amount of $19,823 to the LA4 State Grant.

577 Adult ED State                    $57,708                        (38,083)                 $19,625

The budget for the FY2010 Adult Education State grant was cut by $38,083.

579 Nat. Board Cert. Teachers $35,000                         (2,212)                  $32,788

The award for the FY2010 National Board Certified Teachers grant was received in the amount of $32,788 decreasing the budget by $2,212.

580 Nat. Board Cert. Counselors $26,784                      (13,604)                 $13,180

The award for the FY2010 National Board Certified Counselors grant was received in the amount of $13,180 decreasing the budget by $13,604.

582 Education Excellence         $0                       259,614                            $259,614

The award for the FY2010 Education Excellence grant was received in the amount of $$259,614.  This is a new award that was not budgeted.

657 Title III                              $10,896                      2,223                            $ 13,119

A supplement of $2,223 was received to the FY 2010 Title III grant.

104 SALES TAX FUND

        REVENUE                         $3,478,000                       898,500             $4,376,500

        EXPENDITURES               3,209,232                        897,000               4,106,232

        EXCESS (DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                      268,768                            1,500                   270,268

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING 379,376                                 0                      379,376

        FUND BAL:  ENDING      648,144                              1,500                   649,644

An adjustment was made to the Sales Tax Fund to increase expenditures and revenues by $897,000 and 898,500 respectively due to an increase in electronic sales tax returns.  

108 PROTESTED SALES TAX FUND

        REVENUE                           $ 269                                6,945                     $7,075

        EXPENDITURES                       0                              53,149                    53,149

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                            269                        (46,204)                  (46,074)

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING   53,149                               0                         53,149

        FUND BAL:  ENDING         53,418                           (53,149)                   7,075

An adjustment was made to the protested sales fund for an increase in revenue of $6,945 due sales tax paid in protest and an increase of $53,149 in expenses to the fund for resolving prior protested tax.

207 UNYSIS

        REVENUE                         $163,585                         (63,585)                $100,000

        EXPENDITURES               138,272                          (38,000)                  100,272

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                      25,313                          (25,585)                     (272)

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING  82,137                               0                           82,137

        FUND BAL:  ENDING       107,451                         (25,585)                    81,865

An adjustment was made to Unysis for a $63,585 decrease in Medicaid revenue and a decrease of $38,000 in expenditures for the year.

557 LA4 TUITION

        REVENUE                         $ 45,850                            19,150                  $65,000

        EXPENDITURES                 82,589                                 0                       82,589

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                      36,739                            19,150                 (17,589)

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING  36,739                                 0                       36,739

        FUND BAL:  ENDING             0                                19,150                   19,150

An adjustment was made to LA4 Tuition to increase revenue by 19,150 due an increase in tuition money received.

501 WARD ONE MAINT

        REVENUE                        $696,604                            (4,250)                 $692,354                    

        EXPENDITURES               603,645                            (7,225)                  596,421     

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                     92,959                               2,975                    95,933

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING 488,717                               0                        488,717

        FUND BAL:  ENDING       581,676                             2,975                   584,650

An adjustment was made to Ward One Maintenance Fund to decrease revenues by $4,250 because of decrease interest revenue and to decrease expenditures by $7,225 to reflect decreased current year expenditures and to make adjustments to expense categories.

502 WARD TWO ANACOCO MAINT

        REVENUE                         $104,856                           3,900                    $108,756

        EXPENDITURES               105,995                          (9,725)                       96,271

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                     (1,139)                          13,625                       12,485

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING  27,556                               0                          27,556

        FUND BAL:  ENDING        26,417                           13,625                    40,042

An adjustment was made to Ward Two Maintenance Fund to increase revenues by $3,900 due higher property tax revenue and to decrease expenditures by $9,725 to reflect decreased current year expenditures and to make adjustments to expense categories.

503 HORNBECK MAINT

        REVENUE                          $152,847                           9,300                $162,147

        EXPENDITURES                 145,586                         13,895                  159,482

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                          7,261                         (4,595)                     2,665

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING    19,277                                0                      19,277

        FUND BAL: ENDING           26,527                         (4,595)                   21,932      

An adjustment was made to the Hornbeck Maintenance Fund to increase revenues by $9,300 due to an increase in property tax revenue and to a fund transfer. Expenditures were increased by $13,895 for increased current year expenses.

504 WARD THREE MAINT

        REVENUE                            $134,138                          (4,500)             $129,638

        EXPENDITURES                    77,869                            5,360                   83,409

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                         56,269                           (9,860)                46,409

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING    247,638                              0                     247,638

        FUND BAL: ENDING         $303,907                          (9,860)              $294,047

An adjustment was made to Ward Three Maintenance to increase expenses by $5,360 due to increased current year spending and to decrease revenue by $4,500 due to decreased property tax revenue. 

505 WARD FOUR MAINT

        REVENUE                             $166,613                    15,853                    $182,466

        EXPENDITURES                   165,972                     12,489                      178,461

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                               640                       3,364                        4,005

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING    125,879                            0                       125,879

        FUND BAL: ENDING         $126,519                       3,364                   $129,833

An adjustment was made to Ward Four Maintenance to increase overall expenditures by $12,489 to reflect current year expenses and to increase revenues by $15,853 due to increased property tax revenue.

506 WARD FIVE MAINT

        REVENUE                             $436,906                      (39,852)             $397,053

        EXPENDITURES                   529,632                     (145,923)               383,708

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                        (92,726)                       106,071                 13,345

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING    921,005                               0                   921,005

        FUND BAL: ENDING         $828,279                        106,071             $934,350

An adjustment was made to Ward Five Maintenance to decrease expenses by $106,071 due decreased current year spending and to decrease revenue by $39,852 due to lower property tax revenue and interest revenue. 

507 WARD SIX MAINT

        REVENUE                             $ 47,904                        (250)                   $47,654

        EXPENDITURES                  $ 39,752                       9,270                     49,022

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)  

        OF REVENUE                           8,152                       (9,520)                    (1,368)

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING     15,021                               0                     15,021

        FUND BAL: ENDING          $23,174                       (9,520)                 $13,654

An adjustment was made to Ward Six Maintenance to decrease revenues by $250 due to a decrease in interest revenue.  Expenditures were increased by $9,270 to reflect a increase in current fiscal year expenses.

508 WARD SEVEN MAINT

        REVENUE                             $225,904                      56,000               $281,904

        EXPENDITURES                   215,093                       18,033                 233,126

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                           10,811                      37,967                   48,778

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING       93,516                            0                      93,516

        FUND BAL: ENDING          $104,327                      37,967               $142,294

An adjustment was made to Ward Seven Maintenance to increase revenues by $56,000 due to increased property tax revenue and a fund transfer.  Expenditures were increased by $18,033 to reflect current fiscal year expenses.

509 WARD EIGHT MAINT

        REVENUE                               $45,972                    (4,700)                  $41,271

        EXPENDITURES                     39,670                     (3,295)                   36,375

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                           6,302                       (1,405)                    4,897

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING     13,445                              0                      13,445

        FUND BAL: ENDING          $19,747                       (1,405)                  $18,342

 An adjustment was made to Ward Eight Maintenance to decrease revenues by $4,700 due to a decrease in transfers needed.   Expenditures were decreased by $3,295 to reflect current fiscal year expenses.

510 LUNCH FUND

        REVENUE                          $5,834,785                       1,849               $5836,634

        EXPENDITURES                 5,735,143                     94,809                5,829,952

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                          99,643                      (92,960)                   6,682

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING    209,920                            0                     209,920

        FUND BAL: ENDING         $309,563                      (92,960)              $216,603 

An adjustment was made to the Lunch Fund to increase expenditures by $94,809 to reflect increased food costs and to increase revenues by 1,849 due to increased meal revenue.

514 EVANS PROCESSING PLANT

        REVENUE                              $44,500                     (6,500)                 $38,000

        EXPENDITURES                     42,622                     (4,316)                   38,305

        EXCESS(DEFICIENCY)

        OF REVENUE                            1,878                      (2,184)                    (305)

        FUND BAL: BEGINNING        3,041                           0                         3,041

        FUND BAL: ENDING             $4,920                       (2,184)                 $2,736 

An adjustment was made to the Evans Processing Plant Fund to decrease expenditures by $4,316 due to decreased spending and to decrease revenue by $6,500 due to decreased processing revenue.

On motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Randi Gleason, the Board voted to accept the budget revisions.

On motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.

On motion of Kay Wilbanks, seconded by Ricky Reese, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.

In other business, Superintendent Self stated that advertisements for Opalene Haynes sabbatical position and Beverly Blount’s permanent position would begin on May 14^th and end of May 25^th.

Superintendent Self also reminded the Board members of the June 3^rd Board meeting at Fort Polk.  Colonel Francis Burns reported on troops returning home.

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 Vernon Parish School Board takes this means to express their condolences to the family of  Mary Lea Patterson who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Patterson was the father-in-law of Hub Jordan, principal at Pickering High School and the grandmother of David Jordan, teacher at West Leesville; Brandon Jordan, teacher at Pickering High; and Amanda Patterson, teacher at Evans High; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Patterson was a lifelong resident of Vernon Parish and she will be greatly 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 Randi Gleason, 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 J.C. Haymon who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Haymon was a retired bus driver and was the father of Carla Lawrence, paraprofessional at West Leesville Elementary; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Haymon was a lifelong resident of Leesville, a 1962 graduate of Leesville High School and he will be greatly 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.

On motion of Vernon Travis, 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 condolences to the family of Eddie Johnson who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson was a retired custodian at the central office; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson was a longtime resident of the Leesville area and he will be greatly 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.

On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt 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 Joe Brown who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Brown was the husband of Melvina Brown, retired cook at the Pickering Schools; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Brown was a lifelong resident of the Leesville-Pickering area, a graduate of Pickering High School and he will be greatly missed by his friends and family; 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.

On motion of Mark Smith, 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 condolences to the family of Charles “Buck” Mayo who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Mayo was the husband of Marsha Mayo, assistant cafeteria manager at East Leesville Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Mayo was a lifelong resident of Leesville, an avid Saints fan and he will be greatly 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.

____________________________________

MICHAEL PERKINS, BOARD PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

____________________________________

JACKIE D. SELF, SUPERINTENDENT