JULY 12, 2011
DRAFT
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION, ON JULY 12, 2011 AT 10:00AM, 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA. SUPERINTENDENT SELF CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON MOTION OF MIKE PERKINS, SECONDED BY MEL HARRIS, THE BOARD VOTED TO NAME STEVE WOODS AS CHAIRMAN PRO-TEM IN THE ABSENCE OF PRESIDENT TRAVIS AND VICE-PRESIDENT BERYL FORD. ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
RANDI GLEASON
MEL HARRIS
ROBERT PYNES JR.
DOUG BRANDON
JERRY JEANE
MIKE PERKINS
RANDY MARTIN
STEVE WOODS
JOHN BLANKENBAKER
GERALD COOLEY
ABSENT: VERNON TRAVIS - BUSINESS OBLIGATION
BERYL FORD - ILLNESS
COL. ROGER SHUCK
There was also present Mr. Jackie D. Self, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Jerry Jeane.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jerry Jeane.
On motion of Mike Perkins, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board unanimously voted to add an Agenda Item as Agenda Item #14 in regards to the principal position at Anacoco High School.
On motion of Mel Harris, seconded by Randi Gleason, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of July 7, 2011.
Tom Neubert recognized the doctors and staff of Bryd Hospital and thanked them for their support. Mr. Neubert presented plaques to Mr. Roger LeDoux and Mr. Sam Fulton for all the doctors that participated in the athletic physicals. These physicals were all provided at no cost to the parents or to the Board.
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve the following resignations:
O’Banion, Betty, secretary/CO
Bush, Donald, asst. principal/Evans
Paul, Beverly, Sped aide/RES
Estes, Rebecca, secretary/NPE
Parker, Michelle, teacher/NPE
Yerby, Jonathan, teacher/PHS
Standifer, Traci, teacher/PES
Brimage, Julia, teacher/NPE
Pousson,Emma, ½ time cook/PHS
Nichols, Kathleen, teacher/SPE
Groves, Angela, teacher/PES
Baham, Tamika, teacher/PES
Stewart, Krista, teacher/Hornbeck
Wilson, Patricia, teacher/VMS
Schultz, Todd, teacher/Simpson
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Gerald Cooley, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board voted to approve the following sabbatical leave requests:
Busby, Barbara, teacher/Gates-MEDICAL SABB-8-9-11/5-25-12
Mistrzak, Melissa, teacher/Gates-MEDICAL SABB 8-9-11/1-11-12
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Randi Gleason, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to approve the following requests for a leave without pay:
White, Annie, custodian/Optional School-MEDICAL LWOP 6-8-11/7-7-11
Sanders, Stephanie, headstart teacher/AES-OTHER LWOP 7-13-11/8-9-11
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Jerry Jeane, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to approve the following list of new employees:
Stewart, Bruce, teacher/LHS-replacing David Feaster (resigned)
Endris, Vince, teacher/LJHS-replacing Patti Detommaso (trns to WLE)
Massenburg, James, teacher/PES-replacing Robyn Hilt (resigned)
Perkins, Whitney, teacher/Pitkin-replacing Penny Thompson (retired)
Milleran, Tiffany, teacher/RHS-replacing Mitzi Martin (I/S trns to asst. principal)
Weisgerber, Judy, (RRTW) teacher/AHS- new position-Connections
Howard, Eric, teacher/PHS-replacing Jonathan Yerby (resigned)
Boggs-Ryan, Crystal, teacher/SPE-replacing Kathy Nichols (resigned)
Sherrard, Lenie, teacher/PES-replacing Cindy Funderburk (SABB ½ year)
McKenzie, Belinda, teacher/Hicks-replacing Geraldine Jarrell (trns to Hornbeck)
Deggs, Ricky, teacher/RES-replacing Greta Jones (1/2 year SABB)
Handy, Narichica, teacher/ELE-replacing Angela Gilcrease (trns to PES)
Ralls, Andee, teacher/ELE-replacing Katie Graham (resigned)
Laprarie, Cody, teacher/Pitkin-replacing Kyle Walter (trns to RHS)
Martin, Deanna, cook/AES-replacing Sharon Miller (trns to AHS)
Hoke, Monique, teacher/LJHS-replacing Vickie Harter (trns to NPE)
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Randi Gleason, the Board voted to approve the following employee transfers:
Cleveland, Rita, teacher/ELE-trns to PES-replacing Allison James (trns to Hornbeck)
Gilcrease, Angela, teacher/ELE-trns to PES-replacing Melinda Faminoff (trns to NPE)
Jarrell, Geraldine, teacher/Hicks-trns to Hornbeck-replacing Colby Greer (resigned)
Sinclair, Sheri, cook/LJHS-trns to LHS-replacing Linda Doyal (retired)
Martin, Tshombe, cook/LJHS-trns to ELE-replacing Marsha Mayo (retired)
Sanders, Brandy, teacher/LJHS-trns to PES-replacing Wenda Johnson (trns to ELE)
Rowe, Suzanne, teacher/LHS-trns to SPE-replacing Kendra Lewis (resigned)
Werner, Ampero, teacher/LHS-trns to PHS-replacing Amber McNiel (trns to Evans)
McNeil, Amber, teacher ½ Evans-½ PHS-trns to Evans full time-replacing D. Lozano (I/S trns)
Carter, Robert, teacher/LHS-trns to LJHS-new position-Connections
Logan, Susan, Sped aide/NPE-I/S trns to LA4 aide-replacing Donna Hillman (transferred)
Eiseman, Paulette, cook/NPE-trns to LJHS-replacing Sherri Sinclair(trns to LHS)
Johnson, Wenda, teacher/PES-trns to ELE-replacing Rita Cleveland (trns to PES)
Faminoff, Melinda,teacher PES-trns to NPE-replacing Michelle Parker (resigned)
Williams, Bonita, teacher/PES-I/S trns from 4th to Sped-replacing Deanna Vincent (I/S trns)
Vincent, Deanna, teacher/PES-I/S trns from Sped to 4th-replacing Bonita Williams (I/S trns)
Branch, Judy, teacher/PES-I/S trns from LA4 to 6th gade-replacing Lana Hebert (I/S trns)
Funderburk, Dana, teacher/PES-I/S trns to LA4-replacing Judy Branch (I/S trns)
Basco, Casey, Sped aide/PES-trns to PHS-replacing Amy Shackelford (resigned)
Massenburg, James,teacher/PES-I/S trns from 4th to Sped-replacing Dana Funderburk (I/S trns)
Carter, Summer, teacher/PHS-trns to SPE-replacing Sarah Harper (resigned)
Cook, Stacy ½ time Sped aide/Pitkin- I/S trns to full time-replacing Carolyn Elliott (retired)
Walters, Kyle, teacher/Pitkin-trns to RHS-replacing Laurel Migliore (resigned)
Brooks, Patricia, teacher/VMS-I/S trns from 6th to Title I-replacing Roxanne Dailey (I/S trns)
Dailey,Roxanne, teacher/VMS-I/S trns from Title I to classroom-replacing Jessie Pelina(I/S trns)
Williams, Wendy, teacher/VMS-trns to PES-replacing Sarah Sellers (trns)
Fox, Amy, teacher/WLE-trns to VMS-replacing Wendy Williams (trns)
Cedars, Nikoh, teacher/WLE-trns to NPE-replacing Jessica Haymon (trns to ELE)
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to accept the following employee retirements:
Smith, Ann, assistant principal/PES
Casarez, Maria, secretary/CO (Gates)
On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Randi Gleason, the Board voted to approve the policy changes/additions as follows:
MINUTES OF BOARD MEETINGS
The Vernon Parish School Board shall require written minutes of all of its open meetings be kept. Such minutes shall include:
(1) the date, time, and place of the meeting;
(2) the members of the public body recorded as either present or absent;
(3) the substance of all matters decided, and, at the request of any member, a record, by individual member, of any votes taken; and
(4) any other information that any School Board member requests be included or reflected in the minutes.
The Superintendent is charged with the responsibility to keep all minutes of the Board in a book provided for that purpose and, within twenty (20) days after the meeting, he/she will present them to be published one time in the official journal of the Board. The acts of the Board are filed and maintained in its administrative offices as public records and shall not be moved therefrom.
The minutes shall be public records and shall be available within a reasonable time after the meeting except where such disclosures would be inconsistent with statutory provisions.
Revised: August, 2010
Revised: May, 2011
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:81, 42:12, 42:13, 42:20, 43:141, 43:144, 43:145; Board minutes, 2-8-11.
TAX AND BOND ELECTIONS AND SALES
TAX AND BOND ELECTIONS
The Vernon Parish School Board shall call elections for the public to vote on tax or bond revenue issues. Every bond, tax, or other election at which a proposition or question is to be submitted to the voters shall be held only on one of the dates set forth by state law or upon proper application to and approval of the State Bond Commission on a date not provided by statute. The proposition placed on the ballot submitted to the voters in any bond election shall state the kinds and sources of revenues which shall be pledged to retire the bonds, should the proposition be successful.
On the date and at the hour and place specified in the notice of election, the Board, in public session, shall examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the elections. The result shall be promulgated by one publication in the official journal of the Board.
SALE OF BONDS
If approved by the electorate, the Board shall adopt a resolution providing for the issuance of school bonds within a particular bonding district. Said issuance of bonds shall prescribe the form and fix the maturities thereof, and provide for the payment of said bonds in principal and interest.
All bonds shall be advertised for sale on sealed bids, which advertisement shall be published at least once a week for three (3) weeks, the first publication to be made at least fifteen (15) days preceding the date fixed for the reception of bids. Advertisement shall be in the official journal of the governing authority at least fifteen (15) days before the date fixed for the reception of bids. Notice of sale shall also be published once a week for three (3) weeks preceding the date fixed for the reception of bids, either in a financial paper published in the city of New York or the city of Chicago, or in a newspaper of general circulation published in a city of the state of Louisiana having a population of not less than twenty thousand inhabitants, according to the last federal census.
The School Board may reject any and all bids. If the bonds are not sold pursuant to the advertisement, they may be sold by the School Board by private sale, within sixty (60) days after the date advertised for the reception of sealed bids, but no private sale shall be made at a price less than the highest bid which shall have been received. If not sold, the bonds shall be readvertised in the manner prescribed above.
Revised: May, 2011
Ref: Constitution of Louisiana, Art. VI, Sec. 30, Sec. 33; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''18:1281, 18:1282, 18:1283, 18:1284, 18:1285, 18:1286, 18:1293, 39:570, 39:1421, 39:1422, 39:1423, 39:1424, 39:1424.1, 39:1425, 39:1426, 39:1427, 39:1428, 39:1429.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS SECURITY
It is the policy of the Vernon Parish School Board that a concerted effort be made at all times by the Board and all personnel to provide for the security and protection of its students, employees, visitors, facilities, and equipment.
Security not only encompasses maintenance of secure (locked) buildings but other strategies to make the school environment safe, such as protection from fire hazards and faulty equipment and safe practices in the use of electrical, plumbing, and heating equipment, and the protection of students, staff, and visitors at school functions, whether on or off campus.
Access to school buildings and grounds outside of regular school hours shall be limited to personnel whose work requires it. Protective devices designed to be used as safeguards against illegal entry and vandalism shall be installed when appropriate to the individual situation.
Records and funds shall be kept in a safe place and under lock and key when required.
FIREARM FREE ZONES
The areas surrounding the school campus or within 1,000 feet of any such school campus, or within a school bus, shall be designated Firearm Free Zones. It is unlawful for a student or non-student to intentionally possess a firearm on school property or within 1,000 feet of school property or while on a school bus. The School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies and the Louisiana Department of Education, shall designate and mark Firearm Free Zones which surround all schools and school property.
BODY ARMOR
It shall be unlawful and against School Board policy for any student or non-student to wear or possess on his/her person, at any time, body armor on any School Board property, school campus, at a school-sponsored function, on a school bus or other school transportation, or in a firearm free zone, with limited exception as enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:95.9. School-sponsored functions shall include, but not be limited to, athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities.
Body armor shall mean bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.
The School Board shall post permanent notices of such prohibition at each major point of entry to the school.
DRUG FREE ZONES
The area within 2,000 feet of any property used for school purposes by any school, or on a school bus, shall be designated as Drug Free Zones. It is unlawful for anyone to use, distribute, be under the influence of, manufacture or possess any controlled substances as defined by statute in a Drug Free Zone. The Vernon Parish School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the Louisiana Department of Education, shall designate and mark Drug Free Zones which surround all schools and school property.
ELECTRONIC TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES
Except as may be allowed by School Board policy, no person, unless authorized by the school principal or designee, shall use, possess, or operate any electronic telecommunication device including any facsimile system, radio paging service, mobile telephone service, intercom, or electromechanical paging system in any elementary or secondary school building, or on the grounds thereof while school is in session or in any school bus. Appropriate law enforcement agencies shall be notified of any person, other than a pupil or school employee, who violates this policy while on school property without authority.
SEARCH OF PERSONS OTHER THAN STUDENTS
Any school principal, administrator, teacher, or school security guards may search the person, book bag, briefcase, purse or other object in the possession of any person who is not a student enrolled in the school, or any school employee, while in or on school grounds. This search may be done randomly with a metal detector, or physically when there is reasonable suspicion that such person has any weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, stolen goods, or objects in violation of School Board policy.
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
The School Board shall authorize the use of video cameras on district property to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all staff, students, and visitors to district property, and to safeguard district facilities and equipment. Video cameras may be used in locations as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent.
The district shall notify staff and students through student/ parent and staff handbooks that video surveillance may occur on district property.
Students or staff in violation of Board policy, administrative regulations, building rules, or law shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Others may be referred to law enforcement agencies.
Video recordings may become a part of a student's educational record or a staff member's personnel record. The district shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws related to record maintenance and retention.
Revised: September, 2001
Revised: December, 2008
Revised: November, 2010
Revised: May, 2011
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:95.6, 14:95.9,17:81, 17:239, 17:240, 17:405, 17:416.6; Board minutes, 6-7-01, 2-5-09, 12-2-10.
ATTENDANCE
In accordance with state law, it is the responsibility of every parent, tutor, or legal guardian of a child between the ages of seven (7) and eighteen (18) to enforce the attendance of his or her child at the school to which the student is assigned. Once a pupil arrives at school, he/she is expected to remain and attend each class throughout the day.
A student is considered to be in attendance when he or she is physically present at a school site or is participating in an authorized school activity and is under the supervision of authorized personnel. This definition for attendance would extend to students who are homebound, assigned to and participating in drug rehabilitation programs that contain a state-approved education component, or participating in school-authorized field trips or other school-approved activities.
• Half-day attendance - A student is considered to be in attendance for one-half day when he or she (1) is physically present at a school site or is participating in an authorized school activity and (2) is under the supervision of authorized personnel for more than 25% but not more than half (26%-50%) of the student's instructional day.
• Whole-day attendance - A student is considered to be in attendance for a whole day when he or she (1) is physically present at a school site or is participating in an authorized school activity and (2) is under the supervision of authorized personnel for more than 50% (51%-100%) of the student's instructional day.
Compulsory attendance laws and Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) regulations require high school students to be in attendance a minimum of 30,060 minutes (equivalent to 83.5 six hour school days) per semester, or 60,120 minutes (equivalent to 167 six hour school days) a school year for schools not operating on a semester basis in order to be eligible to receive credit for courses taken. To receive Carnegie credit for a course, the minimum amount of time students must be present shall be as follows:
a. 10,020 minutes for a six-period schedule;
b. 8,589 minutes for a seven-period schedule;
c. 7,515 minutes for eight-period or 4 x 4 block schedules; or
d. a minimum of 7,515 minutes for other schedule configurations.
Elementary students shall be in attendance a minimum of 167 six hour days (or 60,120 minutes) a school year in order to be eligible to receive credit for courses taken.
JURISDICTION
All students shall be under the jurisdiction of the school during normal school hours, from the time the student arrives at school each day until he or she leaves the school campus in the afternoon. In case a student rides a bus, he or she shall be under the jurisdiction of the school from the time he or she boards the bus until the student exits the bus in the afternoon. Students shall be under the jurisdiction of the school while attending any school sponsored activity either at school or away from school. This shall apply to all students, including athletic teams, pep clubs, band and other student organizations. In disciplinary matters, the Board’s authority may extend beyond the limits set forth above, in accordance with state law.
Revised: December, 1991
Revised: January, 1996
Revised: April, 2008
Revised: September, 2008
Revised: August, 2010
Revised: May, 2011
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:221, 17:226, 17:227, 17:233; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 6-5-08, 10-7-08, 2-8-11.
STUDENT ABSENCES AND EXCUSES
The Vernon Parish School Board recognizes that the fundamental right to attend the public schools places upon students the accompanying responsibility to be faithful in attendance. Regular attendance can be assumed to be essential for a student's successful progress in the instructional program.
The principal of a school, or his/her designee, shall notify the parent or legal guardian in writing on or before a student's third unexcused absence or unexcused occurrence of being tardy, and shall hold a conference with such student's parent or legal guardian. This notification shall include information relative to the parent or legal guardian’s legal responsibility to enforce the student’s attendance at school and the civil penalties that may be incurred if the student is determined to be habitually absent or habitually tardy. The student's parent or legal guardian shall sign a receipt for such notification.
Each school shall attempt to provide verbal notification to a child's parent, tutor, or legal guardian, and, if such verbal notification cannot be provided, then the school shall provide written notification to a child's parent, tutor, or legal guardian when that child has been absent from school for five (5) school days in schools operating on a semester basis, and for ten (10) days in schools not operating on a semester basis. The accumulation of days absent need not be consecutive.
No public elementary or secondary school pupil shall be permitted for any reason to absent himself/herself from school attendance during the school day upon his/her own authority. The principal or designee shall make all reasonable efforts to verbally notify the parent or other person responsible for the pupil's school attendance of any such prohibited absence by a pupil.
TYPES OF ABSENCES
The days absent for elementary and secondary school students shall include non-exempted excused absences, exempted excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspensions.
A. Non-exempted excused absences are absences incurred due to personal illness or serious illness in the family (documented by acceptable excuses, including a parental note) which are not considered for purposes of truancy, but which are considered when determining whether or not a student is eligible to make up work and tests, receive credit for work completed, and receive credit for a course and/or school year completed.
B. Exempted excused absences are absences which are not considered for purposes of truancy and which are not considered when determining whether or not a student is eligible to make up work and tests, receive credit for work completed, and receive credit for a course and/or school year completed.
C. Unexcused absences are any absences not meeting the requirements set forth in the excused absences and extenuating circumstances definitions, including but not limited to absences due to any job (including agriculture and domestic services, even in the student’s own home or for their own parents or tutors) unless it is a part of an approved instructional program. Students shall be given failing grades for those days missed and shall not be given an opportunity to make up work.
D. Suspensions are non-exempted absences for which a student is allowed to make up his/her work and is eligible for consideration for credit provided it is completed satisfactorily and in a timely manner. The absence shall be considered when determining whether or not a student may or may not be promoted, but shall not be considered for purposes of truancy. Students absent from school as a result of any suspension shall be counted as absent.
EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES
Exceptions to the attendance regulation shall be the enumerated extenuating circumstances below that are verified by the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance or the school principal/designee where indicated. These exempted absences do not apply in determining whether a student meets the minimum minutes of instruction required to receive credit.
1. Extended personal physical or emotional illness as verified by a physician or nurse practitioner licensed in the state;
2. Extended hospital stay in which a student is absent as verified by a physician or dentist;
3. Extended recuperation from an accident in which a student is absent as verified by a physician, dentist, or nurse practitioner licensed in the state;
4. Extended contagious disease within a family in which a student is absent as verified by a physician or dentist licensed in the state; or
5. Observance of special and recognized holidays of the student's own faith.
6. Visitation with a parent who is a member of the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard of a state and such parent has been called to duty for or is on leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting. Excused absences in this situation shall not exceed five (5) school days per school year.
7. Absences as verified by the principal or his/her designee as stated below:
a. Prior school system-approved travel for education;
b. Death in the immediate family (not to exceed one week); or,
c. Natural catastrophe and/or disaster.
For any other extenuating circumstances, the student’s parents or legal guardian must make a formal appeal in accordance with the due process procedures established by the school system.
Students who are verified as meeting extenuating circumstances, and therefore eligible to receive grades shall not receive those grades if they are unable to complete makeup work or pass the course.
SCHOOL-APPROVED ACTIVITIES
Students participating in school-approved field trips or other instructional activities that necessitate their being away from school shall be considered to be present and shall be given the opportunity to make up work.
CHILD PERFORMERS
Minors employed to perform or render artistic or creative services under a contract or employment arrangement for two (2) or more days within a 30-day period must receive instruction pursuant to statutory provisions.
WRITTEN EXCUSES
For a student to be eligible to receive credit and make up work following an absence, the student shall be required in each instance to submit parental confirmation of the reasons for the absence. If a student is tardy or absent, the parent or guardian must submit a written excuse, signed and dated, to school authorities upon the student's return to classes, stating the reason for the student's absence from school. A doctor's, dentist’s, or nurse practitioner’s written statement of student's incapacity to attend school shall be required for those absences for three (3) or more consecutive days due to illness, contagious illness in a family, hospitalization, or accidents. All excuses for a student's absence, including medical verification of extended personal illness, must be presented within five (5) school days of the student's return to school, or the student's absence shall be considered unexcused and the student not allowed to make up work missed.
REPORTING ABSENCES
The attendance of all school pupils shall be checked each school day and at the beginning of each class period and shall be verified by the teacher keeping such record, which shall be open to inspection by the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance or duly authorized representative at all reasonable times. All schools shall immediately report to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance any unexplained, unexcused, or illegal absence, or habitual tardiness.
The Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance shall, after written notice to the parent or legal guardian of a child, or a personal visit of notification, report any such child who is habitually absent or who is habitually tardy to the family or juvenile court of the parish as a truant child, there to be dealt with in such manner as the court may determine.
APPEAL OF ABSENCES
When a student exceeds the maximum number of absences allowed the parents or student may make a formal appeal to the principal if they feel any of the absences are because of extenuating circumstances. If they feel that the decision is unfavorable, they shall appeal to the Superintendent or his/her designee. After a review by the Superintendent or his/her designee, a decision shall be made and communicated to the parents or legal guardian by letter.
High school students in danger of failing due to excessive absences may be allowed to make up missed time in class sessions held outside the regular class time. The make-up sessions must be completed before the end of the current semester and all other applicable policies must also be met.
TARDINESS
A student shall be considered tardy to class if the student is not in the classroom when the bell to begin class ceases. A student shall be considered tardy to school if the student is not in his/her homeroom/first period class when the bell to begin homeroom/class ceases. Tardy shall also mean leaving or checking out of school unexcused prior to the regularly scheduled dismissal. Habitual tardiness on the part of students shall not be tolerated.
Students who exhibit habitual tardiness shall be subject to disciplinary action, appropriate under the circumstances. Parents of students who continue to be tardy shall be notified for a conference with the principal, and the student may be subject to suspension from school and the parent/legal guardian subject to court fines or community service.
Revised: December, 1995 Revised: August, 2010
Revised: April, 2008 Revised: May, 2011
Revised: September, 2008
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:221, 17:226, 17:226.1, 17:230, 17:232, 17:233; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 6-5-08, 10-7-08, 2-8-11.
PUBLIC CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
The Vernon Parish School Board shall require any person attending any school event or school-related function on or off campus to conduct themselves with politeness, decorum, and proper sportsmanship. Any person entering any school campus or School Board property shall be required to conduct himself/herself in accordance with acceptable standards of conduct and show respect for the law and rights of others. Any person who disrupts the orderly educational process while on a school campus or School Board property may be restricted or banned from such property by the Board. In addition, any person, including an adult, who behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner during an athletic or co-curricular event, may be ejected from the event the person is attending and/or be denied admission to other school events for up to a year. Should a person’s conduct while on school property become so disruptive that it threatens the safety of any employee or student, school personnel shall be authorized to notify law enforcement personnel for assistance. The Superintendent shall have the authority to review the circumstances and make the final decision regarding attendance of the individual at any school or school function. Examples of unacceptable conduct include, but are not limited to:
1. Using vulgar or obscene language or gestures
2. Possessing or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or illegal substance
3. Possessing a weapon
4. Fighting or otherwise striking or threatening another person
5. Failing to obey the instructions of a security officer or school district employee
6. Interfering in any way with an athletic or co-curricular event
7. Engaging in any activity which is disruptive or illegal
Students demonstrating any of the above conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Board policy. Employees exhibiting any of the above conduct may be subject to suspension or termination.
New policy: May, 2011
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81.
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to advertise for an assistant principal at Pickering Elementary.
On motion of Mel Harris, seconded by Jerry Jeane, the Board voted to adopt the following resolution for Rapides Foundation Grants:
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF VERNON
On the 12th t day of July, 2011, at a meeting of the School Board of Vernon Parish held in the City of Leesville, a quorum of Board Members present, the following action was taken:
It was duly moved and seconded that the following resolution be adopted:
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the School Board of Vernon Parish does hereby authorize the Superintendent, on terms and conditions he/she may deem advisable, to negotiate and execute the Tobacco Prevention and Control Initiative 2011-2012 School Partnership Grant, the Diet and Physical Activity Initiative 2011-2012 Continuation Grant, and the STEM/CTE 2011-2012 Implementation Grant from the Rapides Foundation on behalf of the School Board named herein, and further hereby authorize the Superintendent and grant the power and authority to do all things necessary to implement, maintain, amend or renew said grants/documents.
The above resolution was passed by a majority of those present and voting in accordance with the by-laws and policies of the said Board.
_________________________
Vernon Travis, Board President
I certify that the above and foregoing constitutes a true and correct record of a resolution adopted by the Vernon Parish School Board, Leesville, Louisiana, at its regular meeting held on the 12th day of July, 2011.
______________________
Jackie Self, Superintendent
On motion of Randi Gleason, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.
On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Gerald Cooley, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion Jerry Jeane, seconded by Mike Perkins, the Board unanimously voted to name Mrs. Towanda Willrodt as Principal at Anacoco High School.
In other business, Superintendent Self informed Board Members that the proposed Pupil Progression Plan Changes and the Resource Officer job descriptions were in their folders.
A Curriculum Committee meeting was scheduled for August 9, 2011 at 9:00AM. Superintendent Self advised the Board that we would be advertising for an assistant principal at Anacoco High School. Naming will be on August 4, 2011.
Randi Gleason reported that the Transportation Committee had met and discussed cost analysis for lease bus renewals. Purchase options were also discussed and another Transportation Committee meeting was scheduled for October 11, 2011 at 9:00AM.
On motion of Mike Perkins, 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 sympathy to the family of Kurt Lambright who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Kurt was the son of Tammy Lambright, teacher at Pitkin High School, the nephew of Hope McAlister, cook at Pitkin High School, the nephew of Reed Thompson, retired teacher from Pitkin High School, and the brother of Dylan Lambright, student at Pitkin High School; and
WHEREAS, Kurt was a 2011 graduate of Pitkin High School and he will be greatly missed by his many 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 Randi Gleason for Beryl Ford, 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 Neil Nash who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nash was a former custodian at Evans High School for eighteen years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Nash was a lifetime resident of Vernon Parish 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 Gerald Cooley, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
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VERNON TRAVIS, BOARD PRESIDENT
STEVE WOODS, CHAIRMAN PRO-TEM
ATTEST:
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JACKIE D. SELF, SUPERINTENDENT