OCTOBER 11, 2011

DRAFT

THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION, ON OCTOBER 11, 2011 AT, 10:00AM, 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA. PRESIDENT TRAVIS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:

VERNON TRAVIS, PRESIDENT

BERYL FORD, VICE PRESIDENT

RANDI GLEASON

MEL HARRIS

ROBERT PYNES JR.

DOUG BRANDON

JERRY JEANE

RANDY MARTIN

STEVE WOODS

JOHN BLANKENBAKER

GERALD COOLEY

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

The meeting was opened in prayer by Doug Brandon.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Doug Brandon.

On motion of Mel Harris, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of October 6, 2011.

Mr. Glenn Koepp and Mr. Bill Blair addressed the Board concerning re-districting for Vernon Parish.  Mr. Koepp will discuss boundaries with each Board member using population numbers from the Census Data.  A plan will be presented to the Board along with public hearings and meetings.  On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Beryl Ford, the Board voted to proceed with the re-districting process.

On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Gerald Cooley, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to approve the following resignations:

Hanchey, Debra, teacher/PHS

Braid, Nicole, teacher/SPE

Doyle, Brian, cook/ELE

Franklin, Tiffany, teacher/NPE

Cedars, Nikoh, teacher/NPE

Hickman, Chelsey, cook/VMS

On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Randi Gleason, the Board voted to approve the following sabbatical leave request:

Echols, Sheri Denise, teacher/Simpson-MEDICAL SABB 1-11-12/5-25-12

On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Beryl Ford, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve the following requests for a leave without pay:

Sanders, Stephanie, headstart teacher/AES-OTHER LWOP 10-6-11/January, 2012

Marze, Tiearney, headstart aide/ELE-MEDICAL LWOP 11-30-11/5-25-12

On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Jerry Jeane, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve the following list of new employees:

Alomar, Carmen, bilingual aide/NPE-replacing JoMarie Smith (trns to title I aide)

Blow, Sam, lease bus driver/WLE-replacing Carol Jeane (trns to Evans)

Chaney, Sandra,RRTW, teacher/Hicks-new position-increased enrollment

Comer, Connie, teacher/Evans-new position-increased enrollment

Miller, Angela, teacher/PES-replacing Judy Branch (I/S trns to new class)

Puckett, Sylvia, headstart teacher/ELE-replacing Donna Busby (trns to CO)

Vaughn, Sylvia, headstart aide/ELE-replacing Margie Hopkins (resigned)

Livingston, Amy, teacher/PES-new position-increased enrollment

Green, Amy, teacher/LHS-replacing Logan Wilson (trns to sub)

Phillips, Dawn, teacher/NPE-replacing Tiffany Franklin (resigned)

Morgan, Brandi, teacher/SPE-replacing Nicole Braid (resigned)

McCauley, Perry, custodian/LHS-replacing Larry Davis (resigned)

Jarrell, Kathy, bus driver/Evans-RRTW

On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Beryl Ford, the Board voted to approve the following employee transfers:

Driscoll, John, teacher/LJHS-I/S trns from math to JAG

Ayo, Kandice, psychologist/CO-I/S trns from 9 to 10 months

Person, Alice(RRTW), ½ time cook/RHS-I/S trns to full time-replacing Tammy Craft

Craft, Tammy, cook/RHS-I/S trns from full time to ½ time-replacing Alice Person

Clark, Jerry, maintenance/CO- trns from Level I to Level II-10 year service pay raise

Sanders, Edna, lease bus driver/WLE-trns to Simpson-replacing John Adams (resigned)

Borden, Judy, teacher/SPE-trns to Simpson-replacing Sheri Echols (sick leave/sabbatical)

Fulks, Melissa, teacher/Simpson-I/S trns from Title I to 2^nd grade

Borden, Judy, teacher/Simpson - I/S trns from 2^nd grade to Title I

On motion of Randi Gleason, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to accept the following employee retirement:

White, Annie, custodian/Optional School

On motion of Gerald Cooley, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board approved the following policies:

EMPLOYMENT OF RETIRED PERSONNEL

The Vernon Parish School Board may employ retired employees under certain conditions; however, an employee whose retirement has been accepted by the School Board shall not be guaranteed any position/employment with the Board.  It shall be the policy of the School Board to vest in its Superintendent or his/her designee the power to recommend candidates for rehire after the person has traditionally retired from the school system.

The Superintendent or his/her designee may bring recommendations to the Board for approval for the rehire of retiring certified personnel after the performance of the retiring applicant has been assessed, and it is determined to be in the best interest of the school system to rehire this individual.  

CERTIFIED PERSONNEL

Certified personnel who are members of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) and are rehired by the School Board shall be classified as a retired teacher or retired member.

Retired Teachers

A retired teacher is: 

1. Any teacher who returns to active service as a full-time or part-time classroom teacher in grades K-12 in a critical shortage area, or
    

2. A retiree who returns to active service as a full-time certified speech therapist, speech pathologist, or audiologist whose position requires a valid Louisiana ancillary certificate where the shortage exists, or
    

3. A retired employee who has returned to active employment service covered by La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §11:710 on or before June 30, 2010.
    

4. A retired member who retired on or after May 1, 2009, and on or before June 30, 2010, and who returns to active employment service to a position requiring a valid Louisiana teaching certificate or a valid Louisiana ancillary certificate.

Critical shortage area shall mean any shortage of certified teachers existing in a subject area that has been certified by both the Superintendent and personnel director to Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana.

Classroom teacher shall mean any employee whose position requires a valid Louisiana teaching certificate and who is assigned activities of instructing pupils in classroom courses for which daily attendance figures are kept, including school classroom, home or hospital settings or other learning situations that may be delivered inside or outside the classroom or in other teacher-student settings.

Prior to making such certification of critical shortage for any full-time teaching position, the School Board shall be required to advertise in the Board’s official journal, on two (2) separate occasions, notice that a shortage of certified teachers exists and the positions to be filled.  If a certified applicant who is not a retiree applies for an advertised position, such person shall be hired before any certified retired teacher is employed, unless fewer than three (3) teachers have applied for the position each of whom are certified in the critical shortage area being filled.

The salary of any retired teacher who is reemployed by the School Board shall be based on the salary schedule which accounts for all prior years of teaching service and pertinent experience.

Whenever a retiree returns to active service, the School Board shall, within thirty (30) days thereafter, notify the TRSL in writing of such employment, the date of reemployment, and a determination by the Board as to whether the person is a retired teacher.   The salary of any retired teacher shall be based on the salary schedule which accounts for all prior years of teaching service and pertinent experience.

Retired Members

A retired member is any person who is a member of the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana and who after being reemployed, is not classified as a retired teacher.  A retired member, once reemployed, shall have his/her retirement benefits suspended for the duration of reemployment and shall receive no additional service credit nor accrue any additional retirement benefits.

BUS DRIVERS

A bus driver who has retired from service may be employed by the School Board and return to service as a full-time bus driver.  If the Board elects to reemploy a retired bus driver, the Superintendent shall certify to the BESE that a shortage of qualified bus drivers exists in the school district.

Whenever a retired bus driver is reemployed, the School Board shall notify the Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (LSERS) in writing within ten (10) days of such employment and the date employment began.    In addition, the School Board shall submit to LSERS before September 1 of each school year of reemployment of a bus driver a declaration stating the Board’s intent to reemploy the bus driver.  The declaration shall be signed by the Superintendent or his/her designee and the employee.  If such declaration is not received by September 1, the reemployed bus driver shall be subject to retirement benefits and other conditions in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §11:1006.  Upon the bus driver’s termination, the School Board shall provide LSERS in writing information and notice of the termination.

The School Board shall be required to report to LSERS within forty-five (45) days after June 30^th of each year the names of all retired bus drivers being paid by the Board, their social security numbers, and the amounts of their earnings during the previous year.

Actuarial Cost

If the School Board decides to reemploy a retired bus driver, the School Board shall pay to LSERS the actuarial cost for the bus driver that is in excess of the cost that would have been incurred if the School Board had reemployed the bus driver pursuant to the provisions of La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §11:1006.

OTHER NON-CERTIFIED EMPLOYEES

Any retired non-certified employee, other than a bus driver, may be reemployed by the School Board as a full-time, part-time, temporary, or substitute employee.  The School Board shall be required to transmit monthly, by the fifteenth (15^th) day after the end of the month, a report to the Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (LSERS) with the name, social security number, and the amount of earnings of the retiree during the previous month.

New policy:  August, 2010

Revised:  August, 2011

Ref:        La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§11:710, 11:1006, 11:1007, 17:81

Board minutes, 2-8-11.

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

The Vernon Parish School Board shall be authorized to hold meetings that are closed to the public upon formal motion made, seconded and carried by two-thirds of its members present at an open meeting for which proper notice has been given. The reason for holding a meeting closed to the public and the vote of each member on the question shall be stated in open meeting.  Executive sessions shall be limited to matters allowed to be exempted from discussion at open meetings, however, no final or binding action shall be taken during such a closed meeting and the meeting shall not be used as subterfuge to defeat the purposes outlined in the statutes.

Executive sessions may be held for the following reasons:

1. Discussion of the character, the professional competence, physical or mental health of a person, provided that such person is notified in writing at least twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting and that such person may require that such discussion be held at an open meeting.  However, an executive session shall not be used for discussion of the appointment of a person to the Board or, except as provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 39:1593(C)(2)(c), for discussing the award of a public contract.  In cases of extraordinary emergency, written notice to such person shall not be required; however, the Board shall give such notice as it deems appropriate and circumstances permit.
    

2. Strategy sessions or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining or litigation, when an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the Board.   Attached to the written public notice of the meeting shall be whether or not such matters will be discussed in an executive session.  The notice shall indicate the following:
    

   A statement identifying the court, case number, and the parties relative to any pending litigation to be considered at the meeting.

    

   A statement identifying the parties involved and reasonably identifying the subject matter of any prospective litigation for which formal written demand has been made that is to be considered at the meeting.

    

   In cases of extraordinary emergency, such notice shall not be required; however, the Board shall give such notice of the meeting as it deems appropriate and circumstances permit.

    

Discussion regarding the report, development, or course of action regarding security personnel, plans or devices;
 

3. Investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct;
    

4. Cases of extraordinary emergency, which shall be limited to natural disaster, threat of epidemic, civil disturbances, suppression of insurrections, or the repelling of invasions, or other matters of similar magnitude; and/or
    

5. Any other matters now provided for or as may be provided for by the Legislature.

Louisiana statutes do not prohibit the removal of any person or persons who willfully disrupt a meeting to the extent that orderly conduct of the meeting is seriously compromised.

Revised:  August, 1989

Revised:  November, 1989

Revised:  August, 2011

Ref:        La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:81, 42:12, 42:13, 42:14, 42:16, 42:17, 42:19, 42:24, 42:25, 42:28

Board minutes, 2-8-89.

SCHOOL BOARD ETHICS

Recognizing that as a member of a public school board and that each Vernon Parish School Board member is filling a position of public trust, responsibility, and authority endowed by the State of Louisiana, the Vernon Parish School Board, individually and collectively, shall subscribe to the principles of the Louisiana School Boards Association, by which a school board member should be guided.

In addition, certain actions of elected officials may be considered improper, and in some circumstances, illegal.  Actions which may present a conflict of interest, acceptance of gifts, or solicitations, or gratuities, abuse of authority of office or position, and decisions regarding the employment of a family member of an official are all subject to statutory restrictions.  The ethical conduct of Board members, as well as other designated officials, shall be in accordance with state law.

GIFTS

Acceptance of personal gifts by any Board member or employee of the Vernon Parish School Board from persons or firms doing business with the School Board, or any department or school thereof, is prohibited.  Reduced cost and/or free travel expenses are also defined as gifts with regard to this policy provision.  This policy provision does not preclude acceptance of food, drinks, or refreshment of a social nature or participation in a social event, provided the value of the food, drink, or refreshment does not exceed that amount permitted under state law.  It also shall not preclude the acceptance of campaign contributions for use in meeting campaign expenses by any employee or Board member who is or becomes a candidate for election to any public office.

NEPOTISM

No member of the immediate family of an agency head shall be employed in his/her agency.  No member of the immediate family of a member of a governing authority or the chief executive of a governmental entity shall be employed by the governmental entity, with limited exception as outlined below.

The provisions above shall not prohibit the continued employment of any public  employee nor shall it be construed to hinder, alter, or in any way affect normal promotional advancements for such public employee where a member of a public employee's immediate family becomes the agency head of such public employee's agency, provided that such public employee has been employed in the agency for a period of at least one year prior to the member of the public employee's immediate family becoming the agency head.

Exceptions

Any School Board member or Superintendent whose immediate family member is employed, or who may be employed, by the School Board as excepted below shall recuse himself from any decision involving the promotion or assignment of teaching or service location of such employee.

1. The School Board may employ any member of the immediate family of any Board member or the Superintendent as a classroom teacher provided that such family member is certified to teach.  
    

2. Any School Board in a parish having a population of fewer than sixty thousand (60,000) according to the latest federal decennial census may employ any member of the immediate family of any Board member or of the Superintendent as a special education related services professional provided that such family member is licensed in an appropriate field for special education related services and such family member is the only applicant who meets the qualifications for the position set by the School Board who has applied for the position after it has been advertised for at least thirty (30) days in the official journal of the School Board. A special education related services professional shall include the following when employed to provide special education services: a social worker, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech therapist/pathologist, teacher of hearing impaired students, teacher of visually impaired students, or nurse.  
    

3. The School Board may employ an immediate family member of an athletic director of a school as a coach at such school.

PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS

Any School Board member, Superintendent, or employee is prohibited by state law, with limited exception as provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '42:1120, from participating in a transaction in which he/she has a personal substantial economic interest of which he/she may be reasonably expected to know involving the governmental entity.  Also, any School Board member, Superintendent, or employee is prohibited by state law, except as provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '42:1120, from participating in a transaction involving the governmental entity in which, to his/her actual knowledge, any of the following persons has a substantial economic interest:

1. Any member of his/her immediate family.
    

2. Any person in which he/she has a substantial economic interest of which he/she may reasonably be expected to know.
    

3. Any person of which he/she is an officer, director, trustee, partner or employee.
    

4. Any person with whom he/she is negotiating or has an arrangement concerning prospective employment.
    

5. Any person who is a party to an existing contract with such public servant, or with any legal entity in which the public servant exercises control or owns an interest in excess of twenty-five percent, or who owes any thing of economic value to such public servant, or to any legal entity in which the public servant exercises control or owns an interest in excess of twenty-five percent, and who by reason thereof is in a position to affect directly the economic interests of such public servant.

Every public employee shall disqualify himself/herself from participating in a transaction involving the governmental entity when a violation of state law would result.

ABUSE OF OFFICE

No School Board member, Superintendent, or employee shall use the authority of his/her office or position, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to compel or coerce any person or other public servant to provide himself/herself, any other public servant, or other person with any thing of economic value.

No School Board member, Superintendent, or employee shall use the authority of his/her office or position, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to compel or coerce any person or other public servant to engage in political activity.

No School Board member shall act in an individual capacity to use the authority of his/her office or position as a member of the School Board in a manner intended to interfere with, compel or coerce any personnel decision, including the hiring, promotion, discipline, demotion, transfer, discharge, or assignment of work to any school employee.

No School Board member shall use the authority of his/her office or position as a member of the School Board in a manner intended to interfere with, compel, or coerce any school employee to make any decision concerning benefits, work assignment, or membership in any organization.

TRANSACTIONS AFTER TERMINATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE

No former agency head or elected official shall, for a period of two (2) years following the termination of his/her public service as the head of such agency or as an elected public official serving in such agency, assist another person, for compensation, in a transaction, or in an appearance in connection with a transaction, involving that agency or render any service on a contractual basis to or for the Board.

No former member of the School Board shall, for a period of two (2) years following the termination of his/her public service on such Board, contract with, be employed in any capacity by, or be appointed to any position by the Board, except that the School Board may employ a former member for any classroom teaching position which requires a valid Louisiana teaching certificate or a school psychologist with a valid certificate in school psychology, provided the former School Board member holds such a certificate. 

No former School Board employee shall, for a period of two (2) years following the termination of his/her employment, assist another person, for compensation, in a transaction, or in an appearance in connection with a transaction in which such former public employee participated at any time during his/her public employment and involving the School Board by which he/she was formerly employed, or for a period of two (2) such years following termination of his/her employment, render any service which such former public employee has rendered to the School Board during the term of his/her public employment on a contractual basis, regardless of the parties to the contract, to, for, or on behalf of the School Board with which he/she was formerly employed.

DEFINITIONS

Agency means a department, office, division, agency, commission, board, committee, or other organizational unit of a governmental entity.  For public servants of political subdivisions, it shall mean the agency in which the public servant serves, except that for members of any governing authority and for the elected or appointed chief executive of a governmental entity, it shall mean the governmental entity.

Agency head means the chief executive or administrative officer of an agency or any member of a board or commission who exercises supervision over the agency.

Immediate family as the term relates to a public servant means his/her children, the spouses of his/her children, his/her brothers and their spouses, his/her sisters and their spouses, his/her parents, his/her spouse, and the parents of his/her spouse.

Public servant means a public employee or an elected official.

Political activity means an effort to support or oppose the election of a candidate for political office in an election.

Substantial economic interest means an economic interest which is of greater benefit to the public servant or other person than to a general class or group of persons, except:

1. The interest that the public servant has in his/her position, office, rank, salary, per diem, or other matter arising solely from his/her public employment or office.
    

2. The interest that an elected official who is elected to a house, body, or authority has in a position or office of such house, body, or authority which is required to be filled by a member of such house, body, or authority by law, legislative rule, or home rule charter.
    

3. The interest that a person has as a member of the general public.

Transaction involving the governmental entity means any proceeding, application, submission, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, case, or other such particular matter which the public servant or former public servant of the governmental entity in question knows or should know:

1. Is, or will be, the subject of action by the governmental entity.
    

2. Is one to which the governmental entity is or will be a party.
    

3. Is one in which the governmental entity has a direct interest.  A transaction involving the agency of a governmental entity shall have the same meaning with respect to the agency.

Ref:        La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:81, 17:428, 42:1101, 42:1102, 42:1112, 42:1115, 42:1115.1, 42:1116, 42:1119, 42:1121, 42:1123; Board minutes, 9-4-03, 10-10-06, 2-5-09, 12-2-10.

KINDERGARTEN

The Vernon Parish School Board shall require every child entering kindergarten for the first time be given a valid and reliable readiness assessment.  The results of this assessment shall be used for measuring student readiness for kindergarten and for planning instruction.

Each child entering kindergarten for the first time shall be assessed at the beginning of the school year.  The parent or guardian of each child shall be advised of the child’s level of readiness.

New policy:  August, 2011

Ref:        La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '17:391.11.

INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

The Vernon Parish School Board is committed to the belief that for the learning process for students to be complete, additional student activities, such as athletics, must be an integral part of the educational program.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM

Interscholastic athletics may be made available for students in the schools of the school district.  The Superintendent or his/her designee shall develop and maintain an athletic program in the school district that emphasizes participation of all students.  The conduction of all athletic programs within the school district shall comply fully with regulations of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) and policies of the Board.  The Board shall allow students to participate in as many sport activities and academic activities as he/she is capable of participating in without fear of reprisal.

Eligibility requirements for students to participate in athletics at schools in Vernon Parish shall be as determined by the Board, in accordance with regulations of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association.  Students, upon approval, may be permitted to transfer to another school in the parish, but will not be eligible to participate in athletics for one (1) year.

STUDENTS IN HOME STUDY PROGRAMS

Students participating in a home study program approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) may be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletic activities at a high school that is a member of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA).  To be eligible to participate, the home study student shall meet each of the following requirements:

1. The student shall be subject to the same residency or attendance zone requirements as other students participating in the athletic activity.
    

2. The student's parent or legal guardian shall make a written request for the student to participate in interscholastic athletic activities to the principal of the school providing the activity.  Such request shall be made not later than the first eleven (11) days of the school year.
    

3. The principal of the school providing the athletic activity shall approve or disapprove such written request within thirty (30) days after receipt by the principal of all information and documentation requested by the principal from the student or the student's parent or legal guardian, or both.  Such information and documentation shall be noted in item 5 below, as well as information and documentation that is required of other students relative to participation in the athletic activity.  The decision by the principal to approve or disapprove the written request for the student to participate shall be final.
    

4. If participation is approved, then at the time of participation in the athletic activity, the student and the student's home study program shall be in full compliance with all guidelines, standards, and requirements established by state law for home study programs.  
    

5. The student shall submit documentation from BESE that the student is in a home study program approved by BESE.  The student shall submit a copy of his/her transcript showing units of study completed or in progress, the grades earned for such study, and his/her cumulative grade point average.  
    

6. The student shall be required to meet academic standards required of other students to participate in the athletic activity.
    

7. The student shall be required to meet all other standards and requirements applicable to a student participating in the athletic activity, including but not limited to tryouts, practice time, codes of conduct and student discipline, physical exams, proof of age, permission forms, waivers, required paperwork, fees, and transportation arrangements but excluding any requirements that the student be enrolled in or attend the school, or both.
    

8. The student shall be required to meet conditions applicable to students at the school relative to having any required insurance coverage either by participating, if otherwise eligible, in insurance programs offered through the school or school system or by providing for such insurance coverage in another manner.

After a decision is made by the principal to approve a request for the student to participate, then the student shall participate in any tryouts for such activity at the same time and in the same manner as other students who want to participate in the same activity.

Any home study student who provides, or on whose behalf others provide, any false representation, documentation, or verification of the student's qualifications for the purpose of meeting eligibility requirements to participate in interscholastic athletics shall be ruled ineligible to participate in accordance with policies of the LHSAA and shall be subject to the same penalties as other students.  Likewise, a school determined to be knowledgeable of any false representation, documentation, or verification of a home study student's qualifications for the purpose of meeting eligibility requirements to participate in interscholastic athletics shall be subject to penalties as established by the LHSAA for use of an ineligible student athlete.

A student who has been enrolled in a public or nonpublic school during the school year in which the student begins home study or during the previous school year and who was determined ineligible to participate in one or more interscholastic extracurricular activities at such school for reasons related to student conduct or academic performance, or both, shall be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletic activities for one (1) calendar year from the date the student was determined ineligible.

A student who has been enrolled in a public or nonpublic school during the school year in which the student begins home study shall not be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletic activities during the remainder of that school year nor during the following school year.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

No student shall be permitted to practice or participate in any interscholastic athletic program in any public school of the Vernon Parish School Board until such student shall have furnished to the principal of the school documentation that he/she has met the following requirements:

1. Evidence of having had a physical examination by a licensed physician who shall have completed documentation as required by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA).
    

2. Properly complete a School Entrance and General Health Exam Form/LHSAA Medical History and pass a medical examination by a licensed physician prior to the first time he/she participates in a sport in a LHSAA school.  Physicians may continue to use the original LHSAA Sports Physical Form in performing sports physicals.  In addition, parents shall be required to complete the Authorization for Release of Confidential Information.
    

3. Once a student passes the initial medical examination and completes an LHSAA Medical History Form prior to the sports season in which he/she participates, he/she shall annually pass any medical screening or medical examination required by a licensed physician and shall update his/her LHSAA Medical History Form as required.
    

4. A copy of all completed and signed medical examination and participation/release of information forms (and any others required by the School Board) must be on file at the school for every student before he/she practices or participates in interscholastic athletics during that school year.
    

5. An agreement signed by the student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to hold the School Board and its members, employees, agents, assigns and insurers harmless from and against any liability for any accidents involving the student while participating in such athletic activities and any injuries suffered by the student during, or as a result of, such participation.  The agreement shall also authorize team physicians to treat the student in the event of an injury requiring emergency treatment.
    

6. Students shall sign a form consenting to random drug screening and must obtain the written consent of their parent(s) or guardian(s) for said tests in order to be eligible to participate in any athletic activity. (See policy IDFAA, Interscholastic Athletics Drug Testing)

RULES VIOLATION

Adherence to the rules of athletic representation and participation shall be strictly enforced by the Board.  Any violations of athletic rules shall be immediately reported to the Superintendent by the principal.  In the event that a member school, member school principal, or member school coach is penalized or cited by the LHSAA due to a violation, the athletic director, principal, and coach involved shall provide a full report to the Superintendent.  If found warranted, the Superintendent in turn shall make a report to the School Board with pertinent recommendations for disciplinary action.

SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS

The School Board endorses the scholastic eligibility requirements as a condition for participation in high school extracurricular activities as stipulated by the LHSAA.  Scholastic requirements shall be as follow:

1. To be eligible for the first semester of the school year, a student shall have earned at least six (6) units from the previous school year, which shall be listed on the student’s transcript, and shall have at least a "C" average as determined by the School Board when considering all "graded" subjects.
    

2. To be eligible for the second semester of the school year, a student shall pass at least six (6) subjects from the first semester.  A senior attempting four (4) units in the first semester must pass all four (4) units to be eligible in the second semester.  Likewise, a senior attempting five (5) units in the first semester must pass all five (5) units, and a senior taking six (6) or more units in the first semester must pass six (6) units for second semester eligibility.
    

3. The LHSAA includes specific eligibility rules for special education students which must be met for their participation.

Individual schools or the School Board may set higher, but not lower scholastic requirements for interscholastic athletic participation.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

Athletes shall have either school student insurance or a signed statement from the parent showing that the student is otherwise covered for any accident or injuries that may occur during any athletic participation.   No students shall be allowed to practice or participate in interscholastic athletics until this requirement has been met.

CONFRONTATION WITH COACHES

No person (parent or otherwise) shall confront a coach after an athletic contest concerning a player or a coaching decision.  The person must make an appointment with the coach through the principal the next school day or the next available day to discuss any concerns.

If this rule is violated, the person and/or player in question will be suspended from the next game or games depending on the severity of the confrontation.

Coaches are to report all violations to the principal.

A copy of this ruling shall be taken home by student athletes for parents to sign and return to the coach and principal.

Revised:  November, 1998

Revised:  August, 2010

Revised:  August, 2011

Ref:        La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:169, 17:176, 17:236.3; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Official Handbook, Louisiana High School Athletic Association; Board minutes, 11-10-98, 2-8-11.

COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AGES

Except as provided by law, every child in the state is required by state law to attend public or private school from the child's seventh (7th) birthday until his/her eighteenth (18th) birthday, unless the child graduates prior to his/her eighteenth (18th) birthday.  Any child below the age of seven (7) who legally enrolls in school shall also be required to attend school.  If a child in these age brackets was a resident of this parish when school opened and enters school late without having attended another public or private school or approved home study program during the current school session within or without the parish, a statement should be secured from the parents or guardian giving the reasons why the child has not been in school.  If these reasons are not satisfactory, the matter should be referred to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, who may find it necessary to refer it to the proper court. 

EXCEPTIONS

Certain exceptions to the compulsory attendance laws are allowed as provided by state law and included in policy JBD, Absences and Excuses.  In addition, statutes provide for the following:

1. The parent, tutor, or other person responsible for the school attendance of a child between the ages of sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) who is enrolled in school may request that the student be allowed to attend an effective adult education program or a career and technical education program.
    

2. A child who is at least seventeen (17) years of age and who, after successfully completing a program established by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, has been issued a Louisiana high school equivalency diploma in accordance with criteria established by the Louisiana Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges shall be considered exited from high school and shall not be subject to compulsory attendance laws.
    

3. Compulsory attendance does not apply to any child who is under the age of seventeen (17) and is attending or seeking admission to a National Guard Youth Challenge Program in Louisiana. 

FAILURE TO COMPLY

Failure to abide by the compulsory school attendance laws of the state may result in a referral to Families in Need of Services (FINS) which is a state mandated program or to the District Court with jurisdiction.

Ref:        La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:221, 17:226, 17:226.1, 17:233; La. Children’s Code, Art. 730; Bulletin 741, Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 9-6-05, 2-5-09, 2-8-11.

Mrs. Kim Nugent, Curriculum Supervisor, gave an update on the Wellness Policy and on motion of Mel Harris, seconded by Randi Gleason, the Board approved the following policy:  

Vernon Parish School Board

Health and Wellness Policy

2011-2012

Purpose

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Child Nutrition and Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act of 2004 requires that each local educational agency (LEA) participating in the National School Lunch Program establish a local school Wellness Policy by July 1, 2006.

This Wellness Policy establishes a formal system of building a world-class school environment that is safe and healthy, thereby enhancing the potential for academic achievement among students.  A healthy child in a nurturing and safe environment has a better attendance record and performs better in school than a child who is not.  Whereas hunger in America still exists, obesity among children and adolescents has risen over the past 20 years and continues to be a concern. Few children eat a healthy diet consistent with recommendations established by health professionals.  Students consume extra calories from foods and beverages that are high in sugar and fat and low in nutrients.  Physical inactivity and excessive caloric intake are the main causes of obesity. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are responsible for a majority of deaths in the United States, and major risk factors for those diseases, including unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity, often are established in childhood.  Students need access to healthful foods and opportunities to be physically active in order to grow and learn. 

Although school districts around the country are facing significant fiscal and scheduling constraints, schools and the community must collaborate to develop and implement successful school wellness policies that are dynamic and meet the needs of the students in the district. In addition to health and physical education, the school environment should provide a model of life skills related to healthful eating and physically active habits.

Thus, the Vernon Parish District is committed to providing school environments that promote and protect children's health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity habits.

The areas addressed in the Wellness Policy include:

1. Nutrition services guidance

2. Nutrition education

3. Physical activity and physical education

4. Communication and promotion of the Wellness Policy

5. Monitoring adherence and evaluation

6. The Tobacco Policy

Nutrition Services

Foods and beverages sold or served at school will meet the nutrition requirements as outlined in Bulletin 1196, Louisiana Food and Nutrition Programs, Policies of Operations. Qualified Child Nutrition Program professionals will provide students with access to a variety of affordable, nutritious, and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of students; will accommodate the religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the student body in meal planning; and will provide clean, safe, and pleasant settings and adequate time for students to eat.

School Meals

The Vernon Parish School District will:

1. Offer a school lunch program with menus that meet the meal patterns and nutrition standards established by the USDA Child Nutrition Program and the Louisiana Department of Education, Office of School and Community Support.

2. Provide school breakfast programs (where approved and applicable) with menus that meet the meal patterns and nutrition standards established by USDA and the Louisiana Department of Education, Office of School and Community Support.

3. Encourage students, school staff, and families to participate in school meal programs. Nutrition and meal pamphlets will be available for parent access.

4. Strive to operate all Child Nutrition Programs with school foodservice staff who are qualified according to current professional standards.

5. Provide professional development opportunities for food service staff.

6. Ensure that food safety and sanitation are followed throughout the school, including providing facilities to wash hands before preparing and eating food.

7. Ensure that the food service permit is current for the Food Service school site.

8. Offer whole and enriched grain products that are high in fiber, low in added fats and sugars, and served in appropriate portion sizes that are consistent with the current USDA standards.

9. Offer fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruits and vegetables using healthy food preparation techniques and 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice.

10. Offer nonfat, reduced-fat, low-fat, plain and/or flavored dairy products.

11. Offer whole-grain breads and cereals.

12. Use healthy food preparation techniques for lean meat, poultry, and fish, such as baking.

13. Encourage that all foods brought into the cafeteria meet the USDA Child Nutrition Guidelines.

14. Ensure that school meals are accessible to all students with a variety of delivery strategies. 

15. Ensure that students receive adequate time to eat breakfast and lunch, encouraging the recommended 30 minutes seat timefor lunch.

16. Provide a cafeteria environment that is conducive to a positive dining experience, with socializing among students and between students and adults; encouraging supervision of eating areas by adults who model proper conduct and voice level; and with adults who model healthy habits by eating with the students.  (Cafeterias will provide adequate supplies of hand washing soap, water and disposable towels for use at each facility.)

Foods and Beverages Offered Outside of the Child Nutrition Programs

An effective Wellness Program addresses foods and beverages sold and served on campus outside of the USDA Child Nutrition Programs. Nutrition education is more effective if the foods and beverages sold and offered are healthful and consistent with what is taught in the classroom.   Foods  and beverages sold outside the USDA Child Nutrition Programs includes vending machines, concession stores, school parties, fundraising events, and rewarding/bribing students with food.

Vending Machine and Concession Store Laws

Foods and beverages must meet specific nutritional criteria if on the grounds at any time during a period beginning one-half hour before the start of the school day and ending one-half hour after the end of the school day. These criteria were developed as a result of the approval of Senate Bill No. 146, Act 331 passed during the Louisiana Legislature’s Regular Session in 2005.

1. ≤ 150 calories

2. ≤ 35% of total calories from fat

3. ≤ 10% to total calories from saturated fat

4. ≤ 30 grams of sugar

5. ≤  360 milligrams of sodium

In addition, the criteria for beverages offered for sale in public high schools was amended as a result of the passage of HB 767/Act 306 passed by the Louisiana Legislature during its 2009 Regular Session.  Except for items sold as part of the school food program, the food and beverages must meet the following criteria per serving:

In high schools, beverages shall include:

1. Bottled water

2. No-calorie or low-calorie beverages that contain up to 10 calories per eight ounces

3. Up to 12 ounce servings of beverages that contain 100 percent fruit juice with no added sweeteners and up to 120 calories per eight ounces.

4. Up to  12 ounce servings of any other beverages that contains no more than 66 calories per eight ounces,

5. At  least 50% of non-milk beverages shall be water and no-calorie or low-calorie options that contain up to 10 calories per eight ounces

6. Low-fat milk, skim milk, and non-dairy milk.

Foods and Beverages Sold Outside of the School Cafeteria

The Vernon Parish school district will:

1. Follow the nutrition guidelines set by state law for vending machines and concession stands and stores.

2. Encourage the elimination use of foods and beverages as rewards for student accomplishment.

3. Encourage parents and school officials to provide healthful food and beverage choices at school parties.  A list of healthy foods and beverages and non-food rewards and activities will be provided annually to administrators, students, teachers, and parents. (See appendix A for healthy snack and school party ideas.)

4. Promote fundraisers that sell items other than food and beverages or only foods and beverages that are nutrient dense (low in calories and high in nutrients).  (See appendix B for healthy fundraising alternatives.)

5. Encourage parents and school officials to provide nutritious and appealing food and beverage options (such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, reduced-fat milk, reduced fat-yogurt, reduced-fat cheese, 100% juice and water) whenever foods/beverages are sold or otherwise offered after school at sporting and academic events, celebrations, social events, after school care, and other school functions.

Nutrition Education

School-based nutrition education includes traditional classroom lessons and behavioral change programs based on social learning theory and marketing.  Using all venues is recommended for optimal impact.  

Nutrition is not a stand-alone course.  It is taught in health education and science classes and can be integrated into core content area of instruction across the curriculum. A planned, sequential curriculum where the lessons are aligned with standards, benchmarks, and grade-level expectations is essential to impact knowledge, attitude, and behavior.

Behavior change can be enhanced through social learning theory and marketing, as well.   Social learning theory may include a parent component for younger students and peer involvement for older students. School activities such as Family Nutrition Night can promote the social learning theory.  Additionally, the cafeteria can be used as part of the total educational system for modeling behavior.

The Vernon Parish School District will:

1. Provide the equivalent of a six-week unit on nutrition or ensure that at a minimum of 30 hours of nutrition is taught in the classroom during the year.
    

2. Implement nutrition education programs that promote lifelong healthful eating practices that are research-based.
    

3. Use lessons that are age-appropriate, behaviorally focused content that is developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant.
    

4. Use curriculum and lessons that are sequential and are correlated with standards, benchmarks, and grade level expectations.
    

5. Provide hands-on activities that are fun and engaging.
    

6. Encourage repeated opportunities for students to taste foods that are low in fat, sodium and added sugars and high in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
    

7. Promote positive aspects of healthful eating behaviors.
    

8. Promote social learning techniques such as role modeling, providing incentives, developing social resistance skills, overcoming barriers to behavioral changes and goal-setting, social resistance skills, overcoming barriers to behavioral changes and goal setting.
    

9. Strive toward hiring qualified, certified health education teachers.
    

10. Provide nutrition education related staff development opportunities for teachers on an annual basis.
     

11. Encourage parent involvement in lessons taught and school activities.
     

12. Coordinate marketing activities with nutrition education classroom activities.
     

13. Encourage parents who come to eat lunch with their children by bringing their own meals to model good nutrition habits.  Consumption of soft drinks and other non-nutritious food items brought from home or from a restaurant is discouraged.

Physical Education and Activity

Daily physical activity is essential to student welfare and academic performance. Federal Guidelines recommend that children and teenagers be physically active for an accumulation of at least 60 minutes daily. Since children spend the majority of their time at school during weekdays, it is imperative that schools provide students with the means to participate in physical activity. Districts and schools, including parents and communities, must offer additional opportunities and resources for physical activity outside physical education classes.

The Vernon Parish school district will:

1. Implement quality physical education programs that emphasize and promote participation in lifelong physical activities and reaching a health enhancing level of physical fitness among all students.

2. Align the physical education lessons with standards, benchmarks, and grade-level expectations.

3. Provide students in grades K-8 with a minimum of 150 minutes per week of physical education.

4. Provide students in grades K-5 with planned, organized, and moderate to vigorous physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes each school day.

5. Ensure that enough age-appropriate and safe equipment is in place to guarantee that all students have the opportunity to be active for physical education and physical activity.

6. Ensure that qualified, certified physical education teachers guide physical activity instruction in all elementary grades as well as in middle and high school physical education classes.

7. Provide staff development on standards implementation for physical education instructors.

8. Provide a variety of fitness training, motor skills, and team work modules in physical education required at the high school level for graduation.

9. Ensure that all high school students take one and a half units of physical education.

10. Use a recognized instrument or program such as Fitnessgram®, to evaluate students’ physical fitness.

11. Provide daily recess for all children in K-8^th grade. Encourage physical activity for elementary students during intramurals programs, clubs, and recess as well as in physical education programs.

12. Encourage physical activity during recess for elementary students, intramurals programs, and clubs, as well as in physical education programs.

13. Integrate physical activity in the academic curriculum,

14. Work with the community to create opportunities for students to walk, bike, skateboard, roller-skate, play basketball, play softball, play baseball, or participate in other physical activities in a safe location at times other than the school day.

15. Provide opportunities for parents and guardians to support students’ participation in physical activities, such as a Safe Routes to School Program, to be physically active role-models, and to include physical activities in family plans.

16. Encourage school staff to participate in physical activities to serve as role models.

17. Encourage students to be active for at least half of the class time.

18. Develop students’ self-confidence and eliminate practices that humiliate students.

Tobacco-Free School Policy

It is important for school leaders to send a clear, consistent non-use message to their students, staff, and community by implementing a 100% Tobacco-Free policy.  By implementing such a policy, school leaders will be countering the tobacco industry’s influence with efforts to promote safe learning environments and healthy lifestyles.

Because tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death, disease, and disability, the Vernon Parish School Board shall provide a 100% Tobacco-Free school environment.

All tobacco products (e.g. smoke, smokeless, spit, spitless, etc.) and smoking devices are prohibited on any school campus, school vehicle, or parish school board property.  School campus includes the elementary or secondary school building and buildings on that campus.  School Board property shall include any portable buildings, field houses, stadiums, equipment storage areas, vacant land, or any property owned, operated, or leased by the board.

All tobacco products are also prohibited at school-sponsored functions away from school property.

Tobacco advertising is also prohibited in school buildings, at school functions, and in school publications.

Compliance and Enforcement

"Tobacco-Free” signs shall be displayed on school property.  Notice of this policy shall be posted at the entrances to the grounds of each school and school building, and within school vehicles.

Notice of this policy shall be given to students, all school staff, parents or families through dissemination of the student handbook every year and posted signage at each campus.  The community shall be made aware of the policy by signage and handbooks as needed.

In addition to disciplinary action, those students who are found in violation of this policy shall be referred to the school’s health provider (Nurse, Health Center, or Social Worker) for a tobacco intervention.  The school’s health provider shall have the option of referring the student to the Fax to Quit Louisiana Program, coordinated by The Department of Health and Hospitals Tobacco Control Program, which refers the student to the Louisiana Quit-line, a free counseling service done over the phone for tobacco cessation.

School employees who violate the 100% Tobacco-Free School Policy shall, in addition to disciplinary action, also be referred to the Louisiana Quit-Line (1-800-QuitNow) which is a free counseling service for tobacco cessation.

APPENDIX A

Snack and Party Ideas

Snacks are important to provide nutrients for growing children. 

1. Include a wide variety of foods that are rich in nutrients.

2. Have healthful snacks available and easily accessible.  Cut up fruits and vegetables for easy eating, especially children with loose teeth or braces.

3. Try low-fat versions of milk, ice cream, crackers, and chips.

4. Avoid using food as a reward or punishment. 

5. Be a good role model by eating healthful snacks with your children/students.

6. Choose fruits and vegetables as snacks so children/students can meet the goal of eating at least three or more servings of vegetables and two or more servings of fruits a day.

7. Involve children/students in planning and shopping for foods and beverages for snacks and parties.

8. Involve students in planning a party that provides healthy food choices and activities that do not focus the party on food.

9. Offer food again, even if children/students did not like it the first time, especially fruits and vegetables.  Students need repeated exposure to new foods.

10. For more information, call the free American Dietetic Association Hotline at: (800) 366-1655 or visit the website at http://www.eatright.com.

Alternatives to Using Food as a Reward

Using food as a reward undermines nutrition education, encourages over consumption of extra calories, especially foods high in fat and added sugar, and teaches children to eat when they are not hungry.  Some alternatives for rewarding children include:

For more ideas, visit the following web sites:

• Michigan Department of Education Team Nutrition -  http://www.tn.fcs.msue.msu.edu

• USDA Team Nutrition  Create Healthy, Active Celebrations

• http://www.fns.usda.gov/eatsmartplayhardeducators/materials/

APPENDIX B

Creative Fundraising Ideas

Healthy fundraising ideas promote consistent messages of practicing healthy eating and physical activity habits in the classroom, throughout the school, and at home. Listed below are some ideas for raising funds without selling food. 

1. Sports tournament - Sell tickets to students and family members to attend a student volleyball, tennis, or golf tournament. Include some local celebrities to increase sales throughout the community.

2. Pledge ideas -- Walk-a-thon and fun runs - Hold a walk and or run on the school grounds. Ask for pledges to sponsor.

3. Spring yard work to local community members - Offer to rake yards and spread compost at a bargain rate.

4. Basketball tournament - Charge a team of three players $40 for entrance and ask local businesses for prize donations. Provide tee shirts for the event and raise the entrance fee.

5. Plant sale - Sell perennials, herbs, or seeds; poinsettias during the holidays, and flowers for Valentine’s Day.

6. Community job fair - Rent booths for a fee to local companies and solicit free advertisements for local radio stations or newspapers. Charge an entrance fee.

7. Crafts fair - Local and regional crafts persons can rent booths for a fee. The school can charge a small entrance fee to the public.

8. School event planners - Sell planners at school registration. Planners include all event dates, such as sports events, national tests, dances, plays, etc. Fifty percent of the sales can be profits.

9. Sell seat cushions at sporting events - Sell advertisements on the cushions to 20 local businesses for $50 - 100 to make even more money.

10. Administrative fun - Have money jars available for the students to make donations. The school secretary would count the money in the jars on a daily basis and post the total. At set dollar increments, the principal and/or vice-principal would have to do stunts, such as dress as a cheerleader, do cheers, etc.

11. Raffle of gift baskets assembled by students - Choose a theme such as gardening, sports, or arts and crafts. Most items for the baskets can be donated.

12. Sell candles, greeting cards, gift wrap, magazines, buttons, pins, pens, crafts, batteries,  Frisbees, pet treats, and calendars.

13. Rent a special parking place.

14. Involve the community - Conduct workshops or classes, a scavenger hunt, a recycling program, a car wash for donations, a garage sale

15. Sell school spirit supplies -   megaphones, shakers, plastic cups, T-shirts, school supplies, bumper stickers, cookbooks or books developed by the school

16. Host art, music, and science events such as a read-a-thon, spelling bee, science fair, talent show, art show, plays, and concerts

Adapted from Twenty Ways to Raise Funds without Candy, Illinois Nutrition Education and Training Program, Illinois Department of Education, Creative Financing and Fun Fundraising for Schools, Sports, and Clubs, California Project LEAN, and WIN Wyoming, Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service

Mr. Blankenbaker reported that the Headstart Policy Council meeting had been postponed until October 20^th and that he would have a report in November.

Mrs. Randi Gleason reported that the Transportation Committee had met and discussed alternatives for leasing, purchasing, and financing of buses.  No action was taken and the next Transportation Committee meeting was scheduled for 8:15AM on November 8, 2011.

On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.

On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.

In other business, Superintendent Self reminded Board members of the In-Service on October 12^th presented by Mr. Jon Guice.  Superintendent Self also invited Board members to the ribbon cutting ceremony at South Polk Elementary School on Thursday, October 13^th at 10:30AM.

On motion of Vernon Travis on behalf of the Board, 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 Willie Joe Edwards, Sr. who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Edwards was a custodian at the Central Office and was also known as keeper of all the plants and flowers; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Edwards was the father of Deborah Edwards, paraprofessional at Leesville High School, and the uncle of Lillie Allen, secretary at the Central Office and Dianetta Smith Maxie, secretary at Vernon Middle School; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Edwards brought joy and was a blessing to those who knew him and he will be greatly missed by his family and many 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 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 condolences to the family of Henry Heard who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Heard was an avid supporter of the sports program at Leesville High School; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Heard was a longtime resident of Leesville 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 Robert Pynes, 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 Virginia Ricon who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Ricon was the sister of Susan Freshley, counselor at South Polk Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Ricon was a resident of Belton, Texas 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.

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

___________________________________

VERNON TRAVIS, BOARD PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

__________________________________________

JACKIE D. SELF, SUPERINTENDENT