JULY 11, 2013
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. PRESIDENT GLEASON CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
RANDI GLEASON, PRESIDENT
JOHN BLANKENBAKER, VICE-PRESIDENT
VERNON L. TRAVIS JR.
MEL HARRIS
ROBERT PYNES JR.
DOUG BRANDON
JERRY L. JEANE
RICHARD SCHWARTZ
RANDY MARTIN
STEVE WOODS
MICHAEL PERKINS
GERALD COOLEY
COL. ROGER L. SHUCK
ABSENT: NONE
There was also present Mr. Jackie D. Self, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Pastor Edgar Evans.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Randy Martin.
On motion of Mel Harris, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the June 11, 2013 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes. Mr. Travis requested the following be added to the June 11, 2013 minutes before approval is given and on motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Jerry Jeane, the Board voted to add the following comments by Mr. Travis to the minutes of June 11, 2013.
1. “My original question as to why should there be a difference between 3-6 grades suspension policy and 7-12 grades and the responses by Mr. Self and Neubert provided.
2. My restatement of the original questions as to why do we list suspensions for 3-6 grades by 1st, 2nd, and 3rd offense but 7-12 grades states 3-7 days for every offense, and Neubert’s reply.
3. The statement by Neubert stating that the first offense should be more severe and that he always gave the maximum 9 days regardless. Also omitted was my question to Neubert as to why then based on his statement was he recommending something totally opposite.
4. Brandon’s question to Neubert about how many principals agreed with the any fighting offense for 7-12 ranging from 3-7 grade and Neubert’s reply of all of them.
5. My question to Neubert of how many parents complain about the unfairness of their child getting a higher suspension than the other child involved and Neubert’s reply of quite a few.
6. My statement as to the danger of our current policy of if you fight you are suspended regardless if you were defending yourself or not and how such policy places to VPSB at risk of potential legal litigation.”
Mr. Travis also recommended that the meetings be recorded and not paraphrased and that every quote from Board members be listed in the minutes – no action was taken. Mr. Schwartz and Dr. Brandon noted that the minutes included substance of each discussion and all action taken. Approval of the June 11, 2013 minutes were tabled until July 16, 2013.
The presentation by Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Department regarding two-way radios was cancelled.
Superintendent Self stated that a Grant had been awarded by Rapides Foundation for $190,000 and this resolution would authorize the superintendent to negotiate and execute the STEM Grant.
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Vernon Travis, the Vernon Parish School Board voted to adopt the following resolution for Rapides Foundation Grants:
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF VERNON
On the eleventh day of July, 2013, 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 he 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 STEM 2013-2014 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.
_________________________
Randi Gleason, 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 eleventh day of July, 2013.
______________________
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Richard Schwartz, the Board voted to approve policies mandated by the legislature presented on June 11, 2013.
Superintendent Self stated that the recommendations made on June 11, 2013 from the Discipline Committee were not properly placed on the Agenda to be an item to be voted on and therefore Tom Neubert presented recommendations from the Discipline Committee again for informational purposes. Mr. Neubert stated that the Committee had recommended having one policy for all Telecommunication devices.
(Policy) Any electronic device such as E-Reader, kindle, Ipad, laptop, cell phone, etc. not used for instructional purposes permitted by the teacher or administrator within the instructional setting to include classrooms, libraries, labs or designated areas set by school administration, is a violation of VPSB Policy and would result in one of the following consequences:
1st Offense-Device is taken and parent allowed to pick up
2nd Offense-Device is taken, parent allowed to pick up and detention or similar punishment is assigned
3rd Offense-Device is taken, parents may pick up and one day suspension is assigned
Any subsequent offense would be treated the same as the 3rd offense.
Mr. Travis asked why the difference in the number of days for suspension between grade levels – he stated we should have one policy across the board for all grades. Mr. Woods asked if the reduction of days would promote more fighting as the punishment would be less and Mr. Neubert said that he did not think so. Mr. Neubert stated that PBIS and other programs have greatly reduced the number of suspensions. Mr. Perkins asked how many principals used the maximum number of days for suspension and Mr. Neubert said four. Mr. Blankenbaker also agreed that the number of days of suspension should be the same and not be the responsibility of the principal. Mr. Blankenbaker stated that the principal or other school personnel may not have witnessed who started the fight or that personal problems may interfere with the punishment. Superintendent Self recommended that Mr. Neubert invite Board Members to the next Discipline Committee Meeting.
On motion of Gerald Cooley, seconded by Michael Perkins, the Board voted to advertise for bids to purchase refurbished computers. Mr. Ward stated that Mr. Gallemore would be purchasing these computers with the portion of the REAP Grant.
On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board voted to adopt the millage rates for 2013.
AFFIDAVIT
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF VERNON
BEFORE ME, the undersigned notary public, duly commissioned and qualified within and for the aforesaid parish and state, personally came and appeared:
JACKIE SELF
who, after first being duly sworn, did depose and say:
That he/she is the duly authorized Superintendent/Treasurer of the Vernon Parish School Board.
That a public meeting was held in accordance with the Open Meetings Law at R.S. 42:11, et seq., including allowing a public comment period before taking a vote, R.S. 42:14(D), to adopt the millage rate(s) for the 2013 tax year. That public written notice of the agenda, date, time, and place of the meeting (X) was posted on the building where the meetings of this taxing authority are usually held no less 24 hours before the meeting and/or ( ) was published in the official journal no less than 24 hours before the meeting.
A quorum or simple majority of the total membership of the taxing authority was physically present and voting at the public meeting, which was held on the 11th day of July, 2013, at 10:00 A.M., at the Vernon Parish School Board Office at 201 Belview Road, Leesville, Louisiana 71446.
The meeting was conducted in accord with the prior noticed agenda. Matters not included on the agenda were not discussed without the unanimous approval of the members present after complying with all provisions of R.S. 42:19(A)(1)(b)(ii).
Roll Forward Occurred: Yes ( ) No (X )
If Roll Forward Occurred:
That the additional publishing requirements of Article 7, Section 23(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B) regarding increases in the millage rate(s) have been complied with. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following:
· Public notice of the date, time, place, and subject matter of the public hearing was published on two separate days no less than thirty days before the public hearing in the official journal of the taxing authority;
· And, if applicable, in another newspaper with a larger circulation within the taxing authority than the official journal;
· Publications were published by July 15;
· The assessor was provided notice of the date, time and place of the pending hearing;
· A press release was issued to newspapers with substantial distribution within the jurisdiction of the taxing district; and
· To area broadcast media;
· Two separate ordinances or resolutions; and
· Two-thirds of the total membership of the taxing authority voting in favor of the second ordinance or resolution.
That copies of all required notices and agenda are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
__________________________________________
Jackie Self, Superintendent_____________________
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED Before Me, this 11th day of July, 2013, at Leesville, Louisiana.
_________________________________________________________
Printed or Typed Name (as commissioned): Timothy G Ward
Notary ID or Bar Roll No.: 054078
VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millages are hereby levied on the 2013 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD District of the Parish of Vernon, Louisiana.
MILLAGE
Parish Wide School Regular 4.18 mills
Parish Wide School Special 8.12 mills
Ward 1 Maintenance Regular 13.03 mills
Ward 2 Hornbeck Maintenance Regular 13.83 mills
School District 143 Hornbeck Construction & Maintenance 10.39 mills
Ward 2 Orange Maintenance Regular 13.24 mills
Ward 3 Maintenance Regular 18.77 mills
Ward 4 Maintenance Regular 14.14 mills
Ward 5 Maintenance Regular 18.65 mills
Ward 6 Maintenance Regular 12.68 mills
Ward 7 Maintenance Regular 17.42 mills
Ward 8 Maintenance Regular 14.00 mills
Leesville Sinking Fund 33.88 mills
Orange Sinking Fund 46.91 mills
Hornbeck Sinking Fund 13.19 mills
Ward 3 Sinking Fund 24.27 mills
Ward 3 Sinking Fund-Wildlife Management Area 8.36 mills
Pickering Sinking Fund 19.98 mills
Ward 5 Sinking Fund 13.51 mills
Ward 6 Sinking Fund 28.48 mills
Ward 7 Sinking Fund 26.34 mills
Ward 8 Sinking Fund 30.33 mills
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of Vernon, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2013, and to make collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.
The foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:
YEAS: 12
NAYS: 0
ABSTAINED: 0
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and exact copy of a resolution adopted at a regular board meeting held on July11, 2013 at which meeting a quorum was present and voting.
Leesville, Louisiana, this 11th day of July, 2013
________________________
(Superintendent)
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Vernon Travis, the Board voted to advertise for bids for bleachers for Rosepine High School.
Mel Harris reported that the Salary/Personnel Committee had met discussed the recently adopted Teacher Salary Schedule – no action was taken. After some discussion of the State Pay Raise for Teacher Schedule, this matter was tabled until August 1st for further discussion. Mr. Funderburk discussed the proposed reduction in staff and noted that this had been done through attrition. Mr. Funderburk also discussed personnel changes for July.
In other business, Superintendent Self reminded Board members of the Transportation Committee meeting immediately after the Board meeting and of the Curriculum Committee meeting on Tuesday, July 16th at 8:00AM. Superintendent Self also stressed the importance of the Disclosure Statements for Board members. Superintendent Self noted the BESE visit on November 6, 2013. They will be visiting the following Top Gain Schools: Simpson High, Leesville High, Vernon Middle, and North Polk Elementary
Mr. Neubert invited Board members to a Crisis Meeting with local law enforcement on July 24th at 9:00. Mr. Randy Martin asked about EOC results and Superintendent Self stated that those results were very good and would be discussed at the Curriculum Committee meeting on Tuesday, July 16th. Mr. Ward stated a call for elections for maintenance taxes would be placed on the Tuesday, July 16th Agenda for Ward One, Orange School District, Hornbeck, and Parish-Wide.
On motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Vernon Parish School Board wishes to express their sympathy to the family of Thelma Collins who recently passed away;
WHEREAS, Mrs. Collins was a former cook at Vernon Middle School and was the wife of L. B. Collins, retired custodian at West Leesville Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Collins was a longtime resident of Vernon Parish and she will be greatly missed by hr family and friends; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her family at this time of sadness.
On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their condolences to the family of Donald Sands who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Sands was the husband of Charlette Sands, retired teacher at East Leesville Elementary; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Sands 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 Gerald Cooley, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Vernon Parish School Board wishes to express their sympathy to the family of Steven Netherland who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Netherland was a graduate of Simpson High School, served in many capacities as a police officer and was also the Pastor of Silver Creek Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Netherland was a longtime 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.
On motion of Gerald Cooley, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Vernon Parish School Board takes this means to express their sympathy to the family of Houston Burns who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Burns was the father of Tully Burns, former bus driver at Simpson High School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Burns was a longtime 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.
On motion of Gerald Cooley, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Vernon Parish School Board members wish to express their condolences to the family of J. R. “Butch” Smith who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith was a graduate of Simpson High School and a retired bus driver for Vernon Parish Schools; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith was the brother of Ginger Stuckey, retired Principal at Simpson High School and also the brother of Ruth Parker; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith was a lifelong resident of Simpson 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 Vernon Parish School Board wishes to express their condolences to the family of Donald Jean McElmurry who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McElmurry was the father of Sherrie Balthrop, teacher at East Leesville Elementary School and the father-in-law of Charles Balthrop, principal at South Polk Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McElmurry was a resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by the Board, the Board 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 Joyce Dowden who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Dowden was a retired cook at Pickering High School and the mother of Debra Pruitt, cook at Pickering Schools; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Dowden was a longtime resident of Vernon Parish and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her family at this time of sadness.
There being no further business, and on motion of Michael Perkins, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
____________________________
RANDI GLEASON, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
_________________________________
JACKIE D. SELF, SUPERINTENDENT