2016-02-04

THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. PRESIDENT DETZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:

On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Robert Pynes, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2016 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.

Mr. Rodney Taylor, representative of Taylor and Sons, recognized Dianne Gibson, secretary at Leesville High School as Employee of The Month for January 2016. Mrs. Gibson was presented a plaque and thanked for her dedication and loyalty for her service of more than twenty- seven years.

On motion of Randi Gleason, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to adopt a resolution for continuing the consolidated Application for program funding for Titles I, II, III, IV, IDEA and IDEA pre-school.

The following resolution was offered by Angie Davis and seconded by Randy Martin:

A resolution providing for a reduction in the interest rate on the callable maturities of the General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2009A, of Orange School District No. 145 of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, providing for the employment of bond counsel and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

WHEREAS, Orange School District No. 145 of Vernon Parish, Louisiana (the “Issuer”), issued its General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2009A, in the principal amount of $500,000 (the “2009A Bonds”), with the outstanding 2009A Bonds maturing March 1 of the years 2017 through 2024 being subject to redemption on March 1, 2016 (the “Bonds”), pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Parish School Board of Vernon Parish, State of Louisiana, the governing authority of the Issuer, on February 10, 2009 (the “Resolution”); and

WHEREAS, IBERIABANK (the “Bank”), the registered owner of the Bonds, has agreed to reduce the interest rate on the Bonds upon the terms and conditions set forth in the commitment letter attached as Exhibit A hereto; and

WHEREAS, the provisions of the Resolution have heretofore not been revised or amended; and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of this School Board to accept and agree to the interest rate reduction and to provide for other matters in connection therewith;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of Vernon Parish, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of the Issuer, that:

SECTION 1. Interest Rate Reduction. The reduction in the interest rate on the callable maturities of the General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2009A, effective March 1, 2016, is as follows:

Accordingly, the commitment letter of the Bank annexed as Exhibit A is hereby accepted and approved.

SECTION 2. Qualified Tax-Exempt Obligations. The Bonds are hereby designated “qualified tax-exempt obligations” pursuant to Section 265 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, such designation to be effective upon the reduction of the interest rate on the Bonds.

SECTION 3.Bonds are Non-Callable. As a result of the interest rate reduction, the outstanding maturities of the Bonds are non-callable.

SECTION 4. Effect on Resolution. Except as herein expressly provided with respect to the reduction of the interest rate and the Bonds being non-callable, all other provisions of the Resolution are in full force and effect.

SECTION 5. Bond Counsel. In order to consummate the interest rate reduction set forth in this Resolution and in Exhibit A hereto, it is hereby recognized, found and determined that a real necessity exists for the employment of Bond Counsel to the Issuer to render the opinions referred to in the Exhibit attached hereto and provide legal services of a traditional nature. Accordingly, Foley & Judell, L.L.P. (“Bond Counsel”) is hereby retained by the Issuer to render the opinions referred to in Exhibit A and provide such legal services. The fee of said Bond Counsel shall be contingent upon the completion of the interest rate reduction and shall not exceed 25% of the Attorney General's Bond Counsel Fee Schedule and other guidelines for comprehensive, legal and coordinate professional work in the issuance of general obligation bonds applied to the remaining principal amount of the Bonds, together with reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

SECTION 6. Authorization of Officers. The President and the Secretary of this School Board are hereby further authorized and directed on behalf of the Issuer to do all things necessary, on the advice of said Bond Counsel, to effectuate and implement this resolution, including, but not limited to, executing a tax compliance certification and executing and filing the IRS Form 8038-G.

This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:

Member	Yea	Nay	Absent	Abstaining
Randi Gleason	X
Jim Seaman	X
Robert Pynes, Jr.	X
Angie Davis	X
Steve Woods	X
Doug Brandon	X
David Detz	X
Randy Martin	X

Vernon L. Travis, Jr.	X
John Blankenbaker	X
Gerald Cooley	X

Re: General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2009A, of Orange School District No. 145 of Vernon Parish, Louisiana - interest rate reduction on 2017 to 2024 maturities

Please accept this letter as the consent and agreement of the undersigned Bank (the “Bank”) as holder and registered owner for the outstanding captioned Bonds (maturing March 1 of the years 2017 through 2024, inclusive) to the reduction of the interest rate on the said maturities of the Bonds as set forth on Schedule 1 attached hereof upon the terms and conditions outlined below:

(1) Effective Date: The reduction in the interest rate will become effective as of March 1, 2016 (the “Closing Date”) and shall be noted on the Bonds by a duly authorized representative of the Bank, as paying agent for the Bonds;

(2) Bank Eligibility: The Bonds, as of the Closing Date, will be designated as “qualified tax-exempt obligations” under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); and

(3) Non-Callable: The outstanding maturities of the Bonds will not be subject to redemption.

(4) Legal Opinion: Foley & Judell, L.L.P., Bond Counsel, shall render its legal opinion as of the Closing Date that will include provisions stating (i) the interest rate reduction does not adversely affect the exclusion from gross income of interest on the Bonds for federal income tax purposes and (ii) that the Bonds, as of the Closing Date, have been designated “qualified tax-exempt obligations” under the Code.

I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, do hereby certify that the foregoing five (5) pages constitute a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted on February 4, 2016, providing for a reduction in the interest rates on the callable maturities of the General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2009A, of Orange School District No. 145 of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, providing for the employment of bond counsel and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature and the impress of the official seal of said Issuer at Leesville, Louisiana, on this, the 4th day of February, 2016.

Curtis Clay presented the Headstart Director’s Report and discussed policies and procedures which will be placed on the February 9^th Agenda for approval.

Vernon Travis reported that the Salary/Personnel Committee had met and Mr. Kay discussed personnel changes for February. After discussion, and on full recommendation of the Salary/Personnel Committee and on motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board adopted a Resolution calling a special election for District Five Board Member – this was a unanimous vote. There was also discussion on the appointment of District Five Board Member until an election can be held. On full recommendation of the Salary/Personnel Committee and on motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board appointed Mrs. Sandra Whitlock as District Five Board Member to fill the unexpired term of Michael Perkins – this was a unanimous vote.

The Committee also unanimously approved the Superintendent’s contract and this will be placed on the February 9^th Agenda for approval by the full Board. Mr. Kay discussed changes being made for substitute personnel.

WHEREAS, Michael Perkins, Vernon Parish School Board District Five Board Member, passed away on January 16, 2016, and the notification of his death has been accepted by the Louisiana Secretary of State; and

WHEREAS, his death has caused a vacancy in office and an election must be ordered and called to fill the unexpired term of office exceeding 1 year; and

WHEREAS, the governing authority of the Vernon Parish School Board is given the authority and responsibility under the provisions of La. R.S. 18:602 to appoint a person to fill the vacancy who meets the qualifications of the office, and to call a special election to fill the vacancy.

NOW THEREFORE, We, the Vernon Parish School Board at a regular meeting convened, resolved that Mrs. Sandra Whitlock be appointed to fill the position of District 5 School Board Representative until a special election can be held to fill the vacancy.

BE IT RESOLVED, that a special election be called and held with the special primary election date set for November 8, 2016, and the special general election date set for December 10, 2016, with qualifying dates set for July 20, 21, and 22, 2016.

By motion of School Board Member, Vernon Travis, duly seconded by School Board Member, Doug Brandon, the above resolution was adopted by the following vote on this 4th day of February, 2016.

I, James Williams, Superintendent of the Vernon Parish School Board, do hereby swear that the above is a true and correct copy of the Resolution of the meeting of the Vernon Parish School Board, conducted in open session this 4^th day of February, 2016, and said Resolution has not been rescinded.

Superintendent Williams expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the dedicated service of Michael Perkins. Mr. Perkins will be truly missed but he has left a legacy to follow.

Superintendent Williams also noted the Board meeting on Tuesday, February 9^th at 10:00AM and the Finance Committee meeting at 9:00AM.

On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their condolences to the family of Robert Adams who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Adams was the father of Melinda Granger, librarian at Rosepine High School; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Adams was a longtime resident of Oberlin and he will be sadly 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 John Blankenbaker, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board take this means to express their sympathy to the family of Ottis Gene Stephens who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Stephens was the father of Becky Weekley, assistant cafeteria manager at Rosepine Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Stephens was a longtime resident of Rosepine 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 Randi Gleason, seconded by the entire Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

WHEREAS, it is with great sadness and sorrow that the Vernon Parish School Board does express their heartfelt sympathy to the family of Michael Perkins; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Perkins was the father of Connie Britt, assistant principal at Pitkin High and Shane Perkins, former employee at South Polk Elementary and also the father-in-law of James Britt, teacher of Pitkin High School; and the

WHEREAS, Mr. Perkins was a devoted educator, leader, mentor and friend having served Vernon Parish for over forty nine years as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal, supervisor, director and District Five Board Member; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Perkins was very active in the community and Pitkin High School and was always willing to help anyone in need; now

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent, along with their sympathy, to his family at this time of sadness.

On motion of Randi Gleason, seconded by the entire Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sadness and heartfelt condolences to the family of Janis Perkins; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Perkins was the counselor at Pitkin High School, the mother of Connie Britt, assistant principal at Pitkin High, Shane Perkins, former employee at South Polk Elementary and the mother-in-law of James Britt, teacher at Pitkin High School; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Perkins was a loyal and dedicated teacher/counselor for forty seven years with a genuine love and concern for her students and school; now

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her family along with sincere sympathy from this Board.

On motion of Randi Gleason, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board take this means to express their heartfelt sympathy to the family of Marie Powell who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Powell was the mother of Janis Perkins, the mother-in-law of Michael Perkins and the grandmother of Connie Britt and Shane Perkins; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Powell was a longtime resident of Beauregard Parish and she will be sadly missed by her family and many friends; now

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her family along with condolences from this Board.

On motion of Angie Davis, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Mildred Martin who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Martin was a longtime resident of Anacoco 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 David Detz, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.