JANUARY 18, 2018
DRAFT
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. PRESIDENT DAVIS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
ANGIE DAVIS - PRESIDENT
VERNON TRAVIS, JR. - VICE-PRESIDENT
DOUG BRANDON
DAVID DETZ
JIM SEAMAN
ROBERT PYNES JR.
JACKIE SELF
JOHN BLANKENBAKER
RANDY MARTIN
SHAD STEWART
GERALD COOLEY
COL. JARRETT THOMAS II
ABSENT: David Detz, Jim Seaman, Gerald Cooley & Col Jarrett Thomas II
There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by: SHAD STEWART
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: SHAD STEWART
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Jackie Self, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2018 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Finance Director, Tim Ward introduced the employee of the month Ms. Kathie Evans, custodian from Pickering High School. Pickering High School Assistant Principal, Eddie Thomas and District Four Board Member, Randy Martin thanked Ms. Evans for her hard work and dedication.
On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by Shad Stewart, the Board voted to approve Head Start Policies and Procedures.
On motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Jackie Self, the Board voted to approve the Retirements.
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Vernon Travis, the Board voted to approve the Pupil Progression Plan.
On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Shad Steward, the Board voted to approve the Policy Changes.
Director of Food Service and Title Programs, Joey Whiddon presented an update on Federal Programs and Food Service. Mr. Whiddon informed the Board about the five different Title programs and their benefits to our school system. East Leesville Elementary and West Leesville are our two parish schools enrolled in the Community Eligibility Provision program which has given us almost a $70,000 savings.
On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Vernon Travis, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Doug Brandon the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Shad Stewart, the Board voted to advertise for bids for the purchase option of three buses that have been on lease.
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Shad Steward, the Board voted to purchase eight new buses. Vernon Travis, Jr. voted nay.
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to advertise for a Maintenance Worker for the Transportation Department.
Superintendent James Williams welcomed visitors and the Board to the meeting and informed the Board that Col. Thomas was not present.
Mr. Williams explained his decision about school closings during the bad weather and safety issues for our students and employees.
He discussed the LSBA Membership policy and protocol review for the new year. As many school boards are conducting their initial meeting of the new year, I feel it is important to suggest to school board members, school system leadership teams, school board attorneys and myself information concerning policy and protocol review in the printout provided. Mr. Williams also provided a copy of a law suit filed in a different parish concerning promoting religion. Mr. Williams reminded the Board to get with Vernon Travis concerning plans to attend the upcoming LSBA Annual Convention scheduled for February 28th – March 2nd.
He reminded the Board of the next board meeting on February 1st at 10:00 AM. There will also be a Transportation meeting at 9:00 AM and a Salary/Personnel meeting at 9:30AM on February 1st. The second meeting will be February 6th at 10:00AM and also a Curriculum meeting at 9:00 AM and an Athletics meeting at 9:30 AM.
On motion of Shad Stewart, 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 Lee Kadrovich who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kadrovich was the father of Roxanne Wiggins a teacher at Pitkin High School and step-father to Sandy Baier a Special Education Paraprofessional also at Pitkin High School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Kadrovich was a resident of Pitkin, LA and will be greatly missed by his family and friends; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a cop of this memorial resolution be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
On motion of Shad Stewart, 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 Leamon Sweat who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Sweat was the grandfather of Dana Wisby a teacher at Pitkin High School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Sweat was a resident of Pitkin, LA and 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 Jackie Self, 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 Connie Kinsinger who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Kinsinger was a retired English Teacher at Leesville High School, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Kinsinger was a resident of Leesville, LA and 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 Jackie Self, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
Authorized Officer
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ANGIE DAVIS, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT