MARCH 8, 2018

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

VERNON TRAVIS, JR., VICE-PRESIDENT

DOUG BRANDON

DAVID DETZ

STEVE WOODS

JIM SEAMAN

ROBERT PYNES, JR.

JACKIE SELF

SHAD STEWART

JOHN BLANKENBAKER

COL. JARRETT THOMAS II

ABSENT:         

GERALD COOLEY

ANGIE DAVIS - PRESIDENT

RANDY MARTIN

There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.

The meeting was opened in prayer by:   Robert Pynes, Jr.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by:    Robert Pynes, Jr.

On motion of David Detz, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the February 6, 2018 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.

Item #2:  Advertise for Copy Paper:

On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to advertise for copy paper.

Item #3:  Employee Retirements:

On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to add to March 13^th meeting for approval for employee retirements.

Item # 4:  Budget Amendments related to Personnel Changes:

On motion of David Detz, seconded by Jackie Self, the Board voted to add to March 13^th meeting for approval for budget amendments related to personnel changes.

Item # 5:  Authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims:

On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to add to March 13^th meeting for approval to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.

Item #6:  Headstart Policy/Procedure Update:

Mr. Curtis Clay updated the Board on the Vernon Parish Headstart Policy Council Meeting on March 6^th concerning the following policy/procedure for approval:

l.          Vernon Parish Headstart 2018-2019 Budget

2.         Vernon Parish Headstart Self Assessment

3.         Vernon Parish Headstart Long and Short Term Goals 2018-2019

4.         Vernon Parish Headstart T/TA Plan 2018-2019

 (Training & Technical Assistance)

On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to add to the March 13^th agenda for approval of Headstart Policy/Procedure.

Item #7:  New Policy Update: Industrial Tax Exemption

On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by David Detz the Board voted to add to the March 13^th agenda for approval the new policy update (Industrial Tax Exemption) approval.

Item #8: Buy Board National Purchasing Cooperative:

Tim Ward discussed the process to enroll in the Buy Board National Purchasing Cooperative which will save the School Board on purchases.

On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to add to the March 13^th agenda a resolution for approval to join the Buy Board National Purchasing Cooperative.

Item #9: Discussion for Financing of Bus Purchases:

Tim Ward discussed the purchase of eight buses.  He asked for a resolution to finance the purchase the eight buses.

On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to add to the March 13^th agenda for approval to finance the purchase the buses.

Item #10:  Technology Update:

Bill Lohman, Technology Supervisor, presented a detailed report of the new technology procedures and updates.  He informed the Board of the finding and saving of money due to upgrading and cancelling present contracts and the benefits for the system.  Improvements will include Testing: infrastructure, seats, and procedures.  Also, consolidation of phone lines and VIOP has been completed.  Included in new updates will be networking; infrastructure, identity, and security.  Troubleshooting and repairing, “working smarter and harder” will also be reconstructed to allow better efficiency.

Other initiatives include:  Increased PD for all – administration, teachers and students.

New web service provider – design, CLEP testing center and upgraded technology and Title 1 lab.

Item #11:  Report on Salary/Personnel Committee

Vernon Travis, chairman of the salary/personnel committee, reported to the Board on Mike Kay’s presentation of the committee meeting.  Mr. Kay presented the personnel changes for March, 2018, the calendar committee update with the two proposals for the 2018-2019 school year, teacher contracts to be issued in April and proposed graduation dates.

Item # 12:  Superintendent’s Remarks

Mr. James Williams welcomed visitors, Colonel Jarrett Thomas and the Board.  He asked Colonel Thomas to address the Board concerning Fort Polk information.  Colonel Thomas discussed the change of command and informed the Board of the name of the new Fort Polk Brigadier General, Patrick D. Frank and his wife Jennifer.   Col. Thomas also reported on the successful events happening on Fort Polk which included volunteer soldiers participating in the distribution of emergency shelter replacement kits.

Mr. Williams asked the Special Education Director, Charlotte Cooper to give an update on Black History Month activities in Vernon Parish schools.  Leesville High School conducted their annual Talent Show which was a great success.  Parkway Elementary presented the Madame Orgain Live Wax Museum to the students at their school.  Col. Thomas’ wife, Telisha Thomas will attend the March 13^th board meeting to give an

overview of the program.

Mrs. Williams informed the Board on the recent discussions at Louisiana School Board Association meeting held in Baton Rouge.  The LSBA Art Exhibits were displayed at the conference.  Among the contest winners were Matthew Koury from West Leesville Elementary, Anna Belle Johnson from Leesville Junior High and Nicole Naral from Leesville High School.  Recognition of the winners will be on the April 5th agenda.

Mr. Williams also recognized the two Board Members, Vernon Travis, Jr. and Jim Seaman who have completed their certification as required being Board Certified.

Mr. Williams discussed the recent tragic school shootings and informed the Board of the strict measures he will conduct to provide our schools with complete safety procedures.  

Mike Kay and Hub Jordan informed the Board of the school safety assessments being conducted in all Vernon Parish schools.  Sammy Edwards with the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and Kenneth Moore with Homeland Security are conducting the school visits along with Hub Jordan, Mike Kay, and Superintendent Williams from the Vernon Parish School Board.  Mr. Moore and Mr. Edwards were present at the meeting and informed the Board of recommendations being made to schools during their school visits based on circumstances observed in each school which should be considered for changes or additions to current operations for school safety.  Mr. Moore encouraged the faculty to be aware of the “See Something” “Say Something” statement. Recommendations were given to the Board on schools that have been evaluated on safety procedures and recommendations.   The school visits began on March l, 2018 and will conclude on March 22, 2018.   Mr. Williams informed the Board he will continue to work on safety measures for Vernon Parish schools, students and faculty.

Mr. Williams congratulated Vernon Parish High Schools on their successful basketball season.

Item #13 Memorial Resolutions:

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 sympathy to the family of Linda Gail West who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. West was a former educator and Board Member for the Vernon Parish School Board; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. West 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.

On motion of Dr. Doug Brandon, 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 William Herbert Dousay who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Dousay was the husband of Dorothy “Dot” Dousay retired cook technician at Hicks High School; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Dousay was a resident of Hicks, 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 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 Harold McDonald who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. McDonald was the brother of retired Curriculum Supervisor, Sandra Whitlock; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. McDonald was a resident of Vernon Parish, Cora Community and will be greatly missed by his family and friends; now

            BE IT THEREFOR 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 Eva Milam who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Milam was the mother of Vernon Parish  retired teacher, Karen Skinner and the mother-in-law of Vernon Parish School Board attorney Asa Skinner; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Milam was a resident of DeRidder, 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 to be sent to her family at this time of sadness.

On motion of Robert Pynes, Jr., seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt 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 Timothy Monk who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Monk was the son of former education and Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Larry D. Monk; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Monk was a former resident of Vernon Parish and a former graduate of Leesville High School; now

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

There being no further business, and on motion of Jackie Self, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

_________________________________

ANGIE DAVIS, PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

__________________________________

JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT