NOVEMBER 1, 2018                                                                             DRAFT

                                                                       

THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA.  PRESIDENT ANGIE 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

ROBERT PYNES, JR.

JACKIE SELF

JIM SEAMAN

STEVE WOODS

RANDY MARTIN

SHAD STEWART

GERALD COOLEY

COL. JARRETT THOMAS

 

ABSENT:          DAVID DETZ

                        JOHN BLANKENBAKER

                       

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

The meeting was opened in prayer by:   JIM SEAMAN

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by:    JIM SEAMAN

Roll Call

 

Item #1: October 9, 2018 Minutes

On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Vernon Travis, Jr., the Board voted to approve the minutes of the October 9, 2018 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.

 

Item #2:  Recognition of Doctors, Nurses, and Physical Therapists for athletic physicals

Mr. Hub Jordan, Child Welfare, Attendance, & Athletics Director introduced the doctors, nurses, and physical therapists to the Board who conducted the 540 (plus) athletic physicals for the Vernon Parish schools at no cost.  In attendance at the 11-1-18 board meeting to receive recognition along with a certificate for the Vernon Parish School Board’s appreciation was Sam Fulton, Byrd Hospital Administrator, Peter Savoy, CEO of Byrd Regional Hospital, Eric Hunter PT, West Louisiana Physical Therapy, Mandie Johnson, VPSB Head Nurse, Shelby Wedgeworth, Assistant Head School Nurse, and Karra Aymond PA-C.  Not present at the board meeting but also assisted with the physicals were West Louisiana Physical Therapy staff, Francis Frazier M.D., Harold Bienvenue M.D., Kimberly Landrum M.D., Heather Nortman FNP, Lois Swain FNP, Nichole Churchman M.D., Kearstin Cooley DPT, Marcelo Palanco M.D. and Victor Carlock FNP.

 

Item #3:  Policy Updates:

Mr. Hub Jordan, Director of Child Welfare, Attendance, & Athletics presented the following policy updates to the Board:

File: IHAD- Parent Conferences

File: JGCE- Chile Abuse

File: JR – Student Records/Student Privacy and Education Records

On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by Jackie Self, the Board voted to add the policy updates to the 11-6-18 board meeting for approval.

 

Item #4:  Fort Polk Progress Education Initiative Report

Curriculum Director, Renita Page introduced Mike Reese, Chairman of the Fort Polk Progress Committee to the Board and visitors.

 

Mike Reese presented the Board with the Education Initiative Annual Report for the 2017-2018 school year.  The report demonstrates the achievements gained by our students during the 2017-2018 school year.  The Education Initiative is an award-winning collaborative partnership between the Vernon Parish School District, Fort Polk, and Fort Polk Progress.  It represents the commitment local, regional, state, and federal stakeholders continue to make for not only the 26% of military-connected students in Vernon Parish, but all students in this area.  The achievements gained by this joint effort are highlighted to every Senator, Representative, and military leader who visits West Central Louisiana and Fort Polk as an example of how collaborative partnering moves vision to results.  This program better educates new military families moving to Fort Polk on information concerning our educational process.

 

Item #5:  Head Start Report

Mr. Curtis Clay, Head Start Director gave the Head Start report and presented the following updates to the Board for approval on 11-1-18 board meeting:

1.  Approval of community representative

2.  VPHS by-laws

3.  VPHS birth certificate documentation policy

4.  VPHS selection criteria

5.  VPHS biting policy

6.  VPHS applications

7.  VPHS loose bowel policy

8.  VPHS discipline policy

9.  VPHS temporary exclusion policy

10. VPHS confidentiality policy

11.  VPHS organizational chart

12. VPHS personnel changes 2018-2019

13. VPHS supplement increase grant

 

On motion of Vernon Travis, Jr., seconded by Jackie Self, the Board voted to add to the 11-6-18 board meeting for approval.

 

Item #6: Cenergistic Energy Conservation Report

Director of Finance, Tim Ward presented a chart to the Board explaining the savings made by each school through the Cenergistic Energy program.  He informed the Board that a check will be mailed to each school on 11-1-18 in the amount of savings earned by each school.

 

Item #7: Report from Salary/Personnel Committee

Vernon Travis, Jr. – Chairman of the Salary/Personnel Committee reported to the Board the information presented to the committee from Mike Kay, Personnel Director.

 

Personnel changes for November, board meeting dates for 2019, election of board officers for 2019, and to advertise for a Elementary Curriculum Supervisor due to a retirement.

 

Chairman, Vernon Travis, Jr. asked for a motion to add these items to November 6th for approval.

 

On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Angie Davis, the Board voted to add the board meeting dates presented to the November 6th agenda for approval.

 

 Board President, Angie Davis nominated Vernon Travis, Jr. for Board President and Vernon Travis, Jr. nominated Shad Stewart for Board Vice- President for the 2019 year.

 

On motion of Angie Davis, seconded by Vernon Travis, Jr., the Board voted to add for approval the nominations and to appoint committee chairpersons.

 

On motion of Gerald Cooley, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to add to the November 6th agenda to advertise for Curriculum supervisor.

 

Item #8:  Athletic Committee Report

Shad Stewart, Athletic Committee Chairman, reported to the Board the following topics of discussion presented to the Athletic Committee by Hub Jordan, Athletic Director:

 

1.  Football Power Rankings

2.  Reclassification Update

3.  Vernon Parish Basketball Tournament Update

4.  Seeding Meeting November 14

5.  Track Update

6.  Awards for Parish Track Meet

7.  Baseball and Softball Jamboree Updates

8.  Update on Incentive Stipends

 

Item #9: Discussion of 2019 Board Meeting Dates

Mike Kay, Personnel Director reminded the Board of the list of board meeting dates in their board folders discussed in the Salary/Personnel committee meeting to be added to November 6th for approval.

 

Item #10: Nominations for 2019 School Board Officers

Mike Kay, Personnel Director reminded the Board of the nomination of 2019 board officers discussed in the Salary/Personnel committee meeting to be added to November 6th agenda for approval, Vernon Travis, Jr. for President and Shad Stewart for Vice-President.

 

Item #11: Superintendent’s Remarks

Superintendent, James Williams welcomed the Board and visitors to the meeting.

 

He informed the Board that performance scores, old and new would be published on November 8th.  He welcomed Col. Thomas and Ms. Thomas to the meeting and thanked Ms. Thomas for her continued work in our schools.  Col. Thomas informed the Board that the 46th Engineer Battalion will be at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida helping with recovery from the hurricane damage.  He also informed the Board of the upcoming event on November 8, “A Salute to Veterans” to be held at the lst Battalion, 5th Aviation Regiment Hangar located at the Polk Army Airfield.  This event is a special tribute to Vietnam Veterans to offer them the welcome home they never got. 

 

Superintendent Williams also discussed the purchase of our new software program.

 

He informed the Board that the next board meeting will be 10:00 November 6th with a curriculum meeting at 9:00.  After the 10:00 meeting the Board will meet with Jon Guice for the ACT 705 training.

 

Item #12:  Memorial Resolutions

On motion of Gerald Cooley, 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 Diane Brooks who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Brooks was a Vernon Parish retired teacher and the Mother of Anita Portz a teacher at Pickering Elementary School; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Brooks was a resident of Vernon Parish; 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 Gerald Cooley, 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 Ethel Darlene Boles who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Boles was a retired school aide and office worker

            WHEREAS, Ms. Boles was a resident of Vernon Parish; 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 Randy Martin, 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 Jo Beth Jeane who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Jeane was the Mother of two Vernon Parish retired bus drivers; Janet Carol Jeane and Sandy Bryant; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Jeane was a resident of Vernon Parish; now

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

 

On motion of Randy Martin, 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 Robbie Neff who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Neff was the Mother of James T. Neff, Jr. who was a former employee at Pickering High School; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Neff was a resident of Vernon Parish; 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 Shad Stewart, 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 Matthew Sesvold who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Sesvold was the Son of Therisa Sesvold a teacher at North Polk Elementary and the Brother-in-law of a former teacher Taylor Sesvold; 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 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 Robert Lambert Triplett who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Triplett was a Vernon Parish  retired teacher and the Husband of  Pat Martinez Triplett a Vernon Parish retired teacher; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Triplett was a resident of Vernon Parish; 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 Angie Davis, 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 Edna Mae Miller who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Miller was the Grandmother of Misty Withers an aide at Anacoco Elementary School; and

            WHEREAS,  Ms. Miller was a resident of Vernon Parish; 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 Angie Davis, 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 Juanita B. LeBleu who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. LeBleu was a Vernon Parish retired teacher; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. LeBleu was a resident of Vernon Parish; 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 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 David Nathaniel Yates who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Yates was a 2016 Graduate of Leesville High School, and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Yates was a resident of Vernon Parish; and

            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 Jim Seaman, 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 Tommy DuBois who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. DuBois was the Husband of Tammy DuBois a former Cook Technician for Vernon Middle School; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. DuBois was a resident of Vernon Parish; 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 Vernon Travis, 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 Bennie Joseph Fazio, Jr. who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Fazio was the Husband of Rosepine Elementary retired teacher Helen Fazio and the Father of former Rosepine Elementary teacher Sheila Fazio; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Fazio was a resident of Vernon Parish; 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.

 

Item #13:Adjournment

There was no other business and meeting was adjourned.

 

Authorized Officer

 

_________________________

ANGIE DAVIS, PRESIDENT

 

ATTEST:

__________________________________

JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT