MAY 2, 2019                                                                             DRAFT

                                                                       

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

 

 

VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR. - PRESIDENT

SHAD STEWART - VICE-PRESIDENT

 

DOUG BRANDON

ROBERT PYNES, JR.

JACKIE SELF

JIM SEAMAN

STEVE WOODS

ANGIE DAVIS

DAVID DETZ

RANDY MARTIN

LISA THOMPSON

JOHN BLANKENBAKER

COL. JARRETT THOMAS

 

ABSENT:

                                   

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

The meeting was opened in prayer by:   JACKIE SELF

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by:    JACKIE SELF

Roll Call

 

Item #1: April 9, 2019 Minutes

On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the April 9, 2019 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.

 

Item #2:  Bread, Milk, and Juice Bids

On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Lisa Thompson, the Board voted to receive bids for bread, juice, and milk.  Tim Ward, Director of Finance, presented the bid submissions.

 

On motion of David Detz, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to accept the low bid for bread, milk, and juice as submitted meeting bid specifications.

 

Item #3:  Bids for Janitorial/Cafeteria Supplies

On motion of David Detz, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to receive bid for janitorial/cafeteria supplies.  Tim Ward, Director of Finance, presented the bid submissions.  On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to accept the low bid.

 

Item #4:  Copy Paper Bids

On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to receive bid submissions for copy paper.  Tim Ward, Director of Finance, presented the bid submissions.  On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to accept the low bid.

 

Item #5:  Food Service Quotation Calendar

Director of Food Service, Joey Whiddon presented the Food Service Quotation Calendar for the 2019-2020 school year.  On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Shad Stewart, the Board voted to approve the Food Service Quotation Calendar for 2019-2020.

 

Item #6: Additional Buses

The Transportation Committee approved the request to purchase 3 new school buses.  The President called for a full board vote which was (7) seven yes’s and (5) five no’s and the vote carried to purchase 3 new buses. 

 

Item #7 Student Recognition

Curriculum Director, Renita Page and Special Education Supervisor Leslie Ortiz presented to the Board a list of students for placing at the state level in any activity at 6th place or above.  These students were recognized and presented with a certificate of achievement from their principal and Board members.

 

Item #8: Head Start Update

 

Head Start Director, Curtis Clay updated the Board on eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance in the Head Start program. Mr. Clay had no policies or procedures to be approved.

 

Item #9:  Salary/Personnel Committee Report

Angie Davis, Salary/Personnel Committee chairperson gave an update on the Personnel Director’s report from the committee meeting. The following items were discussed:

 

Personnel changes for May, 2019, naming lists for schools, graduation dates, financial disclosure statement due May 15th and other business.

 

Other business included advertising for positions coming up and suggested proposals on saving money.  On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to advertise for a promotional principal position at Anacoco Elementary School.

 

On motion of Jim Seaman, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to advertise for a one year non-promotional principal position at Leesville Junior High.

 

On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Lisa Thompson the Board voted to advertise for a promotional principal position at Rosepine Elementary.

 

 On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Lisa Thompson, the Board voted to add to the May 7th meeting approval to advertise for positions.

 

Item #10:  Finance Committee Report

At the beginning of the finance committee meeting Vernon Travis, Jr. recommended that Steve Woods be placed as chairperson of the committee.

 

On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Angie Davis, the Board voted Steve Woods as the chairperson for the finance committee. Mr. Woods reported to the Board that Finance Director, Tim Ward discussed the budged revisions of state and federal funds for fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. Mr. Ward discussed revenues and expenditures.  On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to add to the May 7th meeting for approval.

 

Item #11:  Superintendent’s Remarks

Superintendent, James Williams welcomed all to the meeting.  He said the best part of the meeting had been the student recognition and to see all these students’ achievements and how proud he is of them all.

 

Mr. Williams asked for Col. Thomas to give an update on Fort Polk events.  Col. Thomas informed the Board he would be here for the June meeting and then leaving for another assignment.  Col Thomas also gave out invitations to the Board Members and Superintendent Williams from Brigadier General Patrick D. Frank requesting their attendance for the Recognition Ceremony of Vernon Parish’s 2019 Students, Teachers and Principals of the Year on May 9th at 4:30 at Parkway Elementary School.

 

Col. Thomas discussed soldiers are PCSing and new families coming in.  He discussed the success of the Military Child program and the events they participated in.  He thanked the Vernon Parish School Board for their support.

 

Mr. Williams reminded the Board of the Academic Banquet on May 6th to be held at the East Leesville Baptist Church Youth Center.  Also rewards day and graduation dates at each high school.  He reminded the Board to fill out their financial disclosures statements and to complete and return by May 15th.  Also the LSBA Capitol Conference will be Tuesday, May 14th in Baton Rouge.   There will be an athletic meeting, curriculum and regular board meeting on May 7th.

 

Item #12:  Memorial Resolutions

 

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 Sharon Bryant who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Bryant was a former teacher at the Vernon Parish Optional School; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Bryant 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.

 

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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 Gerelyn Henson who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Henson was a retired teacher for the Vernon Parish School Board; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Henson was the Mother of retired Pitkin High teacher, Desiree Beeson and Pickering High School Principal, Jerome Henson.  She is the Mother-in-Law of Karen Henson who is a teacher at Rosepine High School; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Henson 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.

 

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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  Reverend  Durhl Davis who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Reverend Davis was the Brother of  former employee, Patricia Bruce, and

            WHEREAS, Reverend Davis 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.

 

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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 Clinton Thompson who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Thompson was the Brother of Peggy Vinson, lease bus driver at Parkway Elementary; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Thompson 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.

 

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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 Melia Odom James who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. James was the Mother of Jeff James, lease bus driver at Pitkin High School; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. James 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 Dorothy Smith who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Smith was the Mother of retired Pitkin teacher Catherine Smith; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Smith 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 David Detz, 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 Lavern Grace McElveen who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. McElveen was a retired custodian; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. McElveen was the Sister of former Vernon Parish School Board Assistant Superintendent, Willis Farris; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. McElveen 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 Lisa Thompson, 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 Carl Hunt who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Hunt was the Uncle of Hicks High School Principal Rhonda Roberts; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Hunt 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 L. 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 Gregory Rock who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Rock was a graduate of Leesville High School; and

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

            WHEREAS, Mr. Rock had several relatives employed by the Vernon Parish School Board: Helen Rock, Regina Wells, Rochelle Rock, Rodney Wells, and Sylvester Rock; 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.

 

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Item #13:  Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Mr. Travis.

 

Authorized Officer

 

_________________________

VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR., PRESIDENT

 

ATTEST:

 

__________________________________

JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT