2019-10-10

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:

On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by Lisa Thompson, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the September 10, 2019 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.

Finance Director, Tim Ward informed the Board that only one bid was received for propane for Simpson, Hicks, and Evans schools. The bid was from Jim South for $1.15 per gallon. On motion of Jim Seaman, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to accept the bid from Jim South.

Finance Director, Tim Ward introduced Alan Offner representing Argent Advisors, Inc., of Ruston, Louisiana (the “Financial Advisor”). Mr. Offner explained the resolution for refinancing the bond issue for Ward 1 which included: discussing savings, sources of funds sources of uses, costs of issuance, and data. He also explained how the benefit would be to tax payers, such as lower property taxes. The resolution reads as follows:

A resolution recognizing the Parish School Board’s authority to issue not exceeding Four Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($4,500,000) of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds of Leesville School District No. 16 of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, and providing for other matters pertaining thereto. President Vernon L. Travis, Jr. made a recommendation to add to the Tuesday meeting for approval.

On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to add to the October 15^th board meeting for approval.

Director, Joey Whiddon presented the Board with information pertaining to Federal Programs and Food Service changes and regulations from the State Department.

1. State monitoring August 2019: IDEA, Title 1 and Title 111 – no deficiencies or findings

2. 2019-2020 is the first year of Super App – all federal grants in eGMS are submitted at the same time instead of individual stand-alone grants (requires school systems to plan as a team when budgeting federal dollars)

3. Launch of Super App 2020-2021 will be November 4, 2019 – team will travel to Baton Rouge in early November for initial planning meeting at LDOE

4. Federal Grants in eGMS: Title 1, DSS, Title 11, Title 111, Title V, IDEA Part B, Idea Preschool, Carle Perkins, Redesign, SRCL Birth-5, SRCL K-2, SRCL 3-5, State Personnel Development Grant-UIR, Jobs for Americas Graduates (JAG)

Vernon Parish had 2 CEP schools (Community Eligibility Provision): ELE and WLE Eligible for 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 unless we opt out.

The following policies were discussed and changes made. On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to add to October 15^th board meeting for approval.

Threats of Terrorism or Violence: File: JCDAG (deletion recommended for deletion)

Behavioral Health Services for Students: File: JGCF (replace policy sent previously with version prior to presenting to the Board for approval and addition)

Student Fees/ File:JS (Except parent waiver and schedule of fees presented to the Board for approval)

Assistant Superintendent, Mike Kay presented Finance Director Tim Ward and Finance Committee Chairperson, Vernon L. Travis, Jr. with an award for financial reporting achievement from The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. This award is given to individual (s) designated as instrumental in their government unit achieving a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. A Certificate of Achievement is presented to those government units whose annual financial reports are judges to adhere to program standards and represents the highest award in government financial reporting.

Assistant Superintendent passed out copies of the new Board Meeting Dates for 2020. He asked the Board to look over dates and if they agree with dates to add to Tuesday’s meeting for approval. On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Shad Stewart, the Board voted to add to the October 15^th board meeting for approval.

Angie Davis, Salary/Personnel Chairperson reported to the Board about the Salary/Personnel meeting and items discussed. She informed the Board that Mr. Kay discussed the need for sub bus drivers, the board calendar for 2020, and the Vernon Parish schools’ student count.

Superintendent, James Williams welcomed all to the meeting and asked Col. Roseberry to update the Board on Fort Polk events. Col Roseberry had several events to discuss, but first he wanted to thank all school employees for their dedication and hard work. Col. Roseberry explained how impressed he is with Vernon Parish Schools and employees.

October 16-25 – the main gate will be closed but Hwy 467 and LA10 will be open.

On October 19^th Fort Polk will be having Retiree Appreciation Day, October 18^th they will host a skeet shoot and golf tournament, and the Heritage Fall Tournament will be held on this Saturday, October 12^th. Col. Roseberry turned the floor over to Superintendent Williams.

Mr. Williams informed the Board that will be sending checks on Friday, 10-11-19 for State raises for teachers and support. He informed the Board about information Mr. Kay has learned concerning the 2020 census, announced that ethics training will be on 11-7-19 after board meeting and lastly the next meeting will be on Tuesday 10-15-19.

On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:

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

WHEREAS, Ms. Matthews was the mother of Sondra (Sissy) Green Vernon Parish School Board Title I Secretary; and

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 Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:

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

WHEREAS, Ms. Clark was a retired Vernon Parish Assistant Principal and Supervisor of Curriculum; and

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 Jim Seaman, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:

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

WHEREAS, Mr. Werner was a graduate of Rosepine High School and the valedictorian of his class; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Werner was the Husband of Doris Hughes Werner, retired Vernon Parish teacher and the Father of Debbie Werner former Bus Driver for Vernon Parish and retired Vernon Parish teacher Tammy Blackwell, 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.

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On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:

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

WHEREAS, Mr. Prewitt was the Father of Jared Prewitt, Leesville High School teacher and the Father-in-law of Leigh Anne Prewitt, Vernon Middle School teacher; 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.