MARCH 4, 2021
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. PRESIDENT JACKIE SELF CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
JACKIE SELF - PRESIDENT
JOHN BLANKENBAKER - VICE-PRESIDENT
DOUG BRANDON
ROBERT PYNES, JR.
JIM SEAMAN
STEVE WOODS
RANDY MARTIN
ANGIE DAVIS
DAVID DETZ
JOHN BLANKENBAKER
VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR.
LISA THOMPSON
COL. RYAN K. ROSEBERRY
Absent: LISA THOMPSON
DOUG BRANDON
There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by: RANDY MARTIN/ ROLAND SMITH
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: RANDY MARTIN
Item #1: February 9, 2021 Minutes
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the February 9, 2021 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: Advertise for copy paper
On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to advertise for copy paper.
Item #3: Recognition of Students of the Year – Anacoco, Evans, Hornbeck, Leesville and Pitkin
Curriculum Supervisor, Carolyn Bosley introduced the following students and their
Principals to the Board for Students of the Year recognition:
Makynna Averitt Anacoco 5th grade
Jayla Calloway Anacoco 8th grade
Jett Rogers Anacoco High School
Paisley Alexander Hornbeck 5th grade
Lexie LaRoux Hornbeck 8th grade
Jocelyne Sepeda Evans 5th grade
Daisy Jeane Evans 8th grade
Rebecca Munley Evans 12th grade
Demetria Daniels Leesville Junior High 8th grade
Preslee Hajighassem Vernon Middle 5th grade
Ashley Gorrell Leesville High School
Wyett Sasser Pitkin 5th grade
Brilynn Carroll Pitkin 8th grade
Laila Salas Pitkin High School
Item #4: Head Start Policy/Procedure Updates
Cheree’ Atkins, Head Start Coordinator reported to the Board for Director of Head Start, Curtis Clay concerning the recent items for approval presented at the Policy Council Meeting on March 2, 2021:
1. February 2, 2021 minutes
2. VPHS 2021-2022 Budget/Grant
3. VPHS Self Assessment
4. VPHS Long and Short Term Goals 2021/2022
5. VPHS Transition Plan 2021-2022
6. Transfer Janella Rubar to Hicks Head Start to replace Kimberly Shirley
7. Transfer Kimberly Shirley to Hornbeck Head Start to replace Janella Rubar
On motion of Jim Seaman seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to add to the March 9th meeting for approval.
Item #5: COVID Update
Child Welfare Director, Hub Jordan updated the Board on COVID-19 vaccinations and presented a schedule of times, dates, schools, and a number count. Head Nurse Mandie Johnson and Shelby Wedgeworth gave an update on the vaccine and the COVID procedures from the state. Mr. Williams informed the Board that he is continuing to prepare ahead for future school events in case of closures that may arise. Mr. Jordan also presented the Board with a winter/spring sport venue from the LHSAA on the phase 3 requirements.
Item # 6: Report from Curriculum Committee
Newly appointed Curriculum Committee Chairperson, Vernon L. Travis reported to the Board on the discussion during the 9:00 committee meeting. He reported that Curriculum Supervisor, Lisa Lohman gave a detailed discussion on virtual instruction guidance during planned school closures and unplanned school closures. Curriculum Directors, Renita Page and Anne Smith informed the Board that the LEAP 2025 spring tests will be given. Ms. Smith stated that as of now the changes in accountability, if any, the state will make. A press release from the U.S. Department of Education discussing guidance to states on assessing student learning during the pandemic was given to the Board. The letter emphasizes the importance of flexibility in administering assessments this year as a result of the pandemic and supporting the use of assessment data as a source of information for parents and educators to target resources and support, rather than for accountability purposes this year.
Ms. Page also discussed the Strong School Systems Initiative which is a LDOE pilot. Vernon Parish is one of seven school districts and one charter participation in this three year program. The purpose of the pilot is to strengthen school system leaders and school board members’ capacity in strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring through cohort-based professional development, technical assistance, participation in a network of peer leaders and the provision of tools and resources. Three goals include: 1) Increase equitable access opportunities for students birth-12th grade, 2) Improve outcomes for all students, and 3) sustain these improvements over time.
We were selected to participate as a High Performing District. Participation in this pilot will give us priority opportunities in future funding initiatives.
Item #7: Report from Salary/Personnel Committee
Salary/Personnel Chairperson, Angie Davis reported to the Board on the topics discussed by Mike Kay/Personnel Director during the Salary/Personnel meeting at 9:30.
1. Personnel changes for March 9, 2021 to be approved on Tuesday
2. Calendar committee update and calendar chosen for 2021-2022 school year for approval on Tuesday
On motion of David Detz, seconded by Steve Woods the Board voted to add to the March 9th meeting for approval
3. Teacher Contracts – and approval for Hicks High School principal contract
On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr. seconded by David Detz the Board voted to add to the March 9th meeting for approval.
4. Graduation dates and award dates and times
5. Financial disclosure statements to be completed
6. Other business – discussed vacant positions to be considered
Item #8: Superintendent’s Remarks
Superintendent James Williams welcomed all to the meeting. He asked Col. Roseberry to update the Board on Fort Polk events. Col. Roseberry reported that rotation has been completed and snow storm recovery is still in progress. He also informed the Board that his replacement has arrived at Fort Polk because his 4th quarter command is almost complete.
Superintendent Williams reminded the Board to complete their Tier 2 or Tier 3 Financial Disclosure Statements before May 15th.
Mr. Williams congratulated the Students of the Year and the basketball teams in the playoffs. He encouraged the Board to remind parents of the LA4 and Head Start programs offered to children in our parish.
Item #9: Memorial Resolutions
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 Samuel “Junior” Alexander Carruth, Jr. who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Carruth was a retired Hicks High bus driver; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Carruth 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 Roger Dale Taylor who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Taylor was the husband of retired head custodian at Pickering High, Anna Taylor; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Taylor 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 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 Nancy Jane Willis who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Willis was the sister of retired teacher Connie Williams who is now a full time bus driver; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Willis 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.
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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 April Paulette Ronayne who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms.Ronayne was a former bus driver at Anacoco High; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ronayne was the daughter of Billy “Fish” Williams, retired Anacoco High bus driver; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ronayne 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.
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On motion of Steve Woods, 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 Caleb Dain Landry who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Landry was a graduate of Leesville High School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Landry was the brother of Katelyn Landry, Head Start Paraprofessional; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Landry was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
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On motion of Steve Woods , 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 Linda Elaine Haymon Nickerson who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Nickerson was the wife of former Leesville High School bus driver Roger Allen Nickerson, mother of Debra Partridge, Head Start Coordinator and Brenda Richardson, former teacher at North Polk Elementary; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Nickerson 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.
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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 Robert Molander who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Molander was the son-in-law of retired library aide at Evans High, Betty Miller; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Molander 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 his family at this time of sadness.
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On motion of John Blankenbaker, 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 Bland Howell McKee who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McKee was the husband of retired Rosepine High bus driver Ivadell McKee; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McKee 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.
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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 Jerry Lynn Jeane who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Jeane was the father of former Evans teacher Peggy Pennington Stanford and son of Peggy Jeane retired paraprofessional; and
WHEREAS, Mr. 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 his 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:
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 Fannie Mae Salisbury who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Salisbury was a retired cook technician at Vernon Middle School; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Salisbury was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this resolution be sent to her family at this time of sadness.
Item #10: Adjournment
There was no other business and meeting was adjourned.
Authorized Officer
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JACKIE SELF, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT