JUNE 3, 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:

DOUG BRANDON

STEVE WOODS

JIM SEAMAN

RANDY MARTIN

JOHN BLANKENBAKER

VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR.

SHAD STEWART

ABSENT:

ANGIE DAVIS

ROBERT PYNES, JR.

LISA THOMPSON

DAVID DETZ

COL. RYAN K. ROSEBERRY

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

The meeting was opened in prayer by:   Dr. Tommy Kiker

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by:     Dr. Tommy Kiker          

Item #1:           Approval of Minutes

On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Vernon L. Travis, Jr., the Board voted to approve the minutes of the May 11, 2021 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.

Item #2:           Hicks High School

Director of Finance, Tim Ward and Mike Holt, Architect for the Vernon Parish schools’ repairs, discussed the process of bidding for the Hicks High School storm damage repair and replacement.  Mr. Holt informed the Board that four companies initially signed up to interview for a bid and at the last minute only one company turned in a bid.  The only bid is from Pat Williams Construction Company in Leesville.

 On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to accept the bid from Pat Williams Construction Company.

Item #3:           Student Recognition

Curriculum Director, Renita Page introduced the Principal from Hicks High School, Ms. Wilbanks,  Hornbeck High School Assistant Principal, Charlotte Hooks, Leesville High School Principal, Mark Mawae,and  Rosepine High School Principal, Johnny Bosley and asked them to present the certificates to their students receiving recognition.

Item #4:           eRate Application

William Lohman, Technology Coordinator discussed the eRate application for leased-lit fiber optic cable for the 2022-23 school year.  On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by John Blankenbaker the Board to start advertising 7-1-21 for eRate application for leased-lit fiber optic cable for the 2022-23 school year.

Item #5:           Rapides Foundation Grants

Curriculum Director, Anne Smith informed the Board about the grants we have received from the Rapides Foundation for the 2020-2021 school year.  The following is a list of grants, amount of grants, and purpose:

1.         The Effective School Grant – Budget $225,000 – Focus on implementation of standards in K-2 classes, leadership, professional development for leaders and teacher leaders to include mentors and content leaders.

2.         The Healthy Behaviors Grant – Budget $50,200 – Focus on student volunteer clubs at 2 schools.

3.         Student Youth Civic Volunteer Program – Budget $6,700 – Focus on student volunteer clubs at 2 schools.

The Orchard Foundation is funded by the Rapides Foundation and provides training for educators and administrators as well as programs for parents.  The Vernon Parish School System participates in their programs.

Mr. Joe Rosier with the Rapides Foundation presented 4 Assistant Principals with a certificate of completion in Leading for Better Instruction training. They are Mary McDonald, Charlotte Hooks, Donita Poteat, and Brandie Sanders.

Item #6:           Pupil Progression Plan

Curriculum Directors Renita Page and Anne Smith presented the Board with the 2021-2022 pupil progression plan and discussed changes made.  On motion of Randy Martin seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to add to June 8^th meeting for approval.

Item #7:           Report From Salary Personnel Committe 

Mike Kay, Personnel Director discussed the following items:

1.         Personnel Changes for June, 2021

2.         Number of Medical Sabbaticals applied for

3.         Request to advertise for Assistant Principal at Pickering High School

On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by John Blankenbaker the Board voted to add to the Tuesday meeting for approval to advertise for Assistant Principal at PHS.

Item #8:           Report From Uniform/Dress Code Committee   

Child Welfare Director, Hub Jordan presented the Board with a copy of the Vernon Parish Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. The proposed changes were also presented and discussed.  On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by John Blankenbaker the Board voted to add the changes to the June 8^th meeting for approval.

Item #9:            Superintendent’s Remarks

Superintendent, James Williams welcomed all to the meeting.  Mr. Williams discussed the Vernon Parish Summer Program and presented the Board with a schedule of dates and times.  The ACCELERATE Program is designed for students in grades K – 8^th and will include students who attend ELE, WLE, VMS, and LJHS.  In addition to ACCELERATE, all schools across the district will launch summer remediation/enrichment programs designed for targeted literacy instruction with Guidebooks and math instruction with Eureka/Agile Mind AYD for grades K-12.

ACCELERATE CAMP:  June 7 – July 1

Summer Remediation/Enrichment:  June 7 – June 24

Credit/Attendance Recovery: June 7- June 24 (all VPSB schools for grades K-12)

Mr. Williams also presented the Board with a copy of the Rapides Foundation resolution and 3 other resolutions to be adopted.  On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to add the resolutions to the June 8^th meeting for approval.

Mr. Williams also announced that the mandate for wearing a mask will end on 6-4-21.

Hopefully we will have a normal school year next year.

Item #10:            Memorial Resolutions

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 John. F. Wilson who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson was a retired custodian at the Central Office; and

            WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge the following family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Mr. Wilson’s wife is a retired cook and his son Marlin Wilson is a retired custodian at Leesville Junior High School.

            WHEREAS, Mr. Wilson 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 Doug Brandon, 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 Dr. Ralph M. Hennessee who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Dr. Hennessee was in the Partnership Program with the Vernon Parish School System providing free dental care for Head Start students, Kindergarten, Pre-K, and Special Education students for many years; and

            WHEREAS, Dr. Hennessee 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.

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 Angela Ortiz who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Ortiz was a retired cook at Vernon School; and

            WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge the family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Ms. Ortiz’s son, Vic Ortiz retired teacher, daughters-in-law Leslie Ortiz, Special Education Supervisor and Belinda Ortiz former teacher at Anacoco High School; and      

            WHEREAS, Ms. Ortiz 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 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 Foster Thomas who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas was a retired Curriculum Supervisor, and

            WHEREAS, The Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System:  Mr. Thomas’ wife, Patricia Thomas, retired VPSB Supervisor, brother-in-law Gordie Holt, retired VPSB Supervisor, and sister-in-law Shirley Holt retired VPSB Supervisor

            WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas was a former 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.

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 Katheryn Anderson who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Anderson was a retired Title 1 Supervisor; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Anderson 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.

Item #11:  Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Authorized Officer

_________________________

JACKIE SELF, PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

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JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT