AUGUST 5, 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:
JOHN BLANKENBAKER – VICE PRESIDENT
ROBERT PYNES, JR.
JIM SEAMAN
STEVE WOODS
VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR.
RANDY MARTIN
LISA THOMPSON
JOHN BLANKENBAKER
DAVID DETZ
SHAD STEWART
COL. SAMUEL P. SMITH
ABSENT:
LISA THOMPSON
DOUG BRANDON
There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by: BRAD PRICHARD,
ANACOCO FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
YOUTH MINISTER
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: ANGIE DAVIS
ITEM #1: Approval of Minutes
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Vernon L. Travis, Jr., the Board voted to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2021 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
ITEM #2: DCIP Federal Grant Project
Tim Ward, Director of Finance, presented the Board with a copy of the JOB# BC2021-01 Fort Polk Campus Connections DCIP Grant Project bids.
After evaluating the low bidder’s Bid Form and required back-up, Braddock Companies recommends that the School Board award the Base Bid to Bayou Rapides Corporation for a total contract amount of $6,649,500.00. The School Board has all the original bids on file.
On motion of Vernon L. Travis, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to accept bid from Bayou Rapides Corporation.
ITEM #3: Millage rates for Tax Year 2021
Tim Ward, Director of Finance, presented the Board with a copy of the millage rates for tax year 2021. The resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:
YEAS: 10
NAYS: 0
ABSTAINED: 0
ABSENT: 2
ITEM: #4: Louisiana District Elementary Principal of the Year
Curriculum Supervisor, Carolyn Bosley introduced West Leesville Elementary Principal, Karen Robertson to the Board as the Louisiana District Elementary Principal of the Year.
Ms. Bosley read a few recommendation letters written by her students and co-workers.
Curriculum Director, Anne Smith also spoke to the Board about Ms. Robertson’s dedication and hard work through the years of teaching and now reaching this point in her life with many accomplishments.
Superintendent James Williams presented her with a plaque and thanked her for her service.
ITEM #5: Vernon Parish School Board Policy Updates
Child Welfare Director, Hub Jordan presented the Board with a copy of the new policy updates and revisions on the following:
Student Conduct: File: JCD
Discipline: File: JD
Suspension: File JDD
Expulsion: File JDE
Student Alcohol and Drug Use: JCDAC
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to add to Tuesday’s agenda for approval.
ITEM #6: Opening of Schools-COVID Guidelines
Hub Jordan, Director of Child Welfare presented the Board with three updated COVID-19 information guidelines from the Louisiana Department of Education, the Louisiana Department of Health, and a copy of the State of Louisiana Executive Department Proclamation Number 137 JBE 2021. Each one gives complete instructions to be followed by the Vernon Parish School System.
ITEM # 7: Report from Salary/Personnel Committee
Angie Davis, Salary/Personnel Chairperson reported to the Board on items discussed during the committee meeting.
The following topics were discussed:
l. Personnel changes for August, 2021
2. Disclosure Statement reminder for Board Members
4. Performance Contracts for three new positions:
Charlotte Hooks – Non-Promotional Principal, Hornbeck High School
Brandy Sanders – Non-Promotional Principal, North Polk Elementary
Catherine Altenburger – Promotional Assistant Principal, Hicks High School
On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to add to the 8-10-21 agenda for approval of performance contracts for the above new positions.
On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by Jackie Self, the Board voted to add to Tuesday’s agenda to advertise for a non-promotional Assistant Principal position for Hornbeck High School.
ITEM #8: Report from Transportation Committee
Jim Seaman, Transportation Committee Chairperson reported to the Board on Mike Kay, Transportation Director’s discussion during the meeting. The following items were discussed:
l. bus count
2. update on spare bus count
3. 80% completion of bus repairs
4. bus maintenance employees
5. future bus/vehicle purchases
6. bus routes posted on web site for school opening
Item #9: Superintendent’s Remarks
Superintendent James Williams welcomed all to the meeting and explained the COVID 19 procedures for seating during the meeting. Mr. Williams asked Col. Smith to report on Fort Polk events. Col. Smith thanked the Board for allowing him to serve on the Board and the following topics were discussed:
1. COVID-19 requirements for Fort Polk, federal employees, and contractors
2. Round table discussion with General Doyle concerning issues with vaccination
3. Registration for students and bus issues
4. The World Language Expansion Grant
5. DOD visit scheduled for August 30 & 31 by a Board appointed by Congress
At this time, Col. Smith turned the floor back over to Superintendent Williams.
Superintendent Williams thanked Col. Smith for his report. He reminded the Board of the scheduled board meeting on Tuesday, 8-5-21. There will also be an Athletic Meeting at 9:00 AM and a Curriculum Meeting at 9:30 AM. Mr. Williams informed the Board that test data declined 5 to 7 points which was expected due to the COVID situation during the 2020-2021 school year.
Mr. Williams turned the meeting over to the President, Jackie Self.
Item #10: Memorial Resolutions
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 Donald Wayne Woods who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Woods retired as a Vernon Parish School System Educator; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Goins is a long time 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 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 Yong Ok Clark who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Clark was the Mother-in-law of Tim Ward, Finance Director at the Vernon Parish School Board; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Clark 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 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 MSgt Joseph Clarence Cormier who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, MSgt. Cormier was the Father-in-law of Ronald Seastrunk, Vernon Parish School Board Attorney; and
WHEREAS, MSgt. Cormier 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.
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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 Charlene Provo who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Provo was the Mother of former employee Travis Provo; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Provo was a former 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 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 Lullean Ardelia King who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. King was the sister of Gloria Orgain, teacher at Parkway Elementary; and
WHEREAS, Ms. King 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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Item #11: Adjournment
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned
Authorized Officer
_________________________
JACKIE SELF, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
__________________________________
JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT
VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millages are hereby levied on the 2021 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD District of the Parish of Vernon, Louisiana.
MILLAGE
Parish Wide School Regular 4.18 mills
Parish Wide School Special 8.12 mills
Ward 1 Maintenance Regular 13.03 mills
Ward 2 Hornbeck Maintenance Regular 13.83 mills
School District 143 Hornbeck Construction & Maintenance 10.39 mills
Ward 2 Orange Maintenance Regular 13.24 mills
Ward 3 Maintenance Regular 18.77 mills
Ward 4 Maintenance Regular 14.57 mills
Ward 5 Maintenance Regular 19.11 mills
Ward 6 Maintenance Regular 12.68 mills
Ward 6 School Dist 161 Additional funding 10.00 mills
Ward 7 Maintenance Regular 17.42 mills
Ward 8 Maintenance Regular 14.32 mills
Ward 8 School Dist 151 Additional funding 10.23 mills
Leesville Sinking Fund 27.21 mills
Orange Sinking Fund 29.51 mills
Ward 3 Sinking Fund 22.17 mills
Ward 3 Sinking Fund-Wildlife Management Area 7.77 mills
Pickering Sinking Fund 24.04 mills
Ward 5 Sinking Fund 20.47 mills
Ward 6 Sinking Fund 7.43 mills
Ward 7 Sinking Fund 26.50 mills
Ward 8 Sinking Fund 30.98 mills
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of Vernon, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2021, and to make collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.
The foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:
YEAS: 10
NAYS: 0
ABSTAINED: 0
ABSENT: 2
CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and exact copy of a resolution adopted at a regular board meeting held on August 5, 2021 at which meeting a quorum was present and voting.
Leesville, Louisiana, this 5th day August, 2021
________________________(Superintendent)