AUGUST 10, 2021                                                                   

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

SHAD STEWART

DOUG BRANDON

ROBERT PYNES, JR.

STEVE WOODS

ANGIE DAVIS

RANDY MARTIN

VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR.

JOHN BLANKENBAKER

LISA THOMPSON

ABSENT:

JIM SEAMAN

DAVID DETZ

JACKIE SELF

COL. SAMUEL SMITH

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

The meeting was opened in prayer by:   CHAD KING,

                                                            ANACOCO FIRST CHURCH

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by:     RANDY MARTIN         

Item #1:           Approval of Minutes

On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by Angie Davis, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the August 5, 2021 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.

Item #2:           Budget Amendments Related to Personnel Changes

On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.

Item #3:           Pay the Claims

On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Lisa Thompson, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.

Item #4:           Policy Updates

On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr. seconded by Shad Stewart the Board voted to approve the following policy updates and revisions:

Student Conduct:  File:  JCD

Discipline:  File:  JD

Suspension:  File JDD

Expulsion:  File:  JDE

Student Alcohol and Drug Use:  File:  JCDAC

Item # 5:          Advertise for Bids

On motion of Vernon L. Travis, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to advertise for bids for storm damage to Vernon Parish Schools metal roof repair & panel replacement – multiple schools Project No. BC2021-02.4- Braddock Companies, LLC.

Item #6:           Performance Contracts

On motion of Angie Davis, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to approve the performance contract for Charlotte Hooks as non-promotional Principal at Hornbeck High School.

On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve the performance contract for Brandy Sanders as the non-promotional Principal at North Polk Elementary (there were 2 nay votes, Vernon L. Travis Jr. and Angie Davis).

 On motion of Lisa Thompson, seconded by Angie Davis, the Board voted to approve the performance contract for Catherine Altenburger as promotional Asssistant Principal at Hicks High School.

Item #7:           Advertise for Non-Promotional Assistant Principal Hornbeck High

On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Angie Davis, the Board voted to advertise for a non-promotional Assistant Principal at Hornbeck High School.

Item #8:           Homeland Safety Systems

Director of Finance, Tim Ward introduced Mike Elliott with Homeland Security Systems to the Board.  Mr.  Elliott presented the Board with information on educational and correctional surveillance, access control and telecommunications. 

Item #9:           Report from the Athletic Committee

Shad Stewart, Athletic Committee Chairperson reported to the Board on the following information given during the meeting held at 9:00 A.M.

l.          Football Schedules for 2021

2.         Health and Safety Protocols (ACT 259)

3.         Reclassification Year

4.         COVID Guidelines

5.         Parish basketball tournament

Item #10:          Report from the Curriculum Committee

Vernon L. Travis, Jr., Curriculum Committee Chairperson reported to the Board on the information presented during the meeting held at 9:30 A.M.

Curriculum Director, Anne Smith and Director of Title One, Joey Whiddon gave an accountability update on results from the State Department on test scores.   They also presented the Board with a 16-page report of projected goals for the 2021-2022 school year with programs to enhance learning and student progression.  Also, the virtual application window for students has been extended for another week.

Item #11:           Superintendent’s Remarks

Superintendent James Williams welcomed all to the meeting. Mr. Williams read a written statement concerning Governor John Bel Edwards’ Proclamation of August 2, 2021. He explained the obligation he and the Board have to comply with Governor Edwards’ Proclamation. 

In response to the recent developments related to the increased number of COVID-19 (delta variant) cases in Louisiana, the Vernon Parish School Board has made the decision to:

l.          Expand the existing virtual school program to K-3 students

2.         Re-open the virtual school application process for students in grades 4-12

Mr. Williams also presented a statement from John Bel Edwards about school districts receiving questions from parents concerning face coverings and the Governor’s requirements.        

Mr. Williams received one public comment card from Randi Childress and at this time she was given time to address the Board with her concerns.

Item #12           Memorial Resolution

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 Carol Ann Adams who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Adams was the mother-in-law for a former employee, Gena Adams, LA4 Para at Simpson High School and North Polk Elementary, and          WHEREAS, Ms. Adams 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 #13:  Adjournment

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned

Authorized Officer

_________________________

JACKIE SELF,  PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

__________________________________

JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT