JANUARY 11, 2022 

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

DOUG BRANDON

ROBERT PYNES, JR.

STEVE WOODS

JACKIE SELF

VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR.

DAVID DETZ

ANGIE DAVIS

COL. SAMUEL L. SMITH, JR.

ABSENT:

LISA THOMPSON

SHAD STEWART

JIM SEAMAN

RANDY MARTIN

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

The meeting was opened in prayer by:  ROBERT PYNES, JR.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by:    ROBERT PYNES, JR.

Item #:     Approval of Minutes

On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the January 6, 2022 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.

Item #2:                Retirement Approval

On motion of Angie Davis, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to approve retirements from the January personnel changes.

Item #3:                Authorization to Pay Claims           

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

Item #4:                Approval for Budget Amendments/Personnel Changes

On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.

Item #5:               VPSB Head Start Policies & Procedures

On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to approve changes and additions to the Vernon Parish School Board policies and procedures presented at the January 7^th meeting.

Item #6:         Maintenance Adjustment Allowance

On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to approve the

maintenance adjustment allowance for bus drivers.

Item #7:            Performance Contracts

On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to approve the performance contracts for Director of Maintenance & Transportation and Rosepine High School Principal.

Item #8:              Secondary Curriculum Supervisor

On motion of Doug Blankenbaker, seconded by Angie Davis, the Board voted to advertise for a Secondary Curriculum Supervisor position.

Item #9:                Employee of the Month

Director of Finance, Tim Ward introduced Scott Walker, spokesperson from Taylor and Sons Insurance who is our sponsor for “Employee of the Month”.  Mr. Walker introduced Ms. Velma Ruth Bacote, a Special Education Severe Profound Elementary Teacher from East Leesville Elementary School, as the Vernon Parish Employee of the Month.  Principal Kristi Beasley informed the Board of her excellent teaching skills, job performance, and the exceptional relationship she has with her students, parents, and co-workers at her school. Ms. Beasley explained to the Board about how Ms. Bacote always goes beyond her normal duties to help other teachers and students when needed.  Ms. Bacote was presented with a plaque for her outstanding job performance and service to the Vernon Parish School System.

Item #10:              Superintendent’s Remarks

Superintendent James Williams welcomed all to the meeting.

Mr. Williams asked Col. Samuel Smith to give the Board an update on Fort Polk information.  Col. Smith wished all a Happy New Year.  He informed the Board that he had attended the Alexandria Community Leadership meeting, which was very informative and helpful in his duties.   Col. Smith reminded the Board that he is continuing to work on the DODEA grant.

He informed the Board that the “Community Service Award” presentation had been postponed due to COVID but the Department of Defense will be presenting the award in the future. This award represents the great relationship between the army and the Vernon Parish School Board and how well they work together to serve military students and parents.

Col. Smith invited the Board to attend the JRTC program on February 7^th.

Mr. Williams addressed the Board concerning the COVID procedures and provided a chart showing the weekly COVID tracing in schools.  He reminded the Board to continue to be aware of safety precautions for COVID.

Mr. Williams reminded the Board that the artwork showcased in the lobby was created by Vernon Parish students and will be entered in the art contest at the LSBA Conference.

Mike Kay informed the Board that Bill Blair is scheduled to be in our office on 1-21-22 to answer questions about reapportionment.

Tim Ward gave an update on restoration progress.

Item #11:   Memorial Resolutions

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 Billie Kay Wellman Wilbanks who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Wilbanks was a former District Eight School Board Member; and

            WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Ms. Wilbanks’ husband is DoylanWilbanks, retired teacher. Her daughter is Tracy Beaubouef, teacher at Hicks High School. Her daughter-in-law is Jennifer Wilbanks, Principal at Hicks High School.  Ms. Wilbanks’ sister-in-law is Tammy McKenzie, secretary at Hicks High School, brother-in-law is Jerry McKenzie retired Hicks High School bus driver, and sister-in-law Cynthia Chandler, former Title I aide at Hicks High School.

            WHEREAS, Ms. Wilbanks 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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Item #12:   Adjournment  

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned

Authorized Officer

_________________________

JOHN BLANKENBAKER,  PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

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JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT