APRIL 12, 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:

DISTRICT ONE:

Doug Brandon

Robert Pynes, Jr.

Jackie Self

Jim Seaman

Steve Woods

DISTRICT TWO:

Angie Davis

DISTRICT FOUR:

Randy Martin

DISTRICT FIVE:

Shad Stewart

DISTRICT SIX:

Vernon L. Travis, Jr.

DISTRICT SEVEN:

John Blankenbaker

ABSENT:         

DISTRICT THREE:  DAVID DETZ

DISTRIC EIGHT:     LISA THOMPSON

GARRISON COMMANDER:  COL. SAMUEL P. SMITH, JR.

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

The meeting was opened in prayer by:   SHAD STEWART

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by:                 SHAD STEWART

Item #1:            April 7, 2022 Minutes

On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Shad Stewart, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the April 7, 2022 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.

Item #2:            Employee Retirements

On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to accept employee retirements.

Item #3:            Leave Without Pay Requests    

On motion of Angie Davis, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to accept leave without pay requests.

Item #4:             Amendments Related to Personnel Changes

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

Item #5:             Pay the Claims

On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.

Item #6:            Recognition of Vernon Parish Counselors of the Year

Lisa Lohman, Curriculum Supervisor was introduced by Title Programs Director, Joey Whiddon.  Mr. Whiddon asked Ms. Lohman to present the 2021-2022 Vernon Parish Counselor of the Year awards to the following counselors:

l)          Kayren Beard - Elementary Counselor of the Year

            Pickering Elementary

2)         Shirlee Sturm – Middle School Counselor of the Year

            Vernon Middle School

3)         Jamie Bjornberg – High School Counselor of the Year

            Rosepine High School

Item #:7            Recognition of LSBA District Art Contest Winners

The Louisiana School Board Association sponsors an art contest each year and parish winners are displayed at the state convention.  Vernon Parish had numerous entries and a committee selected a parish winner in each category.

The following students were recognized and presented an award for the Louisiana School Board District Art Contest Winners by Lisa Lohman, Curriculum Supervisor:

1)         Brystol Mitcham – 1^st grade student at Hornbeck School

2)         Gavin Chase – 8^th grade student at Leesville Junior High

3)         Shailyn Cooley – 12^th grade student at Pickering High

Item #8:            COVID Update

Child Welfare Director, Hub Jordan presented the Board with a chart covering tracing in schools.  He was happy to report only one positive reported in all our schools.

Item #9:            Employee of the Month

Director of Finance, Tim Ward along with employee of the month sponsor, Jeff Taylor with Taylor and Sons Insurance, recognized Kayla Bush, counselor at East Leesville Elementary as Employee of the Month. She was presented with a plaque and her Principal and Mr. Taylor read a brief explanation as to why Ms. Bush was chosen as employee of the month.  Ms. Bush always completes her tasks in a timely manner with a smile and continues to help others finish their duties. Her dedication to her students and teachers is amazing.    Ms. Bush is always willing to go the extra mile to encourage and assist her students and teachers in any way needed.

Item #10:          Adopt a Resolution/School Board Election Districts

On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by Randy Martin, (with one nay vote by Angie Davis, District Two) the Board voted to approve a resolution to adopt the school board election districts. (see attached)

Item # 11:         Superintendent’s Remarks

Superintendent James Williams welcomed all to the meeting and congratulated the art winners, counselors of the year and employee of the month.

Mr. Williams reminded the Board of the following:

1)         Academic Banquet will be May 2 for seniors

2)         Financial Disclosures due by May 15^th

3)         Testing begins April 26^th (testing information presented to board members)

4)         May 5^th next board meeting

Item #12:          Memorial Resolutions

There were no memorial resolutions presented.

Item #13:          Adjournment

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned.

AUTHORIZED OFFICER

_________________________

JOHN BLANKENBAKER, PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

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JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT