OCTOBER 6, 2022
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. JOHN BLANKENBAKER CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
District One:
Robert Pynes, Jr.
Jim Seaman
Steve Woods
District Two:
Angie Davis
District Three:
David Detz
District Four:
Randy Martin
District Five:
Shad Stewart
District Six:
Vernon L. Travis, Jr.
District Seven:
John Blankenbaker
District Eight:
Lisa Thompson
Absent:
Superintendent James Williams
Doug Brandon
The meeting was opened in prayer by: Shad Stewart
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: Shad Stewart
Item #1: September 6, 2022 Minutes
On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by David Detz , the Board voted to approve the minutes of the September 6, 2022 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: Propane Bids
Finance Director, Tim Ward received two bids for propane, one from Jim South and one from Farrell Gas. On motion of Lisa Thompson, seconded by Jim Seaman the Board voted to receive and or open the sealed bids.
Tim Ward presented to the Board the low bid from Farrell Gas for propane for Simpson, Hicks, and Evans schools. On motion of Lisa Thompson, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to approve the low bid from Farrell Gas. Bids attached.
Item #3: Curriculum Update
Elementary Curriculum Director, Anne Smith presented the Board with an update on the ACT 438 requirements for identifying students in kindergarten through third grade who are below grade level, based on the results of the annual literacy assessment.
She also reviewed ACT 108 which requires that all K-3 teachers and administrators be trained in the Science of Reading before the end of this school year. The state approved three vendors for this training. We are using LETRS (Literacy Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and have trained all but about 40 of our teachers and administrators. These teachers will begin the training this month.
Ms. Smith also informed the Board that we have also implemented Eureka Math Square in K-2 classes. This new, improved math curriculum has been well received by our teacher and students. Forty-three teachers have been trained.
We also have the English Language Learners. This subgroup population is 101 with 20 new student who have enrolled this fall (elementary).
Secondary Curriculum Director, Lisa Lohman presented the Board with an update on the following:
The district-wide College and Career Fair held on 10-3-22
November 16 & 17, all 10th grades will participate in the SECO Career Fair sponsored by the Orchard Foundation.
259 students have enrolled in dual enrollment courses for the fall semester
Today is Virtual Day for all students in grades K-12. Teachers and students will engage in Live Google Meets to keep up learning skills.
Edmentum Ed Options Academy update – we have recovered 57 virtual students which leaves only 19 in virtual school. District enrollment is up due to a successful campaign.
Item #4: Head Start Update
Curtis Clary, Director of Head Start & Birth to Five Program presented an update/summary on the content areas of the program which include enrollment, waiting list for income eligible, over income and vacancies. Mr. Clay reminded the Board that the Head Start Training will be on Tuesday, October 11h at 9:00 in the Board Room.
Item #5: Athletic Updates
Child Welfare Director, Hub Jordan discussed the Vernon Parish School Board Athletic updates and presented the Board with a memorandum on LHSAA Select/Non-Select Post Season Bracket revision, boys’ and girls’ basketball and softball & baseball. He also gave the Board a 2022-2023 basketball, cross country and volleyball schedule of schools.
Item #6: Discussion of VPSB Meeting Dates for 2023
Mike Kay presented the Board with a board meeting dates schedule for 2023 and asked the Board to review the schedule to be placed on the October 11thth agenda for approval.
Vernon Travis reminded the board of meeting of the new member to be held on March 7, 2023. A revised date was made for the March 7th date to March 9th.
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by David Detz , the Board voted to add to the Tuesday, October 11th meeting for approval.
Item #7: Notice of Audit
Director of Finance, Tim Ward informed the Board that they should have received a letter from our auditors informing them of an audit to be done on October 10th. Mr. Ward informed the Board that they could contact the firm if they had any information to be submitted.
Item #8: Report from Salary/Personnel Committee
Angie Davis, Salary/Personnel Committee Chairperson, reported to the Board on the topics discussed by Mike Kay, Personnel Director during the meeting:
1. Personnel transactions for October, 2022
2. Contract for promotional AP @ Pitkin and Hornbeck schools
3. LSBA Training
5. Discussed 2023 board meeting dates
6. Student count in schools
7. Head Start Policy Council Training October 19th 9:00
On motion of David Detz, seconded by Shad Stewart the Board voted to add to the Tuesday meeting for approval, the board calendar dates for 2023.
On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by Lisa Thompson the Board voted to add to the Tuesday meeting for approval, the promotional contracts for Pitkin High and Hornbeck High Assistant Principals.
Substitute shortage was also discussed.
Item #9: Superintendent’s Remarks
Assistant Superintendent, Mike Kay welcomed all to the meeting in Mr. Williams absence. Mr. Kay asked Col. Samuel P. Smith for an update on Fort Polk events.
Col. Smith informed the Board that Fort Polk had hosted the cross country teams for high schools on September 28th. Col. Smith reminded the Board that the Educational Summit will be held on October 13th and the First & Fitness event at Fort Polk will be held on November 4th.
Mr. Kay reminded the Board of the Head Start Training on Tuesday, October 11. He informed the Board that Jon Guice will conduct the Annual Board Member Training on November 10, 2022.
Mr. Kay informed the Board that he and Mr. Williams attended AG Day at the Porter Ranch on Wednesday which was a big success. There were around 145 students who participated. Mr. Kay turned the meeting over to the President.
Item # 10: Memorial Resolutions
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 NANCY CAROL HALL who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Ms. Hall’s daughter is Lori Codrey, Vernon Parish School Board Bookkeeper; and
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.
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 REVEREND HUEY SHEPPARD HAYMON who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Reverend Haymon’s daughter is Christa Haymon, Anacoco High School retired teacher and his grandson is Tye Haymon, former teacher at Anacoco High School and Hornbeck High School; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Haymon 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 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 DIANN CHAMBERS who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Ms. Chamber’s daughter is Tammie Phillips, former bus driver at Anacoco High School; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Chambers 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.
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 MARY ELIZABETH MCELVEEN FREDERICK who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Frederick was a former secretary at Leesville High School; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Frederick 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.
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 ROBERT “MAC” DARREYL MCLEOD who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Mr. McLeod’s daughter-in-law is Tammy Sumler custodian at Hicks High School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McLeod 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 Shad Stewart, 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 ROYCE WAYNE RICHMOND who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Richmond was a retired teacher and principal; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Richmond’s wife, Elsie Richmond is a retired teacher and his daughter, Janine Hussong is a retired teacher; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Richmond was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School requests a copy of this memorial be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
Item # 11: Adjournment
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned.
AUTHORIZED OFFICER:
_________________________________________
JOHN BLANKENBAKER, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
_________________________________________
JAMESS WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT