APRIL 18, 2023

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

DISTRICT ONE:

Kelly Kaiama Goodwin

Rhonda Morrison

Robert Pynes, Jr.

Jim Seaman

Jackie Self

DISTRICT TWO:

Angie Davis

DISTRICT THREE:

John Blankenbaker

DISTRICT FOUR:

Randy Martin

DISTRICT SIX:

Vernon L. Travis, Jr.

DISTRICT SEVEN:

John Blankenbaker

GARRISON COMMANDER:

Col. Samuel P. Smith, Jr.

ABSENT:         

District Five: Shad Stewart

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

The meeting was opened in prayer by:   Vernon L. Travis, Jr.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by:                 Vernon L. Travis, Jr.

Item #1:            April 6, 2023 Minutes

On motion of John Blankenbaker seconded by Deidra Shell the Board voted to approve the minutes of the April 6, 2023 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.

Item #2:            Employee Retirements

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

Item #3:            Leave Without Pay Requests    

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

Item #4:             Amendments Related to Personnel Changes

On motion of Angie Davis, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.

Item #5:            Authorization to Pay the Claims

On motion of Rhonda Morrison, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.

Item #6:            Approve Head Start Policies

On motion of Kelly Goodwin, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve Head Start COLA and Policy & Procedures.

Item #7:            Approve the Resolution in Recognition for Purple Star Schools

On motion of Kelly Goodwin, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to approve the Resolution in Recognition for Purple Star Schools.

Item #8:            Recognition of Vernon Parish Counselors of the Year

Anne Smith, Curriculum Director presented the 2022-2023 Vernon Parish Counselors of the Year awards to the following counselors:

l)          Michelle LaFleur, Rosepine Elementary - Elementary Counselor of the Year

2)         Stephanie Robinson, Evans School – Middle School Counselor of the Year

3)         Pam Willis, Pitkin High School – High School Counselor of the Year

Item #9:            Employee of the Month

Director of Finance, Tim Ward along with employee of the month sponsor, Rodney Taylor with Taylor and Sons Insurance, recognized Amanda Hunt, teacher at West Leesville Elementary as Employee of the Month. She was presented with a plaque and her Principal, Susan Teegardin and Mr. Taylor read a brief explanation as to why Ms. Hunt was chosen as employee of the month.  Ms. Hunt 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. Hunt is always willing to go the extra mile to encourage and assist her students and teachers in any way needed.

Item # 10:         Superintendent’s Remarks

Superintendent James Williams welcomed all to the meeting and congratulated  counselors of the year and employee of the month and thanked them for being outstanding employees.

Superintendent Williams asked Col. Smith, Garrison Commander, for an update on Fort Polk events.

Col. Smith discussed the following topics:

l.          “Month of the Military Child” celebrated in April

2.         Ongoing progress of STARBASE-LSU-A & STEM CENTER

3.         Working on projects to provide more care centers for military families moving to Fort Polk with children who have an exceptionality

4.         2022 Year in Review at Fort Polk on partnerships and education focus & investment

5.         Thank You to Watson Nichols, Rosepine High Band Director and the Rosepine High Band for an outstanding event in music in Lake Charles

6.         Discussed the Purple Star Schools/ Rosepine, High School, Leesville High School, and Parkway.

Mr. Williams reminded the Board of the following:

1)         Academic Banquet will be May 1st for seniors

2)         Financial Disclosures due by May 15^th

3)         Reminded the Board of the millage voting 4-29-23

4)         May 4^th next board meeting

5.         State Superintendent, Cade Brumley visiting Fort Polk and Purple Star Schools on April 27^th

6.         Logan Morris discussed the CTE program

7.         Hub Jordan presented the Board with spring sports schedules, discussed rankings, and playoff schedules

8.         Vernon Travis reminded the Board about the LSBA Conference May 2^nd in Baton Rouge and discussed the Capture Point Solutions dates and training.

Mr. Williams turned the meeting over to the President.

Item #11:          Memorial Resolutions

On motion of Randy Martin, 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 MARGIE CUSHING who recently passed away: and

            WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System:  Ms. Cushing’s daughter is Aleta Moss, retired teacher and her son-in-law is Bobby Moss, retired PHS teacher and Central Office employee; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Cushing 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 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 FLETCHER “JACK” CHEATHAM, SR. who recently passed away; and 

            WHEREAS, Mr. Cheatham was a Vernon Parish retired Teacher/Educator and Principal, serving the Vernon Parish School System for 37 years; and

            WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System:  Mr. Cheatham’s wife is Mary Cheatham, retired Vernon Parish Teacher/Educator and his son is Fletcher Cheatham, Jr., former Vernon Parish Special Education Paraprofessional; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Cheatham 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 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 LISA BRISTER who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS,  Ms. Brister was a Vernon Parish Head Start Teacher; and

            WHEREAS, Ms. Brister 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.

On motion of Robert Pynes, 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 CHARLES “CHUCK” RALPH SIMMONS who recently passed away; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Simmons was a retired Vernon Parish Bus Driver; and

            WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System:  Mr. Simmons’ wife is Joan Simmons, retired Vernon Parish Teacher, Principal, and Curriculum Supervisor and his daughter is Jennifer Alligood, Teacher at Anacoco High School; and

            WHEREAS, Mr. Simmons 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.

Item #12:          Adjournment

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned.

AUTHORIZED OFFICER

_________________________

JIM SEAMAN, PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

__________________________________

JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT