AUGUST 3, 2023
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. VICE PRESIDENT SHAD STEWART CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
DEIDRA SHELL
ANGIE DAVIS
CANDACE BLACK
RANDY MARTIN
KELLY K. GOODWIN
SHAD STEWART
VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR.
JACKIE SELF
ROBERT PYNES, JR.
JOHN BLANKENBAKER
RHONDA MORRISON
COL. CLIFTON LOPEZ
ABSENT:
JIM SEAMAN
There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by: Pastor Jeremiah Klinedinst
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: Randy Martin
Item #1: Approval of Minutes
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2023 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: Opening of Schools – Update
Director of Curriculum, Anne Smith presented the Board with an update on the initial reviews of the LEAP 2025 district summary data files released by LDOE yesterday which indicates that Vernon Parish, once again, demonstrated growth in test scores for students scoring Mastery or Above. Mrs. Smith also presented the Board with the 2023-2024 school calendar and upcoming events, the Head Start calendar of events, Back-to-School Open House/Orientation dates and times for all schools, and teacher training and times during July and August, 2023.
Item #3: Special Education/Title Programs Update
Special Education:
Special Education Director Leslie Ortiz gave and updated report on her department’s plans to accomplish growth in all subjects in the coming school year for all special education students. Mrs. Ortiz has collaborated with Bailey Education Consulting Group to help raise our subgroup scores. The consultant met with Principals and Assistant Principals on June 21st which will focus on AES, Parkway, PES, RES, VMS and WLE.
We are also implementing Exact Path by Edmentum in grades 5-8 for targeted learning and intervention.
Title 1:
Vernon Parish had 14 schools this year that qualified to receive Title 1 funds based on their low-income status. This was a change from last year. This year NPE did not qualify to receive Title 1 funds as they only had 6.5% calculated low poverty level based on their total enrollment of 169 students. We do not extend Title 1 services to the three high schools (AHS, LHS, and RHS) because of their high academic achievement.
Item #4: Stronger Connections Grant
Director of Maintenance, Dwain Ducote gave an update on the Stronger Connections Grant ($518,000) to the Board. This grant will cover security projects to be implemented in all schools.
Item # 5: Vernon Parish School Board Policy Updates
Personnel Director, Hub Jordan discussed policy changes preparing for a new school year:
1. Public participation in school board meetings FILE: BCBI
2. Teleconference/remote participation in school board meetings FILE: BCAD
3. School and student safety: FILE: EBBB Cf: EBBC
4. Carpool and bus lines safety: FILE: EDCB Cf:EDDB
5. Continuous learning; FILE: IDCJ Cf: EBBD, JB
6. Attendance: FILE: JB Cf: IDCJ, JBA JBD Cf :TBE, JD
7. Student absences and excuses FILE: JBD Cf:JB, JBA Cf: JDD JGFC, JQE
8. Corporal punishment FILE: JDA Cf:: GAMC, JG
9. Administration of medication FILE: JGCD
10. Naming of facilities FILE: FDC
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Deidra Shell, the Board voted to add to the 8-8-23 meeting for approval.
Item #6: Report from Salary/Personnel
Angie Davis, Salary/Personnel chairperson reported to the Board on the topics discussed by Hub Jordan, Personnel Director during the 9:30 am meeting:
Personnel changes for August, 2023
Disclosure forms to be completed by Board members and presented the Board members with an update on their convention credit hours
Reminder: Jon Guice will conduct Ethics Training in November
Performance contracts
Discussed vacant administrative positions
School safety assessment calendar
Announcement of public meeting (ward 7)
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Vernon L. Travis, Jr. the Board voted to add to the 8-8-23 agenda to announce the intent to call an election for district 7 on 11-18-23.
On motion of Candace Black, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to add to the 8-8-23 agenda to advertise for a Simpson High school principal position.
On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to add to the 8-8-23 agenda to advertise for a principal position at Anacoco High school.
Item #7: Report from the Athletic Committee
Athletic Director, Hub Jordan presented the Board with the following athletic information for the 23-24 school year:
1. Vernon Parish Football Schedules: LJHS, LHS, PHS, and RHS
2. Important dates of athletic activities and events from July, 2023 to May 2024.
3. LHSAA State Championship Events (event, dates and location)
Other business: The Board also discussed coaches acquiring CDL’s to drive buses for athletic events. On motion of Kelly Goodwin, seconded by Deidra Shell the Board voted to add to the 8-8-23 agenda for approval to mandate coaches acquiring CDL’s. After discussion, the board voted to table the motion to add to the 8-8-23 agenda for approval, motion made by John Blankenbaker, seconded by Randy Martin to table for further discussion.
Item #8: Superintendent’s Remarks
Superintendent, James Williams welcomed all to the meeting with a special welcome to our new Garrison Commander, Col. Clifton Lopez. Mr. Williams thanked the Board Members and everyone for their support during his wife’s illness.
Mr. Williams asked Col. Lopez for an update on Fort Johnson events.
Col. Lopez thanked Mr. Williams and the Board for allowing him to serve on the board.
Col. Lopez discussed the following:
1. Fort Johnson Back to School event with parents sponsored by JRTC, 8-18-23 at 6:00 PM. Tents will be set up with information for parents. Curriculum Supervisor, Jerome Henson will also be attending.
2. Fort Johnson continuing to complete projects with the VPSB
3. Name change of NPE
Mr. Williams discussed the following:
1. August 18th Capturing Better Futures Initiative luncheon and ribbon cutting honoring the inaugural class of students enrolled in the new program. Time 11:00 AM, Friday, 8-18-23 CTE classroom, LHS 502 Berry Drive, Leesville, LA
2. LSBA conference in Hot Springs, AR
3. Millage election
Item #9: Memorial Resolution
On motion of Deidra Shell, 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 GRANT JEANE who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Mr. Jeane’s mother is Amanda Jeane, cafeteria manager at Evans High School and his aunt is Tanya Jeane, Assistant Principal at Evans High School; and
WHEREAS, Grant Jeane 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 Kelly Kaiama Goodwin 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 PATSY ROBINSON who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Robinson’s son is Lee Jones, Special Education custodian and a graduate of LHS; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Robinson 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 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 KIMBERLY SUSANNE REDDEN who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Ms. Redden’s step-dad is Mike Corley, retired VPSB teacher, her Aunt is Susie Neubert, retired VPSB teacher and her uncle is Tom Neubert, retired VPSB teacher, coach, and central office director positions; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Redden 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 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 RITA MARIE CLEVELAND who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System; Ms. Cleveland’s mother was Joy Cleveland, retired bus driver; and Ms. Cleveland’s sisters are: Stacie Craft, WLE teacher, Tammy Littleton, Sherry Cryer, Vickie Sketoe retired VPSB teachers, and Mary Thomas, retired VPSB counselor; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Cleveland 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 #10: Adjournment
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned
Authorized Officer
_________________________
JIM SEAMAN, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
__________________________________
JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT