September 12, 1990
LEESVILLE, LA 71446
THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN SPECIAL SESSION ON SEPTEMBER 12, 1990 AT 9:30 A.M. in the Board Room of the Administration Building, 201 Belview Road, Leesville, LA President Harvey called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members were present:
ARVIL HARVEY, PRESIDENT
PHILIP GUNN, VICE PRESIDENT
KENNETH BAGGS
GERALD BURNS
ALVIN C. DOWDEN
DON GOINS
B.R. HARVEY
C.A. HUGHES
BENARD MCKEE
WALLACE MCRAE
MURPHY O'BANION
W.W. PARKER
There was also present Mr. Sammy L. Hinson, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Mr. Gerald Burns, Ward One.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Mr. Benard McKee, Ward Seven.
President Harvey thanked the bus operators and support personnel who were in attendance.
Superintendent Hinson read the attached Call Notice:
ATTACHED
Superintendent Hinson introduced Senator Bryan Poston, Representative John Smith and Representative Allen Bradley.
Each of the area legislators addressed the Board and support personnel and answered questions concerning the bus drivers' need for emergency funds for the operation of buses as well as pay raises for all support personnel. It was stated by the legislators that the Governor had vetoed the 7% pay raise for support personnel which was voted favorably by them. The legislators suggested that the bus operators and Board contact the State Interim Emergency Board for help in immediate funds for the drivers. Mr. Poston, Mr. Smith and Mr. Bradley stated that at any future sessions of the legislature, that they would again vote yes for support personnel pay raises. They each stated that there are no available funds in the state budget for these monies.
Bus operators addressed the Board stating that because of the recent federal mandates for bus inspections and the rising fuel costs they are in desperate need of financial help.
Superintendent Hinson stated that at the present time the Vernon Parish School Board budget for 1990-91 includes $324,000 to $325,000 for employees Christmas Salary Adjustments and that $670,000 to $680,000 is needed. Mr. Hinson further stated that conservative efforts, hopefully, will allow for the full payment. Therefore funds are not available for a 30%/salary or a 26%/maintenance and operation pay increase for support personnel nor bus operators.
Superintendent Hinson asked that the operators appoint a committee to meet with a Board committee to address the bus operators actual fuel cost from last school year ($1.05 per gallon) to the present ($1.30 per gallon). The sudden rise in fuel costs have caused an emergency situation for our bus operators and Mr. Hinson stated that the Board will meet in committee to figure the exact costs needed to continue transporting our students.
Superintendent Hinson once again told the group that funds are not available for support personnel pay increases, however, the Board will make every effort to temporarily help defray the high fuel costs for bus operators. Mr. Hinson said that we are in this crisis situation for many reasons, the mid-east situation, the recent veto by the Governor of the support personnel pay raises and our impact aid cuts. He asked that all employees work together for the good of this school system and our students.
Superintendent Hinson asked that the bus operators appoint a committee to meet with a Board committee to address the bus drivers' situation. The Committees appointed are:
Bus Drivers:
Margie Decker
Cathy Jarrell
Harry Cart
Red McKee
Ronald Jeane
Steve Dowden
Ricky Lawrence
Tammy Shamerhorn
Marvin Hilton
Special Education Driver
Board Members:
Benard McKee
B.R. Harvey
Philip Gunn
Arvil Harvey
Mr. Hinson stated that a date and time would be set which is suitable with the bus operators and the Board committee.
On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Parker, the Board voted to adjourn.
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ARVIL HARVEY, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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SAMMY L. HINSON, SECRETARY