September 2, 1993
THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1993 AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE BOARD ROOM OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA President Westerchil called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members were present:
BETTY WESTERCHIL, PRESIDENT
CAROLYN WILLIAMS, VICE PRESIDENT
GERALD BURNS
ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR.
PHILIP GUNN
MARK SMITH
T.B. PORTER
ARVIL HARVEY
MURPHY O'BANION
B.R. HARVEY
WALLACE MCRAE
BENARD MCKEE
LOU KENNEDY
There was also present Mr. Sammy L. Hinson, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Mr. Mark Smith, Ward One.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Mr. Gerald Burns, Ward One.
On motion of Mr. Gunn, seconded by Mr. Porter, the Board voted to accept the attached list of resignations:
ATTACHED
On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to approve the following sabbatical leave requests:
Gail Calhoun, teacher, West Leesville, Spring 1994, Rest and Recuperation
Sherry Costa, teacher, East Leesville, Spring 1994, Rest and Recuperation
On motion of Burns, seconded by Mr. Smith, the Board voted to rescind a leave without pay request for Mrs. Dorothy Self, headstart teacher, Vernon Elementary. She will return to work on October 1, 1993.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to approve a leave without pay request for Margaret Nichols, cook, North Polk School, fall semester 1993, health reasons.
On motion of Mr. Burns, seconded by Mr. Dowden, the Board voted to approve the transfer of Paulette Jeane, from Vernon Elementary Secretary, to Sales Tax Clerk/Receptionist, Central Office.
On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to name the following employees:
ATTACHED
At the time Superintendent Hinson and the Board recognized the following groups of students and presented each school with a plaque and each student with a Superintendent's Certificate:
Pitkin High School Class B Baseball State Champions 1993
Hicks High School Class C Baseball State Champions 1993
The Vernon Parish Teachers of the Year were recognized and each one was presented with a check in the amount of $500.00.
They are:
JOHNNIE MAE BOOTY, EAST LEESVILLE ELEMENTARY
CHARLES BALTHROP, LEESVILLE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
SHARON HARDWICK, LEESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Ernest Kennedy, South Central Bell, area supervisor, was present and recognized Mrs. Deborah Beck, Leesville High School teacher, and Mrs. Gloria Orgain, South Polk Elementary teacher, who each recently received a $450 grant for classroom innovative ideas. President Westerchil presented each teacher a certificate for the Board for their outstanding accomplishments.
Mrs. Patricia Crawford, Supervisor of Vocational Education, introduced the Louisiana Links teachers who have been recognized by the State Department of Education. LA Links is a branch of High Schools That Work.
Mr. Bill Endris, Director of Finance, presented the millage rates for all school districts for 1993. On motion of Mr. McKee, seconded by Mr. Porter, the Board voted to approve the millage as presented by Mr. Endris.
Mrs. Mickey Seastrunk, Director of the Optional School and the P.M. School, addressed the Board. Mrs. Seastrunk reported that the schools have begun for the 1993-94 session and the enrollment the Optional School is 32 and the P.M. School is 67. She stated that the schools are enjoying a very successful beginning and the student moral and enthusiasm is extremely high. Mrs. Seastrunk expressed her appreciation to the Board and Superintendent for their support. Superintendent Hinson thanked Mrs. Seastrunk, Mr. James Hardin and Mr. Mike Perkins for their efforts in the alternative educational programs.
Dr. Monk explained that the recent Legislative Session in the Board had produced many new laws pertaining to education. He stated that each area would be briefly discussed by Central Office staff. Dr. Monk stated that it is a requirement by law that local school boards be updated on school legislation.
Mr. Mike Perkins, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, and Mrs. Sharon Harris, School Health Nurse, presented a law requiring policy by the Board in dispensing medication to students. The Board will act on this policy at the September 7, 1993 school board meeting.
The attached list of laws were discussed:
ATTACHED
Superintendent Hinson presented the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. This act will require Board action at the September 7, 1993 school board meeting.
On motion of Mr. Arvil Harvey, seconded by Mr. O'Banion, the Board voted to open bids received for the sale of used light fixtures at Evans High School. There were no bids received.
On motion of Mr. Arvil Harvey, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to authorize Mr. Carver, Principal and the Superintendent to dispose of the light fixtures.
On motion of Mr. Gunn, seconded by Mr. O'Banion, the Board voted to approve the following loans from General Fund:
a. Chapter II 93 C/O $335.00
b. headstart 93 $8,000.00
c. Starting Points $1,000.00
d. Migrant 93 $2,000.00
e. Preschool 93 $7,000.00
On recommendation of Superintendent Hinson and on motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to approve Fair Day, October 8, 1993 as a school holiday for all Vernon Parish Schools.
Superintendent Hinson announced that the poll taken from all Vernon Parish school employees requested by the Board was almost completed to determine how the salary adjustment checks would be received. At the present time the vote is:
CHECKS TO BE DIVIDED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR DEC/MAY
151 1026
Superintendent Hinson stated that from the count received, the checks would be issued in December and May of each year.
Mr. Gerald Burns, Chairman of the Finance Committee, announced that the Committee had met and reviewed the consolidated budget and that the budget would be presented to the Board on September 7, 1993 for approval.
Superintendent Hinson announced that the Farmers Home Administration funds for the construction of the Simpson building project would possibly be awarded soon. He stated that Mr. McRae and many others have worked diligently to secure these funds.
On motion of Mr. Dowden, 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 convey their heartfelt sympathies to Mr. Joe Martinez, Director of the Leesville State School, in the recent death of his mother, Mrs. Myrtle Martinez,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mr. Martinez and his family.
There being no further business, on motion of Mr. McRae, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to adjourn until September 7, 1993 at 5:00 p.m.
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BETTY WESTERCHIL, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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SAMMY L. HINSON, SECRETARY