March 8, 1994

THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION ON TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1994 AT 10:00 A.M.   IN THE BOARD ROOM OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA  PRESIDENT WILLIAMS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:

CAROLYN WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT

MARK SMITH, VICE PRESIDENT

GERALD BURNS

ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR.

PHILIP GUNN

BETTY WESTERCHIL

T.B. PORTER

ARVIL HARVEY

MURPHY O'BANION

B.R. HARVEY

WALLACE MCRAE

BENARD MCKEE

LOU KENNEDY

ABSENT:                               PHILIP GUNN, ILL

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 Mrs. Betty Westerchil, Ward One.

On motion of Mr. McRae, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to dispense with and approve the minutes of February 8, 1994.

On motion of Mrs. Westerchil, seconded by Mr. Arvil Harvey, the Board voted to accept the attached list of resignations:

attached

On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to name the attached list of new employees:

attached

At this time Superintendent Hinson and the Board recognized the following groups of students:

Simpson Lady Broncos basketball team, Class C Quarter Finalists

Pickering Lady Red Devils basketball team, Class AA Semi Finalists

Pitkin Lady Tigers basketball team, Class B Semi Finalists

Each team member was presented with a Superintendent's Certificate for their outstanding accomplishments and plaques were presented to each coach and school.

Superintendent Hinson read a letter from Mrs. Mickey Seastrunk, Optional School Coordinator, and her staff and students, relative to a request to begin an award in honor of Mrs. Vernia Lenahan.

Mrs. Seastrunk thanked the Board for the support of the Optional School, which is serving 49 students.  She stated that the students of the school have requested that an Optional School award be begun in memory and honor of Mrs. Lenahan. Mrs. Lenahan was the first coordinator of the school and passed away in 1993.  Mrs. Seastrunk introduced Mrs. Margaret McChesney, teacher and Peer Counselor of the school.  Mrs. McChesney reported that the students of the school initiated the idea of this "Lenahan Spirit Award" to be presented to a deserving student.   She introduced Mr. Frank Reischling a student at the Optional School.  Frank stated that Mrs. Lenahan's influence on the students of the school was positive and rewarding.  He stated that by beginning this annual award to be presented at the awards ceremony, would be a way of remembering Mrs. Lenahan and honoring her dedication to the students.

Superintendent Hinson recommended that the Board approve the request to begin "Lenahan Spirit Award" at the Optional School.  On motion of Mr. Burns, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent to begin the "Lenahan Spirit Award" at the Optional School.

Mr. Richard Reese, Supervisor of Transportation, addressed the Board relative to the bids taken on the video cameras and black boxes for school buses.  Mr. Reese stated that the low bid of 3-I  Division of Atlantic Teleconnect, Inc. was not quality equipment.  Mr. Reese stated that he had examined and tested a sample box and camera from this company on a Vernon Parish school bus.  Mr. Reese said that the equipment was not up to the standard expected for good performance for this school system.  Mr. Reese recommended that the next low bid of Silent Witness, in the amount of $21,000.00 be accepted for 127 black boxes and 10 cameras for buses.  He stated that he has seen these cameras and black boxes demonstrated and that he has talked to Rapides Parish and St. Charles Parish school board transportation supervisors and they report they use the Silent Witness cameras and black boxes for buses with very much satisfaction and success.

On motion of Mr. McKee, seconded by Mr. Porter, the Board voted to award the bid of $21,000 for the bus cameras and black boxes to Silent Witness Company with the provision that the equipment meets the needs of the Vernon Parish school system.

Mr. Arvil Harvey requested that a demonstration be presented to the Board as to the function of the bus video cameras and black boxes.  Mr. Reese stated that he will have a demonstration of the new equipment as soon as they arrived and are installed.

On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. Arvil Harvey, the Board voted to  open the bids for ceiling tile for Hornbeck High School gym.

BIDDER:                                                                BID

PRASSELS LUMBER CO                                   $13,051.99

CENLA INTERIORS                                              12,369.73

LOWES OF LEESVILLE                                       13,476.96

KING WHOLESALE                                              13,769.87

STINE DERIDDER                                                14,791.83

On motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to take under advisement the bids received for the ceiling tile for Hornbeck High School gym.

On motion on of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to open bids received for a used van for Anacoco High School.

BIDDER                                                                 BID

DANNY COOK AUTO SALES                          $13,500

                                                                                  (DODGE, 1992,15 PASSENGER, 44,500 MILES)

On motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to take under advisement the bid received for the van for Anacoco High School.

Superintendent Hinson stated that repair work needed to be done on the entrance drive to South Polk Elementary.  After meeting with the Maintenance Committee, it was determined that  a cost estimate for 2 inch asphalt with sealant, would be presented to the Board on March 21, 1994 for these repairs.

Superintendent Hinson stated that March 23, 1994 has been set for "Retired Teachers Day" in the state by Governor Edwards.  Mr. Hinson recognized Mr. Carl Mayo, representing the retired teachers of Vernon Parish.  Mr. Mayo stated that he was attending the Board meeting at the request of Mr. Finly Stanley, President of the Retired Teachers.  On recommendation of Superintendent Hinson, and on motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by Mr. O'Banion, the Board voted to sponsor a reception in honor of all Vernon Parish retired teachers on March 23, 1994.  The Delta Kappa Gamma teachers' sorority will host the occasion which will be held in the central office.

On motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. O'Banion, the Board voted to purchase coal mix which is needed to repair school parking areas and drives of schools.

On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. Porter, the Board voted to advertise for the following:

                                                a.             used back hoe

                                                b.             new back hoe

                                                c.             lease-purchase back hoe

The Board request that all bids should be limited to a minimum size motor of 70 h.p. and the equipment should be no older than three years.

Bids to be received April 14, 1994.

Superintendent Hinson presented each member with a copy of the newly released Progress Profiles.  Mr. Hinson stated that the Vernon Parish schools report card from the state gave an excellent rating.  He stated that he is very proud of all Vernon Parish schools.

Superintendent Hinson distributed to each member a copy of the estimated MFP funding for 1994-95.  Mr. Hinson stated that if the third phase is funded, Vernon Parish will receive an additional $1,9929,786.

Mrs. Westerchil, chairperson of the Curriculum Committee, called for a meeting of the committee on April 14, 1994, at 9:00 a.m.

President Williams announced that the Ward One bond issue will be held on March 26, 1994 and stated that each member's support  was very important to the successful passage of the issue.  On motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to go on record as fully supporting the $11,000,000 bond issue for school improvements in Ward One to be held on March 26, 1994.

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 learned with grief and sadness of the recent death of Mrs. Verone Chappel, retired teacher from Vernon Parish.  Mrs. Chappel taught at West Leesville Elementary School and Vernon Elementary School since 1954.

                                WHEREAS, Mrs. Chappel was a loyal and dedicated educator who loved her students and she will be missed by all of her friends and family,

                                THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. Chappel's family along with sincere condolences from this Board.

President Williams reminded the Board that the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 21, 1994 at 5:00 p.m.

On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to adjourn until Monday, March 21, 1994 at 5:00 p.m.  

________________________________

CAROLYN WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

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SAMMY L. HINSON, SECRETARY