APRIL 19, 1994

THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN SPECIAL SESSION ON TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 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 L. GUNN

BETTY WESTERCHIL

T.B. PORTER

ARVIL HARVEY

MURPHY O'BANION

B.R. HARVEY

WALLACE MCRAE

BENARD MCKEE

PAUL JACKSON, FORT POLK

There was also present Mr. Sammy L. Hinson, Secretary of the Board.

The meeting was opened in prayer by Mr. Wallace McRae, Wards Six and Eight.

The pledge of allegiance was led by Mr. B.R. Harvey, Ward Five.

Superintendent Hinson read the attached Call Notice:

attached

On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by Mr. Porter, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of April 14, 1994.

On motion of Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Burns, the board voted to approve the attached list of resignations:

attached

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

attached

At this time the Board recognized the following groups of students:

Vernon Parish Students of the Year

Leesville High School State Art participants

Mrs. Karen Barmore, teacher at Pitkin School, presented her VIGIL grant to the Board entitled "Fun, Educational Math Games".  Mrs. Barmore stated that she purchased the math games with the VIGIL funds.  She stated that the games motivate students to achieve better math skills.

Mr. Richard Reese, Drug Free Schools Supervisor, introduced to the Board two groups of students and sponsors who participate in this program.  They were:

Simpson High School, Mr. Keathly, sponsor,  and students presented state award winning videos which demonstrate drug awareness.

West Leesville Elementary,  Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Krenek, sponsors, and students presented a skit and rap song which demonstrated how children can say no to drugs.

On recommendation of Superintendent Hinson, and on motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. Gunn, the Board voted to accept the Preferred Provider Organization plan presented by Mr. Balthrop, member,  on April 14, 1994.   The effective date is June 1, 1994.  (copy attached)

Mr. Bill Endris, Chairman of the Insurance Committee, gave an update on the financial status of the Vernon Parish School Board employees hospitalization plan.  He stated that outstanding claims are now at $31,991.00 and that the program should break even during the 1994-95 school year.

On recommendation of Superintendent Hinson, and on motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. Gunn, the Board voted to accept the bid of Norwell Equipment Company for a used backhoe in the amount of $28,035.63.  The low bid for a new backhoe did not meet specifications.

Mr. Reese, Supervisor of Transportation, presented a sample of the school bus video cameras recently purchased by bid.  Mr. Reese stated that the boxes to hold cameras are available for every Vernon Parish School bus.  He stated that there are 13 cameras available to school districts.

President Williams appointed the following committee to receive general contractor bids for North Polk Elementary construction on May 11, 1994, at 2:00 p.m:

Col. Peter Sun

Superintendent Hinson

President Williams

Vice President Smith

Mr. Ward

Mr. Endris

Principal, George Thompson

Mr. Moss

Board members

On motion of Mr. Arvil Harvey, 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 the children of Mr. Stewart Simmons who recently passed away,

                                WHEREAS, Mr. Simmons worked as a custodian at Evans School,

                                THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to the children of Mr. Simmons in this time of bereavement along with sincere condolences.

On motion of Mr. Philip Gunn, 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 do hereby wish to send condolences to Mr. Bobby Moss, Purchasing Agent of the Vernon Parish School Board, and his family in the recent death of his mother, Mrs. Mattie Cruse,

                                THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mr. Moss and his family along with sincere sympathies from this Board.

On motion of Mr. Philip Gunn, 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 do hereby take this means to send sincere condolences to the family of Floysee Traylor, retired teacher from Vernon Elementary,

                                WHEREAS, Mrs. Traylor taught for more than 23 years, serving the children of this Parish.  She will be long be remembered for her love and dedication to her profession,

                                THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. Traylor's sister, Mrs. Sofronia Carr, who is also a teacher in the Vernon Parish School system.

On motion of Mr. McRae, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to resolve itself into a claims committee and approve the claims.

On motion of Mr. Burns, seconded by Mr. Porter, the Board voted to pay claims as approved by the claims committee.

There being no further business, and on motion of Mr. Gunn, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adjourn.

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SAMMY L. HINSON, SECRETARY

ATTEST:

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CAROLYN G. WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT