OCTOBER 6, 1994
THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 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
LOU KENNEDY
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. Lou Kennedy.
On motion of Mr. Burns, seconded by Mrs. Westerchil, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of September 6, 1994.
On motion of Mr. Smith seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to accept the attached list resignations.
ATTACHED
On motion of Mrs. Westerchil, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to name the attached list of new employees:
ATTACHED
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to approve a Sabbatical Leave request for Susan Brown, teacher at Pickering Elementary, 9-11-94 through 1-13-95, for rest and recuperation.
On motion of Mr. Burns seconded by Mr. Smith, the Board voted to rescind a Sabbatical Leave request for Mrs. Debbie Woods, and to transfer her to the homebound special education class.
At this time the Superintendent and Board recognized the State 4-H winners and participants. Mr. Cleve Weisgerber and Miss Kim Villejoin, county agents, presented the students to the Board. The students gave a brief presentation about 4-H and its membership.
On motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to commend Mr. Weisgerber and Ms. Villejoin for their outstanding work with the 4-H clubs of Vernon Parish and their dedication to the young people involved in this organization.
Mr. Richard Reese, Supervisor of Transportation, and Mr. John Reed, our CDL Drug and Alcohol Testing facilitator, with Compliance Services, Eunice, LA discussed the mandated drug testing for all bus operator in Vernon Parish. Mr. Reese explained that this drug testing will include regular drivers, sub drivers and activity drivers and that January 1, 1995 is the deadline for all local school boards to have in place a substance abuse and alcohol testing policy as required by the federal government. Mr. Reese explained that every bus operator will be in-serviced on the procedures of drug testing, required tests and disciplinary action to be taken. Board members asked that Mr. Reese add to the discussed policy marijuana and a statement to the drivers that the in-service is mandatory and must be completed before January 1, 1995.
On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the attached Substance Abuse and Alcohol Testing Policy as presented with marijuana information added and mandatory attendance added.
POLICY ATTACHED
Mr. Richard Schwartz, Supervisor, addressed the Board relative to recent changes in drivers education requirements. Mr. Schwartz stated that the legislature voted into law that students must take drivers education prior to receiving a drivers license at age 15. He reported that due to many requests from parents of students who became 15 years of age after the Vernon Parish drivers education program was held in the summer of 1994, that it is being considered to hold a drivers ed program during December and January of this school year. However, Mr. Schwartz stated that details are incomplete at this time. Due to increased costs of this program in leasing automobiles and insurance coverages it is necessary to increase the fees charged from $125.00 to $150.00 per student.
On motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mrs. Westerchil, the Board voted to increase the fees of drivers education from $125.00 to $150.00 per student.
Mr. Dewey Snowden of Snowden-Word Insurance Agency addressed the Board relative to the statement of coverage for bus operators. Mr. Snowden reported that he will contact each bus driver in the parish as to the availability of insurance coverages. Mr. Snowden explained the premium payments for drivers with all limitations. (STATEMENT OF COVERAGE ATTACHED).
Mr. Bill Endris, Director of Finance, reported that the Internal Revenue Service has notified his office that beginning immediately, any supplemental wages paid to employees must have 28% withheld by the issuing office. On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by Mr. Porter, the Board voted to authorize the finance office to withhold 28% from supplemental wages across the board and the Board requested that an information letter be sent to all employees informing them of the requirement of the IRS. Superintendent Hinson stated that the December checks, the May checks and the July sales tax checks would be affected by the action taken.
Mr. Endris reported that the annual contract for Mr. John Norris, Insurance Consultant, will expire at the end of 1994. He stated that Mr. Norris was employed on a consulting basis to review all insurance coverages of the school system and to recommend any changes or additional insurances needed. Since Mr. Norris began his contract work and consulting to the Board, Mr. Endris announced that a savings of approximately of $500,000.00 in insurance premium has been evidenced. On recommendation of Superintendent Hinson, and on motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to renew the contract of Mr. John Norris as Insurance Consultant for a period of one year in the amount of $10,000.00. Effective beginning date of the contract renewal is January 1, 1995.
On motion of Mr. McRae, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to open bids for the sale of unusable office equipment and audio visual equipment at Hicks High School.
There were no bids received.
On motion of Mr. McRae, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to authorize Mr. Endris, Mr. Moss and Mr. Hardwick, Principal, to dispose of the equipment, using any parts of the equipment for school uses.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded Mr. McKee, the Board voted to open bids received for concrete and asphalt for Pickering Elementary.
CONCRETE
BIDDER BID
HECK INDUSTRIES OF ALEXANDRIA $56.50 PER YARD
ASPHALT
BIDDER BID
R.C. PAVING COMPANY $30,250.00
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to take under advisement the bids received for concrete and asphalt for Pickering Elementary.
On motion of Mr. McRae, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to advertise for bids for metal roofing materials for Hicks High School. Bids to be received no later than November 3, 1994, at 10:00 a.m.
On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to advertise for bids for metal roofing materials and trusses for Leesville High School. Bids to be received November 3, 1994.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to increase the bus size of Martha Perkins, Ward Four bus operator, from a 60 passenger to a 65 passenger bus.
On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Porter, the Board voted to declare October 16-22, 1994 as School Bus Safety Week and Americas Safe Schools Week.
PROCLAMATION ATTACHED
On recommendation of Superintendent Hinson and on motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. McRae, the Board voted to approve the renewal agreement of the Policy Updating Service, Forethought, Inc., in the amount of $1,590.00. Forethought, Inc., reviews and keeps current school board policies and minutes.
President Williams announced that the October 11, 1994 school board meeting will be changed to October 18, 1994 at 10:00 a.m.
On recommendation of Superintendent Hinson, and on motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following resolution:
PRAYER RESOLUTION ATTACHED
Superintendent Hinson reported that a recent construction report on the North Polk Elementary School shows that 17% of the construction is completed. Mr. Hinson stated that he visited the site recently and that the job is progressing very well.
Superintendent Hinson invited the members to have lunch at the West Louisiana Forestry Festival at the Senior Citizens luncheon in the school pavilion.
On motion of Mrs. Westerchil, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to lease the Hornbeck meat plant to J.R. Duplessis on a one year contract in the amount of $500.00 per year with an option to re-neogotiate at the end of the first year. Mrs. Williams reported that the plant has been closed for four years and that Mr. Asa Skinner will review the contract with Mr. Dupleisis. Mrs. Williams further stated that she feels that the re-opening of the plant will benefit the community.
On motion of Mr. B.R. 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 learned with grief and sadness of the recent death of Christopher Nolen, a former student of Pitkin High School,
WHEREAS, Christopher will be sadly missed by his family and friends,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board requests that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to his parents and family, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Nolen, along with sincere condolences from this Board.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, 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 Mrs. Lana Shackleford, bus operator, in the recent death of her husband, Mr. David Shackleford,
WHEREAS, Mr. Shackleford was a loving and kind man who was held in high regard in his community and his good samaritan efforts will long be remembered by everyone who knew him.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board requests that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. Shackleford and her family along with condolences from this Board.
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 take this means to express their heartfelt sympathies to Mr. Howard Hunt, bus operator, in the recent death of his wife, Cathy,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Hunt was a devoted mother and wife and she was very active in her church. She will be sadly missed by her loved ones.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mr. Hunt and his children along with sincere condolences from this Board.
On motion of Mr. McKee, 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 Vernon Parish School Board records with grief and sorrow the recent death of Mr. Russell Keel, retired custodian, of Rosepine School,
WHEREAS, Mr. Keel was a loyal and dedicated employee for many years,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board requests that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. Keel and her family along with sincere condolences from this Board.
On motion of Mrs. Westerchil, 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 Vernon Parish School Board wishes to express their heartfelt sympathy to SSG and Mrs. James Lemon in the death of their baby daughter, Ashley Renee Lemon,
WHEREAS, SSG and Mrs. Lemon have been very generous in donating gifts for the children of North Polk Elementary School in the memory of little Ashley Renee,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board does gratefully receive the love gifts from SSG and Mrs. Lemon and we will always be reminded that through their love for Ashley Renee other children have been blessed by their generosity.
There being no further business, on motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to adjourn until October 18, 1994.
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CAROLYN G. WILLIAM, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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SAMMY L. HINSON, SECRETARY