October 18, 1994
THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN SPECIAL SESSION ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 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
There was also present Mr. Sammy L. Hinson, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Mr. Porter, Ward Two Anacoco.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Mr. Burns, Ward One.
Superintendent Hinson read the attached Call Notice:
ATTACHED
On motion of Mr. McRae, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of October 6, 1994.
On motion of Mrs. Westerchil, seconded by Mr. Dowden, the Board voted to accept the attached list of resignations:
ATTACHED
On motion of Mr. McRae, seconded by Mr. Smith, the Board voted to approve a leave without pay for Carolyn Wade, teachers aide at North Polk, beginning August 25, 1994.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. Arvil Harvey, the Board voted to name the attached list of new employees:
ATTACHED
Mrs. Kim Nugent, Coordinator of the Tech Prep program, addressed the Board giving an update on Tech Prep programs which are taking place in all Vernon Parish schools. Mrs. Nugent explained the various avenues of educational programs offered and the process of introducing students to these programs.
At this time Superintendent Hinson recognized Mr. Gene Davis, Vernon Parish Elementary Teacher of the Year. Mr. Davis has been a Vernon Parish teacher for thirty two years and is presently the vocal music teacher at Vernon Elementary. Mr. Davis addressed the Board, describing his philosophy and techniques used in the classroom to encourage children not only in music but also in dealing with life and growing up.
Dr. Larry Monk explained procedures used in the new teacher assessment program and the Personnel Evaluation Plan.
On recommendation of Superintendent Hinson, and on motionMr. Burns, seconded by Mr. Dowden, the Board voted to allow school level curriculum coordinators to serve on an assessment team as (1) Principal Designee or (2) Experienced Teacher depending on the need in the individual school and to approve the Louisiana Teacher Assessment Program taking the place of the Vernon Parish Personnel Evaluation Plan for the period of time required to complete the assessment program.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to reject the concrete and asphalt bids received October 6, 1994.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to re-advertise for bids for concrete and asphalt for Pickering Elementary. Bids to be received November 8, 1994.
On motion of Mr. Gunn, seconded by Mr. Porter, the Board voted to advertise for bids for library books for Parish schools. Bids to be received November 8, 1994.
On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by Mr. Smith, the Board voted to advertise to sell unusable equipment at East Leesville Elementary. Bids to be received November 8, 1994.
Superintendent Hinson called attention to a letter received form Mike Juneau, reapportionment attorney. Mr. Hinson stated that Mr. Juneau, upon Board request, had filed a Notice of Appeal for the Fifth Circuit in reference to the reapportionment law suit. He further stated that a decision must be made as to whether or not proceed with the appeal by November 9, 1994 as directed by the Fifth Circuit. Mr. Hinson called upon Mr. Asa Skinner, school board attorney, and asked that he give his opinion of pursuing an appeal. Mr. Skinner stated that he could not determine whether or not the Board could be successful in an appeal either in part or the entire law suit. He stated that he agreed with Mr. Juneau that the chances of success on appeal are not particularly good.
Mr. Dowden questioned whether or not the Board should consider actions against Mr. Gary Joiner, reapportionment. Mr. Skinner stated that such action could be considered at a later date.
On motion of Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Dowden, the Board voted to authorize Mr. Mike Juneau to give notice to the Fifth Circuit that the Board does not wish to pursue an appeal in the reapportionment law suit.
There were two nay votes casts:
Mr. Burns
Mr. Gunn
There was one abstaining vote cast:
Mr. McKee
On motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to advertise for metal roofing materials and trusses for Anacoco Elementary School. Bids to be received November 8, 1994.
Superintendent Hinson referred the Board to policy updates to be inserted into each policy manual:
IKD, Class Ranking
IHC, Ceremonies held in schools
Superintendent Hinson reminded the Board of the prayer breakfast to kick off Red Ribbon Week to be held Wednesday, October 19, 1994 at the fair grounds at 9:00 a.m.
Superintendent Hinson reported the final and state approved Pupil Progression Plan for 1994-95 had been received from the State, and each member now has a copy.
President Williams informed the Board that the LSBA Annual Convention would be held in Monroe January 26-28, 1995 and asked each member to inform Tandy Schwartz if they plan to attend.
Superintendent Hinson informed the Board that the Louisiana Systemic Initiatives Program news bulletin has been released and that Mr. Joe Pope, Curriculum Coordinator, and Mrs. Leslie Koenck, teacher in Vernon Parish were featured in the paper.
Mr. Porter called attention to an article in the paper on the D.A.M.S.A.L.S. program on agriculture and science.
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 members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to convey their heartfelt sympathies to the children of Mrs. Violet Shira, retired cook from West Leesville Elementary,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Shira was a dedicated employee. She was very respected and well liked by her fellow workers. Mrs. Shira was a very kind and loving person and will be sadly missed by her children and family.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board requests that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent the children of Mrs. Shira along with sincere condolences from this Board.
On motion of Mr. 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 wish to convey their sympathies to Mr. Elsee Ashworth, Curriculum Coordinator at the Leesville Junior High School, in recent death of his mother, Mrs. Willie Mae Ashworth,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mr. Ashworth and his family in this time of bereavement.
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. Susan Brown, teacher at Pickering Elementary, in the recent death of her mother, Mrs. Ike Garman,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. Brown and her family.
On motion of Mr. Burns, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to resolve itself into a claims committee and approve the claims.
On motion of Mr. McRae, seconded by Mr. Arvil Harvey, the Board voted to authorize the President and Secretary to pay claims as approved by the claims committee.
There being no further business, on motion of Mr. McKee, seconded by Mr. Arvil Harvey, the Board voted to adjourn.
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CAROLYN G. WILLIAMS, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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SAMMY L. HINSON, SECRETARY