MARCH 2, 1995
THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION ON THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1995, AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE BOARD ROOM OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA PRESIDENT SMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
MARK SMITH, PRESIDENT
T.B. PORTER, VICE PRESIDENT
GERALD BURNS
ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR.
PHILIP L. GUNN
BETTY WESTERCHIL
CAROLYN G. WILLIAMS
ARVIL HARVEY
MURPHY O'BANION
B.R. HARVEY
WALLACE MCRAE
BENARD MCKEE
COL. PETER SUN
There was also present Mr. Sammy L. Hinson, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Mr. T.B. Porter, Ward Two, Anacoco.
The pledge of allegiance was by led by Col. Peter Sun.
On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to approve the minutes of February 7, 1995 and dispense with the reading.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. Arvil 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 Mr. Grover Holaway, Pickering High School teacher, for rest and recuperation for the 1995-96 school year.
Mr. Hamp Smith, President of the J.K. Haynes Foundation, addressed the Board. Mr. Smith asked that the Board consider having directional street signs to Vernon Elementary posted on Texas Highway and Highway 171. On recommendation of Superintendent Hinson and on motion of Mr. Porter, seconded by the entire Board, the Board voted to contact the city of Leesville and if necessary the state department of transportation and area legislators to have directional signs posted on streets and highways indicating directions to all Vernon Parish Schools.
Mr. Joe Pope, Coordinator of Curriculum, reviewed the recent Progress Profiles report issued by the State Department of Education. Mr. Pope explained the report card and the comparisons of Vernon Parish schools to the State percentages. He said that a condensed version of the individual schools will be sent to all parents on or about March 24, 1995.
Mr. Bill Endris, Director of Finance, reported on the condition of the Self Insurance Hospitalization Program and a recent survey taken of school board employee members. He stated that presently the program is in the red $600,000.00 in payment claims. Mr. Endris said that 81% of all members voted to withdraw from the self insurance plan and join the state insurance program. The appropriate time to make this change would be June 1st. He stated that he has asked for quotes from local agencies, noting that these quotes not raise premiums and not decrease benefits. Mr. Endris stated that for the benefit of system, he recommended getting out of the self insurance program.
Mr. Dowden asked for an insurance committee meeting.
On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by Mr. O'Banion, the Board voted to withdraw from the Self Insurance Hospitalization Program effective June 1, 1995.
Mrs. Westerchil voted nay.
Mr. Dowden abstained.
Mr. Gunn abstained.
Mr. Porter abstained.
Mr. Endris discussed the issuance of supplemental checks (December and May for Vernon Parish employees) and the IRS requirement of 28% withholdings. He stated that he has had inquires from employees as to the possibility of these checks being included in the regular monthly payroll. He stated that a survey of employees was taken in 1994 and the majority of employees voted to have the checks issued separately from the regular payroll.
On motion of Mr. Burns, seconded by Mrs. Westerchil, the Board voted to authorize a survey to be presented to all employees as to the issuance of the supplemental checks issued in December and May. The July supplemental check cannot be included in the regular payroll because the amount of the checks is not known from year to year.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. Porter, the Board voted to advertise to purchase two maintenance trucks. Bids will be taken on one new utility pick-up truck and one used or new 2 1/2 ton, dump bed with a utility body. Bids to be received April 6, 1995.
Superintendent Hinson reported on the purposed Minimum Foundation Program funding allotments from the State. Mr. Hinson reviewed the recently approved MFP report from the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for fiscal year 1995-96.
At this time President Smith called on Mr. Asa Skinner, school board attorney, to address the Board relative to reapportionment. Mr. Skinner stated that the U.S. Justice Department has approved the plan submitted by the Board and that the Secretary of State's office has also given their approval. Mr. Skinner said that he had contacted Judge James T. Trimble, federal judge, presiding over the law suit. He further stated that all parties will go into an official agreement relative to the recent judgement of the approval and then an election date will be set. President Smith asked Mr. Skinner to instruct the Board on the procedures to be taken next. Mr. Skinner stated that a negotiation with the plaintiffs to determine a new judgement in the law suit which would allow for an election to be held. Mr. Skinner reviewed the possible dates for an election, indicating that the April 29th date is closed for this due to time constraints. The other dates are July 29, 1995 and October 21, 1995. He went on to say that the July 29th date is for propositions and is not available for elected offices. This leaves the Board the option of calling a special election or the October 21st date, with qualifying dates on September 5, 6, and 7, 1995. Board members expressed their concerns about the possible dates. Mr. Skinner stated that several concerns are to be considered before an election can be called, such as the time involved to prepare the necessary paper work and the extensive work to be done by the local registrar of voters office. He suggested that Mrs. Sandra Perkins, Vernon Parish Registrar of Voters, attend the March 7, 1995 meeting of the Board. He told the Board that the state election to be held on October 21, 1995 will be funded largely by the state, however, if the Board calls for a special election, the costs will be incurred by the Board alone. The approximate costs were estimated to be approximately $50,000.00. by Mr. Skinner.
Mr. Skinner further stated that he will have prepared information for the Board on Tuesday, March 7th, and he will notify Mrs. Perkins of the meeting also.
Mrs. Pat Crawford, Supervisor of Vocational Education, addressed the Board. She related to the Board that the FBLA State Conference and dance to be held in Alexandria will be at the Convention Center and not at the Fools Gold as the Leesville Leader had printed in the "Soap Box" column of the newspaper. She also reviewed the recent scores of Vernon Parish students at the FBLA District Conference held in Lake Charles. Vernon Parish students won the following:
1st place 10
Superior 42
Excellent 44
Mrs. Crawford stated that all high schools in Vernon Parish participated and that Nancy Tillman, Leesville High School student, won District Vice President.
Mr. Gene Haymon, President of the Leesville/Vernon Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Bill Bailey, Executive Director, addressed the Board. Mr. Haymon stated that the Chamber's education committee is very proud of the schools in Vernon Parish and wishes to continue to work with school officials on programs to help students. He stated that on May 11, 1995, the Governor is sponsoring a luncheon for FBLA representatives from each school at the Governor's mansion. He also stated that the Chamber is working with the city of Leesville on the directional signs to schools as discussed by Mr. Hamp Smith. The Chamber would also request to be on the April school board agenda to review the programs of work by the Chamber.
Mr. Bailey announced that the Academic Awards Banquet, co-sponsored by the Chamber and the school board will be held on May 12, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. at the fair grounds auditorium.
Mr. O'Banion inquired about the state 5% pay raise for school employees. Superintendent Hinson addressed this matter, stating that the Governor has indicated that it is possible that the raise will possibly be authorized in 1995, as soon as the land based casino opens in New Orleans. Mr. Hinson stated however, that there are no guarantees on this state pay raise.
Col. Peter Sun reported that the North Polk School construction is 52% complete and is operating well under the budgeted plan. He told the Board that he will be reassigned to Ft. Monroe, VA on May 5, 1995.
Mr. Gunn reported that he has received calls from parents who are concerned about the national issue of block grants for funding of school lunch programs. He stated that free and reduced lunches are provided to approximately 60% of Vernon Parish students and that these meals will continue for students. President Smith stated that the Vernon Parish School Board will encourage the state legislature to continue to fund our present school lunch program.
Mr. Dowden stated that the recent MacDonald's sponsored Spelling Bee was a great success. The bee was held at Leesville High School on Saturday, February 26, 1995. On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to thank Mr. L.J. Langlois and the educational staff who supervised the bee.
Mr. Porter invited the Board and guests to attend the Sweet Sixteen Basketball tournament at 8:30 p.m. for the Anacoco Lady Indians game. Mr. B.R. Harvey stated that Pitkin Lady Tigers will be in the finals on Saturday, March 4, 1995 at 2:30 p.m.
On motion of Mrs. Williams, 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 convey their heartfelt sympathies to the family of Mrs. Norma Freeman, retired Vernon Parish teacher,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Freeman taught in Vernon Parish for ten years at Vernon Elementary. She was a dedicated educator and her love for children and her desire for each child to be fulfilled in all ways was exemplary.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board requests that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. Freeman's family along with sincere condolences from this Board.
On motion of Mr. Porter, 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 convey their heartfelt sympathies to Mr. and Mrs. Louis Massie, in the recent death of Mrs. Massie's mother, Mrs. Myrtle Hinson,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does hereby request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to the Massie and Hinson families in this time of bereavement along with sincere condolences from this Board.
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 take this means to express their heartfelt sympathies to Mrs. Louise Carroll, retired cook from Pitkin, in the recent death of her husband, Mr. Calvin Carroll,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does hereby request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. Carroll along with sincere condolences from this Board.
There being no further business, on motion of Mr. Arvil Harvey, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adjourn until Tuesday, March 7, 1995 at 5:00 p.m.
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MARK H. SMITH, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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SAMMYL.HINSON,SECRETARY