November 7, 1995
THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN SPECIAL SESSION ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 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 H. SMITH, PRESIDENT
T.B. PORTER, VICE PRESIDENT
GERALD BURNS
ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR.
PHILIP L. GUNN
BETTY WESTERCHIL
CAROLYN WILLIAMS
ARVIL HARVEY
MURPHY O'BANION
B.R. HARVEY
BENARD MCKEE
ABSENT: WALLACE MCRAE
There was also present Mr. Sammy L. Hinson, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Mr. B.R. Harvey, Ward Five.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Mr. Murphy O'Banion, Ward Four.
Superintendent Hinson read the attached call notice:
ATTACHED
On motion of Mr. Burns, seconded by Mr. Porter, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of November 2, 1995.
At this time Superintendent Hinson welcomed the visitors who were in attendance concerning the situation at Pickering High School. He addressed the situation regarding the recent Louisiana High School Athletic Association sanctions against the football program due to an ineligible player for the 1995-96 season. Superintendent Hinson asked Asa Skinner, school board attorney, to inform the Board of options in this situation. Mr. Skinner stated that the parish District Attorney's office would recommend that any investigation be turned over to the Louisiana State Police, the Vernon Parish Sheriff's department or the Attorney General's office. Mr. Skinner stated that in his opinion the Attorney General's office would be the best route to take in that they are equipped in these types of situations. He stated that the Attorney General's office would report any findings directly to the Board. Superintendent Hinson stated that he recommended, under these circumstances, that the Attorney General's office be requested to conduct the investigation.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. Dowden, the Board voted to request that the Attorney General of Louisiana investigate the recent allegations of wrong doings regarding the Pickering High School football program which resulted in sanctions placed by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association.
Mr. Hinson stated that the Board would hear from a spokesman for the group, however, factual information concerning any Vernon Parish personnel could not be discussed. Mr. Sam Briggs, parent of a football player, addressed the Board. Mr. Briggs read a resolution from the parent group asking for a full investigation of the ineligible player on the Pickering High School football team.
Other concerned parents addressed the Board.
Board members expressed their concerns that this matter be dealt with as quickly as possible and that the factual information is obtained.
Mr. O'Banion, Ward Four, Pickering School Board member, asked that the students return to school and that the citizens and parents give the Board and Attorney General's office the necessary time to investigate this situation.
Superintendent Hinson stated that anyone who wished to speak to the Attorney General's office about this matter should see Dr. Larry Monk and place their names on a list to be sent to the Attorney General's office.
On motion of Mrs. Westerchil, seconded by Mr. Dowden, the Board voted to advertise for a Principal for West Leesville Elementary for a one year contract. Applications will be received until November 29, 1995, at 4:30 p.m.
Mrs. Penny Williams and Mrs. Barbara Cart, teachers of nursing at Leesville High School, addressed the Board relative to Job Shadowing and health occupation classes. The teachers related that students throughout the parish are encouraged to enroll in these classes.
On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by Mr. O'Banion, the Board voted to authorize and direct the Recorder of Mortgages of Vernon Parish, Louisiana to identify as canceled the following claims of Vernon Parish School Districts in that both encumbrances have prescribed:
"The Gravel Hill School District #53 filed an affidavit with respect that there are due on bonds issued by the district an amount of $3,800.00 principal and $468.00 interest."
"The Pitkin High School district, #87 filed an affidavit with respect that there are due on bonds issued by the district an amount of $69,000.00 principal and $49,980.00 interest."
Mr. James Ward, Administrator of Support Services, addressed the Board and reported that previously the Board had authorized the advertisement of school board owned land for oil leases through the Louisiana Mineral Board. Mr. Ward explained that the Louisiana Mineral Board has notified him that they require $200.00 per block of land in an advertisement of oil lease lands. On motion of Mr. McKee, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to authorize the Louisiana Mineral Board to advertise and lease school board properties at a cost of $200.00 per block (seven blocks) for oil lease purposes.
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 Margaret Smith, retired teacher of the Vernon Parish School System,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith was a loving and dedicated educator in this school system, serving as librarian at Leesville High School. Her kindnesses and love for children will always be remembered and her gentle and kind manner will live long in the memories of her family and friends.
WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith was the mother of Mr. George Smith, former teacher, and Mr. Chris Smith, City Judge of Leesville, and mother-in-law of Mrs. Jeri Smith and Mrs. Shirley Smith, both former teachers of Vernon Parish Schools.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. Smith's family along with sincere condolences from this Board.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to resolve itself into a claims committee and approve the claims.
On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by Mrs. Westerchil, the Board voted to authorize the President and Secretary to pay claims as approved by the claims committee.
On motion of Mr. McKee, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to adjourn.
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MARK H. SMITH, PRESIDENT
VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
ATTEST:
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SAMMY L. HINSON, SUPERINTENDENT
VERNON PARISH SCHOOLS