May 2, 1996

THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR  SESSION ON THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1996 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

WILLIS FARRIS, VICE PRESIDENT

RICHARD W. "DICKIE" BAILES

GERALD BURNS

ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR.

M. GENE HAYMON

C.A. HUGHES

KIM REESE

LINDA WEST

BETTY WESTERCHIL

PHILIP L. GUNN

W.W. PARKER

MURPHY O'BANION

B.R. HARVEY

BENARD MCKEE

COL. GEOF PROSCH

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

The meeting was opened in prayer by Mr. Murphy O'Banion, District Four.

The pledge of allegiance was led by Mr. Willis Farris, District Three.

On motion of Mr. Burns, seconded by Mr. Gunn, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of April 16, 1996.

On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by Mrs. Westerchil, the Board voted to accept the attached list of resignations:

ATTACHED

On motion of Mr. Gunn, seconded by Mrs. Reese, the Board voted to approve the attached sabbatical leave request: 

ATTACHED

At this time the Board and Superintendent recognized Vernon Parish students for their outstanding accomplishments in regional and state events.

On recommendation of Superintendent Hinson, and on motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by Mr. Bailes, the Board voted to terminate the employment of Mrs. Tina Wheeler as special education aide, South  Polk Elementary, for job abandonment and violation of the Drug Free Workplace Policy. 

(Statements attached)

Mr. Eugene Cavanaugh, Vernon Parish Tax Assessor, addressed the Board, reporting on the oil wells presently being drilled in Vernon Parish.  He stated that there are presently 9 operating rigs in the Parish and that revenues will greatly benefit our schools by way of tax revenues.

Mr. Roland Booty addressed the Board, reporting on the 1996 Summer Workshops for teachers presented by the central office supervisors.  He stated that 55 workshops will be offered to teachers at no cost.  He further stated that since the beginning of these programs in 1990 the attendance has increased and that out-of-parish teachers have requested to attend.  The response by teachers has been excellent.

On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by Mr. Gunn, the Board voted to accept the recommendation of Mr. Bill Endris, Director of Finance, on the option #2 for hospitalization premium increases which school employees voted by majority to choose.

(OPTIONS ATTACHED) OPTION #2 WAS SELECTED.

On motion of Mrs. Westerchil, seconded by Mr. Hughes, the Board voted to advertise for bids for a roofing contractor for West Leesville Elementary. Bids to be received June 11, 1996 at 5:00 p.m.

On motion of Mr. McKee, seconded by Mr. O'Banion, the Board voted to promulgate the election returns of Ward Seven Wardwide School District 13 mill tax renewal.

ATTACHED

On motion of Mr. McKee, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to thank all voters for the successful passage of the tax renewal election in Rosepine.

Superintendent Hinson reported on the emergency status of the auditorium at Leesville High School.  He stated that due to falling ceiling tile,  the auditorium has been closed for any use.  He further stated that due to this problem that he has contacted Mr. Asa Skinner, school board attorney, and according to Louisiana law relative to bidding and a declared extreme public emergency (R.S. 38:2212) that an emergency be announced by the Board.  On motion of Mrs. Reese, seconded by Mr. Bailes, the Board voted to declare a state of extreme public emergency at the Leesville High School auditorium due to falling ceiling tile and to abide by R.S. 38:2212.         

Dr.  Monk addressed the Board and reported on the school calendar that has been chosen by school employees.  (ATTACHED)

On motion of Mr. Gunn, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to approve the school calendar for 1996-97 (proposal #2).

ATTACHED

On recommendation of Superintendent Hinson, and on motion of Mr.  Haymon, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to congratulate the Leesville Mayor's Women's Commission for their efforts in winning the Louisiana Garden Club Federal District 8 Cleanest City Award and to thank all Vernon Parish Schools, employees, parents and students for their work in this beautification program.   Superintendent Hinson stated that Vernon Parish Schools played an important role in winning this contest.  The state contest winners will be named on May 10, 1996.           

Superintendent Hinson reminded the Board that the parish academic awards banquet will be May 10, 1996 at 6:30 p.m. at the fair grounds.

President Smith named the members of the Goals and Objectives Committee:

MR. HAYMON, CHAIRMAN

MR. FARRIS

MR. HARVEY

MS. WEST

MRS. WESTERCHIL

Mr. Haymon informed the Board that he will soon mail out forms for members to list their ideas for this committee to consider.

On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to salute and commend all Vernon Parish softball coaches for a great season this school year.  Mr. Harvey stated that the playoff games are under way and the Board wishes each team good luck in these games.

There being no further business, on motion of Mr. McKee, seconded by Mr. Harvey, the Board voted to adjourn until Tuesday, May 7, 1996 at 10:00 a.m.

__________________________________

MARK H. SMITH, PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

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SAMMY L. HINSON, SECRETARY