AUGUST 6, 1996
THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN SPECIAL SESSION TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 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 A. FARRIS, VICE PRESIDENT
RICHARD 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
MAJOR LASHER
There was also present Mr. Sammy L. Hinson, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Mr. Gene Haymon, District 1.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Ms Linda West, District 1.
On motion of Mr. Gunn, seconded by Mrs. Westerchil, the Board voted to accept the attached list of resignations:
ATTACHED
On motion of Mr. McKee, seconded by Ms. West, the Board voted to name the attached list of employees who were not previously named on the schools' lists:
ATTACHED
On motion of Mrs. Dowden, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to name the attached list of new teachers:
ATTACHED
On motion of Ms. West, seconded by Mrs. Reese, the Board voted to approve the attached sabbatical leave request:
ATTACHED
At this time the Board and Superintendent recognized Mrs. Johnnie Booty, teacher at East Leesville Elementary. Mrs. Booty received the Northwestern State University gifted teacher "Distinguished Teacher Award" that is awarded to a deserving teacher who is nominated by a student.
Mr. Gil Dupre, Foundation Heath Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Louisiana, addressed the Board relative to problems with the hospitalization insurance. After a discussion and hearing from Board members of specific problems, Mr. Dupre reported that Foundation Health is presently enlarging the staff in Baton Rouge to accommodate clients and that hopefully by the September, an 800-telephone number will be available and assigned for Vernon Parish School Board clients' use. He assured the Board the company is concentrating on the problems being experienced by Vernon Parish clients and that they are doing everything possible to alleviate them.
Major Lasher asked about the honors classes at Leesville High School. Dr. Monk assured Major Lasher that the honors program will continue, however, that due to enrollment decreases, there is a possibility that some classes may not be offered.
Mr. Farris inquired about recruitment efforts, especially in science, special education and math. He said that a math vacancy still exists at Evans. Dr. Monk and Superintendent Hinson addressed this issue, stating that every university job fair has been attended by this staff and that a certified math teacher had been interviewed by Dr. Monk, however, this teacher took another position out of parish. They stated that every effort is being made to recruit teachers.
Mr. Parker, Chairman of the Fund Raiser Committee, stated that the committee had met and that Mr. Schwartz would meet with the Principals relative to this issue to design fund raising plans that will be suitable to each school according to enrollment. Also, Mr. Parker stated that athletic fund raiser calendars are most profitable for a school, when they are printed in Vernon Parish.
Mrs. Westerchil, Chairman of the Curriculum Committee, stated that the committee has met, and they received a report from Mrs. Holt about school libraries. Mrs. Westerchil stated that Mrs. Holt is presently surveying the school librarians and will give a more detailed report after school is in session.
Superintendent Hinson announced that there will be a public meeting on September 5, 1996 at 9:00 a.m. for the purpose of reviewing the budget.
Superintendent Hinson reminded the Board to attend the Fall Teachers' Meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 1996 at 8:30 a.m., at Leesville High School. He asked that the members meet in Mr. Neubert's office at 8:15 a.m.
On motion of Mrs. Westerchil, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L T U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board learned with grief and sadness of the recent death of Mr. Bringier Barker, Second Vice President of the Louisiana School Boards Association and President of the Washington Parish School Board,
WHEREAS, Mr. Barker was a respected member of the state association and he will be sadly missed by his friends around the state,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the members request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. Juanita Barker and her family in this time of bereavement along with sincere condolences from the Vernon Parish School Board.
On motion of Mr. Burns, seconded by Mr. Dowden, the Board voted to resolve itself into a claims committee and approve the claims.
On motion of Mr. Parker, seconded by Mr. Bailes, the Board voted to authorize the President and Secretary to pay claims as approved by the claims committee
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MARK H. SMITH, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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SAMMY L. HINSON, SUPERINTENDENT