January 21, 1997
THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN SPECIAL SESSION ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1997, IN THE BOARD ROOM OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA PRESIDENT FARRIS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
WILLIS A. FARRIS, PRESIDENT
ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR., VICE PRESIDENT
RICHARD BAILES
GERALD BURNS
M. GENE HAYMON
C.A. HUGHES
KIM REESE
LINDA WEST
MARK H. SMITH
BETTY WESTERCHIL
PHILIP L. GUNN
W.W. PARKER
MURPHY O'BANION
B.R. HARVEY
BENARD MCKEE
MAJOR EVANS
There was also present Mr. Richard Schwartz, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Mr. Alvin C. Dowden, Jr., District 1.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Mr. C.A. Hughes, District 1.
Motion was made by Ms. West that the Board unanimously name and support Mr. Richard Schwartz as Superintendent of Vernon Parish Schools. The motion was seconded unanimously by the Board.
On motion of Mr. Gunn, seconded by Mr. Parker, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of January 9, 1997.
At this time Mr. Donnie Perkins, Vernon Parish Clerk of Court, was recognized by President Farris. Mr. Perkins asked that Mr. Schwartz come forward to take the oath of office as Superintendent of Vernon Parish Schools.
At this time the Superintendent and Board recognized the Pickering High School Football team and coaches as the Class 2A State Semi Finalists. Mr. Joe Pope introduced Coach Mark Anding. Each team member was presented a Superintendent's Certificate by Pickering school board member, Mr. O'Banion, for their outstanding accomplishments. Coach Mark Anding, head coach, was presented a plaque for his dedicated work for the students at Pickering High School and it was noted by Superintendent Schwartz that Coach Anding was selected as Coach of the Year in Class 2A.
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz, and on motion of Ms. West, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to accept the attached list of resignations:
ATTACHED
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz, and on motion of Mr. McKee, seconded by Mr. O'Banion, the Board voted to name the attached list of new employees:
ATTACHED
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz, and on motion of Mr. Gunn, seconded by Mr. Bailes, the Board voted to make the attached employee transfers:
ATTACHED
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz, and on motion of Mrs. Westerchil, seconded by Mr. Hughes, the Board voted to approve the attached leave requests:
ATTACHED
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz, and on motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to approve the attached Sabbatical Leave requests:
ATTACHED
At this time Superintendent Schwartz recommended that due to a situation involving Mr. Randy Dowden, maintenance crew member, he is hereby recommending that upon the advise of the District Attorney's office, that Mr. Dowden be suspended without pay after all of his accumulated leave has been used. On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by Mr. Haymon, the Board voted to accept the Superintendent's recommendation of a suspension without pay for Mr. Randy Dowden, after all accumulated leave has been used.
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz, and on motion of Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to name Mr. Roger Rolon as Assistant Principal for East Leesville Elementary.
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz, and on motion of Mr. Bailes, seconded by Mr. Haymon, the Board voted to increase the bus size of Lindy Todd's bus, #8, from a 60 passenger bus to a 65 passenger bus.
On motion of Mr. Burns, seconded by Ms. West, the Board voted to authorize Vernon Parish School Board Superintendent, Mr. Richard Schwartz, to sign and request all federal funding, P.L. 81-874 for the Vernon Parish School system.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by Mrs. Westerchil, the Board voted to name the Leesville Daily Leader as the official journal of the Vernon Parish School Board for 1997.
On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by Mr. Bailes, the Board voted to announce the school board meeting dates for 1997.
ATTACHED
On motion of Mr. Bailes, seconded by Ms. West, the Board voted to advertise for the sale of specified timber located at Simpson (approximately 5 acres).
Bids to be received February 6, 1997.
Superintendent Schwartz stated that all school board members are invited to the Chamber of Commerce banquet on February 6th.
Members were also reminded that the Louisiana School Boards Association convention will be held in Lafayette February 27, 28 and March 1.
Members were invited to the Vernon Parish Quiz Bowl on January 30, 1997 at Leesivlle High School. All Vernon Parish high schools will compete for the Parish title.
Superintendent Schwartz reported that Reba Clemons, Pickering Elementary student has been selected as a Student of the Year finalists by the Louisiana School Boards Association and she will be honored along with the other state finalists at the convention in February.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, seconded by the entire Board, the Board voted to send their congratulations to Miss Reba Clemons on her outstanding accomplishments and to send her good luck wishes as she attends the LSBA convention in Lafayette.
President Farris announced that the 13 mill maintenance renewal election held on January 18, 1997 was successful in passing at almost a 4 to 1 ratio.
On motion of Mr. Dowden, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to thank the voters of Ward 3 for their support of the Evans School.
On motion of Mr. Parker, 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. Larry Gaskin, retired teacher at Anacoco School, in the recent death of his father, Mr. Clarence Gaskin who was a great supporter of this school system,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mr. Gaskin and his family along with sincere condolences from this Board.
President Farris asked that a memorial resolution be made for Mrs. Maude Erwin Dowden.
On motion of Mr. Parker, 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. Maude Erwin Dowden. Mrs. Dowden was the wife of Mr. W.F. Dowden, Jr., school board member of Ward Three, and she also served as Ward Three school board member. Mrs. Dowden served as school board member after Mr. Dowden's death. Mrs. Dowden was respected and loved by fellow school board members.
WHEREAS, Mrs. Dowden was a loving and caring person and she was a great supporter of this school system, and she will be sadly missed by her friends and family.
THEREFORE BE RESOLVED, that the Board does request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. Dowden's family along with sincere condolences from the Vernon Parish School Board.
On motion of Mr. Gene Haymon, 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. Russell Rowzee and his family in the recent death of his wife, Jackie Rowzee.
WHEREAS, was a former cook in the Vernon Parish School System, and she was a loyal and dedicated employee. She will be sadly missed by her friends and family.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mr. Rowzee and his family in this time of bereavement and ask that their sincere condolences be sent also.
On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by the entire 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 sympathies to Mr. Larry Rivers, National Commander of the VFW, in the recent death of his father, Mr. Woodrow Rivers, of Pitkin. Mr. Rivers was a great supporter of the schools in Vernon Parish.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mr. Rivers and his family in this time of sadness.
On motion of Mr. Murphy O'Banion, seconded by the entire 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 deepest sympathies to Mr. Troy Hines in the recent death of his wife, Mrs. Marie Hines, former aide at Pickering High School. Mrs. Hines was a loyal employee and she was loved by her school family and will be sadly missed.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does wish to convey their condolences to Mr. Hines and his family and request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to him.
On motion of Mr. Murphy O'Banion, seconded by the entire Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Vernon Parish School Board records with grief and sadness the recent death of Mrs. Betty Arthur. Mrs. Arthur was a former secretary at Pickering High School,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Arthur was a loyal employee and she was loved by her school family and she will be sadly missed,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does take this time to send their condolences to Mr. Bobby Arthur and his children in this time of bereavement.
On motion of Mr. Benard McKee, seconded by the entire Vernon Parish School 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 sorrows to Mrs. Sandra McCarty, teacher at Rosepine Elementary, in the recent death of her husband, Mr. Johnny McCarty,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does take this means to express their condolences to Mrs. McCarty and her family in this time of sadness and also request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her and her family.
On motion of Mr. Alvin C. Dowden, Jr., seconded by the entire 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 send their sincere condolences to Mrs. Margaret Rachal, teacher at Leesville High School for more than thirty-one years, in the recent death of her husband, Mr. Richard Rachal, retired Training Officer from the Leesville Developmental Center,
WHEREAS, Mr. Rachal was a great supporter of the Vernon Parish School System and he will be sadly missed by this family and friends,
WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Rachal have been residents of the Leesivlle Community for many years and their children, Richard, Robert and Lynn graduated from Leesville High School,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does wish to convey their sympathies to Mrs. Rachal and her family in this time of sadness and request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her and her children.
President Farris informed the members that a 1996 Committee list was in each folder and ask that members review and make him aware of any changes requested. The 1997 Committees will be named February 6, 1997.
Mr. Dowden requested that Lester Kees, school board attorney, review any liens against Lindal, Inc. in relation to the Simpson library construction project.
Ms. West inquired about a the state pay raise given to teachers in 1996 and an amount possibly owed to them. Mr. Endris, Director of Finance, stated that at the time the state estimated that teachers would receive approximately $1,155.00. Vernon Parish teachers were paid $1,000.00 and any additional funds owed to teachers will not be known until the state funding is announced. Mr. Endris further said that as soon as the state reports are sent to Vernon Parish he will notify the Board.
Mr. O'Banion inquired about the pay of Curriculum Directors. He stated that all Curriculum Directors should be paid the same amount.
Superintendent Schwartz asked that this matter be referred to the Salary Committee.
On motion of Mr. Parker, seconded by Mr. Haymon, the Board voted to refer the question on the salary of Curriculum Directors to the Salary Committee.
PRESENT MEMBERS ARE:
B.R. HARVEY, CHAIRMAN
GERALD BURNS
C.A. HUGHES
LINDA WEST
PHILIP GUNN
ALVIN C. DOWDEN
On motion of Mrs. Westerchil, seconded by Mr. Smith, the Board voted to resolve itself into a claims committee and approve the claims.
On motion of Mr. Burns, seconded by Mrs. Reese, 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. Parker, the Board voted to adjourn.
________________________________
WILLIS A. FARRIS, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
_________________________________
RICHARD SCHWARTZ, SECRETARY