February 18, 1997
THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA, CONVENED IN SPECIAL SESSION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1997 AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE BOARD ROOM OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 201 BELVEIW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA 71446 PRESIDENT FARRIS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
WILLIS A. FARRIS, 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
COL. GEOFFREY PROSCH
ABSENT: ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR., FAMILY ILLNESS
There was also present Mr. Richard Schwartz, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Mr. Gene Haymon, District 1.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Mr. Gerald Burns, District 1.
Superintendent Schwartz read the following Call Notice:
ATTACHED
On motion of Mr. Burns, seconded by Mr. Hughes, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of February 6, 1997.
At this time the Leesville High School JROTC command group and their instructor, Col. Harry McCloud, gave an overview of the JROTC program at L.H.S.
The Superintendent and Board recognized the Leesville Junior High School 7th grade undefeated basketball team and Coach John Driscoll. Each member was presented a Superintendent's Certificate for their outstanding accomplishments.
Dr. Monk introduced the 1997 Louisiana School Recognition Awards. The Principals of the schools were presented certificates for scholastic growth accomplishments.
LISTS ATTACHED
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz, and on motion of Ms West, seconded by Mr. Parker, the Board voted to accept the attached list resignations:
ATTACHED
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz, and on motion of Mr. McKee, seconded by Mrs. Reese, the Board voted to approve the sabbatical leave request attached:
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On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz, and on motion of Mr. McKee, seconded by Mrs. Westerchil, the Board voted to name Patti Cupit as Acting Principal of Rosepine Elementary School, effective January 14, 1997 to June 30, 1997.
On recommendation of Mr. Bobby Moss, Purchasing Agent, and on motion of Mr. Haymon, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to accept the high bid of Lacamp Forest Products in the amount of $8,250.00 for the sale of timber at Simpson High School.
On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to express their appreciation to Union Pacific Resources and Mr. John Valenta for the donation of twelve computers and monitors, and four lap top computers to Pitkin High School. Mrs. Whitlock, Principal of Pitkin High School stated that the computers were placed in the elementary classrooms at Pitkin and that she and the teachers were very excited to have the equipment for the students.
Superintendent Schwartz reported that he had attended a meeting in the State Department and that the Special Session by the legislature has been postponed until after the regular session. He said that he was happy to report that they have included support personnel employees in the proposed state pay raise.
On motion of Mr. Haymon, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to express their support to Governor Mike Foster in his efforts to have the legislature renew the one cent grocery tax that will be dedicated to education.
Mr. Smith stated that on February 19, 1997 at 1:00 p.m. in the Cortina Club at Fort Polk, the House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee will meet with Fort Polk officials. This meeting is to make the Committee more informed about importance of the JRTC and Fort Polk. He stated also that this meeting may be a step farther in helping to secure the forestry land for extensive training for the JRTC. Mr. Smith encouraged all members to attend this meeting.
Col. Prosch announced that the JRTC and Fort Polk received the 1996 National Award for Environmental Excellence.
On motion of Mr. Gunn, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to congratulate Fort Polk and the JRTC for the natural resources award.
Mrs. Westerchil reported on the MFP Commission meeting attended by her, Superintendent Schwartz and Bill Endris in Baton Rouge. She stated that the Commission has postponed the lawsuit trial until after the regular session of the legislature. It was noted that Governor Foster has announced his support of full funding of the minimum foundation program.
Superintendent Schwartz announced that a public meeting will be held at Pickering High School Thursday, February 20, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the traffic situation on Highway 171 and the installation of a traffic light to be installed on the highway at the entrance of the Pickering Schools.
Superintendent Schwartz reminded the Board that the March 11th meeting will be the first quarterly meeting of 1997 and will begin at 5:00 p.m.
On motion of Mr. Murphy O'Banion, 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 send their condolences to Mrs. Bobbie Broomfield, lunchroom technician, at Pickering High School, in the recent death of her father, Mr. Hubert Fletcher,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does take this means to convey their sympathies to the Fletcher family and request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, 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 sympathies to Mr. Vernie Midkiff, custodian at Pickering Elementary School, in the recent death of his father, Mr. J.P. Cryer,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does send their condolences and requests that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mr. Midkiff and his family.
On motion of Mr. O'Banion, 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 send their condolences to the family of Mrs. Addie Mae Graham,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Graham was the aunt of Mrs. Linda Mitchell and Mrs. Kellie Labato, Secretaries at Pickering High school and the sister of Mrs. Woodrow Davis, and Mrs. Lonnie Jeane,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does take this means to express their heartfelt sympathies to the family of Mrs. Graham and also requests that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to the family.
On motion of Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. McKee, the Board voted to resolve itself into a claims committee and approve the claims.
On motion of Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Burns, the Board voted to authorize the President and Secretary to pay claims as approved by the claims committee.
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WILLIS A. FARRIS, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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RICHARD SCHWARTZ, SUPERINTENDENT