June 5, 1997
THE PARISH BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION JUNE 5, 1997 AT 10:00 A.M., AT 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA. PRESIDENT FARRIS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
WILLIS FARRIS, PRESIDENT
ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR., VICE PRESIDENT
RICHARD W. "DICKIE" BAILES
GERALD BURNS
M. GENE HAYMON
C.A. HUGHES
LINDA WEST
MARK SMITH
BETTY WESTERCHIL
PHILIP L. GUNN
W.W. PARKER
B.R. HARVEY
BENARD MCKEE
MURPHY O'BANION
COL. STEPHEN SHAMBACH
ABSENT: KIM REESE, FAMILY OBLIGATIONS
There was also present Richard Schwartz, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Mr. B.R. Harvey
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Murphy O'Banion
Superintendent Schwartz welcomed Colonel Stephen Shambach as Fort Polk's representative to the Board.
On motion of Mr. Gerald Burns, seconded by Mr. Mark Smith, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of May 6, 1997.
Superintendent Schwartz called on Mrs. Brenda Bealer, Director of Head Start, who recognized outstanding Head Start Parent Volunteers. Mrs. Bealer and Mrs. Alice Grimes presented certificates of appreciation to Policy Council President, Alyssia Hardin, Vice President, Diana Dennis, and top volunteers, Shirley Paddy, Kelly Strickland, Tammy Wyatt, Lana Thompson, and Missy Crittenden.
Mr. Roland Booty, Elementary Curriculum Coordinator reported a very successful LEEP camp. He recognized Ms. Sandy Briscoe, Program Coordinator and Ms. Tamara Fletcher, Program Director for their outstanding contributions to the success of the camp and announced that Ms. Briscoe and Mrs. Fletcher will continue to coordinate and organize next year's LEEP camp.
Superintendent Schwartz welcomed Mr. Lonnie Bewley, the Board's bonding attorney, who discussed the possibility of refinancing some old bond issues.
On motion of Ms. Linda West, seconded by Mr. Gene Haymon, the Board voted to refer the information provided by Mr. Bewley to the Finance Committee for study.
Superintendent Schwartz asked Mr. Lester Kees, Board Attorney to discuss the Simpson School Library issue.
On motion of Mr. Alvin C. Dowden, seconded by Mr. Gerald Burns, the Board voted to enter into executive session for a period of 15 minutes to discuss pending litigations.
Parliamentarian Dowden announced that Executive Session would be from 10:38 a.m. to 10:53 a.m.
On motion of Mr. Philip Gunn, seconded by Mr. Benard McKee, the Board voted to come out of executive session and resume order.
Parliamentarian Dowden announced the time was 10:53 a.m.
At this time Dr. Larry Monk, Assistant Superintendent, discussed the review of the Personnel Evaluation Plan and reported no changes.
On recommendation of Dr. Larry Monk and on motion of Mr. Benard McKee, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to adopt the Personnel Evaluation Plan.
Dr. Larry Monk at this time reported that the Pupil Progression Plan had been reviewed by the Pupil Progression Plan Committee which is made up of teachers, counselors, school administrators and central office administrators. Dr. Monk will provide the Board with a draft of changes recommended by the committee for the Board's consideration and approval at a later date.
Mr. Joe Pope, Secondary Curriculum Coordinator, reported on LEAP and CAT scores and presented copies of the results to the Board. Vernon Parish still remains the overall leader relative to the surrounding parishes and the state. CAT scores are 20 points above the national average.
ATTACHMENT
Mr. Jackie Self discussed bus safety information which he had obtained. He reported that all buses had been checked and the few which do not meet specifications will be fixed or repaired this summer.
Mr. Mike Perkins, Supervisor, discussed a proposed energy conservation plan. He reported he had consulted Dr. Debra Davis, Energy Specialist from LSU Extension Service and asked her to with him, Superintendent Schwartz, Mr. Ricky Kay, Mr. Jackie Self, and Mr. Bill Endris to discuss methods of saving energy. Dr. Davis recommended a shut-down policy for all schools in the summer. The Board was given copies of the proposed plan. Mr. Perkins reported that plans are to meet this summer for further study of year around energy conservation.
On recommendation of Mr. Mike Perkins, and on motion of Mr. Gene Haymon, seconded by Mr. Gerald Burns, the Board voted to adopt the recommended summer shut-down policy proposed by Dr. Davis..
At this time, Superintendent Schwartz asked Mr. Mike Perkins to present information he had obtained concerning a land lease for oil exploration. Mr. Perkins reported that Sonat had completed a five year lease at $2.00 an acre for that purpose and that the lease has been extended for another five year period.
Mr. Perkins asked the Board to adopt a resolution in support of the State of Louisiana's position in appealing the action by the Bureau of Land Management.
On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the attached resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the Vernon Parish School Board that Sonat Exploration Corporation and Union pacific Resources have requested the Bureau of Land Management to extend their existing mineral leases on approximately 50,000 acres of Kisatchie National Forest land in Vernon Parish without subjecting the leases to open competitive bidding; and,
WHEREAS, making these lands available for open competitive bidding during this time of aggressive oil exploration in Central Louisiana could result in an increase of revenue to the Bureau of Land Management in lease bonus values and oil and gas production royalties; and,
WHEREAS, the funds raised from the lease sale would benefit the parishes in which Kisatchie National Forest is located through school improvements and road maintenance;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Vernon Parish School Board adopts this resolution to support the leasing of mineral rights in Kisatchie National Forest by public bid and to request our Congressional Delegation to contact the Bureau of Land Management on behalf of the Central Louisiana Parishes.
On motion of Mr. C.A. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Murphy O'Banion, the Board voted to approve the attached list of new employees.
ATTACHMENT
On motion of Mr. Dickie Bailes, seconded by Mr. C.A. Hughes, the Board voted to approve the attached list of employee resignations.
ATTACHMENT
On motion of Mr. W.W. Parker, seconded by Mr. Murphy O'Banion, the Board voted to approve the attached list of employee transfers.
ATTACHMENT
On motion of Mr. Philip Gunn, seconded by Mr. Alvin C. Dowden, the Board voted to approve the attached employee termination.
On motion of Mr. Murphy O'Banion, seconded by Mr. Benard McKee, the Board voted to approve Mrs. Tanya Nicole's request for sabbatical leave as attached.
ATTACHMENT
On motion of Mr. Alvin C. Dowden, seconded by Mrs. Betty Westerchil, the Board voted to approve the sabbatical leave requests of Ms. Dorene Cooke, Mrs. Mickie Seastrunk, and Mrs. Verna Jones as attached.
ATTACHMENT
On motion of Mr. Murphy O'Banion, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to approve the attached request to have a portion of the previously approved sabbatical leave of Ms. Carol Cox rescinded.
ATTACHMENT
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of Ms. Linda West, seconded by Mr. C.A. Hughes, the Board voted to name Mr. Billy Culbreath, Assistant Principal at Rosepine High School, as principal at Simpson High School.
On motion of Mr. Philip Gunn, seconded by Mrs. Betty Westerchil, the Board voted to advertise for bids for milk and juice for the 1997-98 school year.
On motion of Mr. Gerald Burns, seconded by Mr. Alvin C. Dowden, the Board voted to advertise for bids for bread for the 1997-98 school year.
On recommendation of Mr. Bobby Moss, Purchasing Agent, and on motion of Mr. C.A. Hughes, seconded by Ms. Linda West, the Board voted to accept the bids for General Supplies as attached.
ATTACHMENT
On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Philip Gunn, the Board voted to open bids for garbage collection. List of bids as follows:
BIDDER ONE YEAR TWO YEARS
Enviroclean Systems $ 8,312.36 $ 7,785.74
J. Rax Disposal Service 10,574.00 10,574.00
Shammerhorn Backhoe and Trucking 13,294.05 8,502.05
Waste Management 12,688.01 12,083.79
On recommendation of Mr. Bobby Moss and on motion of Mr. Murphy O'Banion, seconded by Mr. W.W. Parker, the Board voted to take the bids for garbage collection under advisement.
On motion of Mr. Gerald Burns, seconded by Mr. C.A. Hughes, the Board voted to open bids for the Leesville High School metal reroofing. Only one bid was received as follows:
BIDDER BASE BID
Arrow Head Contractors, Inc. $82,100
On motion of Mr. Mark Smith, seconded by Mrs. Betty Westerchil, the Board voted to take the bids for the Leesville High School metal reroofing under advisement
On motion of Mr. W.W. Parker, seconded by Mr. Murphy O'Banion, the Board voted to open bids for a metal cat-walk for Anacoco School. The following bids were received:
BIDDER AMOUNT
Custom Metal and Siding $ 3,921.00
McElroy Metal Mill, Inc. 3,298.40
Steel Building Supply, Inc. 3,763.10
Southern Structure 3,966.95
On motion of Mr. W.W. Parker, seconded by Mr. Philip Gunn, the Board voted to take the bids for a metal cat-walk for Anacoco School under advisement.
At this time Superintendent Schwartz offered for the Board's attention and consideration a proposal for Central Office and Maintenance employees as attached.
ATTACHMENT
A motion was made by Mr. B.R. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Murphy O'Banion to accept the Central Office/Maintenance Proposal.
A motion by Mr. C.A. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Philip Gunn, requested that an amendment to the proposal be made to not eliminate the position of Teacher Coordinator. Roll call vote was taken.
YEA NAY
RICHARD BAILES X
GERALD BURNS X
ALVIN C. DOWDEN X
GENE HAYMON X
C.A. HUGHES X
LINDA WEST X
BETTY WESTERCHIL X
MARK SMITH X
W.W. PARKER X
WILLIS FARRIS X
MURPHY O'BANION X
B.R. HARVEY X
PHILIP GUNN X
BENARD MCKEE X
The motion for the amendment did not pass.
A motion by Mr. W.W. Parker, seconded by Mr. C.A. Hughes, called for an amendment to vote separately on Items 1, 2, and 3 on the Central Office/Maintenance Proposal. A roll call vote was taken as follows:
YEA NAY
RICHARD BAILES X
GERALD BURNS X
ALVIN C. DOWDEN X
GENE HAYMON X
C.A. HUGHES X
LINDA WEST X
BETTY WESTERCHIL X
MARK SMITH X
W.W. PARKER X
WILLIS FARRIS X
MURPHY O'BANION X
B.R. HARVEY X
PHILIP GUNN X
BENARD MCKEE X
The motion for the amendment did not pass.
A motion by Mrs. Betty Westerchil, seconded by Mr. Philip Gunn to table the Central Office/Maintenance Proposal, was decided by a roll call vote.
YEA NAY
RICHARD BAILES X
GERALD BURNS X
ALVIN C. DOWDEN X
GENE HAYMON X
C.A. HUGHES X
LINDA WEST X
BETTY WESTERCHIL X
MARK SMITH X
W.W. PARKER X
WILLIS FARRIS X
MURPHY O'BANION X
B.R. HARVEY X
PHILIP GUNN X
BENARD MCKEE X
The motion to table the proposal did not pass.
A roll call vote was taken on the Central Office/Maintenance Proposal. (attached)
YEA NAY
RICHARD BAILES X
GERALD BURNS X
ALVIN C. DOWDEN X
GENE HAYMON X
C.A. HUGHES X
LINDA WEST X
BETTY WESTERCHIL X
MARK SMITH X
W.W. PARKER X
WILLIS FARRIS X
MURPHY O'BANION X
B.R. HARVEY X
PHILIP GUNN X
BENARD MCKEE X
The proposal passed.
On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, 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 Vernon Parish School Board learned with great sadness of the death Mr. Thomas Coswell Smith of Pitkin who recently passed away, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith was the husband of Mrs. Dorothy Smith, a retired custodian at Pitkin High School,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this memorial resolution be adopted and a copy be sent to Mrs. Smith and her family along with sincere condolences from this Board.
On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, 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 Vernon Parish School Board learned with great sorrow of the recent death of Mr. Bruce Thompson of Pitkin,
WHEREAS, Mr. Thompson was the son of Mr. James Thompson, a custodian at Pitkin High School,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board requests that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mr. and Mrs. James Thompson and their family, along with its sincere condolences during their time of sorrow.
On motion of Mr. B.R. Harvey, 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 Vernon Parish School Board does wish to send its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Wayne Deason in the recent death of his mother, Mrs. Gertha Lea Deason, a former cook at Pitkin School,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Deason was a loyal employee and great supporter of this school system,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does adopt this memorial resolution and requests that a copy be sent to Mrs. Deason's family.
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 Vernon Parish School Board was learned with great sadness of the death of Mr. William Ray Jeane who recently passed away,
WHEREAS, Mr. Jeane was the father of Sandy Bryant and Carol Jeane, bus operators for Pickering Schools,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does take this time to send its condolences to Mr. Jeane's family in this time of bereavement.
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 Vernon Parish School Board records with grief and sadness the recent death of Mrs. Ava Murray. Mrs. Murray was a retired cook at the Pickering High School.
WHEREAS, Mrs. Murray was a loyal and dedicated employee and was loved by her school family.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board does take this time to send its condolences to Mr. A.L. Murray and family in this time of bereavement.
There being no further business, on motion of Mr. Benard McKee, seconded by Mr. B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to adjourn.
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WILLIS FARRIS, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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RICHARD SCHWARTZ, SUPERINTENDENT