November 18, 1997
THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN SPECIAL SESSION NOVEMBER 18, 1997, AT 10:00 A.M., AT PITKIN HIGH SCHOOL, PITKIN, LA. PRESIDENT FARRIS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
WILLIS FARRIS, PRESIDENT
RICHARD W. BAILES
M. GENE HAYMON
C.A. HUGHES
KIM REESE
BETTY WESTERCHIL
W.W. PARKER
MURPHY O'BANION
B.R. HARVEY
PHILIP L. GUNN
BENARD MCKEE
COL. STEPHEN SHAMBACH
ABSENT: ALVIN C. DOWDEN, COURT OBLIGATIONS
GERALD BURNS, APPOINTMENT
LINDA WEST, OUT OF TOWN APPOINTMENT
MARK SMITH, OUT OF TOWN APPOINTMENT
There was also present Richard Schwartz, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Philip Gunn.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Betty Westerchil.
On motion of Philip Gunn, seconded by Murphy O'Banion, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of November 6, 1997
Mrs. Sandra Whitlock, Pitkin High School Principal, welcomed the Board. Mr. Farris thanked Mrs. Whitlock for the invitation to meet at Pitkin High School and commended the principal and the school for their interest and involvement in the functions of the Vernon Parish School Board.
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of C.A. Hughes, seconded by Betty Westerchil, the Board voted to approve employee resignations.
ATTACHMENT
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of Philip Gunn, seconded by W.W. Parker, the Board voted to approve employee sabbatical leave requests.
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On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of Richard W. Bailes, seconded by Murphy O'Banion, the Board voted to approve employee transfers.
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At this time Kem Villejoin, Home Economist addressed the Board concerning the Vernon Parish 4-H Christmas tree collection program. Two Rosepine High School students, Loren Martin and Lena Lambert demonstrated how used Christmas trees are used to construct Christmas tree brush fences which are used in Louisiana wetlands in an effort to prevent erosion.
On motion of Philip Gunn, seconded by the Board the Board voted to adopt the following resolution commending Vernon Parish 4-H students and administration:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Vernon Parish School Board recognizes the significance of the 4-H program in its schools; and,
WHEREAS, the dedication and time devoted by the program's administrators to selecting and instituting innovative activities in the interest of students is evidenced by the success of the program; and,
WHEREAS, the students of Vernon Parish schools benefit greatly from their involvement in the many worthwhile activities and projects offered by the 4-H program;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does, hereby, adopt this resolution in appreciation of the administrators and student members of the Vernon Parish 4-H program.
On motion of W.W. Parker, seconded by C.A. Hughes, the Board voted to adopt the following resolution authorizing the superintendent to sign a required Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist form:
R E S O L U T I O N
BE IT RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board on November 18, 1997, adopted a resolution authorizing Superintendent Richard Schwartz to sign the required Louisiana Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist form reflecting a selection of lower limits of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist than Liability Coverage. This selection is applicable to the Commercial Automobile Insurance Coverage for the period 8/1/98 as presented.
On motion of Gene Haymon, seconded by Philip Gunn, the Board voted to remove from the table and approve a request for a jury trial.
On motion of Murphy O'Banion, seconded by W.W. Parker, the Board voted to reject all bids on Pickering light fixtures.
In other business, Superintendent Schwartz explained to the Board a new concept in newspaper reporting by all schools of school news. All schools will send news and pictures to a centralized location to be sent to the newspaper for publication. Mrs. Sharon Hardwick will be responsible for the collection and reporting for all schools.
Also, Superintendent Schwartz discussed the annual report on teacher salary schedules for each school system in Louisiana. Vernon Parish presently ranks 30th out of 66 school systems in teacher salary for a bachelor's degree with no experience.
On motion of W.W. 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 wish to convey their heartfelt sympathies to Mrs. Linda Cryer, Central Office bookkeeper, in the recent death of her mother, Mrs. Lucille Ellis. Mrs. Ellis was also the grandmother of Mrs. Janet Farris, secretary at North Polk Elementary School, and grandmother-in-law of Mr. John Farris, assistant principal at Evans High School; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Ellis was a loving and caring person and she will be sadly missed by her family and friends;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does request that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. Cryer and Mr. and Mrs. Farris, along with sincere condolences to the entire family.
On motion of Benard McKee, 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 wish to convey their deepest sympathies to Mr. Bill Loftin, of Rosepine, in the recent death of his son, Terrell Loftin; and,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board does take this means to express its condolences to Mr. Loftin and his family in this time of bereavement and also requests that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to the family.
On motion of Benard McKee, 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. Viola Atteberry, a retired teacher at Rosepine Elementary School;
WHEREAS, Mrs. Atteberry was a loyal employee who was dedicated to her profession and she will be sadly missed by her family and friends;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does take this time to send its condolences to Mrs. Atteberry's family at this time of bereavement.
On motion of B.R. Harvey, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board appreciate Principal Sandra Whitlock, the faculty, staff, and student body of Pitkin High School for extending an invitation to the Board to hold its November 18, 1997 meeting at their school; and,
WHEREAS, the student body was well groomed, cordial, well-mannered and respectful.The faculty and staff presented a professional and helpful attitude and a willingness to assist and inform; and,
WHEREAS, the general appearance of the entire facility and grounds is attractive and well kept;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does, hereby, adopt this resolution commending and congratulating Mrs. Whitlock, and the Pitkin High School faculty, staff and students for their outstanding school.
On motion of B.R. Harvey, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Vernon Parish School Board wishes to express its appreciation to the administration and staff of Union Pacific Resources, Masters Creek Gas Plant for the invitation to tour their facilities; and,
WHEREAS, the office staff was cordial and eager to assist in the tour and inform the Board of the plant's operations. The mealtime offered an excellent opportunity for further discussion and visitation, and the delicious food provided by the staff was appreciated; and,
WHEREAS, the Masters Creek Plant's contributions to the growth and economic development of the local community are numerous;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board takes this opportunity to express its gratitude to Union Pacific Resources for an informative, interesting, and enjoyable tour and for its contributions to the community.
There being no further business, on motion of Benard McKee, seconded by Murphy O'Banion, the Board voted to adjourn.
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WILLIS A. FARRIS, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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RICHARD SCHWARTZ, SUPERINTENDENT