March 2, 1998
THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF VERNON PARISH, LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION, MARCH 2, 1998, AT 10:00 A.M., AT 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA. PRESIDENT DOWDEN CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL, THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR. PRESIDENT
W.W. PARKER, VICE PRESIDENT
RICHARD W. BAILES
GERALD BURNS
M. GENE HAYMON
C.A. HUGHES
KIM REESE
MARK SMITH
LINDA WEST
BETTY WESTERCHIL
WILLIS A. FARRIS
MURPHY O'BANION
B.R. HARVEY
PHILIP L. GUNN
BENARD MCKEE
MAJOR BILL JUMP
There was also present Richard Schwartz, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Willis Farris.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Gerald Burns.
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of W. W. Parker, seconded by C.A. Hughes the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of February 10, 1998.
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of Murphy O'Banion, seconded by Willis Farris, the Board voted to approve the resignation of Brandi Brown, teacher's aide at Pickering High School.
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of Philip Gunn, seconded by Kim Reese, the Board voted to approve Mrs. Christine Hinson's request for a sabbatical leave for rest and recuperation for the 1998-99 school year.
Superintendent Schwartz called on Mr. Jimmy Funderburk, Supervisor, who recognized Leesville High School's Quiz Bowl Team members and sponsor, Mrs. Michelle Farley. The team won first place in the parish competition held at Leesville High School on February 12, 1998. The team will next compete in Regional Quiz Bowl which is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 1998, at Bolton High School in Alexandria.
On motion of Mark Smith, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following resolution commending Jimmy Funderburk and all others who participated in the success of the Quiz Bowl.
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to commend and congratulate all of those who worked tirelessly in the planning and preparation for the Vernon Parish Quiz Bowl; and,
WHEREAS, these concecrated and focused efforts have been rewarded by the success of the 1998 Quiz Bowl competition;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board does hereby request that special appreciation be acknowledged to each individual involved in the 1998 Quiz Bowl activities, for the many hours of dedicated and professional service rendered.
At this time, Superintendent Schwartz welcomed Eugene Cavanaugh, Vernon Parish Tax Assessor and asked him to discuss gas and oil revenues. Mr. Cavanaugh explained that gas and oil taxes were on the increase at this time, however, he cautioned that there was no guarantee that taxes would stay at the present level and could be expected to decrease over a period of time.
On motion of Benard McKee, seconded by Murphy O'Banion, the Board voted to advertise for bids for air conditioning equipment at Rosepine Elementary School.
On motion of W.W. Farris, seconded by Willis Farris, the Board voted to advertise for bids for the sale of timber at Anacoco.
In other business, Superintendent Schwartz, announced that the calendar committee had met for the purpose of establishing the 1998-99 school calendar. Two proposals have been presented to be voted on by all employees. The votes will be tallied and the results announced in April.
Superintendent Schwartz provided, for the Board's information and future consideration, copies of a proposal from WorldNet offering a management plan for technology in our school system.
On motion of W.W. Parker, Gene Haymon, Gerald Burns, and Linda West, 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 record with great grief and sorrow the recent death of Miss Joy Sullivan, a senior at Anacoco High School and the daughter of Anacoco High School's choral director, Mrs. Shirley Sullivan; and,
WHEREAS, Joy was an exceptional young lady who excelled in every area of her education. She was loved and respected by everyone who knew her and she will be remembered for her spirit, her enthusiasm, and her genuine love of life and humankind;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does adopt this memorial resolution and requests that a copy be sent to Dr. and Mrs. Roger Sullivan and their family along with its deepest sympathies in their time of sorrow.
On motion of Mark Smith, 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 wishes to convey its deepest sympathies to Mrs. Betty Sewell, former dietician in Vernon Parish School's Food Service department, in the death of her husband, Mr. John Sewell, who recently passed away; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Sewell, a former director of the Leesville State School, was a great supporter of our school system and he will be sadly missed by his family and friends;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the members of Vernon Parish School Board do, hereby, adopt this memorial resolution and request that a copy be sent to Mrs. Sewell and her family.
On motion of Willis Farris, 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 wishes to convey its sympathies to the family of Mrs. Opal Fontenot, who recently passed away; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Fontenot was the wife of Mr. James B. Fontenot, Ward Three Police Juror. She was a well-respected member of her community and she will be sadly missed by her family and friends;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board adopts this memorial resolution and requests that a copy be sent to Mr. Fontenot and his family in this time of bereavement.
On motion of Betty Westerchil, 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 wishes to express its sincere condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Mark Koury, of Leesville, in the recent death of their daughter, Jordan Lea Koury; and,
WHEREAS, Jordan Lea was the great niece of Mrs. Liz Cordova, Principal at West Leesville Elementary School, and also the great niece of Mr. Ricky Kay, Maintenance Supervisor for Vernon Parish Schools;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Board does, hereby, adopt this memorial resolution and requests that a copy be sent to Mr. and Mrs. Koury in this time of sorrow.
On motion of Richard Bailes, 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 wishes to convey its condolences to Mr. Joe Duke, custodian at Leesville Jr. High School, in the recent death of his father, Mr. J.H. Duke, of Kurthwood, LA; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Duke was a longtime member of his community and he will be sadly missed by his family and friends;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does, hereby, adopt this memorial resolution and requests that a copy be sent to Mr. Joe Duke and his family in this time of bereavement.
There being no further business, on motion of Philip Gunn, seconded by Betty Westerchil, the Board voted to adjourn.
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ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR., PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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RICHARD SCHWARTZ, SUPERINTENDENT