July 7, 1998
THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN SPECIAL SESSION, JULY 7, 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
COL. STEPHEN SHAMBACH
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 Murphy O’Banion.
On motion of Philip Gunn, seconded by W. W. Parker, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of July 2, 1998.
On motion of C.A. Hughes, seconded by Linda West, the Board voted to approve the attached employee resignation:
ATTACHMENT
On motion of Benard McKee, seconded by B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to approve the attached list of sabbatical leave requests:
ATTACHMENT
On motion of Murphy O’Banion, seconded by W. W. Parker, the Board voted to approve the attached list of employee transfers:
ATTACHMENT
On motion of Willis Farris, seconded by W. W. Parker, the Board voted to approve the attached list of new employees:
ATTACHMENT
Michele Dowden from the Tourism Commission discussed a proposed project of the Vernon Tourism and Recreation Commission. The project is designed to make students more aware of the history in the Vernon Parish area as well as to provide a comprehensive written document to be utilized by residents and tourist of the area. The Commission will work with the parish history teachers to obtain information to be included in the document.
On motion of Gene Haymon, seconded by Gerald Burns, the Board voted to incorporate the parish’s curriculum with the project.
On motion of Benard McKee, seconded by Murphy O’Banion, the Board voted to advertise for an assistant principal for one-half year at Rosepine Elementary to fill the vacancy of Dr. James Farris who was granted a one-half year sabbatical leave.
On motion of Betty Westerchil, seconded by Philip Gunn, the Board voted to approve the 1998-99 Pupil Progression Plan.
On motion of Willis Farris, seconded by W. W. Parker, the Board voted to approve the Vernon Parish Guide for Implementation of Act 1120.
W. W. Parker, Technology Committee Chairperson, called on Bobby Moss to discuss the parishwide technology program. Mr. Moss provided copies to the Board of the form which is being used to inventory all computer equipment in the parish schools and central office. A copy of each school’s inventory will the given to the principal of the school. He explained plans to develop a software library so that needed software can be checked out by individual schools.
On motion of W. W. Parker, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt a resolution commending Bobby Moss and Bill Endris for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments in the implementation process of the technology program.
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Vernon Parish School Board takes this means to express its appreciation to Mr. Bill Endris, Director of Finance and Business Affairs, and Mr. Bobby Moss, Purchasing Agent for their untiring efforts and outstanding accomplishments with the planning and installation process of our technology program; and,
WHEREAS, they have implemented an inventory system and designed a data base to keep and update our computer systems school by school and classroom to classroom;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board adopts this resolution of commendation and appreciation to Mr. Endris and Mr. Moss for the giving of their time and expertise in the development and implementation of our technology program.
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of Gerald Burns, seconded by Philip Gunn, the Board voted to approve a state of emergency with regard to Leesville High School Auditorium’s air conditioning.
Bobby Moss recommended that the Board reject all bids received for risograph supplies because all bids exceeded the budget, and allow him to contact national suppliers in an effort to remain within the budget. He further requested that the Board grant him authorization to purchase the minimum amount of supplies necessary to begin school in August.
On motion of Murphy O’Banion, seconded by W. W. Parker, the Board voted to reject all bids received for risograph supplies and grant Bobby Moss permission to purchase the amount of risograph supplies necessary to begin the 1998-99 school year.
On recommendation of Bobby Moss and on motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Philip Gunn, the Board voted to reject all bids received for pest control services and grant Mr. Moss permission to revise the bid document to include items and areas not addressed in the current bid document.
On motion of Willis Farris, seconded by Betty Westerchil, the Board voted to resolve itself into a claims committee and approve the claims.
On motion of Gerald Burns, seconded by Linda West, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims as approved by the claims committee.
On motion of 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 Vernon Parish School Board wishes to convey its deepest sympathies to Mr. J. P. Monk, a former bus operator for the Leesville schools, in the recent death of his mother, Mrs. Mable Clark of Leesville; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Clark, a retired cook with this school system, was a dedicated and loyal employee and she will be sadly missed by her family and friends;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board does, hereby, adopt this memorial resolution and requests that a copy, along with its sincere condolences, be sent to the family.
There being no further business, on motion of Benard McKee, seconded by B.R. Harvey the Board voted to adjourn.
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ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR., PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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RICHARD SCHWARTZ, SUPERINTENDENT