August 11, 1998
THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN SPECIAL SESSION, AUGUST 11, 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 B.R. Harvey
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Colonel Stephen Shambach
On motion of Philip Gunn, seconded by Benard, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of August 6, 1998.
On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of Murphy O'Banion, seconded by W.W. Parker, the Board voted to approve the attached list of resignations.
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On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of W.W. Parker, seconded by Gene Haymon, the Board voted to approve the attached list of sabbatical leave requests.
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On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of C.A. Hughes, seconded by Benard McKee, the Board voted to approve the attached list of leaves without pay.
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On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of Betty Westerchil, seconded by Kim Reese, the Board voted to approve the attached list of transfers.
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On recommendation of Superintendent Schwartz and on motion of Willis Farris, seconded by B.R. Harvey, the Board voted to approve the attached list of new employees.
ATTACHMENT
Kim Nugent presented a proposed Technology Code of Conduct for Board approval and on motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Willis Farris, the Board voted to refer the proposal to the Technology Committee for study. The Technology Committee will meet on Monday, August 17, 1998 at 9:00 a.m. to study the Code of Conduct. The Committee will be prepared to present its recommendations to the Board for approval at the September 3, 1998 meeting.
Mary Early gave a presentation on the Title I Family Literacy Center and Preschool and explained the benefits of the program. The program is designed for four year old children who do not qualify for Head Start. There are no income guidelines, however, there is a requirement that both the child and a parent attend two classes per week.
Bill Endris, Director of Finance and Business Affairs, reported that the State has given guidelines for pay raises and has projected that Vernon Parish teachers will receive $1,160 and support personnel $300. He recommended that teachers receive the $1,000 in monthly checks and the remaining estimated $160 after the final allocation is received after January. Support personnel will receive a one time check for $300 which will be included in their October 1, 1998 paycheck.
On motion of Gene Haymon, seconded by Gerald Burns, the Board voted to approve Mr. Endris= recommendation for disbursment of pay raises.
Mike Perkins requested Board adoption of policy changes made at the 1998 Legislative Session.
On motion of Philip Gunn, seconded by W.W. Parker, the Board voted to adopt the policy changes as presented by Mr. Perkins.
On motion of Benard McKee, seconded by Murphy O=Banion, the Board voted to advertise for an activity bus at Rosepine High School.
On motion of Philip Gunn, seconded by W.W. Parker, the Board voted to resolve itself into a claims committee and approve the claims.
On motion of Gerald Burns, seconded by Richard Bailes, the Board voted authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims as approved by the claims committee.
On motion of Murphy O'Banion, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Representative Kay Iles, Representative John Smith, and Senator James David Cain have diligently and untiringly sought to accomplish the placement of a traffic light at the entrance to the Pickering Schools; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wayne Marchand, District Engineer Administrator, Mr. Pete Bruce, District Traffic Operations Engineer, and Mr. Jim Massey, Assistant District Maintenance Engineer extended their absolute cooperation and interest in this extremely important project; and
WHEREAS, Sheriff Frank Howard has provided a vital service of his department by assigning his deputies to traffic control duties during peak traffic periods each school day;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Vernon Parish School Board does, hereby, adopt this resolution of appreciation and commendation to these public officials for their dedicated services toward the completion of this vital project which will promote the safety and well-being of our students and employees at Pickering High and Elementary Schools.
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 heartfelt sympathies to Mrs. Alfa Chaney, Title I Literacy Center secretary and Mrs. Robbie Jordan, Evans School bus driver, in the recent death of their father, Mr. John Jeane, Sr.; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Jeane was a well-loved and respected member of his community and a lifelong supporter of this school system. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board requests that a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to Mrs. Chaney and Mrs. Jordan along with sincere condolences to the entire family.
There being no further business, on motion of Benard McKee, seconded by Murphy O'Banion, the Board voted to adjourn.
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ALVIN C. DOWDEN, JR., PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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RICHARD SCHWARTZ, SUPERINTENDENT