Bogalusa School Board

Bogalusa, Louisiana 

Regular Board Meeting

May 17, 2011

5:30 P.M.

Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board Taken At A Regular Board Meeting That Was Held on Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The Bogalusa School Board met in a regular session at the Bogalusa School Board Office, in the Media Center, located at 1705 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, Louisiana on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, beginning at 5:30P.M., for the purpose of making preparation for 2011-2012 Fiscal Year in light of the budget cuts across the State of Louisiana; and the impact that they will have on our district.  There were also presentations.

1.)           Call to Order

President Paul Kates called the meeting to order at 5:30P.M.

2.)           Pledge of Allegiance

Interim Superintendent Stephanie Hoppen led the Pledge of Allegiance.

3.)           Prayer

Reverend Raymond Mims delivered the opening prayer.

4.)           Roll Call

There were present:  President, Mr. Paul Kates; Vice President, Mr. Adam Kemp; Members: Mr. Curtis Creel, Mrs. Eleanor Duke, Mr. Calvin Hymel, Reverend Raymond Mims and Dr. Brad Williams.

There were absent:  None

At this point President Kates called for the presentations.

5.)           Presentations - Mrs.  Joanna Dillman

"President Kates, Interim Superintendent Hoppen, Board Members and guest; I wanted to present to you tonight our nominees for three programs that are recognition programs sponsored by the Louisiana State Department of Education.  Each year Bogalusa City Schools participates in these programs to honor our Teacher of the Year, Support Personnel of the Year as well as Student of the Year.  Our Rotary Club has recognized our Teacher of the Year as well as Student of The Year; but I wanted to give our Board the opportunity to recognize the individuals."  Mrs. Dillman proceeded by calling each Principal to present their nominees at their school sites as follow:

• 2010-2011 Students Of The Year
   

Bogalusa High School-Pamela Ard-Principal

Davanta Jackson- Davanta was Semi-Finalist in Coca Cola Scholarship of $30,000.   He has been accepted to Howard University in Washington, DC.  "I hope one day this is going to be a fine doctor that comes back to Bogalusa to make a difference. He’s remarkable."  Davanta’s mom was present and was recognized.

Bogalusa Middle School- Linda Moore, Assistant Principal

Gessyca Clark-Ms. Moore stated, "I regret that my Student of the Year could not attend tonight due to other obligations.  She is an outstanding student.  She is the type of child that every teacher would want in her classroom."

Northside Technology Middle School-April Nobles, Principal

Destiny Richardson (5^th Grade)-"Destiny is a beautiful young lady as you can tell, who is very well mannered. I look forward to standing before you in three years with Destiny as our eighth grade Student of the Year."

Tyria Evans (8^th Grade)-"Tyria took a group of students who were very unmotivated as seventh grade students, there was a lot of disharmony between them and she brought them together; and now they are a family.  Tyria has done that just through her leadership skills.  Not only is she very smart; she’s very well mannered, very well spoken; but to me it speakers volume about her leadership."  Tyria’s mom stated that Tyria was also student of the year in fifth grade; and we can expect to see her again in her senior year.

• 2010-2011 Teachers Of The Year
   

Bogalusa High School-Ms. Pamela Ard-Principal

Carmel Grantham- "Good evening again. This is Ms. Carmel Grantham; she teaches our GED Program.  In the last six (6) years, we’ve had no graduates in the GED Program, until this year.   Ms. Grantham has had four (4).  I can’t tell you what you mean to Bogalusa High School and to these kids.  I appreciate you very, very much.”  Ms. Grantham stated, ”r;It’s my privilege to be a teacher at Bogalusa High.  As you can see this is my second teaching job.  I retired from Mississippi; and I’ve come back home."

Bogalusa New Technology High School- Mrs. Theresa Kin, Principal

Karren Sharp-"I can say a lot about Ms. Karren Sharp; in fact we wrote her a nice little poem that we read at Rotary.  I’ve known Karren for eighteen (18) years; and have worked with her for seventeen (17) of those years. She is a wonderful teacher in every capacity.  I am very anxious to have her on my staff; and will sorely miss her when we separate next year."

Bogalusa Middle School- Ms. Linda Moore, Assistant Principal

Summer Stewart- "Good afternoon again. I would like to recognize Ms. Summer Stewart as Bogalusa Middle School Teacher of the Year.  She is a wonderful teacher.  She is a Talented Art Teacher.  You can see by the display of the student work and by the display that she presents to beautify the school, that she is really doing her job.  She keeps that smile on her face and I am very honored to present this award to Ms. Summer Stewart as Teacher of the Year at Bogalusa Middle School."

Northside Technology Middle School- Mrs. April Nobles, Principal

Tonyah Jefferson-"I’m back again.  As most of you know I did not start off the beginning of this year, because I was ill throughout the summer; and beginning of the school year.  When I was asked who over there can you trust to do it?  I said, well I can trust anybody; but if you’re asking my opinion, I would prefer to ask Tonyah.  I can’t say enough about Tonyah.  Tonyah has served this year as our Technology Facilitator.  Not only does she share her wealth, knowledge, patience and dedication, she has everything going for her with all of us; her family at Northside Tech; but the kids as well.  The kids absolutely adore her.  I would just like to say on behalf of all of us at Northside Tech, we love you and that you are very deserving of receiving this award."

Pleasant Hill Elementary- Mrs. Shelia Lawrence, Principal

Iris "Johnette" Payne- "This is Ms. Johnette Payne, our Teacher of the Year at Pleasant Hill Elementary.  First I want to say thank you for all you do for Pleasant Hill Elementary.  She takes education seriously.  She does her best to instill in those children.  She really is a very dedicated individual; and she does anything that we ask her to do.  She is a true leader.  I’ve worked with her as a teacher; and now as her administrator, and you can’t find a better person; a better teacher; she’s dynamic."

Superior Avenue Elementary School- Ms. Melessa Walker, Principal

Virgie Moses- "Good evening.  I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to come and brag on my Shinning Stars; and this lady Ms. Virgie Moses  puts students first above all else.  She teaches through her actions as well as through the textbooks; and she is a phenomenal person.   I am so privileged to have Ms. Virgie Moses as my Teacher of the Year."

Byrd Avenue Elementary- Mrs. Tonja Seal, Principal

Tracy Schmidt-"This is Tracy Schmidt, Byrd Avenue Elementary Teacher of the Year, voted on by her peers.  I can stand up here and say lots of things about Tracy; but there are two things that sums up the type of teacher that we are truly blessed to have in this system; and at Byrd Avenue.  Tracy has been at Byrd for six (6) years; three (3) years with me.  Tracy underwent in February a six bypass open heart surgery; and she is worrying me to death to come back to work.  I said no, it’s not time.  She’s that teacher that every one of us has that beats to her own different drum.  The kids love her; they learn; and they have fun in her class.  To best sum up what Ms. Schmidt is about, and what kind of teacher she is; last year under her direction, every fourth grade student at Byrd Avenue passed the LEAP test.  When you can say that about a teacher, you don’t have to say anything else.  So, on behalf of Byrd Avenue, thank you; we love you; and we are glad you are healthy and glad you’re coming back to us.”

Denhamtown Pre-K-Ms. Phelesher Mingo, Pre-K Coordinator

Laurie Pittman- "Good evening.  I want to first say thank you to each and every one of you all for taking this opportunity to recognize all the people in Bogalusa especially our Teacher of the Year.  At this time and without further ado, I’d like to say that this girl got it all.  I love her.  Not only is she an outstanding teacher; she is an outstanding friend.  I don’t have to worry about Denhamtown, because I know they’ve got my back.  So, it’s wonderful to work with people like this; but it is an honor to present you this plaque."

• 2010-2011 Support  Personnel Of The Year
   

Bogalusa High School-Ms. Pamela Ard, Principal

Connie Little- "At this time I would like to present this award to, probably the person that runs Bogalusa High.  If you need something, you call Connie.  She knows what to do; and how to do it.  If you owe anything she’s going to get it from you.  It doesn’t matter. That’s one thing about her, you know where you stand. What you see is what you get; and that’s what makes her so great to me.   This is my secretary; this is my side-kick; one of my best friend; she’s become one of my best friend.  I just want to tell everybody, I couldn’t make it; life does go on and I know it does when you loose love ones; but it  would  surely be hard if I had to come to school knowing that I didn’t have this lady or someone like her to be able to call.   I thank her family for sharing her; because we do have her a lot."

Bogalusa Middle School-Ms. Linda Moore, Assistant Principal

Renee’ Watterson- "This is Renee’ Watterson.  Ms. Renee’ Watterson is a perfectionist.  She is the go-to.  She works on our School Improvement Committee; she works on our PBS Committee; she is a Parental Facilitator.  Not only is she doing this for the school; but she’s doing it for the kids; the community; the parents.   She stays involved.  She is always coming up with activities to motivate our students at Bogalusa Middle School.  She is a wonderful person.  What this lady does comes from her heart. I love her.  She has my back all the time; she has the back of the students and community; and I would like to congratulate you Ms. Watterson, you do a great job."

Northside Technology Middle School- Mrs. April Nobles, Principal

Patsy Miley- "I get the honor of recognizing our Support Personnel of the Year; Ms. Patsy Miley.   Ms. Patsy is the custodian at our school.  For those of you that have visited our school; the first thing that everyone says when they walk in says Wow! this school is clean.  That’s what our parents say; that’s what every adult says when they walks in the building that this is the cleanest school that I have ever been in; and that  is because of this lady right here.  She does an outstanding job.  She is a phenomenal custodian; but she’s also a phenomenal person.  All of us at Northside just adore this lady, because she is the hardest worker; one of the most dedicated employees in the system; just an all around great lady.   I just can’t say enough about her.  We love you Ms. Miley."    

Pleasant Hill Elementary School- Mrs. Sheila Lawrence, Principal

Catherine Mitchell- "Here again with our Support Personnel, Cathy Mitchell.  I heard Pam Ard say, side-kick.  I don’t know what I’d do without this lady; because she is my right and left hand.  Cathy goes well beyond anything anybody can ask for a secretary.  She’s sometime a counselor; she a friend to everybody; they have problems they come to Cathy.  Cathy is just warm and she’s unique; that’s all I can say; and just a wonderful, wonderful person.  I am very, very proud to hand you this award because you deserve it in every since of the word."

Superior Avenue Elementary School-Ms. Melessa Walker, Principal

Genia Baughman- "Tonight my Support Staff of the Year, goes to my secretary; my Administrative Assistant; my I can’t do anything without her; master of the intercom; and three phone line.   Ms. Genia Baughman is Superior Avenue Support Staff of the Year.  Thank you Ms. Genia."

Byrd Avenue Elementary School- Mrs. Tonja Seal, Principal

Ellen Bailey- "This is Ms. Ellen Bailey.  She is Byrd Avenue’s Parent Facilitator.  I can’t say enough about Ms. Bailey.  When I came on board three years ago, as everyone knows; it’s no big secret, parental involvement, needs improvement; and I will say two years ago it went from an impossible situation to now it’s still a difficult situation; but it has improved so much because of our Parent Facilitator.  That is her official title; but she does so much more.  She is a lifeline to me and she’s a lifeline to Byrd Avenue, because she does so much.  We have a long way to go with parental involvement; but I really believe that our Parent Facilitator can help in that.  She has been in the system twenty-one (21) years; and at Byrd Avenue six (6).   I hope she stays as long as I’m there because I promise you I can’t do it without her."

Denhamtown Pre-K- Ms. Phelesher Mingo, Pre-K Coordinator

Gloria Bridges-"Let me tell you one thing about Mrs. Bridges.  Those kids can never do anything wrong.  If a teacher writes them up she says, ’r;No, no, I can fix it; I can fix it.’  I say Mrs. Bridges, I’m sending this child home; and she says, 'No, no, no I can work with this child.'  And sure enough she get in there and those kids come in  and say, I apologize.  She is outstanding, she is remarkable.  I love her to death.  She is the mama of our school.   She is a beautiful person inside-out. This is our 2010-2011 para-professional staff of the year.  I love you so much and I can’t do anything without you, congratulations."

Child Nutrition Programs- Mrs. Joannie Miller, Director

"I would like to begin by recognizing our Manager of the Year", who is Pauline Toney, Manager at Northside Tech Middle School.  Pauline has been with us for fifteen (15) years; and I have to say she is extremely dedicated to her job.  In School Food Service, with all the federal regulations we have to be so very accountable with every penny; and Pauline does an outstanding job.  This year there has been an extra challenge, we have new software.  I am blessed with a tremendous staff; and Pauline is definitely one of those.  I love you.  Thank you."

"Next, I would like to recognize Charolette Marcel, with Bogalusa High School.  She has been with us about eight (8) years in Bogalusa City Schools.  She is a hard worker; not only with the students, she gets along with them; and encourages them and gives them a smile; but also with her colleagues in the kitchen.   I failed to mention that with the manager it is voted on by the administrative staff; but technicians are voted on by their colleagues.  So, I’m proud to award this to you Charlotte for Technician of the Year."

"Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our recognitions program.  Thank you," says Mrs. Dillman.

At this point President Kates stated, "At this time we will have Dr. Keller from McPherson & Jacobson to come. 

• McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.-Dr. Gerald Keller
   

"President Kates,  honorable School Board Members and Interim Superintendent, thank you again for allowing us to come into your School Board Meeting.  I gave you tonight (3) three items; one (1) of course is the questions; and what I’d like for you to do is circle one in each one of the categories.  We will compile them; and go through a consensus; and use those questions.  The questions are not to be shared from outside this meeting.  These are the question that you are going to use when you interview your candidates.  What you might want to do is basically one of you pick a question call it 1, 2, 3; and go down the row.  You all work with the Board President, we’ll help you; assist you on it; but these are the questions that you will use and you will be consistent in asking all the candidates.  I’m sorry let me introduce myself, I’m Dr. Keller.  Ms. Dunn is washed out; she couldn’t get through Vicksburg; so I’m a loner today.  She gave me her notes so I’ll be alright.  But, anyway we will use those same questions; and ask those questions to all of your candidates.  You will determine the number of candidates.  Friday is the last day for the applications to come through our office at midnight.  The company in Nebraska will begin to finalize those candidates; send those to Ms. Dunn and myself; and we will work toward the revealing of those applicants.  I have in my notes come back on June 9^th for the finalist; and I hurried and scratched that out; we’re coming back with the report on the candidates.  On June 9^th, we are requesting an Executive Session, because this will be discussing personnel at the 5:30 meeting.  We’ll come back; and you all basically will determine who the finalists are; and the number of finalist; that’s your call.  We will basically come in and tell you, these are the number of candidates fifteen (15); twenty (20); five (5); six (6); whatever it is; and we’re looking at these; these are the ones we like.  You will have them all before you June 9^th, to have a chance to review those applicants; all the applicants.  We are going to recommend some; but if you are really on hardcore; and you say we really like this candidate; we want this candidate; that’s your call.  We will make the recommendation on it. I do want to give a report tonight on what we did on May 5^th and also today.  We met with six (6) groups on May 5^th; we call them Stakeholders and I compiled a report for you.   Today I met with two (2) groups a teacher association group and also met with parents.  I don’t have a written report to give you; but I will highlight some of the things that they said.   We will use these statements; and one of the things that came out tonight were your employees goes that extra mile.  That was said a number of times by various groups; saying that you had good employees; and they will go that extra mile."

 At this point, Dr. Keller went into detail about the different opinions and comments shared during the meetings that were held; as to the kind of Superintendent that they were looking for.  "You have a role as a Board. We will present you some candidates.  Your role as a Board is to pick the best person you can possibly pick; a very, very major decision; three Superintendents in the last six years; you want someone who can come here and stay in the community.  This is what I’m hearing from the Stakeholders.   You have a list of the Stakeholders, and from today’s meeting you add those from the Parent Body; April Bruns, Michelle Douglas and Rev. E.L. Powell.  From the Labor Unions you will have Kenneth Martin; and Milton Gholar.  We will come back on the 9^th of June with the list of the candidates.  We will interview the week of the 20^th.  We will select on the 28^th, and hopefully we’ll get things up and running on July 1^st,” concluded Dr. Keller.

6.)           Approval of Minutes of Special Board Meeting-April 5, 2011

It was motioned by Reverend Mims seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve the minutes.  The motion was carried unanimously.

7.)           Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting-April 21, 2011

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Reverend Mims to approve the minutes.  The motion was carried unanimously

8.)           Board Officers and Committee Reports

There were no reports at this time.

9.)           Recess to Public Session

Mr. George Tate- Mr. Tate gave his address as 911 Front Street, Bogalusa.  He voiced two (2) concerns.  One was regarding the reinstatement of the concession at Bogalusa Middle School, for the purpose of uniforms.   He stated that he was trying to get confirmation that it would be reinstated.  Mrs. Hoppen sated that she had directed him to speak to Mrs. Walker about that; and that it was not up to her; that that was a Board decision.   His next concern was regarding a Boys and Girls Club so that the children can have something to do.

10.)         Old Business

A.)           Grant permission to raise paying students’ lunch prices by .10 cents,  as outlined in Section 205 of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-296).  The pricing becomes effective on July 1, 2011

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke seconded by Mr. Creel to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.

B.)           Approval of Financial Statements and Revised Budgets for April 2011, General Fund, Special Revenue, Food Service and School Activities.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims seconded by Dr. Williams to approve statements and Budgets.  The motion was carried unanimously.

C.)           Approval NCLB and IDEA 2011-2012 Budgets. 

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve the budgets.  The motion was carried unanimously.

D.)           Grant permission to discard additional Fixed Assets District Wide, i.e. Special Ed and General Fund.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims seconded by Mrs. Duke to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.

E.)           Approval of Summer Remediation Sites for LEAP, Remediation at Byrd Avenue for 4^th graders; Northside Technology School for 8^th graders and Bogalusa High School for GEE/EOC and Credit Recovery Summer School 

It was motioned by Reverend Mims seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve the sites.  The motion was carried unanimously.

F.)           Grant travel permission for New Technology teachers, Jimi Bonnette, Cole Loper, Steven Sanders, Karren Sharp, Loreane Luter, Cheri Sarmiento, Cathy Magee, Sherri Breland and "New" Principal (when hired), to attend the Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 17-21, 2011.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims seconded by Dr. Williams to grant the travel.  The motion was carried unanimously.(Document on file in Curriculum & Instruction).

G.)           Approval of June, 2011 dates for Board Meetings, due to Superintendent Search process timelines, selection and hiring.  The dates will be as follow: Thursday, June 9, 2011-Special Meeting; Monday, June 27, 2011-Committee Meeting; Tuesday, June 28, 2011-Regular Board Meeting. All meetings will convene at 5:30 P.M., in the Bogalusa City School Board Office Media Center, located at 1705 Sullivan Drive.

It was motioned by Dr. Williams seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve the dates for June meetings.  The motion was carried unanimously.

At this point it was asked that Mrs. Tonja Seal be allowed to address the Board concerning a two (2) day, Why Try Facilitator Training in Jackson, Mississippi. Mrs. Seal stated, "I was asking for it because we need help with our next year PBS Program.  It is actually a Behavior Intervention Program; it’s a Drop-out prevention program; a Violence prevention program; a Drug and alcohol  prevention program; a Truancy reduction program; Failure reduction program and Anti bullying program.  I’ve heard and read a lot of good things about this program; and I am asking the Board to approve this travel because it’s out-of-sate.  I apologize for the short notice.  I know the person that we send is going to have to come back and train our other teachers; but each school is going to have to buy their own material.  This person can train the people. Our plan is that we get to do our In-School Suspension on site which would be implemented through that.  If not I would still find a way to implement it whether it’s through Social Studies or something like that."

It was motion by Reverend Mims, seconded by Dr. Williams to amend the agenda to add line item  H.) Grant permission for personnel selected by the Interim Superintendent deemed necessary, to attend the Why Try Facilitators Training in Jackson, Mississippi on May 23-24, 2011.

H.)           Grant permission for personnel selected by the Interim Superintendent deemed necessary to attend the Why Try Facilitator Training in Jackson, Mississippi on May 23-24, 2011.

It was motioned by Dr. Williams seconded by Reverend Mims to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.

11.)         Personnel-Joanna Dillman

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS:

HIRE:

List Of Recommended Rehires For School Year 2011-2012 - SEE ATTACHMENT # 1

Summer LEAP Remediation Staff- To Be Hired On an "As Needed" Basis

Elementary

1. Deanna Brown

2. Stephanie Fradella

3. Charlotte Fricke

4. Karen Hillhouse

5. Chad Harry

6. Kim James

7. Donnia Mingo

8. Melissa Moses

9. Ashley Santangelo

10. Tracy Schmidt
     

Middle Schools

1. Tamecka Johnson

2. Janice Osby

3. Nicole Scott

4. Kim Spatile-Rayborn
    

High Schools

1. Cullyn Brooks

2. Richard Magee

3. Steven Sanders

4. Cheri Sarmiento

5. Paris Sumrall

Paras

1. Jill Evans

2. Chester Hilliard

3. Victoria Jefferson

4. Lydia Williams

Summer School Staff

LVS & Credit Recovery (Needed for June & July)

1. Cynthia McGehee

2. Cheri Sarmiento
    

Bus Driver

1. Cindy Roach
    

Compensatory Education Teachers- June 2011 - Will be provided on Mondays & Wednesdays

1. Jennifer Beninato

2. Erin Killingsworth
    

Special Populations Extended School Year Program - June 2011 - ESY will be provided on Tues. & Thurs.

1. Jennifer Beninato - Teacher

2. Erin Killingsworth - Teacher

3. Flame Nehlig - Teacher

4. Rochelle Bickham - Speech Therapy

5. Willie Mae Sumrall - ESY Bus Route
    

Summer Food Service Program:

Monitor:

1)  Carmen Comans
 

Central Warehouse:

1)  Pauline Toney - sub manager
 

Managers:

1)  Regina Hayes - BHS

2)  Antoinette Magee - NSTM

3)  Charlotte Robinson - Byrd
 

Technicians, Regular:

1)  Barbara Benne - BHS

2)  Jane Creel - Byrd

3)  Faye Harry - BHS

4)  Michelle Holmes - NSTM

5)  Charlotte Marcel - BHS

6)  Olevia Riley - sub all three sites

7)  Sandra Robinson - Byrd

8)  Darrell Smith - NSTM

9)  Tasha Stalling - sub all three sites
 

Substitutes:

1)  Shannon Dillon

2)  Kristie Dykes

3)  Vicki Graham

4)  Alitha Robert
 

Transfers

1. Chad Harry - Transfer from Superior Avenue to Bogalusa High School

2. Christi Saucier - Transfer from Pleasant Hill to Byrd Avenue
    

Resignations/Retirements

1. Leadon Denise Dickson - resignation effective close of business May 31, 2011

2. Joan Ezell - retirement effective close of business May 31, 2011

3. Felicia Workman - resignation effective close of business May 31, 2011

4. Rebecca Ard-Miley - resignation effective May 31, 2011

5. Ronald Mitchell - retirement effective close of business May 31, 2011

6. Matthew Gibbs - resignation effective close of business June 10, 2011

7. Ashley Morgan - resignation effective close of business May 31, 2011

8. Kaye Smith - retirement effective close of business May 31, 2011

9. Katie Ritchie - resignation effective close of business May 31, 2011

10. Kourtney Barber - resignation effective close of business May 31, 2011
     

Temporary Assignment Terminations

1. Carol Seymour - BMS Special Education Teacher - filling-in for Phyliss Bryant - termination effective close of business 5/31/2011

2. Stephanie Sandrock - BMS 5^th Grade Teacher - filling-in for Kathy Lopez - termination effective close of business 5/31/2011

3. Dudley Danforth - BMS Resource Teacher - filling-in for Cullen Brooks - termination effective close of business 5/31/2011
    

Items for Consideration/Approval

1. Reduction in Force Plan for 2011 - 2012 School Year - See Attachment # 2

2. Renewal of Melissa Walker Performance Contract (set to expire July 30, 2011)

ATTACHMENT # 1

"The only revision that was made; that was brought to my attention on Attachment #1; under Transportation, is item number eight (8), please remove that name, as the Board has already voted on the individual’s resignation; and his name unfortunately was not removed from that list.  Do you have any questions," asked Mrs. Dillman?

Question from Vice President Kemp-"I have one. On the recommendation for Summer School; the hire, will they be chosen by seniority first or how will you do it?  ”r;Well, first off, based on the number of students that we have in Summer School, the test results will come out tomorrow and that way we will have a better idea of  how many we will need and which area; at elementary, middle school or secondary.  At that point it would be selected through Mrs. Pat Noto, she is in charge of that, and the Principals as well," says Mrs. Dillman.  "And these people are the ones that has expressed an interest,” continued Vice President Kemp.  "Yes, these people are the ones that have turned in written notification that they are interested in teaching," replied Mrs. Noto.

At this point President Kates asked if anyone else had any more questions. After a long silence period, Vice President Kemp asked, "Has any of them been transferred from a school to the Central Office?"  "No," replied Mrs. Dillman.  "So, everyone on this list was originally here,” asked Vice President Kemp?  ”r;That is correct, that is correct,” says Mrs. Dillman.  "We have an English teacher that is being cut;  she’s a good English teacher;  and we have an English teacher that don’t have tenure that’s not doing as good a job; why is the one that is doing a great job being cut; and the one that don’t have tenure why are they coming back," asked Mr. Hymel?  "Our RIF Policy does not take into account, performance. The RIF Policy came directly form our processed approved policies.  I am aware of two (2) English teachers that are being reviewed; one (1) of them has a certificate of Temporary Authorization to Teach; and the other one was recently hired in January.  I have asked that each of the Principals turn in their evaluations; as of May 6th, I’ve gotten the majority of them.  My Office is reviewing each and every evaluation.  If there is someone with a 'Needs Improvement' or an 'Unsatisfactory' I am putting that back to the Principal, where is their 'Needs of Assistance Plan,' and how are we going to address this issue.  If it’s minor we can handle it through Professional Development; but if it’s something serious; and they are saying they are an ineffective teacher, then it should be shown through their evaluation process and we will address it," says Mrs. Dillman. 

The in-depth discussion continued, regarding the English teacher situation.   "And another thing I hate about these cuts.  We have a nine month employee; this is his first year, he’s making eighty thousand ($80,000) dollars.  We’ve got two (2) people in Maintenance that’s making one hundred forty seven thousand ($147,000) dollars.  We’ve got a problem; we’ve got a serious problem; and we’re cutting teachers, we’ve got a problem.   Somebody better start coming forward and letting us know why these teachers are being RIFfed; and what we are going to do about it," says Mr. Hymel.  When a question of clarity was asked about the two (2) people in Maintenance’s salary, it was stated that this was a total of the two (2); not for one person.  "Washington Parish Head Maintenance person don’t make but seventy two thousand ($72,000) dollars.  Until we address this we will never have a school system," continued Mr. Hymel. 

Next, referring to Mrs. Dillman, Vice President Kemp stated, "I want to ask you a question.  On number thirty, (30) under Bogalusa High School; on the first page.  I asked you a question at Committee Meeting about that position; was it something that we needed full time, with salary and benefits.  In other systems it is not?"   "Yes," replied Mrs. Dillman.  "Before we approve this; because if we approve this that means we are going to keep a full-time person who came back with a high salary," continued Vice President Kemp.

There was an in-depth discussion regarding the salary of the line item in question.  Mrs. Noto gave the Board a sheet regarding the Career Diploma that the State Department implemented with certain criteria that we have to meet; and that we meet criteria number three (3) because we don’t have the JAG Program; so we have the Graduation Coach to meet that.  "I did some research and St. Tammany does pay part-time people.  When I talked to my contact at St. Tammany; they said the insurance premiums are so high for full-time people that they don’t hire their Graduation Coaches on a full-time salary because of the cost of the insurance to the system.  So they have part-time people doing that; but they have one at each high school.  Our person serves four (4) schools.  And, insurance wouldn’t be a problem because he’s a retiree; we already have to pay his insurance," says Mrs. Noto.  "A quick question; that particular position, do they have to serve at junior high; and I understand there’s an eight (8^th) grade; and I understand there’s an eighth (8^th) grade because of the new Connections Program," says Vice President Kemp.  "Because of the Connections Program; and because of the large number of students that we have that are two (2) and three (3) years behind; his need is to keep these kids in school," added Mrs. Noto.  "I see.  With the other .systems, lets say St. Tammany, that person is not having to go into the junior high....," says Vice President Kemp(This statement was interrupted by Mrs. Noto).  "Right St. Tammany’s people are not going into the junior high to address their over-aged students; they are strictly at their high schools.  St. Tammany has a JAG Program," says Mrs. Noto.  "Is it necessary to have a full-time employee in that particular position,” asked Vice President Kemp?  "It’s not mandated by the state to have a full-time employee in that position; but we do have the need," says Mrs. Noto.  "I guess my concern was; his salary of course, what we were discussing but uh…..," (Pausing and not completing this statement).  It’s not the person, it’s the position I have the problem with,” says Vice President Kemp.  Mrs. Noto then focused the Board Members attention to the Algebra I EOC scores of Bogalusa High School and Bogalusa New Tech High School.

At the end of the in-depth discussion President Kates asked if there were any further questions.  Mrs. Walker focused their attend to another sheet that was in their folder that outlined those people that were leaving the system either through RIF, Retirement, Resignation, Termination  and those on Sabbatical.  "Everyone that is on the Reduction In Force list is non-tenured," says Mrs. Dillman.    (The Supporting document and Attachment #2, is on file with the minutes).

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Vice President Kemp, to approve the Personnel Agenda with the exception of line item number thirty (30) under Bogalusa High School.  This line item would be tabled.  The motion was carried unanimously.  (Some of the supporting documents are on file in the HR Department)

12.)         Interim Superintendent Comments-Stephanie S. Hoppen

"Well, tonight as I was sitting here I was listening and Ms. Ard said that being a Principal at the High School is the most stressful job, I think that all education is a stressful job; and I appreciate the fact that you all have honored; and awarded some of our teachers here; but I think kudos go to all people in the system because we have a lot of really good, dedicated, loyal employees; and I think they all deserve a big hand because they all do a wonderful job.  I know we get a lot of negative press; but we have a lot of really good people in this system that do really well.”

13.)         Board Members Comments

Mrs. Eleanor Duke-"I’d just like to say I met with the Code of Conduct Committee; I didn’t get to stay for the whole meeting; but they were very concerned about the discipline; I know Dr. Williams would be interested in this as well as the whole Board; but they are concerned about the discipline in this system; and they say that is going to be the main priority for this coming year.  Mrs. Hoppen had said that there is going to be a meeting this summer; with the Police Chief, City Prosecutor; City Judge, Principals, Vice Principals and Youth Service Bureau to get together to make sure that everybody is on the same page. The policemen will tell us who they can pick up; who they can’t; because sometimes they are called to pick up somebody that they don’t have authority to do that; it’s a young child.  So, I thought that was a very good meeting, that I was in this morning." 

Vice President Adam Kemp-"Tonight, when you’re saying your prayers, LEAP scores come out tomorrow.  The teachers did a great job preparing students for it.  We hope that the scores are where they need to be." 

 Mr. Calvin Hymel-"The football coach at Junior High was not there today; so, I couldn’t get a count on the helmets; but high school coach said that his helmets would be picked up May 30^th; and they are going to get certified or rejected if they’re not any good.  You cannot wear a helmet if it’s ten (10) years or older, no matter what shape it is in.  I will go back by there tomorrow; and maybe Coach Butler will be there; and we can go in there and look at his helmets; and line him up with a guy to pick them up; and let him know as soon as possible how many good helmets he’s got; and how many that’s got to be rejected, that way he’ll know how many he has got to have."

Dr. Brad Williams-"I can tell you a comment first hand with the policemen and principals, there is some confusion on their part when they get called over there; what constitutes grounds for arrest; and so we definitely need to get all those things straighten out for this new school year."
 

President Paul Kates-"I’d like to thank my three (3) little neighbors for coming to Board Meeting."  President Kates asked whether there was anything else to be addressed.  There was nothing; and he adjourned.

14.)         Adjourn

There being no further business or comments, President Kates adjourned at 7:25P.M.

_____________________________________                          ______________________________________

Stephanie S. Hoppen                                                                           Paul D. Kates

Secretary to the Board                                                                        Board President