Bogalusa School Board

Bogalusa, Louisiana 

Regular Board Meeting

June 28, 2011

5:30 P.M.

 

Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board Taken At A Regular Board Meeting That Was Held on Tuesday June 28, 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, June 28, 2011, beginning at 5:30P.M.  The purpose of the meeting was to continue to make 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.  The agenda included an Executive Session.

 

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

Dr. Brad Williams 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 was absent:  None

 

At this point President Kates called for the agenda items.

 

5.)        Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting-May 17, 2011

It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve the minutes.  The motion was carried unanimously. 

 

6.)        Approval of Minutes of Special  Board Meeting-June 9, 2011

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

 

7.)        Board Officers and Committee Reports

There were none.

 

8.)        Recess to Public Session

Tonda Collett- Mrs. Collett stated her address as 1441 Loop, Covington, Louisiana.  Mrs. Collett went on to sate that she works in Special Education; and her job partially is to monitor the writing of IEP’s; and part of an IEP or plans for students with disabilities includes transition; which is a plan that they write to help the student succeed beyond high school. ”When we write that plan for those children that are sixteen or older, we have to get information that we include as a team in that plan; and a lot of that information comes from that school site itself.  We in Special Ed tonight want to let you all know just how important some of the Graduation Coach responsibilities are for us in Special Education. As you all probably remember a couple of years ago we were in Corrective Action for Transition; and at that time Mrs. Adams had  Debbie Craig and myself try and write a plan to bring us out of Corrective Action in a certain amount of time.  We are no longer in Corrective Action for Transition.  As a matter of fact a little bit ago they had a meeting from that state department personnel; and Bogalusa was credited with not only coming out of Corrective Action; but also in the way that we were utilizing the agencies; and some of our personnel, to involve them in our IEP process.  One of those people was the Graduation Coach.  Mr. Murray has been beneficial in providing us with on-site tracking of our students; discipline, attendance as well as their academic performance. We need all of that information when we write their transition plan.  So we just wanted to make sure tonight that everyone is aware of the importance of his role as Graduation Coach; because we don’t have a Transition Counselor, or Transition Coordinator, or Specialist.  So, concluding that, our Corrective Action bus was placed on the road to get us out of  corrective action with a very, very good team of people; and those people on board has helped us; and we want Mr. Murray to be able to stay on board to be able to help us with that.  Thank you, thank you Mr. Kates, I appreciate you,” concluded Mrs. Collett.     

 

Kathi Adams- Mrs. Adams stated her address as 1505 Conklin Road, Bogalusa.  ”I’m the Registered Nurse for Special Ed; and also the coordinator for our Hospital/Homebound program in our school system.  Mr. Murray has been instrumental in helping our students in both of those two areas.  Let me give you an example; homebound, we had seventeen students that qualified and received homebound services this year.  Of those seventeen; thirteen were pregnant.  Some of our mothers were graduating seniors, many weren’t coming back.  Mr. Murray was part of the team that encouraged these students to return back to school to finish their credits so they could graduate; to return to school; to complete credit; to complete their course work for the school term, or to encourage them to go to an Adult Ed or GED placement.  He is committed; he cares; he connects.  We know that Mr. Murray is qualified.  He is what we need for our system; so I hope that you all will allow him to continue to work in this capacity on a full-time basis for our school system.  Thank you,” concluded Mrs. Adams.

 

James Butler- Mr. Butler stated his address as 633 Lucerne Avenue, Bogalusa, Louisiana.  He stated, ”Good evening how are you all doing?  I am the junior high Football and Basketball Coach.  I am concerned.  We had a donation given to us from Discount Zone of Bogalusa for our Dressing Room; a 2-ton A/C and heating duct free unit for the dressing room.  He charged us to install it, because the School Board can’t install it; but the unit is being donated to us.  I was just trying to find out the procedure on it.”  At that point President Kates stated, ”Mr. Conerly, you want to answer that question for us?”   

 

Response from Mr. Conerly- ”Sure,   I have it on the agenda.  We have been tied up with major problems; and that is on the agenda to be addressed.  It’s on my desk now; Mrs. Walker gave it to me one day last week.  It’s on my desk and it will be addressed shortly; we’re getting some of the major problems out of the way.”

 

 

9.)        Old Business

 

A.)        Approve/Reject Parental Responsibilities for PreK and K Students Riding School Bus Policy.

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Vice President Kemp to approve the policy.  The motion was carried unanimously. (Supporting document is on file in the Maintenance &Transportation Office)

 

B.)        Award bids for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 for Frozen and Processed Foods, Kitchen Supply, Bread, Milk, Produce and Small Equipment, according to the lowest bid meeting specifications and/or state contract. 

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Hymel, to award the bids.  The motion was carried unanimously.  (Supporting documents are on file in Child Nutrition Programs Department)

 

C.)        Grant permission for Joannie Miller (District Representative) and Byrd Avenue Elementary Principal, Tonya Varnado-Seal (or Byrd Avenue designee) to travel to Washington, D.C., for the Healthier U.S. Challenge Gold Award of Distinction reception on July 29, 2011, per invitation to the White House by Michelle Obama.

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Reverend Mims to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously. (Invitation is on file with the minutes).

 

D.)        Approval of Financial Statements and Revised Budgets, General Funds and Special Revenue, Food Service and School Activities for May, 2011.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Dr. Williams to approve the Financial Statements and Revised Budgets.  The motion was carried unanimously. (Supporting documents are on file with the Auditors Records).

 

E.)        Grant permission to discard additional Fixed Assets District Wide, i.e. General Fund, Title I & Special Ed.

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Mr. Hymel to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously. (Supporting documents are on file with the minutes).

 

F.)        Grant permission to enter into a contract with Washington Parish Schools to occupy a room at Long Avenue School site for the Adult Education Program. 

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Mr. Creel to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.  (Supporting document is on file with the minutes).

 

G.)        Grant permission to travel for Joanna Dillman, Supervisor of Human Resources and Community Relations to travel to San Antonio, Texas for the National School Public Relations Association Conference on July 10-13, 2011.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Creel to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.  (Supporting document is on file in Human Resources).

 

10.)       Personnel

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

Remove From Tabled Status Of May 17, 2011 Regular Board Meeting To Be Acted On:

        1.)      Permission to rehire James Murray in full-time Graduation Coach for 2011 - 2012 school term

 

Remove From Tabled Status Of April 21, 2011 Regular Board Meeting To Be Acted On:

  1. Permission to fill vacant Bogalusa New Tech High School Principal position

  2. Permission to advertise for vacant Supervisor of  Special Populations

 

HIRE:

 

Rehire:

  1. James Murray - 9 month Graduation Coach, Bogalusa High School

RIF Recall

  1. Hubert Little - Agriculture Teacher, Bogalusa High School

  2. Myra Galloway - 5th Grade Teacher, Bogalusa Middle School

  3. Jill Jeffers - 3rd Grade Teacher, Pleasant Hill Elementary

  4. Clyde Terrell - ISS Teacher, Byrd Avenue Elementary

  5. Christopher Loewe - 2nd Grade Teacher, Pleasant Hill Elementary (current teacher will be transferred to ISS position)

  6. Irvin Deubler - Teacher, Superior Avenue Elementary (current teacher will be transferred to ISS position)

 

Bogalusa High School

  1. Renewal of Pamela Ard Performance Contract (set to expire June 30, 2011)
     

Bogalusa New Tech High School

  1. Bryan Stewart - BNTHS Principal
     

Bus Driver

  1. Peggy Sue Stewart
     

Summer School Substitute

  1. Ella Dupard
     

Permission to Advertise

  1. Supervisor of Special Populations

  2. 2 Bogalusa High School Custodial positions

  3. 1 Home Economics Teacher, Bogalusa Middle School

  4. 1 Talented Art Teacher, Bogalusa Middle School
     

RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  1. Megan Carney - Teacher, resignation effective close of business May 31, 2011

  2. Courtney England - Teacher, resignation effective close of business May 31, 2011

  3. Lesley Passman - Teacher, resignation effective close of business May 31, 2011

  4. Lilyan Burns - Teacher, resignation effective close of business May 31, 2011

  5. Helayne Gibson - Teacher, resignation effective close of business May 31, 2011

  6. Summer Stewart - Teacher, resignation effective close of business May 31, 2011

  7. Roger McLain - Custodian, resignation effective close of business June 2, 2011

  8. Charlette Fornea - Guidance Counselor, retirement effective close of business June 21, 2011

  9. Cleo Spurlock - Custodian, retirement
     

Items for Consideration/Approval

  1. Permission to enter into SmartFind Express contract - the Substitute Employee Management System for Schools
     

Policy Revisions

  1. BCBH - Minutes of Board Meetings - revised as required by AG Opinion #09-0300

  2. EBC - Buildings and Grounds Security - revised to delete certain information regarding security measures which might not be appropriate for all systems

  3. JB - Attendance - revised to reflect new minutes requirements as included in revisions to 1103 of Bulletin 741

  4. JBD - Student Absence and Excuses - addresses the revisions to Bulletin 741 regarding provisions which guide how absences are treated and recorded in respect to meeting attendance requirements

  5. KF - Use of School Facilities - addresses tobacco use, revisions have been made to reflect current statutory requirements, and/or to match provisions in other Board policies

 

(Note:  The majority of these items are on file in Human Resources and Policy & Procedures Manual)

 

At this point Reverend Mims attempted to make a motion to accept the Personnel Agenda.  The motion was interrupted by Mr. Hymel stating, ”I’d like to make a suggestion on the Graduation Coach. I know Bill is valuable to our system; but I would like to see him be our Athletic Director.”  ”As well as our Graduation Coach,” asked Mrs. Dillman?  ”As well as Graduation Coach,” replied Mr. Hymel.  ”Combine the two positions,” asked Mrs. Dillman.  ”Combine the two positions,” replied Mr. Hymel.   ”That is something we can look at definitely.  I did spent some time reading the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Handbook this afternoon; and there was nothing in the regulations that would prohibit us from combining the positions. The Job Description would need to be approved by the Board before we move forward with it. We would have to rewrite it; definitely the scheduling and all of that,” says Mrs. Dillman.

 

At this point President Kates asked Mr. Murray if he wanted to speak on that or had any problems with it.

 

Response from Mr. Murray- ”I will tell you the Graduation Coach position, is a full-time; all day position; and I would have some reservations about taking it on; especially a duty such as that; because that’s going to involve a good bit of time.  I just don’t know if both of those hats would fit into my time.  I would have some reservations about that. I appreciate the consideration for that; I really do.  I won’t totally close the door; but … (Pausing and not completing this statement),” says Mr. Murray.  ”We’re in need of one,” added Mr. Hymel.

 

Statement from President Kates-”Let me ask you this question, Mr. Murray.  I know Mr. Hymel is very, very concerned about this but; correct me if I’m wrong. I’m thinking that the Graduation Coach is responsible for tracking kids from ninth grade all the way up to graduation; and I think the majority…(Pausing and not completing this statement).  I don’t think you’re suppose to go into the Middle School; but I think  you did the Middle School; and plus you did the high school; but you’re suppose to track every kid that enter these grades to make sure that they advance to the next grade, right?”  ”I work with kids from fifth grade and up; not just ninth through twelfth.  I don’t just work with kids with problems.  Kids that don’t have problems, I feel that I encourage them as well,” says Mr. Murray.  ”I understand.  Mrs. Adams said you work with her; Mrs. Tonda said you work with her.  I understand,” says Mr. Kates.

 

At that point Mrs. Duke voiced a concern about the previous Athletic Director and would he not have that responsibility.  There was a brief discussion.  It was mentioned that there was no Athletic Director; but Bryan Stewart handled a lot of it.

 

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Mrs. Duke to remove from tabled status; the rehiring of the Graduation Coach; Permission to fill vacant Principal at Bogalusa New Tech High School; and Permission to advertise for a Supervisor for Special Ed.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Dr. Williams to approve the Personnel agenda.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

11.)       Executive Session-McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Consulting Firm

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Dr. Williams to enter into Executive Session.  The motion was carried unanimously.

Prior to the Executive Session, President Kates stated, ”Ms. Adams has something that she needs to give us from all the committees that were gathered throughout the interviews.  There were seven committees; the Principals & Supervisors, Teachers, Classified Staff, Ministerial Alliance & External Stakeholders, Student Council, Union Representatives and Parent Body.  Ms. Adams stated, ”On behalf of McPherson & Jacobson and as the Moderator, let the record show that I am presenting to President Kates a large double sealed envelope that he will open for the first time.  Let the record also show that there are twenty one double sealed envelopes, representing one from every group for the three candidates; that has not been opened.  They will be opened by President Kates in Executive Session.  Each Board Member will have an envelope on each candidate per group.  They will read them to President Kates.  Thank you,” concluded Ms. Adams.

 

Statement from President Kates- ”And I just want to let the public know that these are the envelopes of all the information we received from all the people that were involved in the interviewing process during the daytime. They interviewed the candidates and this is their input that we will review and look at.  I feel that this will help us too, when we make our selection for Superintendent; because we did want the public input, and that’s what we’ve done by hiring a consulting firm.  One of the reasons we wanted to do it was to take it out of the Boards hands and hire McPherson and Jacobson Consulting Firm. They did all the work.  Now, we will go into Executive Session.”

 

Returning to the Media Center, President Kates stated, ”At this time we would like to bring the meeting back to regular session.  Can I get a motion to return out of Executive Session?”

 

It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mrs. Duke to return to regular session.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

”We just came out of Executive Session and we had a discussion about all of our External Stakeholders & Ministerial Alliance, Teachers, Principals & Supervisors, Classified Staff, Union Representatives, Student Council, Parent Body, everybody that were involved in the all-day-long interview process.  We discussed them and do want the public to know that we appreciate them; and that we were well pleased with the information that we reviewed.  We will take some of their input into consideration when we re-interview the two candidates on tomorrow night. We all have to remember that children are first; and this candidate, whoever we select; we hope that they have children first in their mind.  We hope that every employee in the Bogalusa School system, have children first.  We have a great task before us.  We know that we have to bear down and be accountable for everything that we do.  I feel that we will be successful in our endeavor,” concluded President Kates.

 

12.)       Interim Superintendent Comments-Stephanie S. Hoppen

”In the packet that you were given last night there was a brochure concerning the School Law Day.  It is the Law Day that we have every year.  The School Law Day is September 22nd-23rd.  I hope every one of you can go.  You can also get six CLU’s.  I hope you’ll go.  Next week if you will call Ms. Adams and let her know.”  Ms. Adams sated that they need to go to get their credit hours for Act 380, a state requirement, regarding School Board Members.

 

13.)       Board Members Comments

Mrs. Eleanor Duke-”I’d just like to say, you all say a prayer for us.  We have been working hard on that; and we hope we get the right person.”

 

Vice President Adam Kemp-”I’d just like to say that we appreciate the information from the people that attended those groups.  The ones that stood out the most were our students.  Their perception of each candidate was, in my opinion, very professional; and they were very observant to even the little minor details.”

 

President Kates asked if there were any further comments.  There were none.  At that point, the meeting was adjourned.

 

14.)       Adjourn

There being no further business to address or comments, President Kates adjourned at 7:05P.M.

 

________________________________                ___________________________________

Stephanie S. Hoppen                                                     Paul D. Kates

Secretary to the Board                                                   Board President