Bogalusa School Board

Bogalusa, Louisiana

Special Board Meeting

June 29, 2011

5:00 P.M.

 

Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board Taken At A Special Board Meeting That Was Held On Wednesday, June 29, 2011

 

The Bogalusa School Board met in a special session at the Bogalusa School Board Office, in the Media Center, located at 1705 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, Louisiana on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, beginning at 5:00P.M. The sole purpose of the meeting was to conduct a second interview with two of the previous candidates, for the position of Superintendent for Bogalusa City Schools. The agenda included an Executive Session.

 

1.)        Call to Order

President Paul Kates called the meeting to order at 5:00P.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

 

Prior to addressing the agenda, President Kates stated, ”At this time I would like to amend the agenda, to add to the agenda what Mrs. Joannie Miller, Supervisor of Child Nutrition Programs, asked to add two additional people to attend the White House reception in honor of the award Bogalusa City School (Byrd Avenue) received.

 

It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Reverend Mims to amend the agenda to add two additional people to attend the White House Reception in honor of the award Bogalusa City School (Byrd Avenue) received.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

5.)        Grant permission to send two additional persons to travel to Washington, DC, 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 Mr. Creel, seconded by Reverend Mims to grant permission. The motion was carried unanimously.

 

6.)        Old Business

At this point, President Kates asked for a motion to enter into an Executive Session to conduct the interviews.  

 

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Dr. Williams to enter into an Executive Session. The motion was carried unanimously.

 

A.)        Executive Sessions-Superintendent Candidates Second Interview

 

Returning to the Media Center President Kates stated, ”I need a motion to bring it back to the table for the public.”

 

It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Vice President Kemp, to resume to special session.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

”At the present time, we have just interviewed the two candidates for the Superintendent position.  Both candidates gave good interviews; and it’s on the Boards shoulders to make the decision.  Friday, in our five o’clock meeting we will make a decision.  There will be an Executive Session before the decision is made.  Another discussion will probably take place; but we will make a decision, Friday at that meeting.  Does any other Board Member have anything to say,” concluded President Kates.

 

Statement from Mr. Hymel-”I’d just like to tell everybody, both candidates did a great job.  They answered our questions.  They did everything we asked them to do.  Both of them are very capable of running this system.”

 

Statement from Dr. Williams-”I’d just like to say that I am honored to serve with every one of you all on this Board.”

 

Statement from Reverend Mims-”The same here.”

 

Statement from Mrs. Duke-”This Board has done some extensive questioning; and we are very proud that we all are informed; and now we have to go home and think about it; and make our decision.”

 

Statement from Mr. Creel- ”I think from the very beginning we’ve all; if we haven’t been in the same paragraph; we’ve been on the same page; and that was, trying to find a leader for this system that would put children first; and everything else would follow.  Friday, this Board will make a decision; you all just be praying for us.” 

 

Statement from Vice President Kemp-”I think both candidates are qualified.  Either candidate will lead this system in a better direction; and to my knowledge, this is the first time that the decision to choose and interview has been transparent among all stakeholders.  We have taken into consideration every person’s view and opinion who gave up their time; and we appreciate those people that did give up their time to help us in our decision making.  I am encouraged that we are going to move forward, regardless who is chosen as our Superintendent.  And, I am encouraged that our Board will get behind he or she; and we hope that our schools, teachers, parents and community will also get behind them, because it’s not going to be one person to make the changes; to make Bogalusa City School System better; it’s going to be that person leading everyone in the right direction.”

 

Statement from Mrs. Duke-”And, I’d like to say that we owe a death of appreciation to Mrs. Hoppen for leading this system.  She has done an excellent job.  And, to Ms. Adams, Mrs. Walker and Mrs. Dillman, thank you all.”  ”Thank you to all of our employees,” added President Kates.

 

Statement from Reverend Mims-”I would like to say, on Friday this Board will make a decision and I believe this Board will have a consensus; and we hope just as this Board is together this community would get behind this Board and support us as we move forward.”

 

President Kates asked if there any more comments.  There were none; and at that point he adjourned the meeting.

 

7.)     Adjourn

There being no further comments or business to address, President Kates adjourned at 7:40P.M.

 

_____________________________                       ______________________________

Stephanie Hoppen                                                          Paul D. Kates

Secretary to the Board                                                   Board President