Bogalusa, Louisiana

Public Meeting

July 28, 2011

5:30 P.M.

 

 

Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board, Taken AT A Public Meeting That Was Held On Thursday, July 28, 2011

 

The Bogalusa School Board met in a Public Meeting at the Bogalusa School Board Office Media Center, located at 1705 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, Louisiana, on Thursday, July 28, 2011, beginning at 5:30 P.M., for the purpose of adopting the Tax Millage for 2011; and to continue to address matters for the 2011-2012 School Year for Bogalusa City Schools District.

 

1.)        Call to Order

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

 

2.)        Pledge of Allegiance

Superintendent Louise Smith 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 was absent:  None

 

5.)        Approval of Special Board Meeting Minutes-June 20, 2011

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

 

6.)        Approval of Special Board Meeting Minutes-June 21, 2011

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve the minutes.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

7.)        Approval of Special Board Meeting Minutes-June 22, 2011

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

 

8.)        Approval of Regular Board Meeting Minutes-June 28, 2011

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

 

9.)        Approval of Special Board Meeting Minutes-June 29, 2011

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

 

At this point President Kates recessed to Public Session.

 

10.)       Recess To Public Session

Neely Caldwell- Mr. Caldwell stated his address as 1031 Poinsetta Place, Bogalusa, LA. His voiced concern was regarding the Football team at Bogalusa Junior High. He was asking for help from the Board. ”Donations are going to be given to us; but at the end of the day we’re still going to fall short.  We have thirty-three hundred dollars in the account; that’s all we have; and we still have to buy helmets; we have to buy jerseys.  Pretty much where I stand here is to see what the Board can do for us.  Thank you.”

 

Wilda Peters-Ms. Peters stated her address as 1909 Dolly Avenue, Bogalusa. Her voiced concern was regarding the Superintendent.  She stated, ”I am a concerned parent.  I am concerned about the schools in my community.  Mrs. Smith, I have some questions for you; if you can’t answer them tonight I would like a reply, in the future.  What is your vision for this school system? Do you have a one to five year plan?  Do you have any plans for professional development for our faculty?  It looks like everything falls on the students; it’s always the students; but what about the faculty.  Because everybody that you recruit; and hire is not qualified to teach, even if they are certified.  Will the Middle School remain the same, with the fifth and sixth graders; with the seventh and eighth graders who are much more mature and cause a bunch of problems?  Our schools are old, below standard; in need of major repair. Are there any plans to build new schools; renovate the existing schools or to improve the learning environment for our students?  Do you plan to improve our test scores; and help get us out of AUS?  Are there going to be tutors in the classrooms as needed?  All students are not as apt as others; some are slow and need tutoring; will they have the tutor.  I know that the state hires certified teachers.  The ones that don’t pass the NTE they don’t get jobs; but some of them are better teachers.”  Mrs. Peters ended her concerns about the shirts being worn out and the cargo pants.  (Items of question to Superintendent Smith is on file with the minutes)

 

Kenneth Martin- Mr. Martin did not state his address nor did he list it on his ”Request for Recognition as a Speaker” card.  He did identify himself as a coach at Bogalusa High School.  ”I have two things tonight.  Like Coach Hymel said, they’re ready to get the big shirts; they’re ready to wear them out.  I ask that you please look at the Dress Code and separate elementary from middle school; and high school. I don’t think there’s a problem with the shirt tails being tucked in.  If you don’t leave that alone we’re going to cause more problems.  We’re going to do whatever you want us to do; but I just caution you.  His next concern was geared toward athletics and the double penalty for consequences of violations of policies.  I respectfully ask you all to look at hose two things before you vote on them,” concluded Mr. Martin.

 

11.)       Old Business

Prior to action on the agenda items there was a discussion regarding line item "A".  Mrs. Hoppen stated that this has to be voted on by the Board; and if there was something in there that needed changing, this was the time to make the changes.

 

A.         Approval of 2011-2012 Code of Conduct Policy; Employee Dress Code Policy & Student Uniform Policy Bogalusa City School District

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Dr. Williams to approve the policies with the exception that shirt tails be tucked in; no hooded sweatshirts; and extra-curricular activities be amended to remove double penalty for violation of athletes.

The motion was carried unanimously. (Supporting documents are on file in Child Welfare & Attendance Department)

 

B.)        Grant permission for Shelley Gill to attend the National Title I Conference in Seattle, Washington, on Friday,

January 20, 2012 thru Tuesday, January 24, 2012.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Creel to grant permission.  The motion was not carried unanimously carried unanimously at this point.     

 

Question from Vice President Kemp- ”Mrs. Gill on the Title I Conference, should anyone else attend that as well?  ”Burnell just asked for Directors.  I haven’t seen a specific agenda yet.  You have to register, that’s why I’m registering early.  He requested that we go to this one to get information on how to help him prepare for the next one that he’s in charge of,” says Mrs. Gill.

 

At this point President Kates asked if anyone in the public wanted to speak on this issue.  There was a response.

 

Statement from Ms. Peters-”Yes, when they go to these conferences; that’s money.  When they come back do they do any good?  Is it helping our students; because we never get any feedback?  All we know are they go; and they come back.  We don’t ever get any feedback on how it’s improving or helping the students.”

 

Response from President Kates-”Well Ms. Peters I want to say this to you; this is something that this Board has discussed; when we send people off to conferences.  We’ve just sent twenty-eight or twenty-seven people to Nashville, to get training from SREB; High Schools that Works and Middle Schools the Makes the Grades; and we want them to bring that back to the schools and also share this information with the teachers.  We want them to start trying to get engaged; get our children engaged in learning; and this is something that I know our Superintendent will really look at real hard; and she will be inside the schools making sure that these people are doing what they are suppose to do,” says President Kates.

 

Statement from Vice President Kemp-”And also, we did adopt a policy that people that go out to these trainings must come back and redeliver to their faculty or to whomever is the person they need to redeliver to.  They can’t just go to something; and come back and do nothing with it.  They have to come back and present.”  ”But, as long as it’s helping....,” says Ms. Peters.  This statement was interrupted by President Kates stating, ”The children, children come first, and that’s what we’re suppose to do.”   

 

The motion was carried unanimously at this point, to grant the travel permission for Mrs. Gill to attend the National Title I Conference in Seattle, Washington, from January 20-24, 2012.  (Supporting documents are on file in Title I Department).

 

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

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Vice President Kemp to approve the statements and Revised Budgets.  The motion was carried unanimously.  (Supporting documents are on file with the Auditors Records)

 

D.)        Grant permission to discard additional District Wide Fixed Assets, i.e. Title I

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

 

E.)        Grant permission to adopt Tax Millage for 2011.

Prior to any action, President Kates read the Millage Resolution in full.  The Millage listed the following:  Giving additional support for construction, maintaining, operating and improving the public elementary and secondary schools-22.060; Supports paying salaries and benefits for all school Personnel-12.000; Constitutional tax-6.430; Maintenance of Schools-7.760; Improving, maintaining and operating schools-3.110; Maintenance and operations-5.020; and Giving additional support for the current operations of public and secondary schools-6.430.  

 

At this point, President Kates opened it to the public for comments on this issue.  Mrs. Peters stated, ”This year, last year and the year before, I visited the campus at Bogalusa High.  It was cold.  When you walked in; it was warm; but when you began to go up the stairs, there were windows missing bigger than me.  It was cold.  What happens then; why haven’t something been done?   The bathrooms in those schools are deplorable.  So, is this Millage going to improve or help this when it’s years and years old?  You know you don’t want to keep putting money in a wishing well; and your wishes don’t ever come true.” 

 

Response from President Kates-”I’d like to say this to you Ms. Peters, I have to give Mrs. Smith this credit; that’s one of the things she first brought attention to this Board because she wants to make sure these schools are fixed up and well kept.  I think she has Mr. Conerly going around right now; and I think the prisoners have been in those schools also.  That is one of the things she is trying to correct right now.

 

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Vice President Kemp to adopt the Millage Resolution. The motion was carried unanimously.  (Supporting documents are on file with the minutes)

 

The roll was called on the adoption; and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:

 

YEAS:  7   (Mr. Creel, Mrs. Duke, Mr. Hymel, Dr. Williams, Reverend Mims, Vice President Kemp & President Kates)

NAYS:  0

ABSTAINED: 0

ABSENT:  0

 

The Millage Resolution was passed 7-0. 

           

F.)        Grant permission to delete Ruth Horne; and add Superintendent Louise Smith as signer at Whitney Bank on all Bogalusa City School District accounts

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Vice President Kemp to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.  (Supporting documents are on file with the Finance Department)

 

G.)        Approval of verbal permission to travel per Board Members and Superintendent Smith, for Chad Harry and ten Paper Dolls to attend a Paper Doll Camp held at the University of Southern Mississippi, in Hattiesburg, MS on July 25-28, 2011

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve the verbal travel permission. The motion was carried unanimously.  (Supporting documents are on file with Curriculum and Instructions Department)

 

H.)        Grant permission for General Fund to purchase Football helmets for Bogalusa High School and Bogalusa Middle School. 

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to grant permission.  The motion was not unanimously carried, at this point. 

 

At this point Vice President Kemp mentioned the possibility of purchasing one or two buses, so that the coaches can get the license to drive the buses, and the other buses won’t have to leave so early in order to get their buses back to pick up their children.  It was also mentioned that it is one hundred and twenty five dollars to travel from Bogalusa Junior High School to Bogalusa High School.  Vice President Kemps voiced concern was the children missing out on their instruction time because the buses have to be back to run their route; and leaving during instruction time.

 

After the discussion President Kates stated he would refer this to Mr. Conerly to look in to.

 

The motion to grant permission was carried unanimously at this point.  (Supporting documents were not submitted).

 

12.)       Personnel

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

Prior to any action, Mrs. Dillman stated, ”I have highlighted the items that were added since Monday at the request of Board Members; as well as we have completed interviews for the positions that are needed for the start of school.  Please review them and let me know if you have any questions.

 

HIRE:

     

Pleasant Hill Elementary

  1. Dominique deMonsabert- Kindergarten Teacher; Effective Date: August 3, 2011-(Level 1 - 507734) Elementary HQ
     

Byrd Avenue Elementary

  1. Sarah Jacobs - 1st Grade Teacher; Effective Date: August 3, 2011-

    (Level 1 - 511733) Elementary HQ

  2. Donna Magee - 2nd Grade Teacher; Effective Date: August 3, 2011-(Level 1 - 501691) Elementary HQ
     

Superior Avenue Elementary

  1. Kristen Atwood - 2nd Grade Teacher; Effective Date: August 3, 2011-(OS 494342) Elementary HQ

  2. Theodore Dubuclet - ISS Teacher; Effective Date: August 3, 2011-(Level 1 - 452085) Elementary HQ

  3. Gail Marcks - 3rd Grade Teacher; Effective Date: August 3, 2011-(Level 1 - 509596) - Elementary HQ

  4. Mary Regina Williams-Special Populations Teacher-Effective Date: August 3, 2011-(Level 3-509771),Elementary HQ
     

Bogalusa Middle Schools (ADDED)

  1. Jenell McGee - Talented Art Teacher; Effective Date: August 3, 2011-(OS 501749) - Art HQ
     

Bogalusa High School (ADDED)

  1. Lesley McKinley - Assistant Principal/Athletic Director; Effective Date: August 1, 2011 (B 082756)
     

Non-Publics (part-time)

  1. Robyn Willis - Teacher-(Level 2 - 490662) - Elementary HQ

 

2011 - 2012 Extra Curricular Activities

 

Bogalusa High School

  1. Craig Jones             Head Football Coach

  2. James Cummings    Assistant Football Coach

  3. Adrian Frazier          Assistant Football Coach

  4. Kenneth Martin        Head Basketball Coach (Boys)

  5. Landon Tims            Assistant Basketball Coach (Boys)

  6. Jimmy Bates            Head Basketball Coach (Girls)

  7. Adrian Frazier          Assistant Basketball Coach (Girls)

  8. TBD                         Head Softball Coach

  9. Linda Pittman          Assistant Softball Coach

  10. James Cummings    Head Baseball Coach

  11. Linda Pittman          Head Volleyball Coach

  12. Chad Harry              Band Director

  13. Chad Harry              Choir Director

  14. Chad Harry              Paper Dolls Sponsor

  15. Mary Lucas             Cheerleader Sponsor

  16. TBD                         Majorette/Flag Sponsor

  17. Paris Sumrall           Yearbook Sponsor

  18. Jimmy Bates           BETA Sponsor

  19. TBD                        Student Council Sponsor

Bogalusa Middle School

  1. James Butler           Head Football Coach

  2. James Butler           Head Basketball Coach (Boys)

  3. James Butler           Head Basketball Coach (Girls)

  4. Jenet Patterson       Head Dance/Cheer Sponsor

  5. Bobbie Bullock        Assistant Dance/Cheer Sponsor

  6. Kathy Lopez            Assistant Dance/Cheer Sponsor

 

REQUEST TO ADVERTISE:  (ADDED)

  1. Safe and Drug Free Schools Program Coordinator - To be located at Bogalusa Middle School and funded through General Funds-(Supporting document is on file with the minutes).

  2. Certified Nursing Assistant/Para-Educator - To be located at Denhamtown Elementary School and funded through Special Populations funds-(Supporting documents is on file with the minutes).

  3. If Assistant Principal/Athletic Director recommendation is approved, request permission to advertise for replacement Special Populations Resource Teacher.

  4. Elementary Teacher at Bogalusa Middle School (replacement)

  5. Math Teacher at Bogalusa High School (additional)

 

REASSIGNMENT

  1. Theresa King - Bogalusa New Tech High School to Bogalusa Middle School - ISS Teacher

 

RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS

  1. Marian Brown -BMS Music/PE Teacher- Retirement effective date June 21, 2011

  2. Kathryn Wallace-Non-Publics (part-time) - Resignation effective date May 31, 2011

  3. Kathy Lopez - BMS 5th Grade Teacher - Retirement effective date August 1, 2011 (ADDED)

 

*It was noted that Kathy Lopez’s retirement would void line item #6 under Bogalusa Middle School Extra-Curr. Activities

 

DEATH OF A STAFF MEMBER

  1. Danladi Inuwa - BHS Science Teacher; July 21, 2011. The district is saddened by the passing of Danladi Inuwa.  Mr. Inuwa served as an educator with the district for 2010- 2011 school year.  He will be missed by his colleagues, students and the community. (Unless noted, supporting documents for the agenda items are on file with HR Department).

 

Vice President Kemp voiced several concerns that included the Special Population Supervisor position, and advertisement of other positions, possibly a math teacher; and have all the RIFs been completed.  ”We do not have anyone on the recall list that is qualified for a math teacher.  We only have one person left on the recall list that is a certified teacher,” says Mrs. Dillman. 

 

At this point Mrs. Noto stated, ”Mr. Kemp can I comment on this?  ”Okay,” says Vice President Kemp.  Mr. Noto continued, ”I have a certified secondary person that’s been moved to Middle School; and if there is a possibility that I can move her to the High School; and in so doing I would have to replace her in that position. It may be easier to find an elementary person, than it would be in secondary math.”  Reverend Mims stated, ”I know somebody that might be interested.”  ”Well, we can post it; and if she requests a transfer ….,” says Mr. Dillman.  (This statement was interrupted by Vice President Kemp).  At this point Mr. Creel asked for a retraction for clarity.  ”You’re saying it would be easier to find a math teacher for the high school,” asked Mr. Creel?  ”No, it would be easier to find an elementary teacher.  We have a math and English teacher that was at New Tech High that we transferred to Bogalusa Middle School.  She had requested; at the time we transferred her to the Middle School; she requested that if a position became available at high school she would like to be considered.  So, now that we have this opportunity, I just need to get back in contact with her to see if she still; because I know that she has been working on her classroom and everything; if she still wanted to do this transfer or not; and if that’s the case then it will help me recruit an elementary teacher that would be English highly qualified for our upper grade at Middle School,” says Mrs. Dillman

 

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

 

  13.)     Superintendent Comments-Louise Smith

”I’m going to ask the Board, please look in your folder there are some items there that I need to make you aware of; some meetings.  There is a meeting scheduled on August 6th, for the Board.  President Kates interrupted stating, ”I was going to address that Mrs. Smith.  President Kates continued, ”For each Board Member, on August 6th, we’re going to have a Retreat with our new Superintendent, to set goals for Special Phase V Meeting, with McPherson & Jacobson.  They will be coming in; and conducting this retreat.  McPherson & Jacobson, the firm that we hired to conduct our Superintendent position with; they will be coming in on August 6th; and the meeting will be from nine to eleven; two hours; so each Board Member has to come; and also the Superintendent.  We will discuss some items where the system is going for our first year with our new Superintendent,” concluded President Kates.  Superintendent Smith continued stating, ”There is another item in your folder; for a workshop on Data Driven Decision Making and Facilities Workshop.  I do want Reverend Mims, Mr. Creel and Mr. Hymel to look at this closely; because they work with the facilities.  There is another item in here on the School Law Institute; and I just want to remind everyone of it.

                         

And I would like to say at this time that I am very honored to be Superintendent of Bogalusa City Schools.  I truly appreciated all the remarks that were made tonight; and I really want to know Ms. Peters better.  She’s got some passion that we need; so I really do want to sit and talk to you; but I appreciate everyone coming and I ask for your support as we move forward in improving our schools.  Thank you,” concluded Superintendent Smith.

 

 

 14.)      Board Members Comments

Vice President Adam Kemp-”I went yesterday to meet Dr. Gullatt, who is coming in with Dr. Parker.  She was doing an in-service at Byrd Avenue and I was real impressed with the things she’s offering; the support she’s offering the faculty, the principals; and the teachers.  And also I have heard great reviews of some of our own employees who will be presenting a workshop to build morale and better working relationship.  So, we are seeing some good things; I’d like to thank Mrs. Smith.  In the short time she’s already been here; we’ve already seen some major changes.  One of the things we’re looking at in the future is tutoring.  There is already something in place for a Mentorship and Tutoring Program.  As a matter of fact, there already are a group of ladies; grandmothers who are trying to get together to offer some tutoring; offer some assistance.  So I will certainly put you in touch with those ladies who are trying to get these ladies to come in.  It’s like a grandmothers club; to come in and work with our children.  I will definitely get your name and number before you leave,” says Vice President Kemp.

 

Statement from Mrs. Duke-”Look I’m not a grandmother; but I do want to participate in that; if Board Members are allowed to participate; I would love to do that.”  ”We’re also encouraging churches, to offer things to their congregation, as far as tutoring and so forth, the entire community; anybody and everybody  we’re trying to help the children,” added Vice President Kemp. 

 

President Paul Kates-”I would like to say, you know we’re trying to start our 2011-2012 School Year, and I would ask Mr. Meek at the Bogalusa Daily News to work with Mrs. Smith and please give us a positive media time; because we are putting children first; and I know Mrs. Smith will be really diligent and  dedicated to making  sure that our administrators; our teachers; our principals and everyone have good  leadership ability; that we will focus on our children and that we will move Bogalusa School System forward.  We would thank you if you would help us in this issue.  At least some time put Bogalusa School System in the paper.  We are working on discipline; and we are going to be firm with it. We are asking parents to work with their children; and teach them how to behave; when they come to school so they can apply themselves to learn.  Mrs. Smith will diligently work with our administrators, principals and teachers to make sure that they are carrying out the right leadership ability where they will be engaged in their subjects to learn.  Thank you.  The meeting is adjourned,” concluded President Kates.

 

  15.)     Adjournment

There being no further comments or business to address, President Kates adjourned at 6:15P.M.

 

 

______________________________                              ________________________________

Louise Smith                                                                             Paul D. Kates

Secretary to the Board                                                            Board President