Bogalusa School Board

Bogalusa, Louisiana 

Regular Board Meeting

August 25, 2011

5:30 P.M.

 

Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board Taken At A Regular Board Meeting That Was Held on Thursday August 25, 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 Thursday, August 25, 2011, beginning at 5:30P.M.  The sole purpose of the meeting was to address matters regarding the opening of schools for 2011-2012 Fiscal School Year.  The agenda included a presentation from Child Nutrition Programs.

 

1.)        Call to Order

President Paul Kates called the meeting to order at 5:30P.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, Mr. Calvin Hymel, Reverend Raymond Mims and Dr. Brad Williams

 

There was absent:  Member:  Mrs. Eleanor Duke

 

At this point President Kates called for the presentation from Child Nutrition Programs. 

 

5.)        Presentation-Joannie Miller, Child Nutrition Program Supervisor (Mrs. Miller was not in attendance at this point)

 

At this point with Mrs. Miller being absent, President Kates proceeded with the agenda.

 

6.)        Approval of Minutes of Special Board Meeting-July 1, 2011

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Creel to approve the minutes.  The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.    

                                                                                                                                              

7.)        Approval of Minutes of Public Meeting-July 28, 2011

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

 

8.)        Approval of Minutes of Special Board Meeting-August 4, 2011

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

 

9.)        Board Officers and Committee Reports

There were none.

 

President Kates called for Recess to Public Session

 

10.)       Recess to Public Session

Jessica Martinez- Mrs. Martinez stated her address as 1630 Azalea Court.  She stated that she was there on behalf of the foreign speaking community of Bogalusa.  At that point Mrs. Martinez began to read the handout that she had prepared for the public. She also supplied translated copies of the handout in Spanish for those that were in the audience.  Mrs. Martinez went on to say, ”We the Hispanic community respectfully request that Mrs. Peggy Rodriguez Brandal be reinstated as an ESL Advocate/Coordinator for the Bogalusa School System.  She has advocated for the parental involvement in the schools.  She interprets English to Spanish and vise versa incredibly accurate.  She also manages to communicate with other foreign families.  Her ability to communicate in our language and the pride she takes in her work with the foreign language community has many families elated, instead of feeling isolated, with the assistance she provides.”  She mentioned that she also relates with the new Vietnamese families here in Bogalusa. ”In 2008, Mrs. Brandal was the ESL Coordinator for the foreign speaking community in our school system which has shown an increase in registration of incoming foreign students.  This is in your folder. In May 2009 she was reduced to the position of an ESL Paraprofessional with no reason given.  I have here today a new petition to reinstate Mrs. Peggy Rodriguez Brandal as the ESL Advocate/Coordinator. You may say, ’Well they’re in America now so they need to learn our language.’  I used to agree with this as well, but that was when I was ignorant to the fact that this is discrimination.  In closing, I pray that you will understand the need for our parent’s involvement in working with the schools, and henceforth improving the outlook of the futures of our children and to avert any unwarranted discrimination.  And, number two on the little index card it says did I address this matter even before I had to come here?  I addressed Mrs. Gill; she’s the ESL Coordinator or something like that; all I was told by her is that all she was given last year was an eight thousand dollar grant and she was doing the best she could do.  I did not like that response at all; and that’s why I’m here now,” says Mrs. Martinez. 

 

Statement from President Kates-”Well I tell you Mrs. Jessica, the next step is I’d like you to come in and talk to Mrs. Louise Smith; she is our Superintendent and you let her know your concerns and let her know your request; and she will take it from there.  If you don’t get the concern there you bring it back to the Board; and we will deal with the problem.  ”I did call her and she said she was calling the schools to find out if it was true,” added Mrs. Martinez.  When Superintendent Smith was asked whether she called the schools; she replied, ’I invited you to come in and see me.”  ”But did you call the schools like you said,” asked Mrs. Martinez?   ”Yes ma’am; and I told you I would investigate; and again I invite you to come in and see me,” says Superintendent Smith.  ”But they didn’t answer your question; they didn’t answer you,” asked Mrs. Martinez? ”Did they answer your question that you asked them,” asked President Kates?  ”Yes,” replied Superintendent Smith.  ”Will you do that?  I ask you to come in and sit down and talk with her; you and this person you’re representing,” says President Kates.  ”Well they’re here today,” says Mrs. Martinez. ”Okay, but I’m just saying the one you want to be the ESL interpreter,” says President Kates.  ”I think she’s here now.  I’ll get her name and phone number,” says Mrs. Martinez.  ”Okay, get her name; and will you all come in and sit down.  Get you an appointment with Mrs. Smith and you all can discuss that; and if you’re not satisfied then you can come back to the Board and we will take it up and we will look at all the issues.  She’s in charge in handling these situations,” says President Kates.  ”Okay.  Thanks,” concluded Mrs. Martinez.  ”You’re very welcome,” says President Kates. (Mrs. Martinez’s request is on file with the minutes and Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent files).

 

Delores Peters- ”My name is Delores Peters.  I am at 1428 Marshall Richardson Road.  A simple question; I need to know what district I live in; in regard to School Board and which member represents that district?  Reverend Mims stated that it was his district; and that was District 2.  ”Thank you very much,” concluded Ms. Peters.

 

Tommy Brumfield-”My name is Tommy Brumfield at 901 West 5th Street, here in town.  I appreciate you all letting me speak to you all today.  My grandson goes to Middle School.  He came from Annunciation.  On Monday afternoon he went to get on the bus that he normally gets on.  He was moved to another bus without any notification to the parent or anything.  He got on this other bus; and on the way home he was attacked by five students.  He was held down and his cell phone was taken from him.  He reported it to the bus driver and the bus driver took no action; wouldn’t even stop to see if he could get the phone back or whatever.  My daughter addressed it with someone at the school.”  His daughter was in the audience as he looked back at her; she stated, ”I went to the school and they said they couldn’t help me, so I didn’t know what to do.”  ”They said they couldn’t help you,” asked President Kates?  Mr. Brumfield continued, ”The people at the school; and then she came over here and addressed someone here, (Pausing).....His daughter interrupted, Chip Conerly  He continued, Chip Conerly, and from talking to her, his reaction was, ’I’ll get around to it when I can;’ well that’s unacceptable.  Assault and battery and aggravated theft and about five people jumping on one person is not a minor situation; that can be, a when you get around to it.  I went the next day and talked to Darrell Darden at the school.  One of the kids went to the Middle School; the others were High School kids. I understand he talked to one of the kids we identified; he searched him and of course he didn’t have the cell phone on him; he wouldn’t have it on him it was stolen; and I don’t know what is going on here; but this is an unacceptable situation, and....(Pausing and not completing this statement), says Mr. Brumfield.  ”Do you have the names of the kids at high school,” asked President Kates?  ”I have the name of one; the one at Middle School,” says Mr. Brumfield.  ”You don’t have the names of the other ones at the other school,” asked President Kates?  ”I don’t have the names of the others and my grandson didn’t know them either. I also went and talked to Ed Gomez; and he said they should be charged, for aggravated assault and battery; and aggravated robbery; and I would like for something to be done,” says Mr. Brumfield.  ”We’ll get Mrs. Smith to look into that for you Mr. Brumfield; and you can get back with her; and she’ll get you the results,” says President Kates.  ”Thank you,” concluded Mr. Brumfield.

 

At this point there was no one else to address the Board or public, and President Kates continued with the agenda items.

 

11.)       Old Business

 

A.)        Approval Nellie Byers Contract Feeding Agreement for FY 2011-2012.

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Reverend Mims to approve the agreement.  The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.  (Supporting document is on file with the minutes)

 

B.)        Approval of meal price increase for adult meals and contract meals. 

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Reverend Mims to approve the increase.  The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.  (Supporting document is on file in Child Nutrition Department)

 

C.)        Approval of travel for Joannie Miller, Tonja Varnado-Seal (or substitute), Charlotte Robinson and Eleanor Duke for the rescheduled approved trip to Washington, D.C.; for October 12, 2011 for the Healthier U.S. School Challenge Gold Award of Distinction invitation to the White House, via Michelle Obama.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Vice President Kemp to approve the re-scheduled travel.  The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.

 

D.)        Approval of contract agreement for professional services for Linda Kellar-Speech Therapist.

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve the agreement.  The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent. (Supporting documents are on file with the minutes)

 

E.)        Approval of Revised Budgets and Financial Statements for June 30, 2011, General Fund, Food Service and Special   Revenue. 

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

 

F.)        Grant permission to discard additional Fixed Assets District Wide, i.e. General Fund, IDEA & Title I. 

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.  (Supporting documents are on file with the minutes and Auditors Records)

 

G.)        Approval of 2011-2012 Liability Coverage.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve the coverage.  The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent. (Supporting document is on file with the Auditors records)

 

H.)        Approval of Resolution authorizing the Superintendent to sign the required Louisiana Uninsured/Underinsured motorist forms reflecting a selection of rejection of uninsured/underinsured motorists’ coverage.

 

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Vice President Kemp to approve the resolution.  The motion was not carried unanimously, at this point.

Question from Mr. Hymel-”How many vehicles are we covering?”  ”Three vehicles and twenty buses, two maintenance trucks and the Title I van.  Mr. Hymel it’s in your packet,” replied Mrs. Walker.

 

The motion was carried unanimously at this point, with one absent.  (Supporting document is on file with the minutes)

 

I.)         Approval of JROTC out-of-state travel for 2011-2012 School year, September 3rd, 2011-Little Black Creek, MS; September 10th-Vicksburg, MS; September 24th-Lucedale, MS; October 8th- Brandon, MS; October 15th- Nashville, TN; October 22nd- Kiln, MS; November 4th-Stennis MS; November 5th-Ocean Springs, MS; December 10th-Gulfport, MS; February 2012-(DTBA)-Anniston, AL; February (DTBA)-Vicksburg, MS; March (DTBA)-Vicksburg, MS; March (DTBA)-Anniston, AL; March 3rd-Gulfport, MS; April (DTBA)-Oxford, MS;  June (DTBA)-Camp Shelby, MS; July (DTBA)-Anniston, AL

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Dr. Williams to approve the travel.  The motion was not carried unanimously at this point. 

 

Statement from Dr. Williams-”It’s the great bright spot in our school system, the JROTC.”

 

Statement from Mr. Creel-”The only thing I would like to ask is, if we can get some kind of  description of what each one of  these trips are from Major Fredieu at some point and time.”  President Kates asked Mrs. Noto if she would take care of that. (Supporting document is on file with the minutes)

 

The motion was carried unanimously at this point, with one absent. 

 

 J.)       Approval of the 2011-2012 Pupil Progression Plan

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Reverend Mims to approve the plan.  The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.  (Supporting document is on file in Curriculum & Instruction Department)

                

K.)         Grant permission to adjust September’s meeting dates due to Budget matters and workshops; Committee Meeting

Monday, September 12, 2011; Public Meeting-Thursday, September 15, 2011.  All meetings will begin at 5:30P.M.     

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve.  The motion was not carried unanimously at this point.

 

L.)        Acceptance of monetary donation in the amount of $4,000 from Temple-Inland as a Community Partner to Bogalusa High School.

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Vice President Kemp to accept the donation.  The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.    

 

Statement from President Kates-”At this time I would like to thank the corporation that I work for, which is Temple-Inland.  I work very closely with them and they called me in and told me that they wanted to help our schools.  They helped the Junior High School; and they helped the High School; so I just want to thank them; and my Resident Manager for this donation. (Supporting document is on file with the minutes).

 

The motion was carried unanimously at this point, with one absent.
 

M.)       Approval of Landlord Letter of Consent and Memorandum of Agreement between LSU Bogalusa School-Based Health Center and Bogalusa City School Board.

 It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve the memorandum.  The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent. (Supporting document is on file with the minutes).

 

 N.)       Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between Southeastern Louisiana University and Bogalusa High for Dual Enrollment for 2011-2012.

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Vice President Kemp to approve the memorandum.  The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.  (Supporting document is on file with the minutes).

 

O.)        Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between Bogalusa City Schools and Northshore Technical College-Sullivan Campus

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Reverend Mims to approve the memorandum.  The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.  (Supporting document is on file with the minutes).

 

10.)       Personnel

 

HIRE:

 

Denhamtown

  1. Deborah Pigott- CNA/Para Educator; Effective Date: August 8, 2011
     

Bogalusa Middle School

  1. Darrell Darden - Discipline Coordinator; Effective Date: August 29, 2011 (Voted on separately)
     

Substitutes

  1. Darrell Darden - Effective Date: August 8 - 26, 2011
     

POSITIONS

  1. Faculty Coordinator - (1) for Bogalusa Middle School (1) for Bogalusa High School
     

Request permission to advertise to internal candidates only for two temporary one year positions.

 

REASSIGNMENTS

  1. Richard Simmons - ISS Teacher; Bogalusa Middle School to Bogalusa High School; Effective August 29, 2011

  1. Tanya Powell- Para Educator; Northside Tech Middle to Bogalusa Middle School; Effective August 3, 2011

 

2011 - 2012 Extra Curricular Activities

 

Bogalusa High School

  1. Cullen Brooks Student Council Sponsor

 

RESIGNATIONS

  1. Scott Cave - BMS 5th Grade Teacher- Resignation effective date August 22, 2011

  2. Kimberly Spitale-Rayborn - BMS English Teacher - Resignation effective date August 12, 2011

 

STIPENDS

  1. Athletic Director

  2. Band Director

  3. Assistant Band Director

 

PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS

Approval of Superintendent Contract and Performance Goals (Supporting documents are on file with the minutes).

 

POLICY UPDATES

IDFAB - Sports Injury and Concussions (Supporting document is n file with the minutes)

            Revised to adhere to the passage of Acts 314 & 352 of the 2011 Louisiana Legislative Session.

 

Prior to any actions, Vice President Kemp asked a question regarding line item #1 under Hire for Bogalusa Middle School and exactly what was this individual going to do.  Superintendent Smith stated, ”You have a retired policeman in this capacity; that has the expertise and experience that we felt might be needed.  We did not hire an SRO because of the funding issues there.  This person is funded through federal funds; and if we would have hired an SRO then we would have gone another route with funding.  There was a funding issue there; and we wanted someone who had experience and background in police work; and this gentleman that we hired has that,” says Superintendent Smith.  ”This position has already begun,” asked Vice President Kemp?”  ”We have a substitute in place right now for the position; and the regular hire, will become effective on Monday, should the Board approve the hire.   President Kates added, ”By having this position, could these problems be handled on campus along with the Principal, before the police are called?”  ”That’s what we’re hoping that we can handle a lot of the issues in-house and not have to call the police.  One of the concerns with the Police Department was that we were over-using their services; and so we’re hoping that this person will get with the Principal and curtail some of that,” says Superintendent Smith.

 

At this point there was a unanimous decision, with one absent; was made to vote on line item #1 under Hire at Bogalusa Middle School separately?  President Kates asked if there were any further questions.  There being none, he asked for a motion to approve the Personnel Agenda excluding the position of Discipline Coordinator for Bogalusa Middle School.

 

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Vice President Kemp to approve the Personnel Agenda with the exception of line item #1 for Hire under Bogalusa Middle School-Discipline Coordinator.  This will be voted on separately.  The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent. 

 

Bogalusa Middle School

  1. Darrell Darden - Discipline Coordinator; Effective Date: August 29, 2011

 

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to accept.  The motion was not carried unanimously; and resulted to a Roll Call Vote as follow:

 

YEAS:               Mr. Curtis Creel, Mr. Calvin Hymel, Dr. Brad Williams, Reverend Raymond Mims, and President Paul Kates

NAYS:              Vice President Adam Kemp

ABSENT:          Mrs. Eleanor Duke

 

The motion was carried 5-1, with 1 absent.

 

Statement from Vice President Kemp- ”One quick comment.  It’s not the person, it’s the position. I would have loved to have someone that could do arresting on the campus at the same time if something was to break-out.  The final issue is safety comes first.  So, I’m not against the person, I just prefer to have someone that could arrest on the spot.

 

Next, Mrs. Dillman gave the Board information in regards to the Fifteen-Day-Count for 2011-2012.

 

There being nothing else from Mrs. Dillman, President Kates resumed to the agenda items as follow:

 

11.)       Superintendent’s Comments-Louise Smith

”We have some information on CRIMESTOPPERS.  This is an organization that has asked to come into our schools.  They provide some really good information; and some presentations on crime.  We have a Memorandum of Understanding with them.  They are a totally non-profit organization and they give students a way to report crime in the school.  I would like for us to use that organization.”

 

”You also have some newsletters.  There is one from Byrd Avenue; one from Bogalusa High School; there is a calendar from Superior.  There is information on test scores in your folder; and there is a calendar of events in the community.  I think that’s all I have for you,” concluded Superintendent Smith.

 

At this point President Kates recognized; and called for the presentation of Child Nutrition Programs Supervisor, Joannie Miller

 

Presentation-Joannie Miller, Child Nutrition Program Supervisor

 

”I apologize especially to my staff.  Some of them we did at the end of the year; but two (2) we did not recognize was the School Nutrition Association of Louisiana President’s Gold Award and Perfect Attendance.  Carman Comans is not present tonight; but she did win that award for our district; and we’re very proud of her for that and her participation.”

 

”Secondly I’d like to recognize Perfect Attendance.  No matter what department you work in perfect attendance is critical, I feel like.  I think it affords a lot of hard work and effort on the part of the employee; and so I’d like to recognize two (2) of them that are here tonight for their perfect attendance; first Pauline Toney, she is our Manager at Northside Technology Middle School.  Pauline is an excellent manager, she works very hard.  Congratulations Pauline.  And, secondly I’d like recognize Joyce Irvine.  She is a Technician at Superior Avenue Elementary.  She has been with us twenty-three (23) years.  Joyce works very hard. Mrs. Miller recognized Mrs. Irvine’s husband, who was in the audience.   ”Charlotte Robinson could not be with us tonight; and

 

Carman Comans; they also had Perfect Attendance,” says Mrs. Miller.  It was also noted that Joannie Miller, Supervisor of the Child Nutrition Programs had Perfect Attendance.

 

At this point President Kates recognized Bryan Stewart, Principal at Bogalusa High School.

 

Bryan Stewart-”I did bring some season tickets for my School Board Members.  I would like to say that I think this year is off to a real good start at Bogalusa High School.  We have been working real close with SREB.  SREB met today with our math teachers and they had some great things to say, that we are headed in the right direction.  Things are going well.  We’re pleased with the progress.  All the teachers seem to be on the same page; myself and Mr. McKinley on the same page, working hard to ensure consistency throughout the school in everything that we do; whether it’s discipline, classroom rules or dress code.  Everything is going good and we appreciate you all supporting us.  Thank you all,” concluded Mr. Stewart.

 

12.)       Board Members Comments

 

Mr. Calvin Hymel-”I would just like to say, Temple-Inland giving us money; and them going through a really hard time at this time; we really need to get behind them; and thank them; and wish the best for them.” 

 

Reverend Raymond Mims-”I was at Wal-Mart the other day and a couple of your young athletes from the high school were selling some sort of tickets for football; and they were very mannerable; very nice young men.”

 

Vice President Adam Kemp- ”Mrs. Martinez has left; but I want to thank her for coming in.  Bogalusa is a very multi-cultural population and we’ve got to make sure that every family is comfortable in our system; from the moment they walk in the door that we provide the services they need. The second thing was if the Board would consider; and we might have to do some research; looking at our Drug Testing Policy, that we have a policy in place; and see to it being a mandate that everybody get tested as an employee, for the safety of our children.  I’m not saying that we have teachers on drugs; I’m saying that we want to prevent and make sure we don’t have.  I think it will affect our bus drivers; our city workers.  I’m not immune to it as a teacher; as a Board Member; yes I think it’s something that we need to look at, for the safety of our children.  Also, if there is somebody that is having problems; that we get them the help they need.  That’s a way to protect our children.  I think that’s something that we need to look into, to have in place.”

 

President Paul Kates-”I’d just like to say that we know that we have struggled in the past with Bogalusa School System; but I want to commend Mrs. Smith for working with this Board that we have here today; and we as a Board; and we as a system should be committed, accountable and responsible for all of our children; because we want them to engage and learn and get a quality education.  I think if we all do these things; and support our staff; our superintendent, teachers, principals, administration and put our children first; and reach out to them and give them the love that they need; I know Bogalusa School System will be fine.  I think this year has been a good year starting; and I think we as a Board are working together.  Mrs. Smith is really keeping us informed on what’s going on; and I really appreciate her for that.  I thank you all.”

 

Mr. Curtis Creel-”I just have one comment.  I passed by the high school this afternoon; I saw Chad Harry and his entourage.  He had a nice crowd there and I would just like to commend him on what he is doing.”

 

At that point President Kates asked the media Mr. Meek to help support our football team with some advertisement.  He asked whether anyone else had anything else to discuss or comments.  There was nothing else; and he adjourned.

 

13.)       Adjourn

There being no further business to address; or comments, President Kates adjourned at 6:30P.M.

 

 

_______________________________                     ________________________________

Louise Smith                                                                       Paul D. Kates

Secretary to the Board                                                       Board President