Bogalusa School Board
Bogalusa, Louisiana
Regular Board Meeting
November 17, 2011
5:30 P.M.
Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board, Taken AT A Regular Meeting That Was Held On Thursday, November 17, 2011
The Bogalusa School Board met in a Regular Board Meeting at the Bogalusa School Board Office Media Center, located at 1705 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, Louisiana, on Thursday, November 17, 2011, beginning at 5:35 P.M., for the purpose of addressing timely matters of concerns regarding the day-to-day operations in light of state budget cuts.. The agenda included a presentation.
1.) Call to Order
President Paul Kates called the meeting to order at 5:35 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, Mr. Calvin Hymel, Reverend Raymond Mims, and Dr. Brad Williams
There was absent: Member- Mrs. Eleanor Duke
5.) Presentations
Washington Parish Fair Queen-Bryan Stewart, BHS Principal
Kayla Pittman-Bogalusa High School Senior
Mr. Bryan Stewart, Principal at Bogalusa High School on behalf of the school, presented Miss Kayla Pittman with a plaque in recognition of her position of Washington Parish Fair Queen for 2011. "Not only did you become Fair Queen, but you are also a big plus for Bogalusa High School; and a big plus for the City of Bogalusa. We are honored to have you as our Fair Queen and I know you will represent Bogalusa High School and Washington Parish well," says Mr. Stewart
Superintendent Louise Smith-"Kayla I echo what Paul Kates said. You are a beautiful young woman. Not only are you beautiful on the outside; but you’re beautiful on the inside. It was a very beautiful ceremony today. We really appreciate you and the recognition that you have brought to yourself, to our school and to our town. We are very, very proud of you. This is from the School Board," says Superintendent Smith. (A certificate was presented to Kayla from the School Board).
Recognition Of "A Student Caught Doing Good" Award-Lesley McKinley, BHS Assistant Principal
Steven Foster, Bogalusa High School Student
Mr. Lesley McKinley, Assistant Principal of Bogalusa High School presented an award to Steven Foster. "It gives me great pleasure to stand before you to present an award that is as equally important as recognizing our Fair Queen." Mr. McKinley went on to say that the thing that made this award so special was the fact that on October 14th Steven Foster came to see him and reported that something was going on with Ms. Cox, a teacher at the high school. McKinley stated that he told Steven to give him a minute. At that point he said Steven said, ' I really need to see you. Something is going on with Ms. Cox. She doesn’t look right. She doesn’t look like herself. You need to come." Mr. McKinley continued, “So we went to Ms. Cox’s classroom and low and behold he was right. Ms. Cox was sick, on the verge of having a stroke. His timely action minimized the results of the type of stroke she had. If it wasn’t for his observation of her on a daily basis and then to see something on that day; that something was wrong with her, it could have been more severe than it was. So we would like to recognize Steven by giving him this letter of commendation." Mr. McKinley read the letter to the public.
Superintendent Louise Smith-"Steven on behalf of Bogalusa School Board, we also want to express our appreciation. You are an outstanding young man and we truly appreciate your attention to Mrs. Cox that day. Thank you so much." Superintendent Smith presented a certificate to Steven.
President Kates-"Steven from this Board we appreciate everything that you have done. Thank you."
Video Story Of The Local Wellness Policy-Bogalusa New Tech High-Joannie Miller CNP Supervisor & Steven Sanders’ Class
“Recently I went to Steve Sanders and requested some help on putting together a video story for the Schools Putting Prevention To Work Grant that we recently wrote up; and he said his class would be glad to participate and put a story together. So I was really surprised.” Mrs. Miller then gave information regarding what Bogalusa New Tech High is all about and that it is in it’s third year, ranking 3rd in Louisiana, also ranking 3rd in Washington Parish among the high schools. She stated that Caitlyne Robinson who is in the first senior class has been accepted to Southeastern Louisiana University and will begin classes in January. She is sixteen according to Mrs. Miller.” At this point Mrs. Miller introduced the students, then proceeded with the video.
Hammonds & Sills First Annual Special Education Workshop Certificates-Superintendent Louise Smith
Adam B. Kemp, Board Vice-President
Curtis Creel, Board Member
Reverend Raymond Mims, Board Member
“I have some certificates for some Board Members. These Board Members invested their time and effort to attend a Special Education Workshop in order that they could learn more about the laws and guidelines in Special Education. We truly appreciate their willingness to do this because it makes them more informed as Board Members. This will go toward their required hours for Act 705 pertaining to School Board Members Training. At this point Superintendent presented the certificates.
6.) Approval of Minutes of Public Meeting-September 15, 2011
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Reverend Mims to approve the minutes. The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.
7.) Approval of Minutes of Special Board Meeting-October 3, 2011
It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve the minutes. The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.
8.) Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting-October 27, 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.
10.) Recess to Public Session
Jeff Simon- Mr. Simon stated his address as 3 Amanda Court, Bogalusa. His voiced concern was regarding his daughter Jilliah Simon, and the Zero Tolerance Policy. Another concern was regarding the assignments and there not being enough worksheets to pass around. When he asked if the Board could answer that question, Superintendent Smith stated that she was not aware of that and she would investigate that and the Zero Policy.
Wilda Peters- Mrs. Peters stated her address as 1909 Dolly Avenue, Bogalusa, Louisiana. Her voiced concern was regarding an incident regarding her granddaughter. At this point Mrs. Peters read a report related to this incident. President Kates stated that it would be looked into. Mrs. Hoppen stated that the diversion had nothing to do with the school district that is through the police. “We are not in charge of the diversion,” says Mrs. Hoppen.
Raymond Tate- Mr. Tate stated his address as 838 Avenue J, Bogalusa, Louisiana. His voiced concern was regarding an incident that occurred involving his son at Bogalusa New Tech High School. He went on to explain the incident. President Kates asked Superintendent Smith to look into that situation.
At this point President Kates asked if there were anyone else to address the Board. There were none; and he proceeded with the agenda items.
11.) Old Business
A.) Grant permission to bid commodity processed items through St. Charles Parish Co-Op for FY 2012-2013.
It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Mr. Creel to grant permission. The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.
B.) Grant permission to advertise for E-Rate Bids-Telecommunications
It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Mr. Hymel to grant permission. The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.
C.) Grant permission for Denhamtown students to travel to Hattiesburg, MS Zoo on an educational field trip; March 30, 2012
It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mr. Hymel to grant permission. The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.
D.) Approval of General Fund, Food Service School Activities and Special Revenue statements for October 2011.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Creel to approve the statements. The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.
E.) Grant permission to discard additional District Wide Fixed Assets, i.e. General Fund, Title I & IDEA
It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Dr. Williams to grant permission. The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.
F.) Grant permission to adjust December’s Board meetings due to the Christmas Holidays as follow: Monday 12 December 2011-Committee Meeting; Thursday 15 December 2011-Regular Board Meeting. The meetings will convene at 5:30P.M., at the Bogalusa School Board Office Media Center.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Vice President Kemp to grant permission. The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.
12.) Personnel-Louise Smith
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS:
Hire:
Bogalusa Middle School
1.) Shawn Gilbreath- English/Social Studies Teacher; Effective Date: November 14, 2011
After-School Tutoring Staff- To Be Hired On an “As Needed” Basis
Elementary
1) Lydia Williams – Para - Superior Avenue
2) Crystal Bickham – Para - Superior Avenue
3) Erica Yarbrough – Para - Superior Avenue
4) Donnia Mingo – Teacher - Superior Avenue
5) Gwen Lassley – Teacher - Superior Avenue
6) Nicki Leos – Teacher - Superior Avenue
7) Jeanne Menard – Teacher - Superior Avenue
8) Mary Abram – Teacher - Superior Avenue
9) Carol Smith – Para - Superior Avenue
10) Dominique DeMonsabert – Teacher – Pleasant Hill
11) Paula Hulsey – Teacher – Pleasant Hill
12) Iris Johnette Payne – Teacher – Pleasant Hill
13) Alma Jean Manton – Teacher – Pleasant Hill
14) Charlotte Schilling – Para – Pleasant Hill
15) Helga Miley – Para – Pleasant Hill
16) Victoria Jefferson – Para – Pleasant Hill
Middle Schools
1) Sylvia Lewis – Teacher – BMS
2) Claudette Johnson – Teacher – BMS
3) Karla Mizell – Teacher – BMS
4) Emelda Clark – Teacher – BMS
5) Tanya Powell – Para – BMS
6) Peggy Brandal – Para - BMS
7) Dara Cutrer – Para – Northside
Substitutes
1.) Rickey Warren – Substitute Teacher
2.) Lee Bilberry – Substitute Teacher
Supervisors:
1.) Debbie Jenkins - Supervisor of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction
*Interim Principal
1.) Theresa King-Byrd Avenue K-4 (ACTED ON SEPERATELY)
Extra-Curricular Activities:
1.) Linda Pittman, Head Coach-Girls Softball-Bogalusa High School
2.) Richard Magee, Assistant Coach-Girls Softball-Bogalusa High School
3.) Adrian Frazier, Head Coach-Track-Bogalusa High School
4.) Craig Jones, Assistant Coach-Track-Bogalusa High School
Medical Sabbatical Leave:
1.) Anita Morris-PE Teacher-Bogalusa Middle School; Spring 2012 Semester
Retirements:
1.) Claudia Crain-Gifted Teacher-Effective, end of business, Wednesday, November 16, 2011
2.) Marsha Spikes-5th Grade Teacher-Bogalusa Middle School-Effective November 24, 2011
Note: Asterisk (*) indicates a new line item, since the Committee Meeting.
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Vice President Kemp to approve the personnel agenda with the exception of the Interim Principal at Byrd Avenue; it would be acted on separately. The motion was carried unanimously, with one absent.
*Interim Principal
1.) Theresa King-Byrd Avenue K-4 (ACTED ON SEPERATELY)
Vice President Kemp voiced several concerns regarding this line item, one being, how long is it for? Superintendent Smith replied, ‘Three (3) weeks.’ Vice President Kemp continued, “I guess the reason I asked for this to be acted on separately; are we still advertising for a permanent Principal, as of December?” “Yes,” replied Superintendent Smith. “And, are we’re looking at reconfiguring or if that was to happen I suppose; according to our R.I.F. policy the last Principal hired is the first Principal to be removed. Is that correct?,” asked Vice President Kemp? The reply was, ‘Yes.’ Continuing Vice President Kemp stated, “My biggest concern is people applying for that job may not have job security if we go through changes and we’re downsizing. I guess my suggestion is that if we can find someone within our district that can fill in for the remainder of this year, in order to keep from hiring someone and then let them go. We only have that short time. It’s just me personally; why put someone in there when there is a possibility of them being removed from that situation. If we have someone, I don’t know if we have someone within the system that is willing to move that will not cause any disruption or a minimum amount of disruption to the students, and students achievements,” said Vice President Kemp. “Oh, so you don’t want me to continue with the application process; is that what you’re saying,” asked Superintendent Smith? I know what I want, I’m just putting it out there. I want to make sure that the applicants that are applying understand where we may be headed down the road and that they go in with eyes open to realize if you take the position and we have to do a R.I.F., or any type of downsizing at the administrative level, they’re the first ones to go. They need to understand that. I’m not saying that we don’t need to hire, I’m just saying that they need to be aware,” said Vice President Kemp. “We’ll make them aware of that during the application process,” says Superintendent Smith. “The recommendation for this position, is that going to cause any disruption at the school which that person is at,” asked Vice President Kemp? “This person is an ISS Teacher and she has agreed to be in this position for the three (3) weeks, at the same pay, at a teacher’s pay,” says Superintendent Smith. Directing a question to Mrs. King, Vice President Kemp asked, “At the Middle School, I am going to ask you a quick question, how many students are currently going through the ISS Program on a daily basis, approximately,” asked Vice president Kemp? “The exact number I’m not sure but I think we have about twenty (20), replied Mrs. King. It was noted that there was more than one person in the ISS setting.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve the Superintendent’s Recommendation The motion was not carried unanimously at this point. The result was a Roll Call Vote as follow:
YEAS: Mr. Creel, Mr. Hymel, Dr. Williams, and Reverend Mims
NAYS: Vice President Kemp and President Kates
ABSENT: Mrs. Duke
The motion was carried 4-2 with one absent.
13.) Superintendent Comments-Louise Smith
Superintendent Smith asked that the Board consider a retreat to look at plans for the facilities; and prepare ourselves for the loan at First Bank. “I’m thinking maybe we can do a Saturday Retreat so that we can come together and look at and study our facilities together.
Another thing is we met with SREB, Scott Warren from Atlanta, and we talked with him about the progress that we are making with High School That Works and Middle Schools That Works, and we are very please with the progress. We have a long ways to go. We looked at bringing in a program into our school from Boys Town. It’s a social skills curriculum and Scott is going to do a webinar on that; and we are going to look at that. It is one for teaching students social skills and also working with adults on situations. We think that this is good for our students. We are pleased overall with the High Schools That Works, and Middle Schools That Works programs. One of the things we did talk about too was maybe back-loading some of the Professional Development because we are working with some other professional development programs and we are having teachers out of the classroom a good bit; so we’re looking at maybe continuing with some professional development programs that we have; but also looking at next year to back-load some of the programs so we don’t present all of the professional development next year and give the teachers more time in the classroom. Mrs. Noto works very close with SREB, she is our contact person with them. One of the things that Mr. Warren said was that he wished he had a Pat Noto in every one of the districts that he worked with. So, Pat we really appreciate you representing us there; and Pat is also a very good advocate for the teachers and the principals in this program and we truly appreciate that. We’re having really good success at the high school. Mr. Stewart and his teachers are working very closely with their representative from SREB and we’re very pleased with their progress. We have some areas that we really need to improve on at the Middle School, and we’re working on those,” concluded Superintendent Smith.
At this point Vice President Kemp asked for an update on the Human Resources position. “What I would say to you on Human Resource is let’s extend that deadline and find someone who has some experience in Human Resources. We can do some advertising on the internet, monoster.com, and just extend that. And, all of the applicants who applied, can reapply; but we will look closely for someone that has Human Resources and that sort,” says Superintendent Smith.
14.) Board Members Comments
Dr. Brad Williams-“Yes, I would like for us to revisit the Zero Tolerance Policy. The non-aggressor should not be punished. I think that the Zero Tolerance Policy needs to be revisited and/or revised if it doesn’t leave room for a person that didn’t start it.”
Reverend Raymond Mims-“I agree. If someone is not passing licks or not fighting, I don’t see why they should be arrested, if that’s the case.”
President Mr. Paul Kates-“I feel the same way, but we don’t know what all the details are in the situation. We would have to go into and Executive Session to find out all the details. We cannot discuss different individuals out in the public.”
Mr. Calvin Hymel-“I just want everybody to be treated fair, that’s the main thing regardless of what happens. Our teachers; some of them are not being treated fair. You have got to treat everybody fair.”
Vice President Mr. Adam Kemp-“Myleeza Mingo took on a project of her own. It’s on U-Tube. She has gone out and basically collected money through a humanitarian type program and bought basketball nets and equipment for neighborhoods, and she’s made a video of it. This is something she did on her own. This shows that we do still have positive students in the system”
Reverend Raymond Mims-“Another thing Mr. Kates is that I’ve heard in the community that we are shutting down certain schools. I just want them to realize that this Board has not discussed any of that, not yet. That’s a possibility, but it’s out in the streets that we have decided what schools, and that’s not the case. This Board has not discussed that. ”
Mr. McKinley, Assistant Principal of Bogalusa High School stated that Myleeza Mingo has also been accepted to Xavier University of New Orleans, La.
Superintendent Louise Smith-“If you all would have been in the assembly this morning, and seen our students, they were very orderly in that assembly; they were very respectful. It was tremendous to sit there and watch them. Not one incident did we have during that assembly. They were tremendous. I was very proud of them.”
At this point, President Kates asked if there were any more comments. There were none, and he adjourned.
15.) Adjourn
There being no further comments or business to be addressed, President Kates adjourned at 6:35P.M.
__________________________ ___________________________
Louise Smith Paul D. Kates
Secretary to the Board Board President