Bogalusa School Board

Bogalusa, Louisiana

Regular Board Meeting

December 15, 2011

5:30 P.M.

 

Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board, Taken AT A Regular Meeting That Was Held On Thursday, December 15, 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, December 15, 2011, beginning at 5:35 P.M., for the purpose of addressing timely matters of concerns regarding the 2011 Audit Report and the QSCB Loan Process.  The agenda included presentations and election of School Board Officers for 2012.

 

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, Mrs. Eleanor Duke, Mr. Calvin Hymel, Reverend Raymond Mims, and Dr. Brad Williams

 

There was absent:  None

 

5.)        Presentations

 

§       Bee Fit Logo/Coloring Contest Winners-Joannie Miller, CNP Director, Kathi Adams, Special Education RN, Lisa Murray, District Wide RN & Lynn Wells,  LSU Disease Management Clinical Coordinator

 

Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Wells presented to the District the winners of the Bee Fit Logo/Coloring Contest for the Bee Fit VII Jump, Jive, and Groove Get Up and Move Health Fair. The Health Fair was held recently at the YWCA, located at 409 Plaza Street, in Bogalusa.  The winners and divisions were as follow:

 

Overall Logo Winner: Lacy Flot-Bogalusa High School; Honorable Mention Logo Winners: Brett Weary-Bogalusa Middle School;  Shelby Robinson-Bogalusa High School; Coloring Contest Winners by Division: Pre K-PreK-4:  Overall Division Winner-Emma Simmons-Ben’s Ford Christian Academy; Kierra Cotton-Denhamtown PreK; Hannah Traylor Annunciation Catholic School; K-1 Division: Overall Division Winner: Je’Korey Franklin-Pleasant Hill K-4 (First Grade); KeShawn Manning-Byrd Avenue K-4 (First Grade); Sincere Gatlin-Superior Avenue K-4 (First Grade); Christy Crosby-Ben’s Ford Christian Academy (First Grade); Gabby O’Keefe-Annunciation Catholic School;  2, 3, &4 Division:  Overall Winner: Jihren Yarbrough-Pleasant Hill K-4 (Fourth Grade); Cindy Duong-Byrd Avenue (Third Grade); Jacylia Johnson-Superior Avenue   K-4 (Third Grade);  Taylor Mattix-Ben’s Ford Christian Academy (Fourth Grade); and Isabella Arnold-Annunciation Catholic School (Third Grade)

 

§    Recognition - Steven Sanders, Technology Teacher -Bogalusa New Tech High School-Joannie Miller 

At this point Mrs. Joannie Miller gave recognition to Steven Sanders, teacher; and his students for their accomplishments of winning second place in the state for their video story that was presented to the Board and community at the November Board meeting.  The video was in conjunction with the Wellness Program- “Schools Putting Prevention To Work” Training.  Mrs. Miller stated that they were notified the day after the Board Meeting that they had won second place in the state for their video.  She then recognized the students that were present.  They were: Makayla Fortenberry, Reagan Holmes, Sabrina Mine, Bo Mizell, Kendall Roberts, Caitlyne Robinson, and Matt Simmons. According to Mrs. Miller, first place winners were Allen Parish and St. John the Baptist Parish; second place were Bogalusa City Schools with St. Charles Parish; third place were Jefferson Parish and Webster Parish. “So for that, the grant is going to purchase for them some new hardware video equipment and some wonderful software that I read about. Steve sent me that they want to make their videos more professional.  So, we’re excited about purchasing this for that class since they’ve worked so hard,” says Mrs. Miller.  At that point she read the letter from Betty Monroe Kennedy, School Wellness Coordinator of the Louisiana School Board Association (LSBA).  According to Mrs. Miller Bogalusa City School District will receive two thousand, five hundred ($2,500) dollars supplemental award.

 

Statement from Mr. Hymel-“I’d like to tell everybody, look; if New Tech High School closes it won’t be by my vote. I get a lot of phone calls.  I want to let everybody know; it might be six-to-one; but I will not vote against New Tech. I think it’s a great program; and we’re going to keep it going as long as possible.”

 

§    Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC Audit Report 2011-Philip Rebowe, & Brett Dyar

 

Mr. Rebowe came forward to give the audit report for June 30, 2011.  He pointed out different areas and stated that it was a very clean audit report with no findings, on all areas.  Mr. Rebowe stated that this was just a summary. According to Mr. Rebowe the trends have been consistent and stable for the last five years. He commended Mrs. Walker and her staff for the accomplishment. (All findings/documentations are on file with the Auditors Records).

 

§    Election Of Officers-2012

 

 

6.)        Approval of Minutes of Special Board Meeting-November 16, 2011

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

 

7.)        Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting-November 17, 2011

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

 

8.)        Board Officers and Committee Reports

There were none at this time.

 

At this point President Kates recessed to Public Session.

 

9.)        Recess to Public Session

 

1.)        Venus Martin- Northside Tech Middle School student stated her address as 530 North Border Drive, Bogalusa.  Her voiced concern was regarding the possible closing of Northside Tech Middle School.

 

2.)        Tammy O’Keefe stated her address as 163 Lee’s Creek Road, Bogalusa.  Her voiced concern was keeping Bogalusa New Tech High School open.

 

3.)        Caletta M. Turner stated her address as 816 Denham Avenue, Bogalusa.  Her voiced concern was also regarding the possible closing of the Northside Tech Middle School.

 

Statement from Vice President Kemp-“New Tech is not a magnet school.  It is a learning style school.  This system needs to make sure that we put every type of learning style first and every child’s education first, so I will never vote to change the type of learning that those students are receiving, whether it have a different name or whatever. I hope the public understand, no decision has been made. The decision will be the best for every child.  When the concern arose about the children stressing regarding closing the Tech Schools, President Kates stated that it was a rumor.  Vice President Kemp inquired about the contract; and whether it ended this year.  The response was, “Yes.”

 

10.)       Old Business

 

Prior to any actions on the agenda items, President Kates asked for a motion to amend the agenda to add two (2) items regarding the QSCB Loan;  1.) Approval to amend the Resolution for the QSCB Loan; and 2.)  Grant permission to advertise for RFQ & P for Architect and Engineer service to advise, design and improve, repair and/or construction in use of the QSCB Funds.

 

It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Dr. Williams to amend the agenda. The line item will be I, The motion was carried unanimously.

 

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Dr. Williams to amend the agenda for line item J.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

A.)        Grant permission to enter into a contract with Therapeutic Concepts for physical therapy services for students with disabilities.

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Mr. Creel to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously. 

 

B.)        Approval of 2011 Audit Report as presented.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

C.)        Approval of Financial Statements General Fund, Food Service, Special Revenue and School Activities for November 2011.

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

 

D.)        Approval of signature of President Paul Kates and Superintendent Louise Smith for new accounts on $6,000,000 QSCB Loan and Reserved Account.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Creel to approve.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

E.)        Grant permission to discard additional District Wide Fixed Assets, i.e., General Fund. 

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

F.)        Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between Multipractice Clinic, INC and Bogalusa City School District for October 31, 2011 through October 31, 2014. 

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

G.)        Post approval of Contract Between Southeastern Louisiana University and City of Bogalusa School System for Educational Supervision Services (Note:  This was sent November 21, 2011 during the Thanksgiving Holiday and the required signature was due December 5, 2011).

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

 

H.)       Approval of “revised” Landlord Letter of Consent between LSU & Bogalusa High School and Middle School Health Centers. 

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

I.)         Approval to amend the Resolution for the QSCB Loan

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

 

J.)        Grant permission to advertise for RFQ & P for Architect and Engineer to advise, design, improve, repair and/or construction in use of the QSCB Funds.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Hymel to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

Statement from President Kates- “And, what this issue is about is we have received six million ($6,000,000) dollars, and we want go into detail about how we’re going to spend this money; refurbish or try to build a new complex; or whatever.  Does anyone want to speak on this?   At this point it was asked if they knew what direction that this would go, President Kates sated, “Not yet, our Superintendent is suppose to be putting the plans together; and we’re just waiting on her to finish up.  We’re going to have three (3) different plans to present to the public.  Superintendent Smith stated that she has started working on the names.  When asked who will be on the committee, she stated that there would be teachers and community leaders on the committee.

 

11.)        Personnel-Louise Smith

 

Hire:

 

Teachers

  1. Deanna Keller-5th Grade Teacher, replacing Marsha Spikes-Effective December 12, 2011 (Pending certification verification)

  2. Marie Childs-5th Grade Teacher replacing Cynthia Kennedy-Effective January 5, 2012 (Pending certification verification)

 

Substitute Teachers

  1. Marie Childs-Effective-December 12, 2911

  2. Grason Cooper-Effective-December 16, 2011

  3. Deanna Keller-Effective-December 6, 2011 

 

After School Tutoring

  1. Nicole Namias-Para-Superior Avenue K-4 School-Effective-December 16, 2011

 

Bus Drivers

  1. Chris Burt

  2. Shan Miley

  3. Willie M. Sumrall

  4. Cindy Roach

  5. Gary Roach

  6. Doyle Creel

 

Bus Attendants

  1. William Smith

  2. Tonya Powell

  3. Willoya Magee

  4. Sharon Varnado

  5. Vickie Penton

  6. Elaine Jones

 

Transfer

  1. Nancy Gonzales-P.E. Teacher from Pleasant Hill K-4 to Bogalusa Middle School to replace Anita Morris on medical sabbatical for Spring 2012.

 

Reassignment

  1. Phyllis Bryant-Warren from Byrd Avenue K-4 to Bogalusa Middle School ISS Classroom-Effective, January 3, 2012

  2. Erin Killingsworth-Temporary Faculty Coordinator-Bogalusa Middle School-Effective, January 5, 2012 through May 23, 2012

 

Remove from TABLED status

  1. Hire Bertha Breland as a day-to-day substitute for Byrd Avenue K-4 Principal until the position is filled. This line item was tabled at October 27, 2011 Regular Board Meeting.  (No further action was taken).

 

Interim Positions

  1. Theresa King-Byrd Avenue K-4 Principal-Effective January 3, 2012 through June 30, 3012

  2. Marie Goff-Bogalusa Middle School-Assistant Principal to replace Linda Moore on medical sabbatical-Effective January 5, 2012 through May 23, 2012

 

Extended Sick Leave

  1. Vicki Danyelle Crain-PreK Teacher-Denhamtown PreK-Effective January 3, 2012 through May 23, 2012

  2. Cynthia Kennedy-5th Grade Teacher-Bogalusa Middle School-Effective November 15, 2011 through January 4, 2012

  3. Linda Moore-Assistant Principal-Bogalusa Middle School-Effective November 15, 2911 through January 4, 2012

  4. Miesha Myers-Central Office Federal Programs Clerk-Title I Department-Effective December 9, 2011 through indefinite

  5. Jimmy Bates-Teacher-Bogalusa High School-Effective January 10, 2012 through May 1, 2012         

  6. Rhonda Talley-Custodian-Denhamtown PreK-Effective December 6, 2011 through indefinite

        

Medical Sabbatical

  1. Cynthia Kennedy-5th Grade Teacher Bogalusa Middle School-Effective January 5, 2012 through May 23, 2012

  2. Linda Moore-Assistant Principal-Bogalusa Middle School-Effective January 5, 2012 through May 23, 2012

 

Retirement

  1. Daniel R. Strahan-Bogalusa High School ROTC Instructor-Effective June 30, 2012

 

Prior to any action, for clarity it was stated that the transfer was only for the 2012 Spring semester for Bogalusa Middle School P.E. teacher Anita Morris that was on a medical sabbatical.

 

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Vice President Kemp to approve the Superintendent’s Recommendations.  The motion was unanimously carried.

 

 12.)            Superintendent Comments-Louise Smith

Superintendent Smith addressed the Board with several items; 1.)  Newsletter from Bogalusa Middle School; 2.)  Performance at Bogalusa High School on that night sponsored by the Music Department;   3.) Nomination for Facility Planning Committee Members. There will be eleven on the committee.  The Board is to submit two (2) or three (3) names.   Letters will be sent out as an invitation to commit to the facility committee to assist with the planning to repair, refurbish or rebuild.                                           

 

 13.)            Board Members Comments

 

Mrs. Eleanor Duke-“I just want to wish everyone a great holiday; and thank you for coming I really appreciate all of you; I really do.  Thank you all”

 

Vice President Adam Kemp-“The people from Byrd Avenue, thank you for coming; sorry it took this long.  And I hope from here on out everything will be smooth sailing.  And, other teachers from other schools that came out, thank you for coming out.  Happy Holidays.”

 

Mr. Calvin Hymel-“Merry Christmas. I hope you all have a great holiday.  This has been a great year I think; but we have a lot of things that we have to work on.”

 

Mrs. Walker stated that a parent sent her a note that there were some students at New Tech High that would be graduating at mid term.

 

Reverend Raymond Mims-“I want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas. I’d like to thank Mrs. Walker and her staff for keeping us funded.

 

President Paul Kates-“I’d like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday.  The goal for this Board is we want Bogalusa City Schools to be on top.  We want our system to get back to where it use to be.  We are not trying to go backward; we are trying to go forward”

 

“I think you’ll find; I think if you really get to know this Board, this is a well working group together.  There is no animosity.  We discuss things.  We get together and talk about things and nobody ever gets angry with anybody.  So we’re trying to work things out for the best of this school system,” added Mrs. Duke.

 

President Kates thanked Temple-Inland Paper Mill for what they have done for our system and our students, helping them to see what they will need if they chose to work out there.

 

 14.)            Adjourn

There being no further business to address or comments, President Kates adjourned at 6:35P.M.  

 

____________________                                       ___________________

Louise Smith                                                                Paul D. Kates

Secretary                                                                      Board President