Bogalusa School Board

Bogalusa, Louisiana

Regular Board Meeting

January 26, 2012

5:30 P.M.

Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board, Taken AT A Regular Meeting That Was Held On Thursday, January 26, 2012

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, January 26, 2012 beginning at 5:30 P.M., for the purpose of addressing timely matters of concerns regarding the remainder of 2012 school year and plans for 2012-2013 in light of cuts.  The agenda included a presentation and an Executive Session to address the Superintendent’s Evaluation.

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

Vice President Adam Kemp 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 (5:32PM), and Dr. Brad Williams (5:35PM)

There was absent:  None

5.)        Presentation

F Bogalusa New Tech High School-Karren Sharp & Steven Sanders

“My name is Karren Sharp. I am a teacher at Bogalusa New Tech High and I also teach classes for Bogalusa High as well.  I am here tonight to talk about the New Tech High School. I have been teaching in the district for eighteen (18) years, most of that at the high school. I moved over to the New Tech.  In 2005 when most of my peers were getting their Masters in Supervision, I went the way of Instructional Technology because I was fascinated with brain based learning and what it could do for our kids.  Right now I serve as English Teacher; I teach Pro-Start the Culinary Program; and I’m also the Site Advocate for New Tech Network at the New Tech High School.”  At that point Mrs. .Sharp focused the Boards attention on a CD that the New Tech High School teacher Mr. Sanders and his students had made that outlined what the students does at New Tech.  There was also an article of August 2011regarding New Tech High in their packets.  One highlighted section of the article focused on literacy and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) as well. “The last thing I have highlighted is they have currently sixty-two (62) public schools and they had 2009-2010 school year class graduation rate of ninety-five (95%) percent, compared with 2009-2010 graduation rates of  sixty-eight, point eight (68.8%) percent for public high schools study.  So this is a good program, and we have benefited a lot from that,” says Mrs. Sharp.  At this point Mrs. Sharp talked about other items that were in the packets that outlined the day-to-day operation of her classes.  “Everybody is concerned about the possibility of reconfiguration, reconfiguration. I was told some schools have to close, that’s just the way it has to be.  We’re not opposed to reconfiguration, actually we’re asking; reconfigure us with the New Tech Middle.  Put us all in the same culture.  One of the problems that we have at the high school is that we’re constantly two different worlds that we have to protect against.  I teach one of those classes that has everything in it.  I have Special Ed; I have regular high school; I have New Tech, all in one class period; five periods a day.  Working with the tech kids all day and then going to the regular high school, the tech kid’s functions in a totally different culture.” At that point Mrs. Sharp began to compare the students from the two campuses, Bogalusa New Tech and Bogalusa High. “It is a different culture, and if there has to be reconfigurations please reconfigure us with the Tech Middle, they are doing awesome.  This is my experience that if they are all together it would be an even better experience for them; and the New Tech Network is really excited at the possibility.  They are willing to help us; and because we are out of that three (3) year infancy period it will only cost us twenty thousand ($20,000) dollars for us to continue to use their platform on a yearly basis; and they will still provide us the support and all these extras that we get; and the help that we need if things go wrong.  Also, I have a concern, while I’m up here talking, the selective talk when you think about consolidating schools, in the class that I teach, that Home Make class; if you put the junior high with the high school you have to realize that there is the possibility of a twelve (12) year old being in the class with a twenty (20) year old,” says Mrs. Sharp.  At this point there was an interruption by some Board Members stating, “We’re not going to reconfigure like that.  It won’t happen.  We’re not even thinking in that manner, so don’t even put that out there.”  “Well, because we haven’t been told anything else, I’m thinking, okay I teach everybody; I teach special Ed, I teach New Tech, I teach High, all at the same time.  So, are there any questions anybody has about this?” concluded Mrs. Sharp.   (Mr. Sanders was not in attendance).

Statement from Vice President Kemp-“I agree with the New Tech Program, it has been successful.   The teachers, from what I’m gathering; from what I’m hearing, are doing a phenomenal job.  My concerns are not necessarily with the program.  My concerns are you brought up the culture and so forth.  But it is a program, it’s not a, you’re better than me.  It goes back to the teaching styles are different; but the expectation should be the same; the expectation between both schools.  Me personally I would love to see us continue that type of program; but at the same time, I am concerned about how it is set up.  My concern is that we put the two campuses together at one location.  In my opinion if chosen to continue the program, I think it’s a phenomenal program if it’s done correctly, I’d like to see the consideration for maybe not necessarily divided between the two schools, let it be that everybody be Bogalusa High School and integrate the New Tech Program that students can chose to go through, yet you  have the same uniform, we’re one whether we wear purple, green or whatever, we wear black and gold, we’re one; we’re Bogalusa High School/ (slash) New Tech.  It needs to be, in my opinion Bogalusa High School with a New Tech Program, so that we don’t have a division as far as our culture.  Our culture is Bogalusa City Schools.  It needs to be across the board, we are Bogalusa City Schools, regardless. If chosen to continue the program, I would like to see the consideration for maybe not necessarily a division between the two schools, let it be that everybody be Bogalusa High School with a new tech program that the students can go through.  They have the same uniforms, we’re one.  If and when we do have to do reconfiguration; and if it is that we reconfigure where the middle school and the high schools are consolidated together, that it be a new tech program, and that new tech provide services to children six through twelfth, if that is what’s chosen and let that be a program but not be a separate entity; and let it be run by let’s say a director.  We’re going to have to look at things across the board especially in administration when we do consolidation, that program can be run by a director.  It can be falling underneath one high school principal; but that is Bogalusa High School, that’s where I’ve always had problems with the new tech name.  We need to go back to our roots, we’re one.  I think what some perception is, is that New Tech is better than high school,” says Vice President Kemp.  “I did not mean to say that, or give that thought. I apologize if it came across that way.  I did not mean to give that impression at all” says Mrs. Sharp.  When the question was asked if there was another new tech school near this area, the response was no. The discussion continued.

At this point President Kates asked for roll call for Reverend Mims and Dr. Williams who entered the meeting.

6.)        Board Officers and Committee Reports

There were no reports at this time.

7.)        Recess to Public Session

Terri Mangrum-Ms. Mangrum’s stated her address as 810 Redwood Avenue, Bogalusa, Louisiana.  Ms. Mangrum’s voiced concern was regarding the possibility of revising the Zero Tolerance Policy.  President Kates sated that Mrs. Hoppen is in charge of that.

8.)        Old Business

A.)        Grant permission to sponsor Summer Food Service Program for 2012.  

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

B.)        Grant permission to travel for Debbie Craig and Tonda Collett to travel to LRP National Institute in San Antonia, Texas, May 6-9, 2012.

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Mrs. Duke to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.

C.)        Post Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Career Coach Services between Northshore Technical Community College-Sullivan Campus and Bogalusa City Schools. 

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

D.)        Grant permission for Bogalusa High School and Bogalusa New Tech High School to remain on a 4X4 instruction schedule for 2012-2013 School Year.

It was motioned by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Mrs. Duke to grant permission.  The motion was not carried unanimously at this point.  At this point Vice President Kemp voiced a concern about the scheduling if the schools were consolidated.  Mr. Duke voiced that she was not for the 4X4 schedule; and maybe go on a year-by-year basis.  The discussion continued.  The motioned resulted in a Roll Call vote as follow:

YEAS:   Mr. Creel, Mrs. Duke, Mr. Hymel and President Kates

NAYS:  Dr. Williams, Reverend Mims and Vice President Kemp

The motion was carried 4-3 for the Bogalusa High and Bogalusa New Tech High to remain on a 4X4 instruction schedule for 2012-2013 School Year.

E.)        Approval of Financial Statements for December 2011, General Fund, Food Service, Special Revenues and School Activities.

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

F.)        Approval of Technology Plan Addendum. 

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

G.)        Grant permission to delete Pam Ard and add Theresa King on The First checking account for Byrd Avenue K-4 School, through June 30, 2012.

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Vice President Kemp, to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.

H.)        Grant permission to discard additional Fixed Asset, i.e., General Fund, NCLB and IDEA. 

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Reverend Mims to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.

Vice President Kemp requested for Mrs. Walker to put the age of the assets.  She replied that she would.

I.)         Grant permission to accept Request for Qualifications for Architectural and Engineer services for QSCB Project.

A motion was attempted by Reverend Mims.  Prior to any second, there was a discussion.  President Kates stated that he would like to wait on this because he doesn’t want us caught over a barrel, with just one person.  “We need to get some information out there to other Engineering Firms that might want to get involved.” According to Mrs. Walker, it was advertised on the Bogalusa City Schools website and the local newspaper.  President Kates asked for a motion to table this line item.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Vice President Kemp to table this line item.  The motion was not carried unanimously.   The public voiced their comments when asked.   Mrs. Walker asked if they wanted her to put it out again.  The Board responded, “Yes.”

Statement from Attorney Branch-“Let me say this, I have heard the term bid and it is not a bid; it is not a request for proposal; it is a request for qualification. That’s all you’re looking at is who’s qualified and who’s not qualified; or who is qualified best in your opinion.  You cannot use a price to pick a design professional, which is what this is.  In the request for qualification answer or submission that I saw everything was in there that you asked for; as far as their qualifications; their experience and how close they are; and all those other things.  So, that’s what you’re looking at is whether they are qualified or not; and whether you want to choose that particular person; and if you don’t, well you don’t; but that’s what it was designed to be.  I know that he had a price in there, but that was not responsive to what we asked for.  So, that part you’re not accepting that part; you need to make that clear in your minutes too.  I don’t know how you are going to vote on it but if you do vote to accept this person as a qualified Engineer, then you need to make it clear that you’re not accepting the proposal for the work, that’s to come in the future.” Several questions were raised regarding the process.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, to withdraw his previous motion.  The motion was carried unanimously.

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Reverend Mims to table the line item.  The motion was not carried unanimously at this time.   Mrs. Walker asked what direction the Board wanted her to go with this.  “I can go into the Times,” says Mrs. Walker.  The Board requested Mrs. Walker to re-advertise for a qualified Architect or Engineer for the QSCB Loan funds.

Statement from Attorney Branch-“Let me make sure you understand.  You don’t have to do this.  You don’t have to advertise for these professional services.  You can contact people if you want to; but I just want that to be clear to you.”   “We were advertising to get more to come in; to give everybody a fair chance; but if the Board wants me to put it in the Times Picayune and the Advocate to get a better circulation, I will do that.  What time frame you wants me to have this ready; for the next Board Meeting again?” asked Mrs. Walker.  The Board responded, “Yes, February.”  “Don’t forget you have a time limit on spending ten (10%) per cent of this money,” added Attorney Branch.  There was a question from Reverend Mims of whether we would have to advertise for bids.  Attorney Branch replied “Let me respond to that. The time is flying. You need to pick a design professional; and then you need to tell that professional what to design; what you are going to do.  At that time he or she will design whatever you say to fix in the school or construct; and that time you’ll put it out for bid.  “And the person we choose cannot bid on it,” added Mrs. Walker.

When President Kates opened it to the public, there were several suggestions from the public as to how to obtain an Architect.  One suggestion was to hire a firm to hire and engineer.  Another suggestion was to maybe contact LSU’s Architect and Engineer students to see if they would do it; and pay them a stipend.  President Kates thanked the public for their input.  With the public suggestions continuing, Attorney Branch stated, “Can I again respond to that?  There is a Louisiana Statue that says you cannot use a price in hiring a qualified engineer.  So, you can’t do that on a bid.  You can’t go out for bids and say who’s going to do it for the lowest price.  It is against the law; so at this stage all you’re doing is finding somebody to do the work,” says Attorney Branch.  It was noted that all the criteria were met.  At this point Vice President Kemp asked a question whether this should go under maintenance.   Superintendent Smith stated that Mr. Conerly was never invited into the discussion.

The motion by Dr. Williams seconded by Reverend Mims to table the line item was carried unanimously at this time.

At this time President Kates asked for a motion to amend the agenda to add line item I.1-Grant permission to re-advertise for a Qualified Architect or Engineer to provide services for the QSCB Project.

I.1)       Grant permission to re-advertise for an Architect or Engineer to provide services for the QSCB Project

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

J.)        Grant permission to extend POTS lines contract with Hunt Brothers. 

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Vice President Kemp, to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.

K.)        Grant permission to sell Long Avenue Elementary and Columbia Street Elementary school sites to the highest bidder. 

Statement from Mrs. Duke- “Now, let me ask a question on that.  If we choose not to sell it…just say the highest bidder bids ten ($10.00) dollars….” (Pausing and not completing this statement).  Mrs. Walker stated that the information was in their yellow folder concerning the two (2) schools. Referring to the selling of the buildings, Mrs. Walker stated, “Before we get to that point we have to bid it out at least three (3) times.  We have to go for close what the appraisal price is then we look at the new state statues that says we can bid it the second time;  and for the third time we can bid it for what’s offered.  So we have several steps to go through before we even get to that point,” says Mrs. Walker.

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

L.)        Grant permission to travel for Deloris Walker and Shelley Gill to travel to the Brustein and Manasevit Spring Conference, “Piecing Together Federal Education Compliance, to be held in Washington DC, on May 1-5, 2012. 

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Reverend Mims, to grant permission.  The motion was carried unanimously.

M.)       Post Approval of the LEA Partnership Agreement between Louisiana Department of Education and Bogalusa City Schools to participate in Race to the Top.

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

N.)        Grant permission to travel for School Board Members, Curtis Creel and Calvin Hymel to the 72^nd NSBA Annual Conference 2012 in Boston, MA¸ to be held April 21-23, 2012. 

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

O.)        Grant permission to adjust Committee and Regular Board Meeting dates for February, due to the Mardi Gras Holidays. The meetings will be as follow: Committee Meeting-Monday 13 February 2012; Regular Board Meeting-Thursday 16 February 2012.   All meetings will convene at 5:30P.M. 

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

New Business

A.)Approval of Resolution of the School Board scheduling for a tenure hearing.

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Williams, to approve the Resolution of the School Board scheduling for a tenure hearing to be held Tuesday 28 February 2012 at 5:00PM.  The motion was carried unanimously.

Roll Call Vote as follow:

YEAS:  Dr. Williams, Reverend Mims, Vice President Kemp, Mr. Creel, Mrs. Duke, Mr. Hymel and President Kates

NAYS:  None

ABSENT:  None

The motion passed 7-0.

9.)               Personnel- Superintendent Louise Smith

Prior to any actions there was a discussion regarding the Human Resources position.  There was a suggestion to consolidate at the District Office.  “Well, what I have to say on this is that I didn’t want the job posted as it was because we have a lot of things facing us in this system.  When the job came up I said we don’t need this.  We already have enough conversation from the public saying we have too many people in this Board Office. They have been talking that for the last nine (9) years, and this is my third (3^rd) term on this School Board.  I have been listening to this for the last nine (9) years, we need to reduce at the Board Office, and every time we tell the Superintendent we hire we need to reduce at the Board Office nobody has the strength and guts to reduce the Board Office so we are still here, until we get someone to make the decision, that we’re not going to hire we are going to reduce at the Board Office.  We need to reduce at the Board Office.  We always hit the schools; they’re always affected; but nobody down here at the Board Office is affected; because we don’t have anybody to make that decision.  So until we get somebody to make that decision are we going to table this job or what are we going to do with this job?  The public says they want us to reduce down here, when are we going to have somebody we hire to make these decisions.  What are you all going to do with number one (1); table it; or are we going to erase it off the agenda; or remove it off the agenda, what are we going to do?” asked President Kates

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS:

Hire:

Board Office

1.        Phlesher Mingo, Supervisor of Human Resources and Community Relations (Voted on separately).

Bogalusa High School

1.        Grason Cooper – Assistant Coach Baseball

2.          Kenneth Martin – Head Coach Girl’s Basketball

3.         Adrian Frazier -  Assistant Coach Girl’s Basketball

Extended Sick Leave:

             1.        Celia Cutrer-Secretary-Bogalusa New Tech High (Effective January 24, 2012 thru indefinite).

Terminate:

Bogalusa High School

1.        Jimmy Bates, Girl’s Basketball Head Coach, Effective December 16, 2011.

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Vice President Kemp, to accept the Superintendent’s recommendation with the exception of line item #1 under Hire-Supervisor of Human Resources and Community Relations.  This would be acted on separately.  The motion was carried unanimously.

Hire:

Board Office

1.      Phlesher Mingo, Supervisor of Human Resources and Community Relations (Voted on separately)

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Vice President Kemp to remove this line item from the agenda.  The motion was not carried unanimously at this point.  The motion resulted in a Roll Call Vote as follow:

YEAS:  Dr. Williams, Vice President Kemp, Mr. Creel, Mrs. Duke, Mr. Hymel and President Kates

NAYS:   Reverend Mims

ABSENT:  None

The motion was carried 7-1, to remove the line item from the agenda.

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

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Mr. Creel, to enter into an Executive Session.  The motion was carried unanimously.

10.)             Executive Session:  Superintendent’s Evaluation

Returning to the Media Center, President Kates asked for a motion to resume the regular session.  It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke to resume regular session.  The motion was carried unanimously.

Statement from President Kates-“We went into Executive Session on the Superintendent’s Evaluation no decision was made.  We’ll talk to our Superintendent at our next Regular School Board Meeting and give her the outcome of the evaluation.”

Next he called for the Superintendent’s Comments.

 11.)            Superintendent Comments-Louise Smith

“In your folder you have one (1) item in there; and that’s on the Louisiana School Board’s Annual Convention on March 1-3, 2012, in Lafayette, Louisiana.  That’s all I have.”

 12.)            Board Members Comments

Mr. Calvin Hymel-“I’d just like to say we make a lot of hard decisions.  We’re not trying to step on nobody toes; but a lot of things are going to have to happen; and they might be happening a little bit quicker than we probably want it to, but we have got to move on.  We’ve got a lot of things to get taken care of.”

President Kates asked if there were any more comments.  There were none, and he adjourned.

 13.)            Adjourn

There being no further comments or business to address, President Kates adjourned at 7:50PM

_________________________                        ___________________________

Louise Smith                                                           Paul D. Kates

Secretary                                                                 Board President