Northside Technology Middle School-Auditorium

517 Mississippi Avenue-Bogalusa, Louisiana

Regular Board Meeting

April 17, 2012

5:30 P.M.

 

Proceedings of The Bogalusa School Board, Taken At A Regular Meeting That Was Held On Tuesday, April 17, 2012

 

The Bogalusa School Board met in a Regular Board Meeting at the Northside Technology Middle School, located at 517 Mississippi Avenue, Bogalusa, Louisiana, on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 beginning at 5:30 P.M. The sole purpose was to address timely matters of concern that will be affecting the remainder of 2012 School Year; and look at all aspects regarding continue addressing timely matters of concern affecting the remainder of 2012 School Year and make preparations for the 2012-2013 School Year, focusing on the impact that it will have on the district and its operation.  The agenda included several presentations.

 

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

 

Prior to the presentations, President Kates asked for a motion to amend the agenda to hold a Special Board Meeting on Monday, May 7, 2012.

 

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke to amend the agenda to add a line item to grant permission to hold a Special Board Meeting on Monday May 7, 2012.  The motion was carried unanimously.  The line item would be line item “G.”

 

5.)        Presentations

 

Mrs. Miller read a letter from Mrs. Michelle Obama congratulating Byrd Avenue staff and students for their achievements.  Next Mrs. Miller introduced Mrs. Ellen Carlisle, Deputy Regional Director for Special Nutrition Program USDA and Nutrition Services.  Mrs. Carlisle made a presentation from Mrs. Michelle Obama stating, “Good evening Mr. Kates thank you so much for having me tonight; and Superintendent Smith I really do appreciate your letting me come tonight.  Child Nutrition Program is so very important to the daily life of children and I am so pleased that Joannie Miller and her staff have taken on the Healthier US School Challenge. They have received the very highest award that we offer with USDA Food and Nutrition Services; and that’s the Gold Award with Distinction. It’s also the most difficult to attain; but Byrd Avenue absolutely attained it.  This award, the Healthier US School Challenge was established in 2004 to recognize schools that are creating healthier environments through your promotion of good nutrition and physical activities.  There are four levels of superior performance; bronze, silver, gold and Gold with Distinction. The upper arching goal is to improve the health of our nation’s children by promoting healthier school environment,” says Mrs. Carlisle. She went on to give the requirements to receiving the award.  She stated that Mrs. Miller worked with the P.E. department and Rebecca Thomas to ensure that the children are having a physical education curriculum and are physically active.  She also stated that Mrs. Miller worked with the school’s principal and teachers to establish a nutrition education; also Mrs. Miller looked at the menu to see where they were in terms of the challenge.  Mrs. Carlisle continued, stating that after the menu was chosen by the students, the application packets were sent to the state and then to USDA. “I really can’t stress too much just what an accomplishment this is.  There are approximately one hundred-one thousand (101,000) schools in the country that participates in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program.  Of that number fewer than twenty-nine hundred (2,900) have taken the Healthier US School Challenge and to get certified as Healthier US Schools; of that twenty-nine hundred (2,900) only about two hundred (200) have attained the Gold Award of Distinction.  So I think that Joannie and her staff deserves an extra big round of applaud.  Also as a Board your acceptance of this challenge was very important; and we all appreciate that.  There is a banner that belongs to the school and a plaque to Byrd Avenue School.”  At this point Mrs. Carlisle presented a medallion and a lapel pin to the staff of Byrd Avenue to include Interim Principal Theresa King and former Principal Tonja Varnado-Seal and Superintendent Louise Smith for this achievement.   “The last thing I want to address is that a tangible token of our appreciation in the amount of two-thousand ($2,000) dollars was given to Bogalusa City School for winning the Gold Award of Distinction Challenge with Healthier US Schools.  Thank you so much,” concluded Mrs. Carlisle.   At this point President Kates thanked Mrs. Carlisle for coming.  The recipients are listed below who received the USDA Healthier US School Challenge Gold Award of Distinction.

 

 

President Kates proceeded with the other recognitions for the district.

 

 

The nominees of each category and school site or department received a framed certificate, and/or pin or gift as their token of appreciation for their accomplishment.  The Principals made the presentations.

 

Statement from President Kates-“To all of you that have received an award tonight, this Board is very, very proud of you. You are what make our system look good. We will turn this system around.  Thank all of you,” says President Kates.   President Kates asked if there were any Board Members or other comments

 

Statement from Superintendent Smith-“You have filled my heart with pride.  All of the tears, the beautiful words, the presenters; and the awardees, you have my congratulations and my gratitude for your accomplishments.  I am very proud to be a member of your team.  Thank You,” says Superintendent Smith.

 

At this point President Kates asked if anyone would like to be dismissed before the meeting continued they may do so at this time.  Next he continued with the agenda.

 

6.)        Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting-March 29, 2012

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

 

7.)        Board Officers and Committee Reports

There were no reports at this time.

 

8.)        Recess to Public Session

There were none.

 

9.)        Old Business

 

A.                  Approval of scope of work for Byrd Avenue Elementary and Bogalusa High School

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve.  The motion was carried unanimously. The Board Members commended Mr. Boyles for the work that he is doing.

 

B.                  Grant permission to travel for Northside Technology Middle School students to travel to Gulfport, Mississippi on May 23, 2012 for PBIS incentive.

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

 

C.                  Approval of  General fund, Food Service, Special Revenue, and  School Activities Financial Statements and Revised Budgets for March 2012

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

 

D.                  Grant permission to discard additional Fixed Asset for Special Ed and General Fund.

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

 

E.                  Grant permission to consider and take action with respect to adopting a resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the result of the special election held in Bogalusa School District of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana, on Saturday, March 24, 2012, to authorize the levy of special taxes therein. 

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

 

F.                   Grant permission to issue Sales Tax check to all full-time employees of Bogalusa City School District on Friday  4 May 2012

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

 

G.                  Grant permission to hold a Special Board Meeting on Monday 7 May 2012

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

 

At this point President Kates asked if there was anyone from the public that wanted to speak on this issue.  Mr. Morgan asked,” Is that giving you enough time to get letters out to let people know if they are being RIFfed or not?”  “Mr. Morgan I am going to tell you like this, or either I can let the Superintendent relay it to you.  She will have enough time.  She’s going to put her information together and at that Special Board Meeting her letters will be ready to go out; and they will be out before School ends,” replied President Kates.  Mr. Morgan continued, “If the meeting is on the seventh (7th), school gets out on the twenty-third (23rd) that’s like fifteen days; and you supposed to have thirty (30) days,” says Mr. Morgan.  “Well you’ve got to remember we started in April,” added President Kates.  The discussion continued, and it was stated by Mr. Morgan that you have to send a certified letter thirty (30) days prior to the people involved in the RIF. “We’ll have enough time.  She will put it together and you will get it.  We’re just going to approve it on May 7th.  The letters probably will go out before then,” says President Kates.  “It wouldn’t be fair to be on vacation and you get a certified letter saying you’ve been RIFfed,” added Mr. Morgan. “Well, she will get the information out to you,” says President Kates.  “I’ve asked that question myself and I think we need to let our employees know, because it’s only fair to them whoever it is.  I hate to see anybody leave or lose their job, but we need to let people know and we need to do it by that committee that voted on it.  It needs to be done fair and across the Board for everybody,” says Mr. Hymel.  “Well all I can tell you is that the Superintendent said she will get the letters out to the employees, and I have to wait until that time comes” concluded President Kates.  There was a question of what will happen if she doesn’t get them out on time.  President Kates replied, “If she doesn’t get them out on time that means this Board will have to act.”  At this point President Kates addressed the personnel agenda.

 

10.)              Personnel- Superintendent Louise Smith

           

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

Hire:

 

No Recommendations

 

Retirements

1.     Faye Grigg-Teacher-Pleasant Hill K-4-Effective end of business May 23, 2012.

2.     Mary Abram-Teacher-Superior Avenue K-4-Effective end of business May 24, 2012.

3.     Susan Taylor-Teacher-Northside Tech Middle School-Effective end of business May 30, 3012.

4.     Denise Megehee-10 mos. Secretary-Bogalusa Middle School-Effective end of business May 31, 2012.

5.     Loreane Luter-Teacher/Counselor-Bogalusa New Tech High-Effective end of business June 1, 2012.

6.     Celia Cutrer- 11 mos. Secretary-Bogalusa New Tech High-Effective end of business June 6, 2012.

7.     Ann Briese-Librarian-Bogalusa High School-Effective end of business June 12, 2012.

8.     Patsy Miley-Custodian-Northside Tech Middle School-effective end of business June 15, 2012.

9.     Casandra Ross-11 mos. Secretary-Bogalusa High School-Effective end of business June 30, 2012.

 

Resignations

1.   Cole Loper-Teacher Bogalusa New Tech High School-Effective end of business May 23, 2012.

 

In an effort to accommodate enrollment decline, reduced funding and increased mandated cost the following positions will either be reduced through attrition or abolishment.

 

  1. Principal -  Bogalusa New Tech High

  2. Principal -  Byrd Avenue Elementary

  3. Behavioral Specialist -  Pleasant Hill Elementary

  4. Guidance Counselor – Bogalusa New Tech High

  5. Director of Human Resources – Central Office

  6. Secretary – Human Resources

  7. Secretary – Bogalusa High School

  8. Secretary – Bogalusa New Tech High

  9. Secretary – Bogalusa Middle School

  10. Custodian – Pleasant Hill Elementary

  11. Custodian – Byrd Avenue Elementary

  12. Custodian – Northside Tech Middle

  13. Custodian – Bogalusa Middle School

  14. Special Population Bus Aide

  15. Special Population Bus Aide

 

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve.  The motion was not carried unanimously at this point. 

 

There was a voiced concern from Mr. Morgan about looking at some of the jobs before the abolishment.   “Are you going to tweet some of these items on the Superintendent’s recommendations, as far as some of these employees.  Some of these jobs may not can be abolished, are we going to take a look at that later on and see, if the need is there,” says Mr. Morgan.  President Kates reply was, “That’s correct Mr. Morgan, if the need is there I know we’re going to keep some jobs there because of keeping those schools open.  We’re not going to close any schools this year; some jobs will still be there. “That’s in the Superintendent’s hands.  I don’t know how she’s going to handle it; but that will fall under her,” syas President Kates.  Also, it was noted by Mr. Hymel that the people on the list were already leaving.  “A lot of these people on this list are people that have said they are not coming back; they’re going to retire or whatever, so it’s really her recommendation but people have turned in something saying they’re leaving.  I don’t see anybody on here….(Pausing) like Byrd Avenue Principal, yes we know we’ve got to have a another Principal for that, because Mrs. King was just filling in; but what I don’t understand is it looks like we’ve cut fifteen (15) people; we have cut nobody.  These people either are not coming back or people who are retiring.  I want to see some people names on here that’s going to be RIFfed; and I don’t see anybody on here from the Board Office.   I’m going to keep saying that until something happens.  It’s only fair.  If you are going to cut anybody at any school, it better start down there,” says Mr. Hymel.  “Well understand that this personnel, is mostly retirees but the Superintendent will provide us with a list; and we will have that list, and I’m pretty sure that she said she  is going to send out letters and she is going to do what she is supposed to do and we’re supposed to vote on it at our Special Meeting.  This is why she asked to have a Special Meeting.  So, we have to wait until she finishes with her information,” says President Kates.  Interim Principal of Byrd Avenue Therese King stated, “I have a question, how can you do away with the position of Principal at Byrd Avenue?”  Mrs. King referred to the personnel agenda stating that the positions would be reduced through attrition or abolishment.  “I don’t think she’s doing away with the position. I don’t think she meant it in that way I just  feel that she put that there for some of the positions; but she knows already I think what she is going to do with the position at Byrd Avenue,” replied President Kates.  When the question arose concerning the secretaries position, and would they hire people or move people within the system, President Kates replied that most likely they would be filled by moving people within the system. “That will be the Superintendent’s recommendation.  That will be on her.  Come July 1st this Board will have nothing to do with hiring or firing.  It will all fall under the Superintendent according to state legislature and the new law.  So, July 1st this Board will have nothing to do with the hiring and firing it will be left up to the Superintendent’s and the Principals at the schools.  I just wanted to clarify that,” says President Kates.  “Well what will the Board do if I might I ask?”  “Well it will be our responsibility to make sure that the Superintendent does her job.  We hired the Superintendent.  We have one (1) employee, that’s the Superintendent, concluded President Kates.

 

The motion for the personnel agenda was carried unanimously at this point, stating that the positions would be looked at based on the need for that position.

             

 11.)            Superintendent Comments-Louise Smith

”In your folder you have a Louisiana School Boards Association Conference for May 2nd, please look at that I think it’s going to be a very important conference, so I’d ask that you look at that very closely.”

                                                      

 12.)            Board Members Comments

There were no further comments.

 

 13.)            Adjourn

There being no further comments or business to address, President Kates adjourned at 6:45PM.

 

_________________________________________________          _______________________________________

Louise Smith, Superintendent                                                  Paul D. Kates

Secretary                                                                                  Board President