Bogalusa School Board Media Center
1705 Sullivan Drive-Bogalusa, LA
Special Board Meeting
May 31, 2012
5:50PM
Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board, Taken AT A Special Board Meeting That Was Held On Thursday, May 31, 2012
The Bogalusa School Board met in a Special Board Meeting at Bogalusa School Board Office in the Media Center located at 1705 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, Louisiana, on Thursday, May 31, 2012, beginning at 5:33P.M., for the sole purpose of addressing personnel issues and other matters regarding district employees for the 2012-2013 Fiscal School Year. The agenda included presentations and two (2) Executive Sessions.
1.) Call to Order
Vice President Adam Kemp who was residing for President Kates in his absence, called the meeting to order at 5:33 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: Vice President, Mr. Adam Kemp; Members: Mr. Curtis Creel (5:47PM), Mrs. Eleanor Duke, Mr. Calvin Hymel, Reverend Raymond Mims, and Dr. Brad Williams (5:38PM)
There was absent: President Mr. Paul Kates
Prior to the presentations from the schools regarding the 2012 Test Results, Superintendent stated, “Before we begin I want to congratulate our district for being recognized as one of the sixteenth highest ranking districts in Louisiana based on gain and percentage of students performing at Basic or Above on Spring testing for 2011-2012. The results show that Bogalusa City Schools gained three (3%) percentage points with the majority of the students scoring Basic and Above on state standardized test. Bogalusa City School students and teachers have worked very hard to improve test scores. Their efforts are demonstrated by the progress of their overall academic performance. This improved performance demonstrated the ability of our students and our staff. We are extremely proud of our students and their efforts and we appreciate the support of our parents and the community who helped us with this achievement. During the 2012-2013 School Year Bogalusa City Schools will implement several new initiatives to improve the education that our students receive. These initiatives includes, an increase in professional development for our staff; developing site-based curriculum teams to assist teachers in improving the delivery of the Common Core State Standards and the Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum; more opportunities for students to participate in remediation and enrichment; and the opening of a Family Resource Center. With these initiatives we are confident that our success will continue. Our principals are going to present a brief overview of their recently released standardized test scores. Further information regarding School Performance Scores and Improvement Plans will be provided at an upcoming Accountability Retreat. I now turn it over to the principals,” concluded Superintendent Smith.
At this point each school came forward presenting their scores.
NOTE: All data presented from each school site and Ms. Debbie Jenkins, will be on file in the office of the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent as attachment to the minutes. Schools present and presenting their data were as follow:
5.) Presentations-Bogalusa City Schools 2012 Test Results-School Principals
Ø Bogalusa High School,-Bryan Stewart, Principal- Mr. Stewart gave data from 2011 GEE Testing and 2012 EOC Test Scores. “I think most of you all know recently released data from US News that Bogalusa High School is in the top seventy-four (74) of three hundred and twenty (320) high schools in Louisiana. I guess in closing I just want to say; in spite of what you might hear; in spite of what you may read, Bogalusa High School is making progress.” An action plan was also submitted.
Ø Bogalusa New Technology High School-Bryan Stewart, Principal of Bogalusa High made the report.
At this point there was Roll Call for Dr. Brad Williams just entering the meeting. (5:38PM).
Ø Bogalusa Middle School-Tonja Varnado-Seal, Principal-Mrs. Seal compared the 2011 and 2012 testing date for iLEAP (5th, 6th & 7th grades), which included ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies; LEAP Data (8th grade) ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies. “I am like Bryan; in spite of what you hear, and what you read, Bogalusa Middle School is slowly making progress. It’s been a challenging year. It’s been a good year. A little improvement is better than none.” There was an Action Plan presented outlining plans for the upcoming school year.
At this point there was Roll Call for Mr. Curtis Creel, just entering the meeting (5:47PM).
Ø Northside Technology Middle School-April Nobles, Principal-Mrs. Nobles presented her data in a Power Point. She also compared the scores from Northside Technology Middle School to the neighboring districts. Using a graph Mrs. Nobles indicated that orange represented Washington Parish; gray represented Tangipahoa Parish and black represented St. Tammany Parish. “We are going to keep on doing what we’re doing. We are extraordinarily proud of our results and all of the teachers that have made
these gains; because it’s not me it’s them pushing and making sure that it gets done deserve; a pat on the back and kudos from everyone. Thank you very much.”
Ø Pleasant Hill Elementary School-Sheila Lawrence, Principal; Barbara Greely, Co-Principal-Mrs. Lawrence and Ms. Greely presented a Power Point with graphs comparing iLEAP (3rd grade, and 5th grade); and LEAP (4th grade) scores for 2010, 2011 and 2012 in ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies. “I am very proud of my school. We are ecstatic and we’re going to get better.”
Ø Superior Avenue Elementary-Melessa Walker-Petty, Principal. Mrs. Petty presented the Board with a flyer outlining the schools iLEAP and LEAP scores for 2011 and 2012 and her Action Plan to improve the scores. “We are very dedicated to bringing these scores up. I have an Action Plan. We are going to do a lot more collaboration not just with teachers and myself but also I’ve gotten with Mrs. Lawrence and we’re going to work together. We can all learn from each other. I found a quote toward the end of the year when things started getting difficult, and to me it seemed to sooth not only myself, my faculty and staff but our district with what we’ve been going through, but that; ‘Adversity is the diamond dust that heaven uses to polish its jewels with.’ I think of that and it gives me faith that we are going to come out of any problems that we are having; any declines we have seen. As I say on my automatic telephone call, ‘Shine Superior Stars, Shine.’ Thank you.”
Ø Debbie Jenkins-Elementary Curriculum & Instruction Supervisor- Ms. Jenkins presented Spring 2012 Test Results and data for grade levels and district wide to include Byrd Avenue. The data presented for iLEAP and LEAP scores, grades 3rd through 8th, were comparisons of 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
6.) Recess To Public Session
Ø Mary Robinson- Ms. Robinson stated her address as 512 Mississippi Avenue, Bogalusa. Her voiced concern was regarding the need of two (2) custodians at Denhamtown PreK School site. “I am asking the Board if they will reconsider keeping two (2) custodians over there.” Ms. Robins presented the Board with a description of their assignments at Denhamtown PreK School site.
Ø Rhonda Talley- Ms. Talley stated her address as 10586 Leo Mizell Road, Bogalusa. Her voiced concern was also the need of two (2) custodians at Denhamtown PreK School site, based on the responsibilities. “There is no way. If it is going to be done right, there is no way one person can do it.”
Ø Paris Sumrall-Mrs. Sumrall sated her address as 63318 Fornea Road, Angie, Louisiana 70426. Mrs. Sumrall stated, “As I drove up here tonight; and by the way I do want to say as a highly qualified; highly certified teacher with twenty-six plus (26+) years of experience, I couldn’t help but notice the Children First sign and it brought tears to my eyes, because for me children are always first, they always have been and they always will be; but seemingly as far as at least some of the administration of this system goes that is not; those appear to be just empty words. I stand here before you tonight for the second time in my five years of service in Bogalusa City School System being threatened albeit I consider it an empty one; with the loss of my job for the… (This portion of the statement referring to the students was not clear), as well as myself who is being wrongly accused by those in power, with no valid reason whatsoever. As of this moment I have no contract for next year, because Mrs. Smith is still reviewing my performance. As she has repeatedly told me over the last couple of weeks. When I asked her to elaborate by giving me some specifics she refuses. But, I politely informed her she has no legal rights at this point anyway to review my performance because as of now there have been no negative complaints placed in my file; or given to me; or put on the record anywhere concerning my performance; there are no deficiencies on my part as far as I know, she simply replies, ‘Thank you Mrs. Sumrall.’ So tonight in the time I have left I am going to review my performance for you. To Board Members, Mrs. Smith and for the public; in my five years as an English teacher at Bogalusa High School the GEE scores and EOC scores in English have improved impeccably; in fact my EOC scores are the best in the school. I tested in December 2011. I did not have EOC students this Spring. My EOC 2011 scores, I had eighty (80%) percent of my students scoring Basic or Above; and ninety-two (92%) of my students who passed. One of the two (2) who did not was because he missed a day of school because his baby was in the emergency room. So, except for that my rate would have been higher. My scores played a significant role in the two prestigious honors that Bogalusa High School has received in the last couple of weeks; being rewarded a Bronze Medal school by the US News report and being named to the top sixteen (16) most improved schools in the state of Louisiana; because my scores as I said were significantly higher as far as Basic and Above than anybody else’s. Have I received any compliments or praises from any supervisors or administrators whatsoever regarding these scores; and the answer is no, I have not. But the good news is I don’t teach children for praise from administration, I teach children for the role of teaching and for the love of knowledge; and for the love of knowing that at least for a good many of them I have made a positive difference in their lives. In conclusion as you will see from the copies of my evaluation; and this is everything in my file that has been placed there legally over the last five years. You will see that my performance has always been rated very highly even by people who are now doing nothing to help me in this almost (This words was not clearly understood) situation. I did receive on Saturday a strangely worded letter of intent from Mrs. Smith. Now, in my mind a letter of intent is what we sign in March or so of every year to inform the Bogalusa City School System that we are coming back.” At this point Vice President Kemp stated, ‘Three minutes.’ She continued, “Okay I have two seconds. However this letter is strangely worded it resembles more of a contract; but I refuse to sign it because it’s simply an underhanded attempt by her to prevent me from drawing unemployment if I so choose because legally since I have not signed a contract I am eligible. Please take your time complete your evaluation of my performance when I give you the folder and all I ask is that I be given a contract.” Vice President Kemp stated, ‘Your time is up. Thank you’ “Let’s do be children first and not what we seem to be, just because. I’m sorry it seems like we’re just because,” concluded Mrs. Sumrall.
At this point with there being no one else to address the Board Vice President Kemp proceeded with the agenda. Prior to New Business Vice President Kemp asked for a motion to amend the agenda to add four line items.
E.) Consideration to adopt Resolution to schedule an Employee Tenure Hearing.
F.) Consideration of Employee Grievance.
G.) Accept/Reject quote through Bits Technical Corporation via state contract for cameras at Bogalusa High School.
H.) Grant permission to adjust meeting dates for June and add a Special Meeting. The dates and times are as follow:
June 18, 2012-Committee Meeting at 5:30PM; June 25, 2012-Regular Board Meeting at 5:30PM; June 28, 2012-Special Meeting at 4:00PM.
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Dr. Williams to amend the agenda. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
7.) New Business
A.) Grant permission to continue the contract with New Tech Network for 2012-2013.
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Dr. Williams to grant permission. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent. “Both sites will be operating under site code of 0066-002. One site code for both schools,” added Vice President Kemp.
B.) Approval of Bogalusa City School District to support the resolution challenging the constitutionality and/or legality of Act 2 of the 2012 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature.
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
C.) Grant permission to advertise for bids for Reading Assessment and programs for the middle schools grade level.
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Dr. Williams to grant permission. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
D.) Approval of Revised Budgets for Special Revenue Funds.
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve the revision. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
E.) Consideration to adopt Resolution to schedule an Employee Tenure Hearing
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to consider. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
F.) Consideration of Employee Grievance
Statement from Superintendent Smith-“I am requesting the Board to consider the grievance of Mrs. Paris Sumrall. You have a copy of the transcript of the hearing. The grievance hearing was conducted on May 9, 2012, in accordance with Board Policy and state law you are asked to dispose of the grievance at this meeting based upon the transcript and my written recommendation. My recommendation is to uphold the decision of Assistant Principal Lesley McKinley for teacher Paris Sumrall to park in the employee parking lot. You have the option to affirm my decision; to modify my decision or to reverse my decision.
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Dr. Williams to affirm the Superintendent’s decision. The motion was not carried at this point.
Statement from Mrs. Sumrall-“The only thing that I would like to say is that this issue goes a lot deeper than the parking. I’m not going to get into that now; but nothing was done from the moment I filed this grievance with Mr. Stewart earlier in April according to Policy and Procedures. They were neglected along the way. I gave you some information concerning this in the folder that I gave you. You can read that. I have a medical doctor’s excuse saying why I need to park closer to the classroom; completely ignored, yet another teacher can park in the same parking area; and when I asked why, it was basically one of those ‘just because’ answers. I just need fair and consistency and we’re not getting that; and that make everybody’s morale bad. That’s why I decided to stand up with this issue. It’s about fairness and consistency; honestly it’s not about parking.”
The motion to affirm Superintendent Smith’s decision was carried 6-0 at this point, with one absent.
G.) Accept/Reject quote through Bits Technical Corporation via state contract for cameras at Bogalusa High School
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Reverend Mims to accept the quote. The motion was not carried at this point.
Statement from Mr. Boyles-“It is a matter of information what you have in front of you. It is a quote from Bits Technical. It is to place a total of sixty-seven (67) cameras at Bogalusa High School. These will be placed in the classrooms, with five (5) DVR and one (1) central monitor in the main office. The total cost is $54,676.00 for the sixty-seven (67) I just mentioned. This can be done right away during the Summer months, the first half of the Summer if you choose to. After that it could be divided into stages later in the year. The reason for the second figure on the second page is that it would be divided into stages if you decide down the road to look at. Bits Technical has assured me that they can get it done the first part of the Summer; but would not be able to do it the second part of the summer. They’ll have to put us in during the Fall of the year going in after the construction. We have discussed this with the contractors and it would not be a problem with the two working together. We’ve discussed that today; the complete set of entity from our architectural firm and our contractor. That has been covered; should not be a problem.” A question was asked that was not clear, but Mr. Boyles response to it was, “Not as a state contractor. If we turn it over to the architects we will have to have bids; when the state receives them they will get them from whomever they choose. If we go through the architect the thing that you lose is the twenty (20%) percent discount. You’ll add an architectural fee on the top of this price. You’ll also add a contractor’s fee on top of this price. I feel this is the best way to go if we want to do it and have it in place by the Fall, we can do it now. If not it’ll be throughout the year before we can get them all in place throughout the campus; maybe even through next Summer.” At this point there were questions asked about the time line for the installation of the cameras and where these would go on the campus; also if these were in addition to what we already have in place. Mr. Boyles sated that these will be in the classrooms and hallways. The others are external/exterior. He stated that he has talked to Mr. Stewart and he feels like it is adequate on the exteriors. “Going by what Bryan is saying on that, it is just in the classroom and in hallways where we felt that they would be needed. This does not include the auditorium.” When asked about the gymnasium, Mr. Boyles stated that there is one in the gymnasium; and one was added for the ROTC building; also that there is currently one in the boy’s gym. The legality of the cameras in classrooms was voiced. Mr. Boyles stated, “I spoke to Bobby Thomas this morning who installs then and he stated that he had put them in Bienville Parish School, I asked him which schools and he said the entire parish. He told me that it is legal. He’s not a lawyer. He’s a salesman.” “As long as you notify the students that you have a video camera in use; and put it in your Code of Conduct that it is periodically being used or whatever,” says Mrs. Hoppen? “This is another safety measure not only for the students but for the instructors as well. Mrs. Gill, will E-rate pay for any of this, asked Vice President Kemp?” Mrs. Gill stated, “E-Rate will pay for the wiring, if it’s computer based wiring.” The concerns for the cameras at the Middle School were also voiced as the discussion continued. “I really feel that the second phase of the construction at Bogalusa High School is going to be a tremendous amount, you know that. I can’t tell you how much. I feel like you have to decide by priority without seeing things because they’re going to be ready for another month or so; maybe five (5) or six (6) weeks for the second phase, the total amount of the second phase. We know that there’s a lot of electrical and mechanical involved and we All know that it is going to be very expensive. That just makes your choice harder,” concluded Mr. Boyles.
The motion was carried 6-0 at this point, with one absent.
H.) Grant permission to adjust meeting dates for June and add a Special Meeting. The dates and times are as follow: June 18, 2012-Committee Meeting at 5:30PM; June 25, 2012-Regular Board Meeting at 5:30PM; June 28, 2012-Special Meeting at 4:00PM.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Duke to grant permission. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
NOTE: The Executive Session was addressed prior to the Personnel. Vice President Kemp asked for a motion to enter into an Executive Session.
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Hymel to enter into an Executive Session. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent
8.) Executive Sessions-Personnel Grievance Hearing
Returning to the Media Center, Vice President Kemp called the meeting to order. At this point he asked for a motion to amend the agenda regarding line item H to change the Regular Board Meeting that was previously adopted for June 25, 2012, to the date of June 20, 2012.
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke to adjust the date. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
9.) Personnel-Superintendent Louise Smith
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
To Hire:
2012 SUMMER REMEDIATION STAFF:
Keith Sanders-Effective May 29, 2012
Clare Oviedo-Effective May 29, 2012
Jimi Bonnette-Effective, May 29, 2012
TEACHERS 2012-2013:
Vicki Evans-Northside Technology Middle School-5th Grade- Replacing Kalee Freeman
Megan Carpenter-Northside Technology Middle School-7th Grade ELA-An extra teacher due to additional students that will be entering for 2012-2013.
Damena Maddox-Northside Technology Middle School-8th Grade ELA-Replacing Susan Taylor.
Cole Loper-Bogalusa New Technology High School
Susan Magee-Bogalusa High School Vocational Program
April Dugan-Byrd Avenue Elementary School-VOTED ON SEPERATELY
Erica Wahlen-Superior Avenue Elementary
Theresa King-Resource-Byrd Avenue Elementary
SPECIAL POPULATIONS:
Tonda Collett-IEP Compliance Monitor & Facilitator-Effective July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS:
Penny Norsworthy-CNP Warehouse Manager
CUSTODIAN:
Decrease Robinson-Custodian
VOTED ON SEPERATELY:
PRINCIPALS/ACTING-ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: (Contracts will be effective July 1, 2012-June 30, 2014, unless stipulated differently)
Sheila Lawrence
Barbara Greely
April Nobles
Phlesher Mingo
Marie Goff-Acting Assistant Principal (Contract will be effective 2012-2013 School Year Only)
SUPERVISORS/DIRECTORS: VOTED ON SEPERATELY
Lionel “Chip” Conerly-Director
Shelley Gill
Stephanie Hoppen
Joannie Miller-Director
Patricia Noto
Deloris Walker-Director
RESIGNATIONS:
Shawn Gilbreath-6th/7th Grade Social Studies Teacher-Bogalusa Middle School-Effective end of business May 23, 2012.
Holly Dewald-1ST Grade Teacher-Superior Avenue Elementary-Effective end of business, May 23, 2012.
Jennifer Pounds-Teacher-Byrd Avenue-Effective end of business May 23, 2012.
Sarah Jacob-1st Grade Teacher-Byrd Avenue Elementary-Effective end of business May 23, 2012.
RETIREMENTS:
Theodore Dubuclet-ISS Teacher-Superior Avenue Elementary-Effective end of business May 23, 2012.
Pamela A. Lee-Guidance Secretary-Bogalusa Middle School-Effective June 30, 2012.
TRANSFER:
Charlotte Frickie-From Pleasant Hill Elementary to Northside Technology Middle School-Effective 2012-2013. School Year.
Randi Mercier from Bogalusa Middle School to Byrd Avenue Elementary-Effective 2012-2013 School Year.
TERMINATION:
1. Russell Keith Johnson-Bogalusa High School-Teacher-Effective end of business May 23, 2012
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke to accept the Personnel Agenda as presented with the exception of line item #6 under Teachers 2012-2013 and Principals/Acting Assistant Principal and Supervisors/Directors. They will be voted on separately. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
6. April Dugan-Byrd Avenue Elementary School-VOTED ON SEPARATELY
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Dr. Williams. The motion resulted in a Roll Call Vote as follow:
YEAS: Mr. Creel, Mrs. Duke, Dr. Williams, Reverend Mims and Vice President Kemp
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: Mr. Hymel
ABSEBNT: President Mr. Kates
The motion was carried 5-0 with one (1) absent and one (1) abstaining.
PRINCIPALS/ACTING-ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: (Contracts will be effective July 1, 2012-June 30, 2014, unless stipulated differently)
Sheila Lawrence
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Mr. Hymel. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
Barbara Greely
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mr. Hymel. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
April Nobles
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Duke. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
Phlesher Mingo
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Reverend Mims. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
Marie Goff-Acting Assistant Principal (Contract will be effective 2012-2013 School Year Only)
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel. The motion was carried 6-0, with one absent.
SUPERVISORS/DIRECTORS:
Lionel “Chip” Conerly-Director
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Dr. Williams. The motion resulted in a Roll Call Vote as follow:
YEAS: Mr. Creel, Mrs. Duke, Dr. Williams, Reverend Mims and Vice President Kemp
NAYS: Mr. Hymel (Retire/Retire)
ABSEBNT: President- Mr. Kates
The motion was carried 5-1.
2. Shelley Gill
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Reverend Mims. The motion resulted in a Roll Call Vote as follow.
YEAS: Mr. Creel, Mrs. Duke, Mr. Hymel, Dr. Williams, Reverend Mims and Vice President Kemp
NAYS: None
ABSEBNT: President- Mr. Kates
The motion was carried 6-0.
3. Stephanie Hoppen
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Dr. Williams. The motion resulted in a Roll Call Vote as follow:
YEAS: Mr. Creel, Mrs. Duke, Dr. Williams, Reverend Mims and Vice President Kemp
NAYS: Mr. Hymel
ABSEBNT: President- Mr. Kates
The motion was carried 5-1.
4. Joannie Miller-Director
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke. The motion resulted in a Roll Call Vote as follow:
YEAS: Mr. Creel, Mrs. Duke, Mr. Hymel, Dr. Williams, Reverend Mims and Vice President Kemp
NAYS: None
ABSEBNT: President- Mr. Kates
The motion was carried 6-0.
5. Patricia Noto
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Duke. The motion resulted in a Roll Call Vote as follow:
YEAS: Mr. Creel, Mrs. Duke, Dr. Williams, Reverend Mims and Vice President Kemp
NAYS: Mr. Hymel (Retire/Rehire)
ABSEBNT: President- Mr. Kates
The motion was carried 5-1.
6. Deloris Walker-Director
It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Dr. Williams. The motion resulted in a Roll Call Vote as follow:
YEAS: Mr. Creel, Mrs. Duke, Mr. Hymel, Dr. Williams, Reverend Mims and Vice President Kemp
NAYS: None
ABSEBNT: President Kates
The motion was carried 6-0.
10.) Superintendent Comments-Louise Smith
Superintendent Smith focused the Board’s attention on several items that were in their folders. One was information regarding inmate Services from Rayburn Correctional Center for the Summer. The other was regarding a Dairy Day from LSU AgCenter.
11.) Board Members Comments
Mrs. Eleanor Duke-“I just want to congratulate the students that did so well. I think that’s wonderful and I am very proud.”
Statement from Debbie Jenkins-“I just want to say; about our teachers that really did so well, I really think that we need to recognize our teachers and we need to bring them before this Board and have them recognized for their hard, hard, hard work. So, if that will be okay with you all, I would like the Principals to work with their teachers and have something for them.”
Mr. Calvin Hymel-“Several months back Mr. Pepe came over about a sign for Mr. Gary Dildy. He told me he left the Superintendent…(Pausing and not completing this statement). He asked me a lot of questions. I thought we agreed to try and help with that. Why haven’t anything been done?” Mr. Creel replied, “It’s been a little while back but I also talked with Mr. Pepe and he was waiting on some type of drawing or ideas and I think he said he had talk to Will Branch, so this is still something that his community organization wants to do. I again assured him that if he presented this Board with a plan that we would do what we can to help him.” Mr. Hymel continued, “Well he told me he asked the Superintendent and she didn’t really tell him anything.” The discussion continued regarding the sign for Mr. Dildy.
Statement from Superintendent Smith-“I did. I told him we would work with him. He said that he had plans to bring to the table, and I told him that we’d be glad to work with him in whatever way possible.
Mr. Curtis Creel-“I agree that our students are what we’re here for; and scores and the way we’ve ranked in the state. I want everybody to know that this system still has a heartbeat. We are by no means on our way out. Our system is going to move forward.”
Dr. Brad Williams-“I’d just like to say thank you for the presentations, from the Principals.”
Reverend Raymond Mims-“Certainly we didn’t get where we are in one day and we are making progress. We are just asking the public to just stay with us. Every one of us on this Board is a product of Bogalusa School System.”
Vice President Adam Kemp-“I’d like to say, I do appreciate the presentation tonight. I was impressed by the plans of action.”
12.) Adjourn
There being no further comments or business Vice President Kemp adjourned at 8:20PM.
____________________________ _____________________________
Louise Smith Paul D. KatesSecretary Board President