Bogalusa School Board

Bogalusa, Louisiana

Public Hearing /Meeting

August 30, 2012

5:30 P.M.

 

 

Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board, Taken AT A Public Hearing & Meeting That Was Held On Thursday, August 30, 2012.

 

The Bogalusa School Board met in a Public Hearing/ Meeting at the Bogalusa School Board Office Media Center, located at 1705 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, Louisiana, on Thursday, August 30, 2012, beginning at 5:30 P.M., for the purpose of conducting a Public Hearing and Meeting for the adoption of the adjusted Millage(s) and roll them forward not exceeding the maximum authorized rate(s) for Bogalusa City School District.  There were also three (3) presentations, one to include a briefing on the Redistricting of Ward 4 for Bogalusa City School Board Members.  The Executive Session was canceled.

 

*Please Note:  The first four (4) line items were performed prior to the Public Hearing or Public Meeting as follow:

 

1.)        Call to Order

President Paul Kates called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M.

 

2.)        Pledge of Allegiance

Acting-Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux 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 (5:50PM).

 

There was absent:  None

 

I.      A Public Hearing

 

1.)        Public to consider the roll forward of the millage rate(s) for 2012.

 

After the reading of the millage rate(s), President Kates asked if there were any comments regarding the rolling forward of the millage rate(s) for 2012.  There were none, and he adjourned the Public Hearing.

 

ADJOURN

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Vice President Kemp to adjourn.  The meeting adjourned at 5:33PM.

 

II.     A Public Meeting

 

1.)          Call to Order  

 

President Paul Kates called the Public Meeting to order at 5:33PM.

 

NOTE:  The Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer and Roll Call was already established with no changes.

 

                                                                                 AGENDA

 

Presentations: 

 

v  Washington Parish Election Commission-Marshall O. Buddy Jenkins, Chairman

 

“I’m going to start with just a quick review of the result of the 2010 Census on your current School Board District.  I’m going to give you a short review and then get into the presentation of the recommended plan, which is Plan E.  After analysis of the 2010 data, this is the result of each School Board District.  District 1 is 173 short of the mean.  District 2 is 198 short of the mean.  District 3 is within tolerance.  District 4 is 189 over the mean.  District 5 is within tolerance.  District 6 is 165 over the mean.  District 7 is within tolerance.  The bottom line is this; District 1 needs to add a minimum of 49 to a maximum of 297.  District 2 needs to add a minimum of 74 to a maximum of 322.  District 3 is within tolerance.  District 4 needs to subtract a minimum of   65 to a maximum of 313.  District 5 is within tolerance.  District 6 needs to subtract a minimum of 41 to a maximum of 289.  District 7 is within tolerance.  In addition to these changes that must be made to bring the School Board Districts into compliance with state law, we also wanted to add another minority district to the two (2) districts that already exist.  We want to maintain the two (2) minority districts that currently exist, and add an additional district.  Plan E is the plan that best meets all the needs that brings each district within compliance; and also adds an additional minority district.  This is what needs to happen in each individual school district.” Mr. Jenkins then proceeded to explain how the procedure will be performed to bring the districts within compliance according to state law, and add another minority district. “In District 1 we can add a portion of Precinct 4-1 of 100 people to Plan E to bring it into tolerance.  In District 2 which is the district that was selected to make the new minority district because it was the one with the most minority population in it as a result of the 2010 Census.  To bring District 2 into compliance; and also make it a minority district it would lose 100 people out of Precinct 4-1.  It would lose 155 people out of Precinct 4-6, and would add 549 out of Precinct 4-2A.  That would bring it into compliance with the population total, and also give it a minority/ majority population of 61.88 versus the white population of 38.12.  District 3, which was originally within tolerance, we had to take some of the minority out of Precinct 4-2A in order to make this two (2) minority districts so it loses 454 of 549 from Precinct 4-2A.  It gained 454 from Precinct 4-3, bringing it within tolerance of the total population.  District 4 was over, and needed to lose 65 to 313.  It loses the 454 that we had to take out of Precinct 4-3 to put into District 3 to bring it within tolerance.  It gained 185 from Precinct 4-7B and 64 to Precinct 4-10.  District 5 was originally in tolerance, but again it’s the data chain affect where we lose people from one district to another. It’s the result of having to make changes.  In District 5 we’re losing 285 out of Precinct 4-7B to District 4, and we picked up the 155 from Precinct 4-6 bringing it within tolerance.  In District 6, we’re losing 64 from Precinct 4-10 to be within tolerance.  District 7 was within tolerance with no changes, to District 7 in the current plan.”  At this point Mr. Jenkins showed a recap sheet of the total population of the School Board Districts based on the 2000 population; Plan E 2010 population, and the voting age population.  He also presented a map indicating the recommended plan, Plan E.  At the end of the presentation, Mr. Jenkins asked if there were any questions.  It was noted that District 2 and District 4 would have the biggest change.  There being no further comments, President Kates continued with the presentations.

 

Child Nutrition Programs-Joannie Miller, Director

 

v  Recognition of  Gold Medal School Nutrition Association of Louisiana (SNAL) Award to Lisa Thigpen

 

“Good evening.  Thank you for this opportunity to share these recognitions with you.  Unfortunately this has not been a good week for the school system.  I have some employees out.  Lisa has been without power for several days.  She is the one to be recognized for the President’s Gold Medal School Nutrition Association Award.”

 

v  Recognition of Perfect Attendance employees for 2011-2012-Charlotte Robinson, Pauline Toney and Joannie Miller

 

“I would like to recognize two (2) employees that have Perfect Attendance.  I just think that’s so important, that people are that dedicated, that they come to work every day no matter what, because they have the same problem that we all have, with our homes; with our families, whatever.  I am extremely proud to introduce Pauline Toney.  She is our Manager at Northside Tech Middle School.  When asked how many years has she had Perfect Attendance?  Mrs. Toney replied, “Two years straight, and then one previously.”  “Thank you so much Pauline for your dedication to the students at Northside Tech Middle and to Child Nutrition Programs.  We’re so proud of you.  She is a great Manager.” My other Manager is absent, Charlotte Robinson, and I apologize for her.  I did speak with her earlier.  She had death in her family and she is with that family at this time.”

 

Statement from Mrs. Duke-“I’d like to say something.  I think Mrs. Joannie Miller is on here too.  Is that right?”  “Yes,” replied Mrs. Miller.  “Okay. Congratulations,” says Mrs. Duke.  “Thank you Mrs. Joannie Miller for being the young lady that you are,” concluded President Kates.

 

Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting-July 11, 2012

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

 

Approval of Minutes of Special Board Meeting-July 19, 2012

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

 

Approval of Minutes of Special Board Meeting-July 27, 2012

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

 

Recess to Public Session

There was no one to come forward to address the Board.

 

A.)        Old Business

 

1.)        Grant permission to remove from “Tabled” status Line item D.) Adoption of Policies Files: ABE (School Superintendent Legal Status); BE (School Board Ethics); CBD (Employment of Superintendent); CBF (Evaluation of Superintendent); CDA (School Principals/Building Administrators); GBA (Contracts and Compensation); GBC (Recruitment); GBD (Employment of Personnel); GBE (Assignment of Personnel); GBG (Probation); GBL (Tenure); GBN (Dismissal of  Personnel); GBNA (Reduction of Personnel). This was tabled at the Special Board Meeting held on Thursday, July 19, 2012.   

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

 

 B.)       New Business                                                       

 

1.)        Adopt the adjusted millage rate(s).

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Reverend Mims to adopt the millage rate(s).  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

2.)        Set forth the adjusted millage rate(s) and roll forward to millage rate(s) not exceeding the maximum authorized rate(s).

It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Reverend Mims to accept Resolution 1, to set forth the adjusted millage rate(s).  The motion resulted in a Roll Call vote as follow:

 

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

NAYS:  None

ABSENT:  None

 

The motion was carried 7-0.

 

It was motioned by Vice President Kemp, seconded by Reverend Mims to accept Resolution 2, to roll forward to millage rate(s) not exceeding the authorized rate(s).  The motion resulted in a Roll Call vote as follow:

 

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

NAYS:  Mrs. Duke

ABSENT:  None

The motion was carried 6-1.

 

3.)        Accept the transfer policy of students between Northside Technology Middle School and Bogalusa Middle School.

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Reverend Mims to accept the transfer policy.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

4.)        Approval of Pupil Progression Plan.

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

 

5.)        Approval of all out-of-state travel for Bogalusa High School, JROTC competitions through December 19, 2012.

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve the JROTC travel through December 19, 2012. The motion was carried unanimously.

 

6.)        Grant permission to travel for Deloris Walker, Shelley Gill and Acting Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux to attend the Sequesting Education-Federal Law and Grants Management Conference in Clark County, Nevada, scheduled for Tuesday, November 27, 2012 through Saturday, December 1, 2012.

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

 

7.)        Approval of Financial Statements for June and July, 2012 for General Fund, Food Service, Special Revenue Funds and School Activities.

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve the statements.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

8.)        Adopt Transportation Policy and Procedures.

Mrs. Walker asked that this line item be tabled due to the state implementation not being included for the leasing of buses.

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Duke to table the policy.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

9.)        Adoption of Policies Files: ABB (Powers and Responsibilities); BD (School Board Policy); GAMC (Investigations); GBB (Personnel Positions); GBI (Evaluation); GBJ (Promotion); GBK (Employee Discipline); GBKA (Suspension of Employees); GBM (Personnel Transfer); GBO (Resignation); GBRB (Employee Attendance); GBRHA (Sabbatical Leave); GBRIB (Sick Leave); GBRIBB (Sick Leave Bank); GBRJ (Substitute Personnel).  (Line Item # 1)- Adoption of Policies Files: ABE (School Superintendent Legal Status); BE (School Board Ethics); CBD (Employment of Superintendent); CBF (Evaluation of Superintendent); CDA (School Principals/Building Administrators); GBA (Contracts and Compensation); GBC (Recruitment); GBD (Employment of Personnel); GBE (Assignment of Personnel); GBG (Probation); GBL (Tenure); GBN (Dismissal of  Personnel); GBNA (Reduction of Personnel).

 

At this point President Kates asked for a motion to amend the agenda to include Line item #1 in the adoption of policies.

 

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

 

It was motioned by Reverend Mims, seconded by Vice President Kemp to adopt the policies of Line item #9 and include Line item #1.  The motion was carried unanimously.

 

10.)       Grant permission to adjust September’s Committee and Regular Board Meeting dates due to the State of Louisiana guidelines for the mandate of budgets to be approved on or before September 15, 2012; also the Louisiana Tech University School Law Institute has been scheduled for September 27-28, 2012 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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

 

11.)       Approval of Fixed Assets for Special Ed.

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

 

12.)       Executive Session-Citizen’s Concern

The citizen was not in attendance.  President Kates proceeded to the next line item.

 

13.)       Acting Superintendent Comments-Willie “Toni” Breaux

“First of all I would like to say good evening and thank you all for coming out because I know the weather is very bad still, but we have things that we need to take care of.  I want to thank you all for caring for the Bogalusa City School System.  I did go around today along with my two sons; and we checked every school from the outside, I didn’t go in, just passed.  I did see a gate open at Bogalusa Middle School, and when I returned home I got a call from Mr. Kates saying that I needed to check it out.  The police did go over there.  I called Mrs. Seal and she went.  Nothing was bothered inside the school, so that was okay.  Mrs. Lawrence emailed me her report.  I gave it to Mr. Vic; and I told them originally, because we were going to be out through Thursday, that they could do it on Thursday, but then I talked to some Principals afterwards and I told them Friday would be okay.  I told Mr. Vic that I would email him whatever needed doing, and he could take care of it from there.  I want to tell my Principals that I appreciate that.  I appreciate you getting out and taking care of your school, and I thank you for it.  Also, I want to thank my Supervisors.  They have been working so hard.  This is a learning process for me.  It’s new for me too, and it takes all of us working together.  I want to let you know that I appreciate everything that you have done to make this a smooth transition. It has been an enjoyable one.  It’s been painful sometimes, but I love the pain, good pain; no pain, no gain.  I want to give a special thanks to Mr. Vic.  Mr. Vic has gone beyond.  He’s always there doing what he needs to be doing.  He asked if he needed to stay this evening; and I told him ‘No,’ but I do want to give him a special praise.  I also want to thank the Board again for working with me.  I am going to be truthful.  You’re not going to have to worry about me lying.  I do want to straighten something out, but I’m not going to straighten it right now in front of everybody; but anyway thank you.  I’m going to work to the best of my ability to make the changes that you want.  We are working on the plan for the consolidation of schools next year.  We are going to start doing it; I told you once a week; but twice a week if we can. We have made some progress.  We will be sending you updates.  Thank you for that.  I am enjoying it so far,” concluded Acting Superintendent Breaux.

 

ACTING SUPERINTENDENT’S PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS

 

ACTING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

 

  1. Jennifer Beninato-Northside Technology Middle School-Effective August 1, 2012

 

TEACHERS

 

  1. Danielle Clayton-Social Studies-Northside Technology Middle School-Effective August 14, 2012

  2. Lisa Collins-Special Ed-Northside technology Middle School-Effective August 2, 2012

  3. Adrian Frazier-Connections-Bogalusa High School-Effective August 2, 2012

  4. Lori Morris-English-Bogalusa High School-Effective August 8, 2012

 

BUS DRIVER

 

  1. Donna Mitchell-Effective August 2, 2012

 

SUBSTITUTES

 

  1. Sara Peterson-Para

  2. Vanessa Alfonso-Teacher (Talented Art)

  3. Rodney Brown-Teacher

  4. Odette Doty-Teacher/Para

  5. Celena Gonzales-Teacher

  6. Marie Martin-Teacher

  7. Glennis McKelphin-Teacher

  8. Ashley Richards-Teacher

  9. Clyde Robinson-Teacher

  10. LaTesha Robinson-Teacher

  11. Rhonda Scoopmire

  12. Christie Vaughn-Teacher

  13. Penny Williams-Teacher

  14. Michael (Joey) Crain-Bus Driver-Effective August 7, 2012

  15. Jay Bell-Custodian

  16. Hollis Brown-Custodian

  17. Doylar Dyson-Custodian

  18. Alvin Jones-Effective August 7, 2012

  19. Kaitlyn Jones-Custodian

  20. Emery Moses-Custodian

 

TRANSFERS

 

  1. Gail Barnwell-To Human Resources-Coordinator

  2. Marie Goff-From Acting Assistant Principal-Bogalusa Middle School to Internal Monitor-Special Ed-Effective August 27, 2012

  3. Jeri Gunulfsen-From English Teacher-Bogalusa High School to Faculty Coordinator at BHS-Effective August 2, 2012

  4. Tonyah  Jefferson-From Social Studies Teacher/Technology Facilitator at Northside Tech Middle School to Disciplinarian at Byrd Avenue-Effective August 2, 2012.

  5. Raymond Morris-From Social Studies Teacher at Northside Technology Middle School to Disciplinarian at Pleasant Hill K-4-Effective August 2, 2012

  6. Karla McGehee-To Human Resources-Coordinator

  7. Ottinay Self-From Secretary- Curriculum & Instruction to  Payroll Assistant-Effective September 4, 2012

 

REASSIGNMENT OF DUTIES

 

  1. Linda Stewart-Secretary-Curriculum and Instruction/Child Welfare-Effective September 4, 2012

 

RESIGNATIONS

 

  1. Dara Cutrer-Para-Northside Technology Middle School-Effective May 23, 2012

  2. Mechelle Frazier-Teacher-Byrd Avenue K-4-Effective August 17, 2012

  3. Meagan Hebert-English Teacher-Bogalusa High School-Effective August 3, 2012

  4. Donna Magee-Teacher-Byrd Avenue K-4-Effective May 23, 2012

  5. Don McDaniel-Bogalusa High/Bogalusa Middle Schools-Effective August 21, 2012

  6. Anna Sisco-Teacher-Byrd Avenue K-4-Effective May 23, 2012

  7. Sheryl Jones-teacher-Bogalusa Middle School-Effective August 24, 2012*

 

RETIREMENT

 

  1. Tonia Collins-Payroll Assistant-Effective August 1, 2012

 

RESTORE POSITION

 

  1. Supervisor of Child Welfare/Transportation

 

NOTE:  An asterisk (*) indicates that this item was added after the Committee Meeting on Monday, August 27, 2012.

 

14.)       School Board Members Comments

 

There were none. 

 

President Kates asked if there were any more comments.  There were none.

 

15.)       Adjournment

There being no further business to address or comments, President Kates adjourned at 6:10PM.

 

___________________________________________         _________________________________________________

Willie “Toni” Breaux                                                                Paul D. Kates

Acting Superintendent/Secretary                                                        Board President