Bogalusa School Board Office-Media Center

Bogalusa, Louisiana

Regular Board Meeting

June 27, 2013

5:30 P.M.

 

Proceedings of the Bogalusa School Board, Taken At A Regular Meeting That Was Held On Thursday, June 27, 2013

 

The Bogalusa School Board met in a Regular Board Meeting at the Bogalusa City School Board Office Media Center located at 1705 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, Louisiana, on Thursday, June 27, 2013 beginning at 5:30 P.M. The purpose of the meeting was to address, and consider to Approve, Award, Declare, Grant permission, and/or Adopt, items that were presented at the Committee Meeting, regarding the 2013-2014 Fiscal School Year.

 

1.)        Call to Order

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

 

2.)        Pledge of Allegiance

Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

3.)        Prayer

Mr. Adam Kemp delivered the opening prayer.

 

4.)        Roll Call

There were present:  President, Mr. Paul Kates; Members:  Mr. Curtis Creel, Mrs. Eleanor Duke, Mr. Calvin Hymel,

Mr. Adam Kemp and Dr. Brad Williams

 

There was absent: Vice President-Reverend Raymond Mims

 

5.)        Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting-May 30, 2013

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Mr. Creel to approve the minutes.  The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.

 

At this point President Kates amended the agenda to add two (2) items.

 

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Kemp to amend the agenda to add two (2) items. 

 

1.)   Grant permission for Carmel Grantham to travel to Jackson, MS, to attend an AP Institute at Millsaps College, July 8-11, 2013.  “This will be item I,” says President Kates.

 

2.)   Executive Session “This will be item 9,” says President Kates.

 

The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent. 

 

6.)        Board Officers and Committee Reports

 

Mr. Curtis Creel-“I won’t call it a report, but I kind of caught myself making to loop this week, High School to Central, to Byrd, and around.  Things are hopping.   It’s kind of slowed down a little bit at high school, but they had a couple of guys there today doing some of the minor cosmetic things that need to be done, and also today there were some technicians there.  All in all I’m happy of where we’re at, at high school; but we’ve got to burn some midnight oil for Central.

 

Mrs. Eleanor Duke-“I went there, Central, yesterday, and I was astounded of all the stuff sitting everywhere.  I know they’re going to put everything in place, but it was unbelievable to me.  They were moving stuff for all the elementary schools, and putting it all in the gym.  It looks horrible, but I’m sure they’ll get it done.”

 

7.)        Recess to Public Session

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

 

8.)        New Business

 

A.)        Approval of “Revised” Crisis Intervention Policy Protocol for addressing suicidal/homicidal ideations or attempts. 

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve the revision.  The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.

 

 B.)       Award bids for Frozen and Processed Foods, Kitchen Supply, Milk, Bread, Produce, and Equipment for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 to the lowest bidder meeting specifications. 

It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mrs. Duke to award the bids.  The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.

 

C.)          Approval of Revised Budgets and Financial Statements, i.e., General Fund, Food Service, Special Revenue Funds, Capital Improvement Fund and School Activities for May 2013. 

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Mr. Kemp to approve the Revision and financial Statements.  The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.

 

D.)        Approval of property Insurance premium for 2013-2014 Fiscal School Year.

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve the property insurance premium.  The motion was not carried at this point.

Statement from Mrs. Deloris Walker-“I just want the clarification that Mrs. Breaux and I met with Mr. Bill McGehee early this morning, and we’re okay with the insurance.  I spoke with Mr. Dale, and let him know that we have insurance on all of our properties.  That issue was, they didn’t cover some of the properties that were being used.

 

The motion was carried 6-0, with I absent.

 

E.)        Declare as surplus, property of Pleasant Hill Elementary and Superior Avenue Elementary School sites.

 

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Dr. Williams to declare the sites as surplus.  The motion was not carried at this point.

 

Statement from Mrs. Walker-“I do have another public agency that is interested in one of the facilities.  So, I’ll just get with the Board.  I’ll get some more information on the use, and what they want the building for.”  When President Kates asked if it is for sale or lease.  Mrs. Walkers replied, “Lease.”

 

Question from Mr. Creel-“I have a question about the appraisal process.  Is that something that we use local appraisers, or do we use a company type?  Mrs. Walker replied, “A company type.  Scoggin did the last three (3) for me; Scoggin out of Covington, Louisiana. He’s been the only one really I could get in contact with, because they stay busy.  He knows our properties.”   “You have to have a certified commercial company,” says Attorney Branch.  “That’s kind-of what I was getting at,” says Mr. Creel.    

 

The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.

 

At this point Mrs. Duke asked, “What about Long Avenue.  Are we going to hang on to that for storage?”   “We already have declared it surplus.  Somebody called me about Columbia Street; and right now we want to sell it, if anybody wants to give us a bid on it.  And now the Adult Ed, has been relocated to Northside.  We did house them, from out in Franklinton; we gave them space. No one will be in there now,” says Mrs. Walker.

 

F.)        Grant permission to discard additional district-wide Fixed Assets, i.e. IDEA 

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Kemp to grant permission.  The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.

 

G.)        Approval of The Daily News as the Official School Board Journal as required by R.S. 43:150 and R.S. 43:174 

It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Mr. Creel to approve the Daily News as the Official School Board Journal.  The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.

 

H.)          Adoption of Policies Files: ABCDA-Unexpired Term Fulfillment; AE-School Year; BBBC-Board Member Continuing Education; EGAA-Workers’ Compensation; ID-Curriculum; IDCA-Summer School; IDCC-Kindergarten; IDE-Co-Curriculum Activities and Extracurricular Activities; IDG-Adult Education; IH-Academic Achievement; IHG-Credit Recovery; JB-Attendance; JBCF-Unsafe School Choice; JDD-Suspension; JGC-Student Health Services; JGCD-Administration of Medication; JR-Student Records (NOTE:  These policies were given to the Board and Attorney for review on Tuesday, May 28, 2013).

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Duke to adopt the policies.   The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.

 

 I.)        Grant permission for Carmel Grantham to travel to Jackson, MS, to attend an AP Institute at Millsaps College, July 8-11, 2013

It was motioned by Mr. Kemp, seconded by Dr. Williams to grant permission.  The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.

 

At this point President Kates asked for a motion to enter into an Executive Session for the purpose of Personnel matters.

 

It was motioned by Mr. Kemp, seconded by Mr. Hymel to enter into an Executive Session to address personnel matters.  The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.

 

9.)        Executive Session-Personnel

Returning to the Media Center, President Kates asked for a motion to resume the regular session.

 

It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Creel to resume the regular session.  The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.

 

Statement from President Kates-“We went into Executive Session to talk about a personnel issues, and I believe; well I don’t believe; I know the Superintendent will take care of those issues.  At this time we’ll have Personnel.”

 

10.)      Personnel

Prior to presenting the Personnel Agenda, Mrs. Karla McGehee, Human Resources Coordinator stated, “The Job Vacancy list that you asked for on Monday night; the list of Job Vacancies that you have, has kind-of changed, a little bit.  The 6th-8th grade Math Teacher and English/Language Arts Teacher at Bogalusa High School will no longer be needed, so, you can scratch through that.  There were four (4) fourth grade teachers for Central Elementary, but we have filled one of those positions, so we only need three (3).  Everything else on there we need.  We are advertising.  I did put it in the Times Picayune, our paper and it will go on the web.  On the Hires, Ms. Lois has put an asterisk by the jobs that were added. And, you have the Retirees/Resignations. Are there any questions that you have?

 

Question from Mr. Kemp-“Everyone hired is certified, right?

Response from Mrs. McGehee-“Yes.  Well, one of them is in the process of getting into I Teach, which is like LRCE, and he is going to bring his paperwork on that to me, so he can be able to get a practitioner’s license to teach.”

 

Question from Mr. Kemp- “Are they already listed on here with the dot?”

 

Response from Mrs. McGehee-“Yes.  And if that doesn’t happen, I’m sure that’ll happen, because Mrs. Breaux and I met with him today.”

 

Statement from Superintendent Breaux-“If that doesn’t happen; the person will be removed.  He understands that he has to bring that information to Karla.”

 

2013-2014 Job Vacancies

 

Bogalusa High School                                                           Byrd Avenue Elementary School

(2)  Math Teacher (9-12)                                                                         (3) First Grade Teachers

Spanish Teacher (9-12)

 

*According to Mrs. McGehee, the 6th-8th Grade Math Teacher & English/Language Arts Teacher were no longer needed.  They appeared on the agenda for Committee Meeting on Monday night, June 14, 2013.  She asked that they be removed.

 

Central Elementary School

Librarian

(3) Fourth Grade Teachers

Special Education Teacher

 

2013-2014 New Hires

Katasha August-Nurse-Bogalusa High School

Louis Beninato-Maintenance

Chastan Bickham-Secretary-Bogalusa School Board Office

Patricia Collins-Paraprofessional-Special Education-Denhamtown PreK

Valerie Cotton-Bus Attendant

Edward Doty-Custodian-Byrd Avenue Elementary

Odette Doty-Paraprofessional-ARC-Central Elementary

Adrian Frazier*-Physical Education/Coach-Bogalusa High School

Basha Harry-Data Clerk-Bogalusa School Board Office

Ann Johnson-Chemistry Teacher-Bogalusa High School

Debra Johnson-Custodian-Central Elementary

Alvin Jones-Custodian, Bogalusa School Board Office

Darriona Lee-Technology Assistant-Northside Community Resource Center

Sherryle Mathis-Math Teacher-Bogalusa High school

Miranda Myers-Paraprofessional-Northside Community Resource Center

Cody Nobles-Bus Driver

Megan Pellegrin-Math Teacher-Bogalusa High School (6th-8th)

Stacey Reedhead*-4th Grade Classroom Teacher-Central Elementary School

Jack Rogers*-JROTC Instructor-Bogalusa High School

Amy Schexnaydre-Guidance Counselor-Bogalusa High School

Penny Sheridan-Special Education Resource-Bogalusa High School

Darell Self-Custodian-Bogalusa High School

Taryn Spoikes-Technology Assistant-Northside Community Resource Center

Lesia Rawls-Guidance Counselor-Bogalusa High School

Ellen Vervellotti-Talented Art Teacher-Central Elementary/Byrd Avenue Elementary Schools

Daphne Watson-Secretary-Bogalusa High School

*Note:  An asterisk (*) indicates item(s) added after Committee Meeting on Monday, June 24, 2013.

 

Retirees

Burnadette Bradford-Bogalusa School Board Office-Receptionist

Geraldine Connerson-Bogalusa High School-Paraprofessional

Melissa Cooper-Bus Driver Attendant

Dana Dodds-Central elementary School-Special Education Teacher

Margie Graves-Bogalusa High School-Guidance Counselor

Geneann Hill-Bogalusa High School Classroom Teacher (6th -8th)

Joyce Irvine-Central Elementary School-Food Service Technician

Sherry Irvine-Central elementary School-Paraprofessional

Freida Jones-Central Elementary School-Classroom Teacher

Jarvis Jones-Byrd Avenue Elementary-Custodian

Mary Ann Keys-Central Elementary-Paraprofessional

Debbie Lusco-Bogalusa School Board Office-Educational Diagnostician

Susan Magee-Bogalusa High School-Teacher/Nurse

Cynthia McGehee-Bogalusa High School-Classroom Teacher

Shan Miley-Bus Driver

Gene Rester-Bus Driver

Mary Lou Revere-Bogalusa High School Classroom Teacher (6th -8th)

James Rushing-Bogalusa High School-Guidance Counselor (6th-8th)

 

Re-Retiree

Peggy Stewart-Bus Driver

 

Resignations

Joseph Brown-Bogalusa High School-JROTC Instructor

Lisa Collins-Central Elementary-Special Education Teacher

Kristen Cooke-Bogalusa High School-Classroom Teacher (6th -8th)

Heather Drum-Central Elementary School-Special Education Teacher

Amber Fasola-Byrd Avenue Elementary School-Classroom Teacher

Stephanie Fradella-Central Elementary School-Classroom Teacher

Tracy Gill-Denhamtown PreK-Classroom Teacher

Jill Jeffers-Central Elementary School-Classroom Teacher

Deanna Kellar-Byrd Avenue Elementary School-Classroom Teacher

Tanya Moses-Bogalusa High School-Guidance Counselor

Erica Ross-Bogalusa High School-Classroom Teacher (6th-8th)

Kristen Singletary-Byrd Avenue Elementary School-Classroom Teacher

Jamie Vicknair-Central Elementary-Classroom Teacher   

                       

*Note:  Additional district wide hires, with locations and positions, for 2013-2014 are available, by appointment, in the Human Resources Department.  Ask for Mrs. Karla McGehee, Human Resources Co-Coordinator.

 

11.)     Superintendent Comments-(Mrs.) Willie “Toni” Breaux

“Well, we’re getting ready for our retreat.  I’m very excited.  We’ve had some problems at the Central Office, but we’re going to work on that at our retreat, and I’m hoping that we can adhere to my motto, ‘We’re All In This Together,’ and we can put our differences aside; and work as a team and try to do what’s best for these kids in our system.  We do have competition as some of the Board Members said; and we don’t have time, to you know.  We need to move forward, to make sure that our kids are getting the best possible education.  Thank you.”

 

At this point, rapping on the table, Mrs. Deloris Walker was attempting to get Superintendent Breaux’s attention saying, ‘Thursday and Friday.’

 

Statement from Superintendent Breaux-“Oh, yes, that’s the thing I was supposed to put on the agenda.  I had spoken with Mrs. Walker; Mr. Vic was out; and the custodians, you know we did not allow them to have any vacation time; that was my choice; I could do that,  because of what we are going through, trying to uh…(Pausing, and not completing this statement);  and they all agreed.  We had maybe two (2); one (1) had planned a vacation already; and something else; but for the most part, they all have been here every day; and so what I wanted to do is; they’re off  Thursday for the fourth (4th) of July, and we’re off that Friday.  So I was going to give them that Thursday and Friday, so if they wanted to do something with their families; to have a little vacation time, because they’ll have to come back that Monday, and they’re not getting any days. I just wanted to know if it would be okay with you all.  I meant to put it on there.  I’m sorry I forgot.”

 

Statement from President Kates-Conferring with the Board Members, President Kates asked, “Do you all have a problem with that?”

 

*Note:  An official verbal vote was not taken regarding the custodians being off Thursday, July 4th and Friday, July 5th.  However, there was a physical indication of nodding of the heads, in the affirmative, from the Board Members that confirmed that this was okay.

 

12.)    Board Members Comments

There were no additional comments.  

 

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

 

13.)    Adjourn

There being no further business to address or comments, President Kates adjourned at 6:40PM.

 

 

__________________________________________           _____________________________________________

Willie “Toni” Breaux                                                        Paul D. Kates

Secretary                                                                     Board President