Bogalusa School Board
Bogalusa, Louisiana
Regular Board Meeting
march 27, 2014
5:30 P.M.
Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board, Taken AT A Regular Board Meeting That Was Held On Thursday, march 27, 2014
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, March 27, 2014, beginning at 5:30 P.M., for the purpose of addressing matters presented by the supervisors on Monday, March 24, 2014, at the Committee Meeting, regarding all information related to the operation of the school district, for the remainder of 2013-2014 School Year; and continue to plan for the upcoming 2014-2015 School Year. The agenda included presentations, Oath of Office for Honorary School Board members, and an Executive Session.
1.) Call to Order
President Adam Kemp 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
Dr. Brad Williams delivered the opening prayer.
4.) Roll Call
There were present: President, Mr. Adam Kemp; Vice President, Mr. Curtis Creel; Members: Mrs. Eleanor Duke, Mr. Calvin Hymel, and Dr. Brad Williams
There was absent: Board Members-Mr. Paul Kates and Rev. Raymond Mims
5.) Presentations:
v Denhamtown PreK Center-Barbara Greely, Principal
Ms. Greely addressed the Board Members, Superintendent Breaux and the public. Next she presented a PowerPoint, detailing the things that the PreK Center does for the 4-year olds. “This is by no means any way we can compensate all that happens in PreK. This is just a brief snapshot of what we do in PreK.” At that point she proceeded with the PowerPoint. There was a video of Mrs. Pittman’s classroom, during Circle Time. “The teacher begins the day in Circle Time each morning, to get the students ready to learn, and introduce, or review objectives for the week,” says Ms. Greely. There was also a video of Mrs. Lee’s class during Center Time of Library and Science. She went on to give them a look of the different activities that were held, such as Hat Day, a visit from the Bogalusa Fire department, Literacy Day, One Hundredth Day of school, where the children dressed up as a one hundred year old person. “Today we had the Northshore Technical College Senior Nurses come in to teach them about dental health. And, that’s PreK in a snap,” concluded Ms. Greely.
Prior to Mrs. Berthelot’s presentation, Mrs. Walker stated that there was a letter in the Board Members folder, regarding this presentation.
v Office of Senator Mary Landrieu-Cathleen Berthelot-Northshore Regional Representative
“Good evening. Thank you for having me here. Again, I’m Cathleen Berthelot with Senator Mary Landrieu’s office. I’m out of her New Orleans office, but I cover the Northshore. I actually had the pleasure of going to Denhamtown, courtesy of Mrs. Joannie, inviting me to serve lunch to the kids. That was a wonderful experience. That was the first I’d seen of Bogalusa, and that was great; so thank you for that,” said Ms. Berthelot.
“I’m just here to pass on the great news that you might have already seen in the paper; but as you all are very well aware, Senator Landrieu, since 2007 had been championing loan cancellation from FEMA; the FEMA Community Disaster Loan. The Bogalusa School Board had a debt of I believe, a total of six hundred nine thousand, two hundred eighty-six ($609,286) dollars, where there was a principle of one hundred nine thousand, two hundred eighty three ($109,283); and the interest was over one hundred thousand ($100,000) dollars. Because of tireless work by Senator Landrieu, and the Bogalusa City Schools staff working with FEMA, really demanding that a community such as Bogalusa; and stressing how every dollar really counts here, she was successful in convincing FEMA to fully cancel that debt from FEMA. So, we wanted to just pass along that great news; and let you know that we’re always here to help out with any of the issues that come up. We’re very happy of the result. Even though, it takes a long time, the end result is great. She couldn’t be here today, so she wanted me to come in her place, and pass along that news,” concluded Ms. Berthelot.
Statement from President Kemp-“If you will, bring back to her, our gratitude and appreciation for her hard work. We really appreciate it.” “I will. I will. Thank you,” replied Ms. Berthelot.
6.) Oath of Office-2013-2014 Honorary School Board Members-(Student representatives from elementary, middle & high schools)
School Board Attorney Dale Branch gave the Oath of Office to the Honorary School Board Members. President Kemp assisted him with the issuing of the Proclamation certificates.
vCentral Elementary School-Asiah Tyrone- 5th Grade
vBogalusa Middle School-Diamond Sampson-8th Grade (Located on the Bogalusa High School Campus)
vBogalusa High School-Daphne Owens-12th Grade
Following the Oath of Office, each student Honorary School Board Member gave the positive news from their schools. Diamond Sampson, an eighth grader from Bogalusa Middle School, located on the Bogalusa High School Campus, and Daphne Owens, a twelfth grader at Bogalusa High School, had a PowerPoint presentation of their good news.
7.) Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting-February 27, 2014
It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Dr. Williams to approve the minutes. The motion was carried, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent.
8.) Board Officers and Committee Reports
Mrs. Deloris Walker-“I just want to add that we are so excited about the loan and that will definitely help us. We’ve been working on it for years. We sent documentation over and over, but what they did; we received one time money for Katrina, and they were including that in our revenue, so when we got a chance to back that out; being a one time, we finally qualified. This is great for the district, to not have to pay back the six hundred- plus, thousand ($600 +, 000) dollars. I’m very excited about it,” said Mrs. Walker.
9.) Recess to Public Session
Karren Sharp-Mrs. Sharp stated her address as 63160 Northwood Road, Bogalusa. Addressing Superintendent Breaux, President Kemp, and the Board Members, Mrs. Sharp stated that she just wanted to address the Board, and let the people know how much she appreciated the support that everyone had given her and her students, during their preparation to go to the Pro Start Competition. The competition was in New Orleans. She thanked Cook-Richmond for the use of their limousine to provide their transportation to the Morial Center for the competition. “We didn’t finish in the top three (3), but we tried hard. They learned a lot of things. They had a good time; and they really enjoyed it. They got in the Management Competition, and finished in the top ten (10) in the state. They got some excellent feedback. I was really proud of them. They presented themselves well; and they really represented Bogalusa well. So, I just want to thank everyone who helped us get there,” said Mrs. Sharp.
Brittney Bowlseby-Ms. Bowlsbey, did not state her address, but did indicate on her “Request for Recognition as a Speaker card as 28 Park Place Drive, Apartment 703, Covington, LA. Ms. Bowlseby voiced concerns at Central Elementary where she is employed as a classroom teacher. She outlined several concerns, regarding Central Elementary School. In her conclusion, she asked the Board to help the school come up with a plan to help Central Elementary school. “This is such a vital time for all of us. I don’t have the ins and outs of everything; and I don’t know what we can do,” concluded Ms. Bowlseby. President Kemp thanked Ms. Bowlseby for her voiced concerns.
10.) New Business
A.) Adoption of the Louisiana Department of Education Proclamation on Attendance Awareness Week, designated for the week of March 24-28, 2014.
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Mr. Creel to adopt the Proclamation. The motion was carried, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent.
B.) Grant permission to bid for Frozen and Processed Foods, Kitchen Supplies, Bread, Milk, Produce, Large and Small Equipment for Fiscal year 2014-2015.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to grant permission. The motion was carried, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent.
C.) Grant permission to apply for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
It was motioned by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Mrs. Duke to grant permission. The motion was carried, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent.
D.) Approval of updated Hearing and Vision Screening Policy, and add Scoliosis Screening Policy.
It was motioned by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Dr. Williams to approve the policy and addition. The motion was carried, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent.
E.) Approval of travel request for Bogalusa High school JROTC to travel to Gulfport High School for Rifle Competition, scheduled for April 26, 2014, in Gulfport, Mississippi.
It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve the travel. The motion was carried, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent.
F.) Adoption of the 2014-2015 Bogalusa City School District Academic Year, calendar of choice, Traditional Calendar #1.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Duke to adopt the 2014-2015 Academic Year Calendar of choice, Traditional Calendar #1, for Bogalusa City School District. The motion was carried, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent.
G.) Approval of February 2014 Financial Statements, i.e., General Fund, Sinking Fund, Capital Projects, School Food Service, Special Revenue Funds, School Activities, and Revised Budgets.
It was motioned by Mr. Hymel, seconded by Mr. Creel to approve the line items. The motion was carried, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent.
H.) Grant permission to discard additional District-Wide Fixed Assets, i.e., General Fund.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to grant permission. The motion was carried, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent.
I.) Approval of Contract for Collection of Sales and Use Tax between Washington Parish Sales/Use Tax Centralization Commission and Sheriff and Ex-Officio Tax Collection for Washington Parish
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve the contract. The motion was not carried, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent, at this point.
When asked if we were voting on the percentage, Mrs. Walker stated, “We’re not voting on the percentage tonight, we’re just voting on to enter the contract. To my understanding, you all want me to look into how much it’s going to cost the district. I’ll get back with each and every one before I make that vote on behalf of the Board. If I have to call you personally on your cell phone while I’m at my meeting, I will.” According to Mrs. Walker, the meeting is scheduled for April 9, 2014 at the Franklinton School Board Office, at 10:00AM. “Right now it’s going to stay at one-point five (1.5), unless we vote to change it,” says Mrs. Walker.
The motion was carried, at this point, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent.
J.) Grant permission for the opening of a Bogalusa Performing Arts Preparatory School, to be housed at the Superior Avenue School site.
Prior to any action, by the request of Superintendent Breaux, President Kemp stated that this item be removed from the agenda. Ms. Adams informed President Kemp that it couldn’t just be removed; it had to be voted on. At this point he asked for a motion to remove it from the agenda.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to remove this line item from the agenda. The motion was carried, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent.
At this point Superintendent Breaux rose to her feet saying, “I want to say something. I’m tired of him; he’s been rude ever since I’ve been here. He goes around…. (I was not aware, until I played the taping back, that the taping was not clear anymore.)” NOTE: However, I took the following notes by hand. “He goes around lying on me. He cursed me out in there.” (Superintendent Breaux was pointing at the room that is used for Executive Sessions, which is located next door to the Board Meeting room). I’m tired of his nasty attitude,” says Superintendent Breaux “I’ve never cursed you out,” says Mr. Hymel.
At the constant rapping of the gavel on the table, by President Kemp, to get Superintendent Breaux to stop, I turned the tape recorder off, until after the Executive Session.
K.) Adoption of a Bogalusa City School District Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council.
It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Dr. Williams to adopt the council. The motion was carried, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent.
11.) Personnel-Karla McGehee
Prior to the Personnel Agenda, President Kemp stated that the Personnel Committee would meet with Mrs. McGehee, Human Resources Supervisor, before the next meeting. Mrs. McGehee stated at the Committee Meeting on Monday, March 24, 2014 that Superintendent Breaux asked that she send out Letters of Intent for the upcoming 2014-2015 School Year. The employees’ intents for the 2014-2015 School Year are as follow:
School Year 2014-2015 Retirements
1.) Kathi Adams-School Nurse-Denhamtown Pre-K Center/BHS-January, 2015
2.) Lois Adams-Administrative Assistant-Superintendent’s Office-July 28, 2014
3.) Gail Barnwell-Title I Coordinator-School Board Office-June 30, 2014
4.) Chris Black-School Social Worker-School Board Office-May 15, 2015
5.) Diane Jefferson-Paraprofessional-Denhamtown PreK Center-May 30, 2014
6.) Linda Johnson-Custodian-Central Elementary School-June 30, 2014
7.) Diane Mathews-Bookkeeper-School Board Office Food Service Department-May 30, 2014
8.) Jenell McGee-Talented Art Teacher-Bogalusa High School 6th-8th Grade-May 27, 2014
9.) Joannie Forcier- Miller-Supervisor of Child Nutrition Programs- School Board Office-June 30, 2014
10.) Sara Rayburn-Purchasing Clerk-School Board Office-June 30, 2014
11.) Mary Robinson-Custodian-Denhamtown PreK Center-December 1, 2014
12.) Jeanette Wheat-Food Service-Central Elementary School-May 9, 2014
13.)
School Year 2014-2015 Resignation
1.) Christopher Stogner-Math Teacher-Bogalusa High School 9th-12th Grade-May 27, 2014
At this point, President Kemp asked for a motion to enter into an Executives Session
It was motioned by Mr. Creel, seconded by Mrs. Duke to enter into an Executive Session. The motion was carried, 5-0, with two (2) Board Members absent.
12.) Executive Session-Personnel
Returning to the Media Center, President Kemp stated, “We went into Executive Session to discuss several personnel issues, in which the Superintendent will be taking care of.
13.) Superintendent Comments-(Mrs.) Willie “Toni” Breaux
“First of all, I would like to say that I would like to apologize to the audience and this Board for my actions. They were wrong, and I do apologize. And secondly; is Leslie here? Mrs. Raborn and I have communicated through our lawyers, and through Karla McGehee. I have not spoken with her. Is that right Mrs. Raborn?” Mrs. Raborn answered, “That’s correct.” Superintendent Breaux continued, “So, what I have; according to the lawyer, my decision; Leslie will be moving, if you all approve the Job Description, which I gave to you all on Monday night. She will be moving, and it is her choice. And, I will also get Central a principal. You’ll have a Principal that will be there, on a daily basis. Thank you,” concluded Superintendent Breaux.
14.) Board Members Comments
Dr. Brad Williams-“We’ve got work to do, and I’m maintaining hope.”
Vice President Adam Kemp- ‘I have a quick comment. Our Honorary Board Members they’re not here; but it was impressive to see our children from Bogalusa presenting tonight in such a professional manner. They spoke so eloquently, and my regards goes to their teachers, and their school. We can see the pride in them. So, if that is what’s representing our schools, we can learn from them. We will have testing before the next board meeting, so we wish everyone good luck. Our prayers are with you, the teachers, the staff, and especially our children. We hope they make the best of scores. I have high expectations for our children. If they know we think highly of them, they will perform quite well, as we all will,” says President Kemp.
Vice President Curtis Creel-“I would like to take an opportunity to recognize Ms. Carmel Grantham. In communication with a parent that has a student at high school, she let me know that Ms. Grantham just kind of took a lead and nominated, I believe nine (9); it was twelve (12), eleventh grade students for the People to People Leadership Ambassadors 2015 Leadership Summit. I would just like to point out that that’s positive that we have teachers that recognizes special abilities in our students, and gives them an opportunity to move forward. Thank you,” says Vice President Creel.
Mr. Calvin Hymel-“I’d just like to tell the teachers and principals that hey, sometimes you know, things might sound bad up here, but I’m here for you; going to be here for you, as long as I possibly can, to do whatever possible to help the schools. Thank y’all,” said Mr. Hymel.
At this point President Kemp asked if there were any more comments. There were none, and he adjourned.
15.) Adjourn
There being no further business to address, or comments, President Kemp adjourned at 7:25PM.
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(Mrs.) Willie “Toni” Breaux
Secretary
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Adam B. Kemp
Board President