Bogalusa School Board
Bogalusa, Louisiana
Regular Board Meeting
May 22, 2014
5:30 P.M.
Proceedings Of The Bogalusa School Board, Taken AT A Regular Board Meeting That Was Held On Thursday, May 22, 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, May 22, 2014, beginning at 5:30 P.M., for the purpose of addressing information that was received from the department supervisors, on Monday, May 19, 2014, during the Committee Meeting, regarding needs of the district, to include district wide staffing, for the upcoming 2014-2015 Academic School Year. The agenda included several presentations, and an Executive Session.
1.) Call to Order
Vice President Curtis Creel 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
Reverend Raymond Mims delivered the opening prayer.
4.) Roll Call
There were present: Vice President, Mr. Curtis Creel; Members: Mrs. Eleanor Duke, Mr. Calvin Hymel (@ 5:35PM),
Mr. Paul Kates, Rev. Raymond Mims and Dr. Brad Williams
There was absent: President-Mr. Adam Kemp
5.) Presentations:
v Recognition Of 2013-2014 Child Nutrition Programs Manager Of The Year-Joannie Miller, Director
Prior to the presentation Mrs. Randazzo stated “I have some comments that Ms. Joannie sent. So, I’d like to quickly read through those. ‘I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks for the hard work and dedication to the Child Nutrition Manager and Technician of the Year. Between preparing healthy meals for the students, and adhering to strict nutrition standards, changing regulations, navigating food allergies, performing back aching tasks and offering service with love and a smile, our nutrition employees are true heroes.”
ü Charlotte Robinson-Byrd Avenue Primary School (Ms. Lorene Randazzo, incoming Director presented the award on behalf of Mrs. Joannie Miller)
Mrs. Charlotte is the CNP Manager at Byrd Avenue Primary School. She has been Manager since 2004, and was hired as a Technician in 1997. Charlotte is dedicated to completing her paperwork neatly and accurately; and she underlined and accurately. She is always on top of what the problem is. She has a great understanding of the program, and is eager to ask questions to aid in her understanding, as well as her colleagues. Charlotte loves her students and her work as a Child Nutrition professional. She received this award in 2006; and is also receiving a Perfect Attendance Award tonight for the 2013-2014 School Year. Thank you,” says Mrs. Randazzo. She received a certificate for Manager of the Year, and a pin for Perfect Attendance. When asked if she had anything to say, Mrs. Robinson stated, “I thank God for my health and strength. I thank God for my kids. I thank God for each and every one of you that’s here tonight. I thank God for my Principal. I thank God for the teachers. I thank God for my family, who put up with my long hours, when I bring that paperwork home. I just thank you all, and I pray my strength in the Lord,” says Mrs. Robinson. Mrs. Randazzo recognized her sister-in-law, when asked if there were any family members present.
Prior to the recognition of the CNP Technician of the Year, Mrs. Randazzo stated, “And the next one, well, her sister-in-law, Ms. Yolanda.
v Recognition Of 2013-2014 Child Nutrition Programs Tech Of The Year-Joannie Miller, Director
ü Yolanda Robinson-Byrd Avenue Primary School (Ms. Lorene Randazzo, incoming Director, presented the award on behalf of Joannie Miller)
“Yolanda is a CNP Technician at Byrd Avenue Primary School. She has been working with us since 2011, which is only three short years; and she has gained the respect of her peers. Her manager can count on her to do any and all tasks in the kitchen, and dining area. She comes to work with a smile, and stays busy working the entire day. She has a good sense of humor and that is so important for our team that has to work really hard to get all of their daily tasks done. She is also in demand from other school sites. And, Mrs. Joannie says, ‘Thank You.’ These ladies are superheroes that deserve recognition. They make a difference every day, for every child who passes through their cafeteria. Their Principal is Sheila Lawrence. Will you please stand, if you’re here? She stood, and was recognized. “Most importantly, I was so impressed with everyone that I met on my tour of the schools on Tuesday,” added Mrs. Randazzo. Mrs. Yolanda recognized her daughter, and sister-in-law
Each recipient received a certificate. Mrs. Charlotte Robinson received a certificate and a pin for recognition of Perfect Attendance for 2013-2014 School Year.
v Recognition of 2013-2014 Teachers Of The Year-April Nobles, Supervisor-Secondary Curriculum & Instruction
ü Danyelle Crain-Denhamtown PreK Center-Mrs. Ellen Taylor, who has been in the administrative position for the past few weeks while Principal Greely was the administrator at Central Elementary, came forward stating, “We met; the group of ladies from Denhamtown, we met on Tuesday at Bino’s. We actually gave our plaque to Ms. Crain, and everything we had, at the luncheon we had from Denhamtown School. I have worked with Ms. Crain for the past five years that she’s been in the system. I have been her Principal for the past six or seven weeks. She is a very dedicated worker. She has a very positive attitude, and she works very efficient, and effectively with our special needs students. It’s an honor to be working with you, and I hope you have many, many more years to go,” says Ms. Taylor.
ü Keisha Ward-Byrd Avenue Primary School-Mrs. Sheila Lawrence, Principal at Byrd Avenue Primary School, came forward stating, “I’m very proud of Keisha. I’ve only known Keisha this year, but Keisha has done a wonderful job. She’s a very good teacher; very dedicated. She has three children. She’s been working at Byrd Avenue for six years. She was also the Teacher of the Year in 2011. She received her degree from Southeastern Louisiana University; and went through the Alternative Certification Program at SUNO. Like I said, I’m very proud. And, Keisha, I have to also say that her kids did very well on the DIBLES this year. She’s done an outstanding job; so I’m very proud of you Keisha,” said Mrs. Lawrence. Keisha’s family was recognized also.
ü Vicki Evans-Central Elementary School-Ms. Barbara Greely, who was the Principal Administrator, for the remainder of the school year came forward stating, “I just met Mrs. Evans about six weeks ago, and it has really been a pleasure. She has been working in the system; she said twenty years, somewhat.” “We don’t know,” says Mrs. Evans. Ms. Greely continued, “I don’t know much about her other than what I’ve seen the past six weeks, so I took comments from students and other teachers, who do know about her. Some of the students comments were; ‘She’s nice. I love her Art class. She makes learning fun. I wish Art class was longer. And, some of the teacher comments were; ‘She’s dependable. She’s a nice person. She’s a team player.’ “So, the people you work with absolutely love you. Your peers appreciate you, and your students love you. From what I’ve seen, her class is very interesting; and she keeps the students engaged; the entire time they’re doing something, and they love it When I did an observation in her class, I learned from her. So, thank you,” says Ms. Greely. Mrs. Evans stated that her family members were at a prior engagement for her brother. In addition to the plaque from the district, Ms. Greely presented her with a gift.
ü Brittany Jones-Bogalusa Middle School (Grades 6th-8th –Located on Bogalusa High School Campus)-Mrs. Tonyah Jefferson and Mrs. Jennifer Beninato came forward. Mrs. Beninato stated, “Our Teacher of the Year for grades 6th through 8th at Bogalusa High School is Ms. Brittany Jones. She was a new teacher last year. She started her career at Northside. She was a SLU graduate. Since she’s been working with us, she has been working on her Master’s Degree in Special Education. In addition to working very hard as a new teacher, she’s very organized; she’s very creative; she makes learning for students fun. When we did observations on her, we actually learned in her science class. She’s modeled from her peers, different and exciting strategies for the kids to use. She’s very compassionate about children. She actually started a Science Club with the kids this summer. She is a true asset to Bogalusa High School, and the City of Bogalusa Schools. We just want to thank her for her dedication, and being a part of our team,” says Mrs. Beninato. “She passes several schools in St. Tammany to come to us. They’ve tried to recruit her, and we’ve always gotten her back, so I’m very proud of that. I appreciate you sticking with Bogalusa City Schools,” added Mrs. Jefferson. Mrs. Jefferson and Mrs. Beninato, in addition to the plaque from the district, presented Ms. Jones with a notebook style organizer.
ü Michael Cummings-Bogalusa High School (Grades 9th-12th)-Mr. Cummings was absent. Mr. Lesley McKinley, Principal, and Mrs. Linda Pittman, Assistant Principal came forward, on his behalf. Mr. McKinley stated, “Good evening. Our Teacher of the Year could not be here tonight; and I’ll tell you why in just a minute. This is his second time being selected Teacher of the Year, at Bogalusa High School. He is an excellent teacher. He’s the Assistant Coach in football. He’s the Head-Coach in Baseball. He’s a husband; just about a year ago, he became a father. He’s a great role model for our students. I had jotted a few notes down earlier today, and I left them on purpose; because I’m about to tell you about him, and tell you why he’s Teacher of the Year. Michael Cummings’ U.S. History students had an average growth, from their pre-test to their post-test, of forty-one (41%) percent. Coach Cummings’ U.S. History students had a passing rate of ninety-five (95%) percent, on the U.S. History EOC Assessment. Nineteen (19%) percent of his students scored Excellent; sixty-six (66%) of his students scored Good. Those are the only two categories we get points for, are Excellent and Good; fifteen (15%) percent scored Fair; and five (5%) percent scored Needs Improvement. Now, to show you his commitment and dedication to Bogalusa High School, he couldn’t be here to receive this award tonight, because we have a Spring Football game tonight. So, he’s coaching at our Spring Football game. He is more than worthy of this award; so a round of applaud for Coach Cummings,” said Mr. McKinley.
ü
The entire 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year recipients, received a plaque from the Bogalusa City School District.
v Recognition Of 2013-2014 Support Staff Of The Year-April Nobles, Supervisor- Secondary C & I
ü Diane Jefferson-Denhamtown PreK Center- Mrs. Jefferson was absent. Mrs. Ellen Taylor, who has been in the Principal administrator position for the past few weeks while Principal Greely was the administrator at Central Elementary, came forward stating, “Like I said before, we had already met and gave Mrs. Crain and Mrs. Jefferson our plaque and appreciation from Denhamtown School. I’d like to say a few things about Mrs. Jefferson. I have been working with her for the past two years. I’m not quite sure how many years of service she has in the school system, but I know that she has enough that she is retiring this year. We will really miss her at Denhamtown. She has a great personality. She has patience with the special needs students; and she’s always eager to help. We’ll miss her,” says Mrs. Taylor.
ü Nelda Redmond-Byrd Avenue Primary School-Mrs. Sheila Lawrence, Principal, came forward stating, “Ms. Nelda Redmond is our Support Personnel of the Year. She works with the special needs children. She tells me she likes to work behind the scene; so she doesn’t like any kind of publicity. She’s been employed in our school system for twenty-five (25) years. She has a pleasant-loving attitude. She enjoys helping children achieve their goals. She is the mother of three children; and three grandchildren. She attends Thirkield United Methodist Church, where she works diligently on many auxiliary. Like I said, she works best behind the scene and I’m very proud of her. She is a great support person,” said Mrs. Lawrence. There were no family members present.
ü Charlotte Schilling-Central Elementary School-Ms. Barbara Greely, who was the Principal Administrator, for the remainder of the school year came forward stating, “Mrs. Charlotte Schilling is our Support Staff of the Year. We’ve worked at more than one site. She has seventeen years in the Bogalusa City School System. She’s dependable; does all that I ask of her; always have. She’s kind hearted. She has raised four children, including foster children. She is definitely another team player who volunteers in anyway she can to help; for the school, or for the children. Although she has reared four children, she has adopted seven hundred. They connect to her. She is very good with them; she talks to them; they talks to her, whether she’s working individually, or if they see her in the hallway, or at recess, they walk up to her. She has very good rapport with children. That’s very important for them to know that they can depend on you, and talk to you. That is what we have with Mrs. Schilling. I think she definitely deserves this award tonight, I’m glad for you,” said Ms. Greely. Mrs. Schilling’s family members present at the meeting was recognized. In addition to the plaque from the district, Ms. Greely presented her with a gift.
ü Tanya Powell-Bogalusa Middle School (Grades 6th-8th-Located on Bogalusa High School Campus) -Mrs. Tonyah Jefferson and Mrs. Jennifer Beninato came forward. Mrs. Beninato stated, “Ms. Tonya Powell is our Support Staff Person of the Year. She’s been with the district for nineteen years. I have known her for many years. Mrs. Jefferson and I have had the privilege of working with her on other sites. When we asked the staff to vote on a Support Staff of the Year, it was just about hands down for Ms. Powell, because she is the type of person that goes above and beyond. She’s not the type of person you have to say, ‘Can you do this.’ It’s, ‘What do you need me to do; where do you need me to be; can I help you.’ She is also a para in a Special Education classroom. She understands the big differences of these children. She goes above and beyond in that classroom to help those students succeed. She is very patient, kind, and loving with these children. At the end of this year, we actually did a survey with our teachers, questioning them about some things that they needed; and the teacher that she works with said, ‘I don’t care what I teach, just keep me with Ms. Powell. So, she just loves her. We love her; and we are so very blessed that our children at Bogalusa High School are blessed to have her,” said Mrs. Beninato. Ms. Powell did not have any family members in the audience.
ü Angela Varnado-Bogalusa High School (Grades 9th-12th)-Mr. Lesley McKinley, Principal, and Mrs. Linda Pittman, Assistant Principal came forward. Mr. McKinley stated, “It gives us great honor and privilege to present our Support Staff of the Year, Ms. Angela Varnado. She’s a person that does everything that we ask her to do, and a few more. You know, living out of Bogalusa, sometimes there is a need to come to the school, and someone needs to get there rather quickly, and she’s a person that you can pick up the phone and call Ms. Angela and say the alarm is going off. The police are at the gate, can you go there, until I get there; and she will go there. She will get up; and she will do that for you. They had needed some papers off of my desk one day, and I was out of town. I called Ms. Angela, and said; look I need a big favor; now you’ve got to follow directions really well, to go find these papers. I was so proud of myself when she was able to find the papers. So, she is definitely a great person to have on our staff. She keeps us informed, and inline in the office, and around the campus. Ms. Angela, congratulations, Bogalusa High School Support Person of the Year,” said Mr. McKinley.
The entire 2013-2014 Support Staff of the Year recipients, received a plaque from the Bogalusa City School District.
v Recognition Of ACT High Academic Achievement Students-April Nobles, Supervisor-Secondary C & I
Prior to the recognitions, Mrs. Nobles stated, “I have Taylor (Toby), Jordan and Mikayla with me. We worked really hard at Bogalusa High School this year, to raise our academic achievements; and more specifically, our ACT scores. These three individuals who came before you tonight have done an exceptional job to represent both their school, and their district. We thought that they deserved a little more recognition, than even those that we gave at school. Everyone at school who made an eighteen or above, received a “free” Dress Code pass, where they were allowed to wear free dress to school, if they made eighteen or above, which is the score we needed to make, in order to meet our School Performance Score. But, these three people, have gone way beyond that, and we wanted to recognize them as our top three ACT scores at Bogalusa High School. Mrs. Nobles presented the awards in inverted order from the agenda, starting with Mikayla Fortenberry, followed by Toby (Taylor) Cooper, and Jordan Gill.
ü Mikayla Fortenberry-Mikayla, with a high composite score on the ACT at Bogalusa High School, was twenty-four (24). “She has a huge family here tonight, and we would love to recognize her family, because we know this could not have been done without them. So if all of you would stand up, we would appreciate it.”
ü Toby Cooper-Toby’s (Taylor’s), with the highest composite score on the ACT at Bogalusa High School, was twenty- seven (27)
ü Jordan Gill-Jordan, also with the highest composite score on the ACT, at Bogalusa High Schools, was twenty-seven (27).
“We’re very, very proud of them,” said Mrs. Nobles. She then asked their family members in the audience to stand for recognition.
All of the recipients received a certificate, for their achievement. Also, all three of these students are enrolled in our AP classes at Bogalusa High School; Honors classes at Bogalusa High School; and they exemplify everything that we want all of our students to be. Mrs. Nobles took the recipients in the hall to take pictures, following the presentations.
v Honorary School Board Members Report-Elementary, Middle & High School Students
ü Central Elementary School-Asiah Tyrone- 5th Grade-Asiah was not present, and no report was given.
ü Bogalusa Middle School-Diamond Sampson-8th Grade (Located on the Bogalusa High School Campus) –Diamond was not present, but Daphne gave the report for Bogalusa High School, and Bogalusa Middle School.
ü Bogalusa High School-Daphne Owens-12th Grade-Daphne came forward presenting a PowerPoint from Bogalusa High School and Bogalusa Middle School. She gave highlights from the various activities that occurred at the end of the year, at Bogalusa High and Bogalusa Middle Schools. “Here we have various undergraduates receiving accolades.” She went on to state that Student of the Year at Bogalusa Middle School, was De’Auvia Brown. Next, she mentioned the Prom, and the Graduation ceremony. “Thank you,” says Daphne. Mrs. Pittman, Assistant Principal added, “Can I say one thing? Daphne is being modest, because who is our Valedictorian? (Daphne raised her hand, smiling). “Tell us about the shirt you’re wearing,” continued Mrs. Pittman. “I have the honor of being accepted into Howard University,” says Daphne.
v Bogalusa Health Center-Katasha August, RN Director
Prior to Ms. August coming forward, Mrs. Deloris Walker stated, “You have a yellow folder.” Ms. August came forward stating, “Good evening. Thank you for affording us an opportunity to present this evening. I would like to start by introducing the Health Center Staff. We have Ms. Julie Kreger. She is our Pediatric Nurse Practitioner., Ashley Peters is our Data Processing Clerk; and our Social Worker, Leah Jenkins, got sick this morning, so she couldn’t make it this evening. I am Katasha August, the RN, and Director, of the Health Center.”
The Health Center received approval from the Adolescent School Health Program to officially open in October of 2013. Although we were not fully operational at that time, our program monitor was optimistic and encouraged by our progress. We saw our first patient on Friday, October 11, 2013, and as you can see from the chart displaying our monthly totals for this school year, we have been busy providing needed services since that time.
We currently have approximately 820 students enrolled in the health center. With much credit to the efforts made last school year, we have exceeded the contract requirement that School Based Health Centers are to enroll a minimum of fifty (50%) percent of the student population from the school which houses the School Based Health Center into the health center in year one and a minimum of seventy (70%) percent thereafter. Although we will be losing about ninety (90) enrolled students due to graduation, I am confident that we will maintain or surpass our current enrollment numbers.
Per our third quarter data, we are also meeting the contract requirement regarding utilization. The requirement states that by the 3rd year of operation, a minimum of 50% of those enrolled from the school which houses the SBHC shall be served annually. Our data shows that so far this school year, we have provided services to a little over half of our enrolled students. As of April 30, 2014, we have serviced four hundred sixteen (416) students, with a total of one thousand-seventy six (1076) student visits. This means for the approximate one hundred (100) days that we have been open; we have provided care to about eleven (11) students per day.
On April 3, 2014, the Health Center had its Performance Effectiveness Review as part of the Office of Public Health and Adolescent School Health Program Continuous Quality Improvement Monitoring. The on-site CQI reviewers focused on verifying our self-reported, year-to-date performance documentation. During the process, twelve (12) reviewers from across the state evaluated our facility, our policies, personnel records, fiscal records, and patients’ charts. Based upon the findings of the review, OPH/ASHP makes a decision to provide School Based Health Centers with a one-year provisional period to correct identified non-compliance, a three-year certification, or to terminate their contract. Although our official CQI report is not ready at this time, I am proud and elated to announce that I received an email on yesterday from our program monitor, Claudia Washington, stating that Bogalusa High School-Based Health Center has received a three (3) year certification.
Yes, we have made great strides in a short period of time, and I have a great, hardworking staff to thank for that. The countless hours of working overtime, sleepless nights, and buckets of tears have paid off.
Although we have made much progress this school year, we still face quite a few challenges. One of our major challenges has been billing. Although our services are provided to our students at no out-of-pocket costs to them, we are required to bill all payer sources. While we have started the process of billing from some of the services we provide to students with private insurance, we have not yet completed the enrollment process for Medicaid and all of the Bayou Health Plans. Since almost 70% of the students we serve have Medicaid, this is a costly setback. In fact, in the seven (7) months that we have been open, we have had the potential to bill Medicaid for over $35,000 in services.
Another area that we must make some improvements to meet contract requirements, is the number of comprehensive, preventive health exams that we provide. We are required to “schedule and provide annual comprehensive physicals, including a complete history, physical exam, risk assessment, and anticipatory guidance on an annual minimum of 10% of the students who are enrolled in the School Based Health Center. Well, to date, we have only completed thirty three (33) comprehensive physical exams. In an effort to meet contract requirements, we have; held a campaign for seniors to encourage them to get physically prepared for life after high school. Only eight (8) students signed up. Also, we converted most of the sports physicals that we have performed, into comprehensive physicals. A comprehensive physical takes approximately forty-five (45) minutes to an hour to complete and has accompanying paperwork, which I have heard is discouraging to our students. Another challenge we face with reaching the contract requirement is that outside sources have contacted our school, and now our students are encouraged to receive their sports physicals from other providers. Well visits are very important to school-based health. In the comprehensive exams we have completed, we have identified students with hypertension, anxiety, kidney issues, and weight challenges.
Our Principles, Guidelines, and Standards state that the school/school district should facilitate and promote the utilization of the center’s services. One way that the school/school district is encouraged to facilitate utilization of the health center is through representation on the health center’s Community Advisory Board. So far, we have not had much involvement on our board, but hopefully that will be different next school year.
Our last major obstacle is building a rapport with our students. In order to get our students fascinated in our services and involved in their health and well-being we must first gain their trust and respect. Many of the students at Bogalusa High School have been misinformed about our hours of operation and are totally unaware of the services we provide. For these reasons and I’m sure a few others, our health center is not being used to its capacity. We are able to provide an array of services, as outlined in our patient handbook, but our students mainly utilize the health center for sick visits. Although we have attempted a few wellness campaigns this school year including signage and announcements about HIV testing, comprehensive physicals, and immunizations, our students appear to lack interest in participating.
This brings me to our staff goals for the upcoming school year. Although we have some administrative and financial kinks to iron out, we will have more time next year to concentrate on such things as; developing activities and campaigns to spark student interest, increase awareness of our services on campus, and encourage involvement; providing more health education through in-class presentations, faculty/staff in-services, group sessions, and family/community activities; and developing greater relationships with other health related resources in our school system’s child nutrition, behavioral health, school nurses; as well as other resources in the community.
In closing, I honestly believe that the best is yet to come from Bogalusa High School’s School Based Health Center. With the support of our school district, school administration, faculty/staff, and students, our health center will reach many new milestones for the 2014-2015 school year. Thank you, said Ms. August.
6.) Board Officers and Committee Reports
Mrs. Deloris Walker stated, “Mr. Creel I need to make a statement. We have to adopt our milleages, and I have to do this in Public Session, so I’ll be making a statement that we will be adopting our milleages at the June Board Meeting dated June 26, 2014. Thank you,” said Mrs. Walker.
7.) Recess to Public Session
LaToyia Porter-Ms. Porter stated her address as 29571 Berry Todd Road, Lacombe. Prior to her voiced concern, Ms. Porter had someone with her that passed a bound booklet to the Board Members and Superintendent Breaux. She then stated, “Thanks for having me here. I just wanted to give you guys the opportunity to know that our organization has been in Bogalusa now, serving Washington Parish through the Office of Juvenile Justice for little over a year. I’m in two years now. We are in the process of opening a Crisis Counseling Center. With Covington being our parish seat, our first center is going to be there with a site opening in every Florida Parish by the end of the year. Right now we have quite a large population that comes from Washington Parish; from Varnado, Bogalusa, and Franklinton; that we serve currently through our program. We will continue to do so. I provided you all with a booklet that tells you a little bit of what we do as a full fledge service Crisis Counseling Center, Crisis Intervention; and a 24 hour Mobile Crisis Unit as well. We’re able to come out to the homes; to the schools and the community to provide behavioral health; and health services. So, we are opening, and I would also like you guys to attend our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. You will be getting an invitation in the mail. It’s going to be June 13th, in Covington. We are looking forward to extending services in Bogalusa. It’s an area that’s been close to our heart, since we started working in Washington Parish. We’re looking forward to extending the services and working more with the families and kids here on the Behavior Health Center, side of things. Thank you,” concluded Ms. Porter.
Kristi DeLaRosa-Ms. DeLaRosa stated her address as 1136 Louisiana Avenue, Bogalusa. Ms. DeLaRosa’s voiced concerns were regarding the safety issue at Bogalusa High. “I had to completely remove my son from the school and put him in a Therapy Home for Drug Use. The drugs in this area are just out of control. And, I understand that Mr. McKinley and Mrs. Pittman are doing everything they can to remove the drugs from the school. My biggest concern is; I wrote a letter to the BESE Board in March concerning the drug use as well as bullying on the school campus.” Ms. DeLaRosa, proceeded to read the letter she received back from the BESE Board, after talking with Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor, Ms. Phlesher Mingo. She went on to state that the letter mentioned there was only one report about drugs on the campus, and the student that was involved was disciplined. Also, that there are cameras installed throughout the school campus, but the only one she saw was in Mr. McKinley’s office, and when’s he’s out of his office, or busy who is monitoring the camera. She continued, “To make a long story short, a lot of the things that I addressed with Ms. Lilian Burns after she had spoken to Ms. Phlesher Mingo, was that a lot of it was misinformation,” says Ms. DeLaRosa. She gave incidents of the misinformation. There were several other concerns voiced. “The parking area where the teachers and the students park; because there are two gates, those are very accessible. I have personally walked onto the campus, and have not been noticed. No one approached me, or asked me where I was going. My fear is; eventually, the way things have been going around here with drugs and everything, students will start bringing guns on the campus; there’ll be fights on campus; and I don’t want my children injured, when someone else is bringing something onto the campus. I appreciate your time,” says Ms. DeLaRosa.
Statement from Superintendent Breaux-“I appreciate you bringing your concerns to the Board and myself. I will look into this, and I will get in contact with you.”
8.) Old Business
A.) Grant permission to remove from “Tabled” status for action, approval of The Daily News as the Official School Board Journal, as required by R.S. 43:150 and R.S. 43:174, that was “Tabled” at the Regular Board Meeting, held April 16, 2014.
It was motioned by Rev. Mims, seconded by Mr. Kates to grant permission. The motion was carried 6-0, with I absent.
B.) 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 Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to approve. The motion was carried 6-0, with I absent.
9.) New Business
A.) Adoption of a purple polo as the shirt of color, for the PreK-3 students at Denhamtown PreK Center. The bottoms will remain khaki, and jackets will remain black or navy blue. If the jacket has a hood, it MUST be worn outside the building ONLY, as adopted by the Bogalusa City School Board, and outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook
It was motioned by Rev. Mims, seconded by Dr. Williams to adopt the color of “purple” for the PreK-3 polo. The motion was carried 6-0, with I absent.
B.) Approval of New Technology Plan and Technology Policies.
It was motioned by Rev. Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve the plan and policies. The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.
C.) Approval of “Revision” of the 2013-2014 Pupil Progression Plan, to reflect the new Accountability Laws, recently voted on in the Legislature.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Rev. Mims to approve the revision. The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent, at this point.
The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent, at this point.
D.) Approval of April 2014 Financial Statements, i.e., General Fund, School Food Service, Sinking Fund, Capital Project, Special Revenue Funds, and School Activities; and Revised Budgets.
Statement from Mrs. Deloris Walker-“I included in your packet tonight, an additional Budget Revision, Carl Perkins. That wasn’t in your packet on Monday night.”
It was motioned by Rev. Mims, seconded by Dr. Williams to approve the line items. The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.
E.) Grant permission to house ARC students at Northside Community Resource Center, effective 2014-2015 Academic School Year.
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Mr. Hymel to grant permission. The motion was not carried 6-0, with I absent.
Statement from Superintendent Breaux-“It had been reported to me when the decision was made by the supervisor, that we move ARC to Northside, because she felt like the students do not need to be in the same environment. When it was initially discussed, and we talked about it, I had an employee to come to me and say that we have the Washington Parish Adult Ed Program there. I am going to check on it, for the safety of the students; our students,” (NOTE: Due to a cell phone going off, and poor reception, these statements will be in parts of clarity spoken). She mentioned of probation and parole officers now on Bogalusa High School Campus. “Because they have students on parole and probation, they have to go there; they have to check on them. We want all of our kids to be safe. Again, I will check this out, and if it is true, then what I will do is; I will move the extension to the night program. We have two programs; we have a day program; and a night program. At the day program, kids, if they are assigned to ARC; and I was an ARC teacher, they are never supposed to be let out of that classroom by themselves; for no reason; under no circumstances. They are escorted to the bathroom, by the teacher and the aide. They use the bathroom one at a time, and go back to class. They are not to have any recess; any type of privileges that the regular kids have. Their lunches will be satellite from a school, to that school; and those lunches will be carried into the classroom. So, really the only time that those kids should be out of the classroom, is when they’re escorted to use the bathroom. I am going to check, because I want the safety for our kids, I’m for safety too. If this is true, I’ll make an adjustment, and I’ll get back to the Board,” said Superintendent Breaux. Vice President Creel stated, “I tried to make time to go by there today and look at that campus to see how to house the ARC students. It has to be… (Pausing, and not completing this statement). Superintendent Breaux stated, “ARC can only house fifteen (15) kids at a time; that’s the maximum; that’s from the state. We don’t usually have that many, but an ARC class can have fifteen (15) kids,” says Superintendent Breaux. There were other comments made, regarding the ARC matter, to include the transporting of these students.
The motion was carried at this point, 6-0, with 1 absent.
F.) Grant permission to relocate second (2nd) grade students from Central Elementary School to Byrd Avenue Primary School, effective 2014-2015 Academic School Year.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Hymel to grant permission. The motion was not carried 6-0, with 1 absent.
G.) Approval of 2014-2015 Bogalusa City School District Job Descriptions.
It was motioned by Dr. Williams, seconded by Rev. Mims to approve the 2014-2015 Job Descriptions. The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.
H.) Grant permission to remove the job description of Disciplinarian from the 2014-2015 Bogalusa City School District Professional Evaluation and Job Description Manual.
Prior to any action on the line item Vice President Creel asked for a motion to amend the agenda, to relocate line item H to the location of Line item 11-A.
It was motioned by Rev. Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke to amend the agenda to relocate line item H, to line item 11-A. The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.
I.) Grant permission to allow Salary Steps for all Bogalusa City School District employees, effective 2014-2015 Academic School Year.
It was motioned by Rev. Mims, seconded by Mr. Hymel to grant permission. The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.
J.) Approval of Thursday, June 26, 2014 as the date of Evaluation of Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux. At her request, Superintendent Breaux may have the evaluation opened or closed to the public.
It was motioned by Rev. Mims, seconded by Mrs. Duke to approve the date. The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.
10.) Personnel-Karla McGehee
“In my folder, I promised you a Faculty/Staff Hiring List, listed by the schools. We did not hire any new people, with the exception of; we did hire Ms. Lois’ replacement, or will be hired for July 1st; Lauren Ritchie, and she will not began until July 1st, but I do have her on this list as well. Otherwise these are the employees we have had certified teachers, paras, secretaries, and staff. So, I just gave you that. (NOTE: Due to the large list, all 2014-2015 Bogalusa City School District hires are on file in the Human Resources Department) In addition, the list will be as an attachment with these minutes.
SUMMER SCHOOL 2014 SCHOOLYEAR
Teachers and Paraprofessionals Teachers and Paraprofessionals (Cont’d) Substitutes
Rochelle Bickham Willie Mae Sumrall Claudette Johnson
Deanna Brown Aubrey Watson Mary Lucas
Jimi Bonnette Darren Williams Debra Mixon
Charlotte Fricke
Mechelle Frazier
Straford Goins
Temicka Johnson
Cole Loper
Richard Magee
Willoya Magee
Sheryl Mathis
Randi Mercier
Flame Nehlig
Deborah Pigott
Tanya Powell
Tracy Schmidt
Vanessa Smith
Paris Sumrall
2013-2014 RETIREES
1) Allen Little, Bogalusa High School, Ag Teacher, Effective-May 27, 2014
2) Anita Morris, Bogalusa High 6th-8th Physical Education Teacher, Effective-June 30, 2014
2013-2014 RESIGNATIONS
1) Carol Mitchell, Bogalusa High School 6th-8th Science Teacher, Effective May 27, 2014
2) Amber Lacombe Bogalusa High School, ELA Teacher, Effective-May 27, 2014
3) Daphne Watson, Bogalusa High School, Secretary/Bookkeeper, Effective June 30, 2014
It was motioned by Mrs. Duke, seconded by Rev. Mims to enter into an Executive Session to discuss Personnel. The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.
11.) Executive Session-Personnel
Returning to the Media Center, Vice President Creel stated, “We’re going to bring this meeting back to order. We went into Executive Session where we discussed personnel issues with the Superintendent. At this time we will address line item H, about removing the Job Description of Disciplinarian from the 2014-2015 Bogalusa City School District Professional Evaluation and Job Description Manual.
Statement from Rev. Mims-“According to what the supervisor people said, I make a motion that we not remove the Disciplinarian Job Description for 2014-2015.
11A.) Grant permission to remove the Job Description of Disciplinarian from the 2014-2015 Bogalusa City School District Professional Evaluation and Job Description Manual.
It was motioned by Rev. Mims, seconded by Dr. Williams to not remove the Disciplinarian position from the 2014-2015 Job Descriptions. Until further noticed, added Dr. Williams. The motion was carried 6-0, with 1 absent.
12.) Superintendent Comments-(Mrs.) Willie “Toni” Breaux
“We have some things that we need to work on. We know that we have some things that we need to change; and I’m never going to give up, even with our scores. We’re going to work on those, and do the best that we can. We are going to try and give our kids the best possible education they could ever even dream of. I want to give special thanks; Ms. Greely, will you stand up? I want to give special thanks to Ms. Greely. Ms. Greely, when we had problems, at Central, she was one of the Principals I moved over to the school; and she remained there for the remainder of the year. And, I know her heart is with those Four-Year Olds. This is a prime example of love and dedication. She loves her school. She loves those kids, but she did it for the system; she did it for those children,” said Superintendent Breaux. “And she did a fantastic job,” added Mrs. Jenkins. Superintendent Breaux continued, “I’d like for Mrs. Beninato, Mrs. Jefferson and Mrs. Lawrence to stand. I have nothing but praise for you all, because you know what; you had to work two schools, and you did a fantastic job. They had all of their teachers to evaluate; plus they were assigned a certain amount of teachers to evaluate at Central. Nobody could have done all of that. I met with them, and what I love about them they are so accommodating. Now, they would tell you their pros, and their cons; and I like that. I like to know how people stand; but they went in there also, and they gave it one hundred (100%) percent. I want you to know that I am forever grateful. I know you did it for the school; and I know you did it for Bogalusa City School System. I love you for it, and I appreciate it,” said Superintendent Breaux. “And I do too,” added Mrs. Jenkins.
At this point, Vice President Creel, who was filling in for President Kemp, asked if there were any Board Member comments.
13) Board Members Comments
Rev. Rev. Mims-Referring to Vice President Curtis Creel, who was filling in for President Adam Kemp, Rev. Mims stated, “I’d just like to say, he did a good job. You did an excellent job”
14.) Adjourn
There being no further comments, or business to address, Vice President Creel adjourned at 8:50p.m.
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(Mrs.) Willie “Toni” Breaux
Secretary
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Adam B. Kemp
Board President