BOGALUSA SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE MEDIA CENTER
1705 Sullivan Drive
Bogalusa, Louisiana
BOARD MEETING
THURSDAY, May 27, 2021
5:30 p.m.
The Bogalusa City School Board met in Regular Board Meeting at the Bogalusa City School Board Office in the Rev. Raymond E. Mims Media Center, located at 1705 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, Louisiana, on MAY 27, 2021. The purpose of the meeting is to address information received from Department Supervisors on MAY 24, 2021, during the Committee Meeting, regarding updates and approval requests.
1.) Call to Order – President Paul Kates
2.) Pledge of Allegiance – Mrs. Tanner
3.) Prayer – Mr. Killingsworth
4.) Roll Call: _X_ President Paul Kates, _X__ Vice President Curtis Creel, _X__ Mrs. Breaux, X__ Mrs. Duke, _A__ Mr. Kemp, _X__ Mr. Killingsworth, _X_ Dr. Williams
5.) Presentation of 2021 Teacher of the Year Awards – Lisa Tanner.
a. Byrd Avenue Teacher of the Year 2021 – Jackie Davis
Tonyah Jefferson, Principal of Byrd Avenue, acknowledged Jackie Davis as their teacher of the year. Jefferson spoke of how Jackie Davis has been with the BCS for about 26 years. Davis
started as a Project Read Teacher and then became a substitute teacher and after that a full-time employee for BCS. Davis is currently a 2nd Grade Teacher at Byrd Avenue and has been an all-around great teacher. Principal Jefferson is honored to name Davis as her 2021 Teacher of the Year. Honoree Jackie Davis thanked the board for the special invitation and for taking out the time to recognize the 2021 Teachers of the Year. Davis is honored to represent Byrd Avenue and hopes to be a part of the Byrd Avenue family for years to come. Principal Jefferson presented Davis with a bouquet of tiger lilies and a plaque of appreciation on behalf of Byrd Avenue Primary School.
b. Central Elementary Teacher of the Year 2021 – Portia Hull.
Kewanda August, Principal of Central Elementary, acknowledged Portia Hull as their 2021 Teacher of the Year. Hull served as a principal in the state of Mississippi before becoming employed as a 4th Grade Teacher with the BCS. Principal August stated she and on behalf of Central Elementary, is indeed proud Hull is the teacher of the year. Honoree Portia Hull stated she is very humbled and appreciative to the amazing teachers, staff, and administrators for recognizing her. Principal August presented Hull with a vase of mixed flowers and a plaque of appreciation on behalf of Central Elementary.
c. Bogalusa Middle School Teacher of the Year 2021 – Vanessa Young Smith.
Nick McIntosh, Principal of Bogalusa Middle/High School, acknowledged Vanessa Y. Smith as their 2021 Teacher of the Year. Principal McIntosh stated how Smith is a real motivator and is very awesome in her classroom and commends her for the efforts she put towards her students. Natasha Oatis, Assistant Principal of Bogalusa Middle/High School, spoke of Mrs. Smith as a friend who she has known since her childhood. Smith started in the BCS as a substitute teacher who did a phenomenal job. As a teacher, Smith goes above and beyond for the students. Asst. Principal Oatis encourages Smith to keep up the good work. Stacy Bond, Assistant Principal of Bogalusa Middle/High School, stated the impression Smith made on her are the standards she set for the children of BCS. Smith refers to the students as scholars which made an impression on Asst. Principal Bond.
Honoree Vanessa Smith thanked her peers for nominating her and also thanked the school board, and Bogalusa Middle/High School for allowing her this opportunity to engage in an occupation that she loves. The principal and assistant principals presented Smith with a bouquet of yellow roses and a plaque on behalf of Bogalusa Middle School.
d. Bogalusa High School Teacher of the Year 2021 – Tammy Crain.
Nick McIntosh, Principal of Bogalusa Middle/High School, acknowledged Tammy Crain as their 2021 Teacher of the Year. Principal McIntosh spoke on how dedicated Tammy Crain is in her work and working with the students. Even while working virtually Crain has gone to the upper limits to keep in contact with her students. Natasha Oatis, Assistant Principal of Bogalusa Middle/High School, stated Crain is a go-getter and goes over and beyond and knows how to deal with the students. Stacy Bond, Assistant Principal of Bogalusa Middle/High School, added to what Asst. Principal Oatis said about Crain. The students like going to Crain in class not only to learn but also to gather together and talk. Crain has built such a great relationship with her students. Crain is loved by her students, fellow teachers, and administrators. Honoree Tammy Crain stated she appreciated everyone taking the time to honor the teachers. She also thanked her staff and the board office for supporting her. The principal and assistant principals presented Crain with a bouquet of yellow roses and a plaque on behalf of Bogalusa High School.
6.) Presentation to Teach One to Lead One Program from the 2019/2020 School Year – Lisa Frazier Paige with Warren Montgomery’s Office. Lisa Frazier Paige, a native of Bogalusa and also a Bogalusa High School graduate of the Class of 1980, presented herself on behalf of District Attorney Warren Montgomery to recognize some very special people. Two years ago Montgomery and Page spoke with Superintendent Lisa Tanner about starting a mentoring program, Teach One to Lead One at Bogalusa High School and Bogalusa Middle School. Superintendent Tanner agreed and the program began. The dedicated volunteers who worked so hard and diligently as mentors for the program are as follows: Glennis McKelphin, Jr., Dana Walker, Alva Martin, Clinton Frazier, Lazette Watterson, Scott Catalanto, Melvin Keith, Alice Keith, and Lisa Frazier Paige. Each volunteer received a plaque of appreciation that was presented to them by Lisa Frazier Page.
7.) Presentation to Bus Operators – Lesley McKinley.
Just like teachers Bus Operators make an impact on our students as well. The BCS honored some of our great Bus Operators who have retired and will be retiring for the 20/21 school year. Honoree Cindy Thomas – Bus #24 Operator. Cindy served as a Bus Operator for the BCS for 21 years and will retire this school year. Thomas received a plaque of appreciation. Honoree Vickie Penton – Bus #14 Operator. Penton served 14 years as a bus operator and 14 years as a custodian. Penton retired in May 2020. Penton received a plaque of appreciation. Honoree Doyle Creel – Bus #29 Operator. Creel served as a Bus Operator for the BCS for 28 years and will retire this school year. Creel received a plaque of appreciation. Honoree Willie Mae Sumrall - Bus #1 Operator. Sumrall served 48 years as a Bus Operator and retired May 2020. Sumrall is a graduate of Bogalusa High School Class of 1958. She loved her career as a Bus Operator and most of all, she loved her kids. Out of 48 years of driving for the BCS, Sumrall has never had a bus accident. The BCS commends Sumrall for her excellent driving. Sumrall received a plaque of appreciation.
8.) Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting – April 26, 2021.
It was motioned by Mr. Creel. Second by Mr. Killingsworth. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
9.) Board Office and Committee Reports
a. Resolution Louisiana School Board Association - Mr. Kates. (see attachment)
10.) Recess to Public Session. None
11.) New Business
Announcement of Public Meeting – Notice is hereby given that at its meeting to be held on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. at the Bogalusa School Board Office Media Center, 1705 Sullivan Drive, Bogalusa, Louisiana, the Bogalusa School Board, plans to consider adopting a resolution ordering and calling an election to be held in the Bogalusa School District of the Parish of Washington, the State of Louisiana to authorize the levy of ad valorem taxes therein.
a. Approval of April 2021 Revised Budgets and Financial Statements; General Funds, Special Revenue, Food Service and School Activities, Approval of System-Wide Fixed Assets - Deloris Walker, Finance Department. It was motioned by Dr. Williams. Second by Mrs. Duke. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
b. Approval of ECF Participation and vendor agreement - Shelly Gill, Title I/Federal Programs.
It was motioned by Mr. Creel. Second by Dr. Williams. The motion passed with unanimous
approval.
12.) Approval of Out of State Travel: Byrd to travel to Gulfport, MS June 17, 2021, to Aquarium;
Central to travel to Jackson, MS June 29, 2021, to African American Museum; and BHS to travel to Gulfport, MS June 30, 2021, to Gulf Island Waterpark. It was motioned by Mr. Creel. Second by Mr. Killingsworth. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
13.) Superintendent Comments - Lisa Tanner.
Thanked everyone for coming in and honoring our teachers, retirees, and volunteers in the system. It’s always good to end our school year on a happy note. The governor said we do not have to mask in school beginning next week. Employees do have a choice to continue to wear a mask or not but it’s not mandated any longer. The last day of school will be May 28, 2021. The summer learning program starts on June 7th through June 30th at the schools. The buses will run and BCS will serve meals. Super Summer starts Monday and the students participating will be paid and earn a certification with the Ag Department. The students will also earn credit for June.
14.) Board Members Comments -
Mrs. Duke: Thanked all of the staff and faculty for a good year. She knows it has been a trying year but everyone has put forth great effort to complete this year.
Mrs. Breaux: Thanked Superintendent Tanner for getting back with her concerning some requested information. Breaux thanked the teachers and all the staff of BCS for their hard work.
She stated our staff sometimes does not get enough credit for their hard work. She also requested personnel information of new hires and a list of all summer workers.
Lastly, Breaux asked for information concerning the suspension of a student who was suspended for lighting a blunt in the classroom.
Mr. Killingsworth: Thanked all of the teachers, bus drivers, and everyone for working together and doing the leg work to making it happen. Everyone is appreciated.
Mr. Creel: Congratulated all those who were recognized during the meeting. Even though we had some unprecedented circumstances we made it through the year.
Mr. Kates: Congratulated and thanked all of the employees of the BCS for their hard work.
15.) Adjourn – Mr. Kates 6:13 p.m.
_______________________________ __________________________________
Lisa Tanner, Superintendent Paul Kates, President
Bogalusa City School Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disabilities, or veteran status. We are an equal opportunity employer.