BOGALUSA SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE – MEDIA CENTER
BOGALUSA, LOUISIANA
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE COMMITTEE MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2023
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 April 24, 2023. The purpose of the meeting is to address information received from Department Supervisors, on April 24, 2023, during the Committee Meeting, regarding updates and approval requests.
1.) Call to Order – President Paul Kates.
2.) Pledge of Allegiance – President Paul Kates.
3.) Prayer – Mr. Odie Hughes.
4.) Roll Call: _X President Kates, _X Vice President Creel, _X Mrs. Breaux, _X Dr. Cook, _X__ Mr. Hughes, _X Ms. Mitchell, _X Dr. Williams
5.) Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting – March 30, 2023. It was motioned by Mr. Creel. Second by Dr. Cook. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
6.) Board Office Committee Reports – Board Office and Committee Reports. President Kates, Vice President Curtis Creel, Deloris Walker, and Karla McGehee with the Bogalusa City Schools met with the City of Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong regarding the city partnering with the BCS District to help the students in the school system. The city is developing plans and programs to help students earn summer cash.
7.) Presentation of Student of the Year Awards - Deloris Walker, Director of Finance.
a. 5th Grade Student of the Year 2023 – Jamicah Thomas.
Kewanda August, Principal at Central Elementary School, quoted “Talent wins games, but teamwork and Intelligence win championships! Our student of the year is the epitome of a true team player. He’s always one to lend a helping hand to a fellow Spartan or a staff member. He’s quite a sportsman but he’s also a prestigious student who has school at the forefront. His teachers presently define him as a leader and true competitor…always looking for ways to WIN! We are proud to congratulate and recognize our student of the year, Jamicah Thomas”. Principal Kewanda August and Assistant Principal Erin Galloway, presented Jamicah with a wrapped gift with attached balloons and a bouquet of flowers. Also, a plaque was presented to Jamicah on behalf of the Bogalusa City Schools by Deloris Walker, Director of Finance.
Jamicah was accompanied by her family.
b. 8th Grade Student of the Year 2023 – Jadyn Godbolt.
Natasha Oatis, Assistant Principal at Bogalusa Middle/High School, commended Jadyn for her academic achievements. Jadyn scored mastery on her LEAP test and is a go-getter. Dr. Eric Greely, Principal of Bogalusa Middle/High School, concurred with Mrs. Oatis about Jadyn’s academic accomplishments and stated she is a great student. Jadyn was presented with a bouquet of yellow roses and a wrapped gift. Also, a plaque was presented to Jadyn on behalf of the Bogalusa City Schools by Deloris Walker, Director of Finance. Jadyn was accompanied by her family.
c. 12th Grade Student of the Year 2023 – Rosa Martinez.
Dr. Eric Greely, Principal of Bogalusa Middle/High School, and Natasha Oatis, Assistant Principal of Bogalusa Middle/High School, commended Rosa for being a great student leader at Bogalusa High School and for being an honor student and always scoring mastery 4’s. Rosa was presented with a bouquet of yellow roses and a wrapped gift. Also, a plaque was presented to Rosa on behalf of the Bogalusa City Schools by Deloris Walker, Director of Finance. Rosa was accompanied by her family.
8.) Central Elementary Presentation of Future Health Heroes (White Coat Program).
A few of the 2nd Graders of the Future Health Heroes (White Coat Program) at Central Elementary School made their appearance at Monday night’s board meeting, wearing their white coats and stethoscopes. As they were presented to the board as future healthcare workers, they walked in a single-file line and stood before the board with brilliant smiles as everyone applauded them for their achievement. The attendees were as follows: JKayla Barnes, Darvon Brister, Justin Godbolt, Kali Hutchinson, Leonna Lewis, Mariyah Mark, Amarian Peters, Brielle Turner.
9.) Recess to Public Session.
Martha Pate, 110 Colburn Street, Bogalusa, LA 70427: Martha Pate came before the board with a concern about being terminated from a substitute position at Bogalusa High School. Martha says she has always been a good worker and teachers at the schools she has worked for compliment her on her duties as a substitute. Martha stated when she was removed from the substitute duties at Bogalusa High School, she attempted to contact the supervisor of the department but was unable to reach her. Martha says she doesn’t have a problem learning and wants closure as to why she was removed.
A meeting was later scheduled with Martha and the department supervisor.
Lazette Watterson, 59376 Mitchell City Road, Bogalusa, LA 70427: Lazette Watterson, President of the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, came before the board to thank Deloris Walker for meeting with her and Alva Martin about placing information on retirement on the BCS website.
Dana Walker, 1607 Hillsdale Street, Bogalusa, LA 70427: Dana Walker came before the board to inform them she supports the 4-day school week. Dana also thanked the BHS Principal and staff for meeting with parents and supporting and appreciating them, and listening to their opinions.
10.) New Business
a. Approval of March 2023 Financial Statements, Revised Budgets, General Funds, Food Service, Special Revenue, and School Activities. It was motioned by Mr. Creel. Second by Mr. Hughes. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
b. Approval to request permission to distribute Sales Tax Checks. It was motioned by Dr. Williams. Second by Mr. Creel. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
c. Approval to travel. BHS Senior Trip April 27th – 28, 2023, to Margaritaville Resort in Biloxi, MS. It was motioned by Dr. Cook. Second by Dr. Williams. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
d. Approval to travel. BHS and BMS JAG, 4-H, and Jr. BETA Trip May 24, 2023, to Gulf Island Water Park in Biloxi, MS. It was motioned by Mr. Creel. Second by Mr. Hughes. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
e. Approval to travel. JROTC to travel to Camp Shelby, MS June 5th – 10, 2023.
It was motioned by Mr. Cook. Second by Mr. Creel. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
11.) Superintendent – Lisa Tanner
1. Approval of a 4-day Work Week beginning the 2023-2024 School Year. It was motioned by Mr. Creel. Second by Ms. Mitchell. Roll call vote: Yes Vice President Creel, Yes Mrs. Breaux, Yes Dr. Cook, No Mr. Hughes, Yes Ms. Mitchell, Yes Dr. Williams, and Yes President Kates. The motion passed with six yeas and one no.
2. Approval of the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar. It was motioned by Dr. Williams. Second by Dr. Cook. Roll call vote: Yes Vice President Creel, Yes Mrs. Breaux, Yes Dr. Cook, Yes Mr. Hughes, Yes Ms. Mitchell, Yes Dr. Williams, and Yes President Kates. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
3. Approval to consider LA R.S. 17:54 Agreement with Superintendent. It was motioned by Mr. Hughes. Second by Dr. Williams. Roll call vote: Yes Vice President Creel, Yes Mrs. Breaux, Yes Dr. Cook, Yes Mr. Hughes, Yes Ms. Mitchell, Yes Dr. Williams, and Yes President Kates. All board members voted in favor to adopt the millage rate. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
12.) Board Members' Comments -
Mr. Hughes hopes that all will get behind and support the 4-day work week.
Dr. Williams thanked Dr. Greely for coming and expressing the discipline issues at BHS. Dr. Williams said he backs Dr. Greely and his discipline plan.
Dr. Cook expressed his only concern with the 4-day work week is: he hopes in the event a child needs assistance during the off day, the teacher should be available and able to assist that child.
13.) Adjourn - President Paul Kates.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Lisa Tanner, Superintendent Paul Kates, President
Bogalusa City Schools Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disabilities, or veteran status. We are equal opportunity employers.