Bogalusa School Board Office-Media Center
1705 Sullivan Drive
Bogalusa, Louisiana
BOARD MEETING
THURSDAY, May 25, 2023
5:30 p.m.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING – AGENDA
Call to Order – President Paul Kates
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer – Dr. Brad Williams
Roll Call: _X_President Kates, _X_Vice President Creel, _X__ Mrs. Breaux, _XDr. Cook, _X__Mr. Hughes, __X_ Ms. Mitchell, _X___Dr. Williams
REPORTS FROM THE DEPARTMENT AS FOLLOWS:
1. Mr. Kates recommends that a motion be made to add Long Avenue to the agenda Item E. It was motioned by Dr. Williams. Second by Mr. Hughes. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Board Meeting – April 24, 2023. It was motioned by Mr. Creel. Second by Dr. Cook. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
3. Board Officers and Committee Reports.
Mr. Creel asked Cody Magee to come and speak regarding the partnership the Bogalusa City Schools has formed with International Paper - where they teach students specific skills of their industry. The BCS has a group of students who are currently doing an internship at International Paper in the Millwright Program; which is a great deal because this could help them get a job with International Paper. This 8-week program, where the student works 40 plus hours a week at $19.00 or more per hour, has been ongoing for two years now when the Ag Department was asked to build a curriculum and lesson plan for the Millwright Program that will prepare and train individuals for jobs at International Paper. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on safe work practices during the installation, alignment, troubleshooting, and maintenance of machinery and equipment. Cody Magee and Chris Pigott worked with the International
Paper staff of educators to build this training. Lesson plans, pacing guides, a curriculum, testing, and on-hand study, were created and introduced that would be used in this field. Nine students who participated in the program met the required guidelines and received their certification. Two of the nine students chose to pursue a career in the military. The seven remaining students were asked to participate in a summer internship program provided by International Paper. Three of the seven students were asked to apply for full-time employment with International Paper. Three of the remaining four students were asked to apply for full-time employment with International Paper after graduation.
Students will continue their studies of Millwrighting under Byron Owens and Ray Thomas of the International Paper Training Department. International Paper asked BCS Ag Department to provide them with a full copy of our curriculum they wish to use to start a full pilot program at other high schools around the United States, as well as in Spain and Portugal.
4. Summer Program Mayor Tyrin Truong. Mayor Truong is seeking funding collaboration from the Bogalusa City Schools on summer jobs program for the youth of Bogalusa. Bogalusa YouthCorps members will work on skills that include job readiness, career exploration, financial literacy, academic enrichment, and other skills training. Registered youth will be contacted directly by email with more information.
Projected Program Cost: $60,000.00.
Additional Details:
· 45 employment slots
· $9/hr. jobs for ages 14-21
· 5-hour work days; 25-hour work weeks
· 6 Week Programs from Mid-June to Late July (Exact dates coming soon)
· Applications open the first week in June and will be open for one week. Signs will be placed around
Town and social media ads will be run.
· Selection committee will review applications and recommend candidates.
· Youth Corps members will be placed throughout the City of Bogalusa departments, Bogalusa City Schools’ departments, nonprofits, community organizations, and local businesses help boost the local economy.
· Small businesses within the city limits can apply to receive a YouthCorp member at their establishment free of charge. They will be required to submit a weekly timesheet and performance check-in.
· Students will be placed based upon their interest in a future career.
· Applications must be Bogalusa City residents aged 14-21 years old on June 12, 2023.
Mayor Truong concluded, the proposal has not been finalized and if funding collaboration is granted, we can work together and revise any elements of this proposal. Thank you.
4. Presentation of Teacher of the 22-23 Year. Karla McGehee, Director of Human Resources.
Sandi Atkins – Bogalusa High School 6th – 8th.
Dr. Greely, Principal of Bogalusa High School, stated Sandi Atkins is a phenomenal middle school teacher. She has had the highest English scores for years. Sandi s has been employed as a teacher for 37 years. She loves working at BHS and loves her students and the students at BHS. Sandi sponsors the Beta Club, a former Instructional Coach, former PLC Leader, and Mentor Coach. She is phenomenal. Dr. Greely presented her with a ½ dozen red roses. The Bogalusa Association of Educators presented Sandi with a certificate of appreciation. A plaque was also presented to Sandi on behalf of the Bogalusa City Schools by Karla McGehee, Director of Human Resources. Sandi was accompanied by her daughters.
Debra Williams – Bogalusa High School 9th -12th.
Dr. Greely, Principal of Bogalusa High School, stated Debra is a Mentor Coach and Math Department
Head. Debra’s scores in Algebra I are “off the chart”! Students are excelling in Math because of Debra Williams. Debra is currently working on her doctoral degree. She has been an educator for 35 years. Dr. Greely concluded he is very happy to be her principal. He presented her with a ½ red dozen roses.
The Bogalusa Association of Educators presented Debra with a certificate of appreciation. A plaque was also presented to Debra Williams on behalf of the Bogalusa City Schools by Karla McGehee, Director of Human Resources. Debra was accompanied by her family.
Lawanna Ducre – Central Elementary.
Kewanda August, Principal of Central Elementary, stated Lawanna is a remarkable 3rd Grade Math and Science Teacher who is full of energy and passion. Ms. August presented Lawanna with a dozen yellow roses accented with daisies. The Bogalusa Association of Educators presented Lawanna with a certificate of appreciation. A plaque was also presented to Lawanna on behalf of the Bogalusa City Schools by Karla McGehee, Director of Human Resources.
Margaret Puissegur – Byrd Avenue.
Tonya Jefferson, Principal of Byrd Avenue, stated Margaret is a teacher who loves teaching children and loves teaching children to read. Margaret is a mother of five children who resides in Covington, LA.
Margaret has taught at Superior Avenue, Byrd Avenue, and Covington. A student by the name of Ricardo has quoted, she knows some stuff! Tia quoted I hope all of my teachers are like Mrs. P. If not, you can leave me in kindergarten. Another student by the name of Ava quoted, Mrs. P said we all are something smart and we rock our dibels scores. Mrs. Jefferson stated Margaret has the highest dibel scores. She is a great educator of the Bogalusa City Schools and has dedicated a lot of her time to coming up with strategies to share with our students. Margaret is at the 97% benchmark. Mrs. Jefferson and Mrs. Lawrence presented Margaret with some roses, a beautifully wrapped gift in silver wrapping paper with a yellow bow.
The Bogalusa Association of Educators presented Margaret with a certificate of appreciation. A plaque was also presented to Margaret on behalf of the Bogalusa City Schools by Karla McGehee, Director of Human Resources.
5. Recess to Public Session.
6. New Business
a. Adopt the millage rate for 2023. It was motioned by Dr. Williams. Second by Mr. Creel. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
b. Approval of April 2023 Revised Budgets and Financial Statements for General Funds, Food Service, Special Revenue, and School Activities. It was motioned by Mr. Hughes. Second by Mr. Dr. Williams. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
c. Approval of Appointment of Bogalusa Daily News as the official journal for the Bogalusa School
Board 2023-2024. It was motioned by Mr. Creel. Second by Ms. Mitchell. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
d. Approval for BHS Boys Basketball Team to travel to Jackson State University in Jackson, MS to
Boys Basketball Camp. Travel period: June 1st – 2, 2023; and travel to Pearl River
Community College in Poplarville, MS. Travel period: June 6th – 9, 2023, and June 22, 2023. It was motioned by Mr. Creel. Second by Mr. Hughes. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
e. Approval for the sale of Long Avenue at $35,000.00. It was motioned by Mr. Creel. Second by Ms. Mitchell. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
6. Child Nutrition Programs – Lorene Randazzo
a. Approval for CNP to request permission to advertise solicit/bids on products used in the 23-24
school year and award bids to the lowest and most responsive bidder. It was motioned by Mr. Hughes. Second by Dr. Cook. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
7. Child Welfare & Attendance – Phlesher Mingo
a. Approval of 2023-2024 Student Code of Conduct. It was motioned by Dr. Cook. Second by Mr. Hughes. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
a. Approval for Policy Change for Uncertified Teachers. It was motioned by Dr. Williams. Second by Mr. Hughes. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
b. Approval to accept the following Superintendent Candidates for interview on June 1, 2023:
Hamilton Brock
Dorable Dangerfield
Dr. Byron Hurst
Dr. Raphael Tillman
It was motioned by Dr. Cook. Second by Mr. Mitchell. The motion passed with unanimous approval.
9. Superintendent – Lisa Tanner
10. Board Members’ Comments – Mrs. Breaux mentioned the teachers of BCS need to start dressing more appropriately.
Deloris Walker stated WWL contacted her regarding the 4-day workweek and wanted to interview our district concerning the matter. WVUE, WDSU, and WGNO also called concerning our district and teacher vacancies.
Shelley Gill gave an overview of Jump Start Summers that will begin June 5, 2023, for the High School Students. The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is seeking school systems, charter management organizations, and private party course providers willing to sponsor student summer training sessions in collaboration with industry partners. The programs can serve rising 10th, 11th, or 12th graders, and post-graduates in the May 2023 cohort. Jump Start Summers programs funded by Course Choice/Supplemental Course Allocation (SCA) are available to launch scaffolded, multiyear, summer training sessions in public school facilities and on employer worksites that help students prepare for college, career, and life success. Work-based learning (WBL) provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to master essential workplace behaviors and communication skills, which makes academic schoolwork more relevant. This is true for all students, university-bound as well as career-focused students. SCA funding is awarded to all school systems and may be used to fund BESE-approved Jump Start Summers WBL programs. Approved Jump Start Summers programs will offer school systems, charter schools and course providers with a low-hassle, minimal paperwork process to launch Summer 2023 Carnegie credit opportunities aligned to Fast Forward Pathways, Jump Start 2.0 Coursework, statewide basic or advanced credentials, participate in work-based learning and/or earn a student stipend for participation. Jump Start Summers programs offer students the opportunity to: 1. earn academic Carnegie and/or dual enrollment credit during the summer aligned to Jump Start or Fast Forward; 2. earn statewide industry-based credentials (IBCs) in Jump Start Pathways adopted by the local school system; 3. engage in work-based learning by job shadowing and/or internship experiences or pre-apprenticeships/apprenticeships with at least one committed industry partner; 4. receive stipends based on attendance, engagement and achievement. Programs not having all 4 components may be approved for students already possessing IBCs who will participate in full internships or registered apprenticeships in the summer. Earn academic Carnegie and/or dual enrollment credit during the summer All courses offered must have an officially recognized Louisiana course title, code, and Carnegie units earned. Courses for Carnegie credit should adhere to bulletin policy as related to instructional minutes. Credits and IBCs earned must be uploaded to student transcripts by August 31. Earn industry-based credentials in Jump Start Pathways adopted by the local school system. The program focus for rising 10th graders to post-graduation seniors is on earning or making significant progress towards statewide basic or advanced credentials or coursework aligned to a Fast Forward pathway that offers quality skills to match high-wage, high demand jobs in the region based and on the most current Workforce Investment Counsel (WIC) State Focus List. 1 February 15, 2023 Rising 10th graders may earn an emerging credential that is mandatory to earn a statewide basic or advanced IBC (if there is a plan to advance) on the most current WIC State Focus List. IBCs earned should be uploaded to student transcripts by August 31. Engage in workplace-based learning by job shadowing and/or internship experiences or pre-apprenticeships/apprenticeships with at least one committed industry partner WBL must be meaningful and relate to the coursework and IBCs. A minimum of 16 hours of WBL is included in all approved programs. Receive a stipends based on attendance, engagement, and achievement. Stipends should adequately reflect the time students spend in the program. Stipends may vary to include incentives for attendance, engagement and achievement. Applicants should apply to run programs for which they have access to trained instructors and fully equipped facilities available to provide instruction. Funds may be used to pay for instruction, for mandatory student materials, textbooks, and supplies needed for a course, for transportation, for IBC testing costs and to pay student stipends. These costs are detailed in the budget and combined to create a per student tuition. Funds may not be used for equipment, facility rental, upgrades, or enhancements or to train instructors for the program. CDF funds may be used for these purposes. Priority approval for Jump Start Summers programs will be granted to school systems/charters/course providers who demonstrate: 1. Student potential at earning or showing significant progress towards earning a high value IBC on the latest WIC State Focus List that align to high wage, high demand jobs in the region. 2. Coursework aligned to the Fast Forward Pathway 3. Student participation in internships or registered apprenticeships aligned with high
wage, high demand jobs in the region. 4. Student participation in courses aligned to high wage, high demand statewide IBCs.
11. Adjourn - President Kates.
______________________________
Paul Kates, Board 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.