WEBSTER PARISH

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

MINUTES FOR

MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017

6:00 P.M.

The Webster Parish School Board met at 1442 Sheppard Street, Minden, Louisiana, on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 6:00 P.M.  The meeting was called to order by President Charles Strong with the following members present:  Ronnie Rhymes, Jeri O’Neal, Linda Kinsey, Frankie Mitchell, Ronnie Broughton, Penny Long, Johnnye Kennon, Charles Strong, Malachi Ridgel, Jerry Lott, John Madden, and Brandon Edens. Prayer was given by John Madden.  Pledge of Allegiance was led by Brandon Edens.  President Charles Strong extended greetings to all that were in attendance.  The meeting was turned over to the superintendent, who in turn asked for the following ITEMS #6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17, to be in global vote.

ITEM #2.  Approve minutes from Finance Committee Meeting held at 5:30 P.M. on Monday, March 6, 2017. Motion was made by Frankie Mitchell; seconded by Malachi Ridgel.  No objections, motion passed.

ITEM #3.  Approve minutes from regular school board meeting held on Monday, March 6, 2017.  Motion was made by Linda Kinsey, seconded by Jeri O’Neal.  There was an index card turned in on this item by Mr. Doug Efferson.  He addressed the board and informed them that he had sent a letter to the president Charles Strong.  It was not on the agenda, and he would like to have it reflected in the minutes to be included in today’s meeting. Voting to approve minutes was by a show of hands.  It was a unanimous vote.  The minutes will stand approved.  Next Mr. Strong addressed the request by Mr. Doug Efferson, Executive Director of the North West Louisiana Human Services District, and the letter that he had sent to him.  Dr. Rawls explained that he had information from the school board attorney of private counselors going into the schools.  They will not be allowed to do so at any of the 15 schools in the parish.  His letter will be placed on the agenda for the next board meeting. 

ITEM #4.  Approve Budget revision for IDEA and NCLB for FY 2016-17.  Motion to Accept the budget revision for IDEA was made by Johnnye Kennon, Vice-President; seconded by John Madden.   There being no discussion; motion passed.  NCLB budget has not been approved at this date.

ITEM #5.  Proposed salary schedule.  John Madden asked Dr. Rawls his opinion on Act I.  Johnnye Kennon wanted to know would it be wise to approve a salary schedule if you do not have the money to approve the schedule?  John Madden stated he agrees, but can we vote to accept the salary schedule, and is there enough for retirees and, resignations?  Dr. Rawls explained about the supplement. We have to finish the year and close the books before you know what monies that we will have.  Early Childhood and Jumpstart money is being cut.  We do not tag this money for salaries, but we have to take in consideration for benefits.  John Madden asked about Mr. Jim Croad, WAE President, what his opinion was.  He represented the WAE about the freeze on salaries that the WPSB has taken over the years.  Comments were given by Brandon Edens.  John Madden wanted to know if there is a compromise for a supplement this year, and will there be another one in the next year.  Dr. Rawls explained that the programs that have to be funded that have been cut makes it hard to supplement.  Frankie Mitchell stated that we are responsible for the school board; she does not feel we have to rush in to anything; we ask that they be patient.  She made the motion to keep the freeze for the next two years as is, seconded by Ronnie Broughton. 

A substitute motion was made by John Madden to not have an iron clad freeze for two years (do not freeze for two years).  This was seconded by Jerry Lott.  Brandon Edens stated that it not have a time tag on this.  Crevonne Odom asked John Madden if he asked for two years that the salary schedule stays as it is.  He stated until such time makes it possible to give a raise.  Jerry Lott stated we do nothing, it remains as is.  Charles Strong stated it has been very confusing on salary increases.  In light of the schedule that has been worked on if we choose to accept, it will.  Crevonne Odom explained that we will be out of compliance if you move on the salary schedule.   It is no change.  More discussion was given; there will be nothing done and we will stay where we are until the financial future is better.  Crevonne Odom stated that it has to be worded in better terms.  Jerry Lott said to take no action; Frankie Mitchell stated to take no action for 2 years.  Ronnie Broughton commented about the board taking no action.  He stated that he hopes that none of our staff thinks the board is not being or doing what they are supposed to be doing.  We have supported our employees by adding extra money to the school secretaries.  If we go to a high salary schedule we can never take it back.  We will have to close schools; we will have to RIF and this board has worked hard to keep our employees competitive.  Mrs. Odom addressed the board again, giving the example if you work for an employer, money is we have to adjust.  We are not in control of the monies that we have received.  To unfreeze salaries, we will have to do some other things which will not be too pretty.  We cannot give you what we do not have-a step increase; it increases the district.  She stated she knows it does not sound too good, it has involved everybody.  No further discussion. Vote on substitute motion with a show of hands; it was a unanimous vote.

NOTE:  STAFF requesting global vote on Items 6 – 17

ITEM #6.  Approve Title I 2017-2018 Webster Parish Parental Involvement in Education Policy and Grievance Policies.

ITEM #7.  Approve Title I 2017-1018 Webster Parish Homeless Policies and Procedures.

ITEM #8.  Approval of the 2017-2018 District Calendar, Mrs. Dusty Rowland.

ITEM #9.  To approve Allen, Green, & Williamson, LLP to perform the following audits for the periods of June 30, 2017, 2018, and 2019:

        a.) Overall audit

        b.) Statewide Agreed-Upon Procedures

        c.) Agreed-upon Procedures Performance and Statistical Data

        d.) Agreed Upon Procedures on Student Activity Funds

ITEM #10.  Approval of Yeager, Watson & Associates, Inc. to do renovations to restrooms at Brown Upper Elementary School.

ITEM #11.  To approve Yeager, Watson & Associates, Inc. permission to advertise for bids for renovations to restrooms at Brown Upper Elementary School.

ITEM #12.  Approval to accept bids by Monday, May 22, 2017 in order to give contractor date to begin work for renovations to restrooms at Brown Upper Elementary School. 

ITEM #13.  Approve Executone of Louisiana to furnish and reconnect DuKane intercom/ bell system at North Webster Jr. High School in the amount of $2,580.00 using Sarepta Maintenance Fund.

ITEM #14.  Approval of Wilhite Electric Co., Inc. for doing emergency work at Lakeside School baseball field in the amount of $3,000.00 to electrical pole using Consolidated 3 Maintenance Fund.

ITEM #15.  Approve Quality Court Industries to install new surfacing at Lakeside Jr. /Sr. High School track field in the amount of $22,362.00 using Consolidated 3 Maintenance Fund.

ITEM #16.  Approve the purchase of 14 new projectors at Lakeside Jr. /Sr. High School from AXI Education Solutions in the amount of $5,924.80 using Consolidated 3Maintenance Fund.

ITEM #17.  Approve payment of $4,182.20 to Horizon Mechanical, Inc. for emergency work done during holidays at Webster Jr. High using District 6 1/2 Cent Sales Tax.

Dr. Rawls explained about global vote for items #6-17; no objections; unanimous vote.

Dr. Rawls explained about the global vote on items #6 thru #17; put to a vote; no objections.  It was a unanimous vote.

 ITEM #18.  Grant permission to advertise for bids on tree removal and clean-up project at North Webster Lower Elementary.  Motion was made by Jeri O’Neal and seconded by Brandon Edens.  Motion passed with no objections.

 ITEM #19.  FYI – APPROVED FIELD TRIPS:

·        Richardson Elementary honor students to travel to Sci-Port on March 7, 2017

·        Richardson Elementary fifth grade classes to travel to NASA Space Center in Houston, Texas on May 10-11, 2017.

·  Richardson Elementary 4^th/5^th grade honors to travel to Dallas, Texas, March 22, 2017 to Medieval Times.

·        North Webster Jr. High to travel to Dallas, Texas, April 13, 2017 to Medieval Times     

·  North Webster Lower Elementary to travel to Magnolia, AR to Logoly State Park April 24^th & 25^th, 2017

·        Brown Upper Elementary 4^th grade students to travel to Southern Arkansas Univ., Magnolia, AR April 20, 2017 to attend The Little Mermaid 

·        Brown Upper Elementary 5^th grade students to travel to Southern Arkansas Univ., Magnolia, AR April 21, 2017 to attend The Little Mermaid

·        Harper Elementary kindergarten honor students to travel to Sci-Port on April 25, 2017.

ITEM #20.  PERSONNEL REPORT-Personnel Director, Johnny Rowland came forward to answer questions from board members.  Penny Long wanted to know if the report was up-to-date.  He informed her no.  Mr. Shaun Houston is the new assistant principal at Webster Junior High School.  Jerry Lott asked if he is advertising for a basketball coach for Lakeside School girls. He further explained that student teaching is now renamed residence for one year.

ITEM #21.  Superintendent’s Report –   Change order for Minden High School Stadiumin the amount of $34,150.00. (Copies will be mailed to board members).  Sound system is not compatible to the new digital system.

Annual Board Training will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Wilson’s.

ITEM #22.  Announcements -

            Webster Parish School Board Sales Tax Report for January 2017

             Next Board Meeting May 1, 2017

There being no further business, the board meeting adjourned at 7:06 P.M.

__________________________________             _____________________________________

CHARLES STRONG, PRESIDENT                          DR. DANIEL R. RAWLS, SECRETARY