WEBSTER PARISH SCHOOL

BOARD MEETING

MINUTES FOR

MONDAY, June 7, 2021

6:00 P.M.

The Webster Parish School Board met in its regular meeting in the Educational Services Center, 1442 Sheppard Street, Minden, Louisiana on Monday, June 7, 2021 at 6:00 P.M.  The meeting was called to order by President Fred Evans.  Prayer was given by Penny Long.  Pledge of Allegiance was led by Johnnye Kennon.  Members present:  Jeri O’Neal, Ronnie Rhymes, Glenda Broughton, Jerry Lott, Johnnye Kennon, Penny Long, Malachi Ridgel, and Fred Evans.  Virtual attendance:  Frankie Mitchell, Margaret Edens, and Linda Kinsey.  Absent:  Charles Strong.

 The president asked the board to consider amending the agenda with the following Item 2A.  To approve Minutes from Finance Committee Meeting May 3, 2021.  Motion to approve was made by Malachi Ridgel; seconded by Frankie Mitchell.  It was a unanimous vote to approve.

ITEM #2. – Approve Minutes from Curriculum Committee Meeting May 3, 2021.  Motion to approve was made by Jeri O’Neal; seconded by Frankie Mitchell.  Motion passed.

ITEM #2A – Approve Minutes from Finance Committee Meeting May 3, 2021.  Motion to approve was made by Malachi Ridgel; seconded by Penny Long.  Motion passed. 

ITEM #3 – Approve Minutes from Regular Board Meeting May 3, 2021.  Motion to approve was made by Jerry Lott; seconded by Glenda Broughton.  Motion passed.

ITEM #4 – Approve Minutes from Special Called Meeting May 18, 2021.  Motion was made by Ronnie Rhymes; seconded by Johnnye Kennon.  No objection, motion passed.

ITEM #5 – Mr. John Tsertos, E.I. Williams, Ms. Ashley Busada, North Louisiana Economic Partnership, and Mr. Randy Sexton, North Webster Parish Industrial District to address the board regarding the Industrial Tax Exemption Program.  Ashley Busada addressed the board and explained that she is Project Manager for companies looking for places to invest and move here.  They will hire 100 persons now and to the next five years.  This company will be moving to Springhill, Louisiana.  They met in March 2020 with the company.  John Tsertos with E.I. Williams explained that they produce and make mufflers.  They chose and settled in Sarepta.  They began work in January of this year and have hired 18 people in less than 6 months.  Ronnie Rhymes asked question and was told that everyone hired is local.  Jerry Lott wanted to know the salary and was told from $18.00 and goes up to $40.00 per hour.  Fred Evans wanted to know about the next 5 years; will it be the same arrangement.  He was told yes.  Randy Sexton, NWPI District said, they will have a 25-year lease.  Fiberbond is one of their main customers.  They have a 50-thousand square feet building; E.I. Williams completed the building, and McInnis Bros. won the contract.  They will be doing the construction on all the buildings for companies coming to Webster Parish.  Fred Evans explained that previous companies did not get taxes.  But with E.I. Williams, they will get 20%.  Frankie Mitchell wanted to know the number of employees by minority race.  He replied of the 18 employed, 30% are minority employees, hourly; 2 administrative.  They will have a morning and evening shift.

ITEM #6 – To consider approval of Industrial Tax Exemption Application #202-00004-ITE.  Motion to approve was made by Jerry Lott; seconded by Ronnie Rhymes.  Motion passed unanimously.

ITEM #7 – To consider for approval the excess workers’ compensation quote from Midwest Employers for one year in the amount of $65,202.00.  Crevonne Odom, Finance Director, explained to the board about the quote.  Motion to approve was made by Malachi Ridgel; seconded by Penny Long.  There were no objections.  Motion passed.

ITEM #8 – To consider for approval the highest bid submitted for the sale of Stewart Elementary School property.  Frankie Mitchell made the motion to approve; seconded by Penny Long.  Jerry Lott wanted to know what would be done with the property.  Superintendent Rowland informed him that that is left up to the buyer.  Motion passed.

ITEM #9 – To consider approval to add Soccer as a junior high sport at Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School.  Motion was made by Jerry Lott; seconded by Ronnie Rhymes. Question by Fred Evans as to how this person is being added as an employer.  Jerry Lott explained it is a voluntary position.  This person is already on the staff.  No further questions, motion passed.

ITEM #10 – To consider approval of allowing Webster Parish Head Start to add three (3) windows and an exit door to the cafeteria at the Mother Goose Campus.  Motion made by Frankie Mitchell; seconded Johnnye Kennon.  Jerry Lott wanted to know if Head Start will finance these projects.  Mr. Rowland informed him yes. Motion passed.

Motion was made by Jeri O’Neal to do ITEMS #11 – 36 as a global vote.  Malachi Ridgel asked the question and wanted to know about the ratification of invoices.  The superintendent explained that he and Jeff Franklin, Maintenance Supervisor, have to make the decision on these because the work needs to be done before the board meetings, and, in some instances there is emergency work.  This was seconded by Ronnie Rhymes.  Motion passed.

ITEM #11 – To consider approval of New Servers and Backup/Restore Solution:  Total Cost:  $192,944.20 – 96 Sales Tax Allocation:  $100,000.00 – Remaining Balance:  $92,994.20.

The allocation will come from the following schools’ maintenance fund:

School                      School Cost Allocation                           Maintenance Fund

Brown                                    $4,097.45                                  Springhill Maintenance Fund

Browning                                $4,182.42                                  Springhill Maintenance Fund

Central                                   $6,575.35                                  Consolidated 3 Maintenance Fund

Doyline                                   $7,320.34                                  Doyline Maintenance Fund

J.L. Jones                               $6,024.70                                  District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund

Lakeside                                 $9,182.81                                  Consolidated 3 Maintenance Fund

Minden High                          $12,294.34                                District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund

J.A. Phillips                            $7,433.71                                  District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund

E.S. Richardson                     $5,992.31                                  District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund

NW Lower                              $2,769.42                                  Shongaloo Building Fund

NW Upper                              $2,283.56                                  Cotton Valley Maintenance Fund

NW Jr. High                           $6,656.32                                  Sarepta Maintenance Fund

NW High                                $8,405.43                                  Springhill Maintenance Fund

Webster Jr. High                     $9,782.04                                  District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund

GRAND TOTAL                    $92,994.20

Requests for District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund

ITEM #12. – To consider approval to ratify amount to Moro Electric correct amount of $2,460.00 instead of $1,878.00 as listed on May 3, 2021 agenda using District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund.

ITEM #13 – To consider approval for reimbursement for bottled water for school year 2020-2021 in the amount of $1783.96 for J.L. Jones Elementary School using District

6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund.

ITEM #14 – To consider approval for Gentry and Holder Floors to screen and recoat the gym floor at Webster JH School in the amount of $2415.00 using District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund.

ITEM #15 – To consider approval for Homeland Safety Systems to upgrade the security camera system at Richardson Elementary School per proposal 3669 in the amount of $42,179.53 and proposal 3670 for $2573.26, total cost of $44,752.79 using District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund.

ITEM #16 – To consider approval for Richardson Elementary School to purchase new refrigerator from Spillers Appliance in the amount of $699.00 using District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund.

ITEM #17 – To consider approval for Richardson Elementary School to purchase two (2) tether ball poles from Kincade Recreation in the amount of $2,369.69 using District

6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund.

ITEM #18 – To consider approval for Richardson Elementary School to purchase one (1) hand held stop sign, six (6) DO NOT ENTER signs, and six (^) door mats from Amazon in the amount of $806.96 using District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund.

ITEM #19 – To consider approval for Richardson Elementary School to purchase a new Dyson VZ Vacuum Cleaner from Amazon in the amount of $309.99 using District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund.

ITEM #20 – To consider approval of proposal from Fitzgerald Plumbing to relocate the

backflow preventer in the north end zone at Minden High School football stadium in the amount of $5,900.00 using District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund.

ITEM #21 – To consider approval to ratify Invoice #7548 from Mechanical Cooling Services in the amount of $2,500.00 to replace Honeywell VAVV controller and thermostat in room 107 at Webster Jr. High School using District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund.

ITEM #22 – To consider approval to ratify Invoice #1-102821293799 from Johnson Controls in the amount of $4,830.00 to replace faulty DX9100 Controller with a new MS-FAC3613-0 on AHU-3 at Minden High School using District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund.

ITEM #23 – To consider approval to ratify Invoice #480802 from Moro Electric to replace damaged 2” conduit for fiber optic cables at Minden High School in the amount of $6,520.00 using District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund.

ITEM #24 – To consider approval to ratify Invoice #150774 from Fitzgerald Plumbing in the amount of $6,281.35 to repair ice storm busted pipes at Minden High School football concession stand using District 6 ½ Cent Sales Tax Fund.

Request for Doyline Maintenance Fund

ITEM #25 – To consider approval to ratify invoice from Main Street LED Signs and Lighting for $750.00 for LED sign repair at Doyline High School using Doyline Maintenance Fund.

Request for Cotton Valley Maintenance Fund

Item #26 – To consider approval to ratify invoice #88421 from Lone Star Communications for fire alarm repair at NW Upper Elementary School in the amount of $2,357.00 using Cotton Valley Maintenance Fund.

Request for Sarepta Maintenance Fund

ITEM #27 – To consider approval to purchase thirty (30) 2’x2’ LED flat panel lights for band room at NW Jr. High School School from Elliot Electric Supply in the amount of $1,229.70 using Sarepta Maintenance Fund.

Requests for Springhill Maintenance Fund

ITEM #28 – To consider approval to pay Hercules Ag and Outdoor to replace softball batting cage at North Webster High School damaged by ice storm in the amount of $41,500.00 using Springhill Maintenance Fund.  This project is done with deposited insurance reimbursement fund.

ITEM #29 – To consider approval to pay Stewart Electric Co. the balance of $3700.00 from the grant of $385,000.00 for NW High School Football Stadium Energy Efficient Lighting Project using Springhill Maintenance Fund.

Requests for Consolidated 3 Maintenance Fund

ITEM #30 – To consider approval for Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School to purchase 8 tables and 32 chairs from Virco in the amount of $1,619.20 using Consolidated 3 Maintenance Fund.

ITEM #31 – To consider approval for Hercules Ag and Outdoor to enclose and fence the West side of the Agriscience Building at Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School in the amount of $12,800.00 using Consolidated 3 Maintenance Fund.

ITEM #32 – To consider approval for Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School to purchase 30 Lockers for Girls Basketball dressing room from School Lockers.Com in the amount of $12,038.50 using Consolidated 3 Maintenance Fund.

ITEM #33 – To consider approval for G&G Drywall and Construction to sand, prime, and paint Jr. High hallways, restrooms, exterior of Agriscience Building and other areas at Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School in the amount of $30,350.00 using Consolidated 3 Maintenance Fund.

ITEM #34 – To consider approval for Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School to purchase a 20” floor scrubber from VCC for $6,586.99 using Consolidated 3 Maintenance Fund.

ITEM #35 – To consider approval for Fitzgerald Plumbing to replace and relocate main gas and water lines at Central Elementary School in the amount of $29,600.00 using Consolidated 3 Maintenance Fund.

ITEM #36 – To consider approval to ratify Invoice #150752 from Fitzgerald Plumbing to repair busted water pipes at Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School Football and Track concession stand caused by ice storm in the amount of $1,250.34 using Consolidated 3 Maintenance Fund.

ITEM #37 – PERSONNEL REPORT.  Robin Tucker, Personnel Manager, explained to the board members a letter that she placed at each person’s station.  She is asking them to consider this letter between now and the July 12, 2021 board meeting.  Frankie Mitchell stated that we need to hire strong teachers to get our children back on track.  She was told that Becki Brown is offering a new teacher boot camp at Harper this week.  She also wanted to know about retired teachers that recently retired and if they would like to return and work.  Mrs. Tucker said many have stated they do not wish to come back.  Jerry Lott wanted to know if they come in at zero years, but once they are certified, they will get the salary at step five.  Seven teachers were lost at the end of the school year.

ITEM #38 – School Community Liaison Report.  We had a safe closing of school.  This is our 13^th year for Back-to-School Bash.  We were not able to do this last year due to Covid-19.  We are looking forward to a larger one this school year. 

Frankie Mitchell questioned Item #13 where a school was reimbursed for water.  Ursula Hullaby explained that we do provide water for the schools. They cannot use the water fountains in the schools.  Many persons and organizations had donated but it was not enough for all the schools.  Superintendent Rowland explained that we used Covid-19 funds; he explained to them that they had to use Maintenance Funds for water. 

ITEM #39 – Superintendent’s Report.  Superintendent Rowland informed the board that summer school has begun.  Dusty Rowland-Rangel, Curriculum Supervisor, explained this first day of school.  There were a few students to show up who had not registered and were not on the roll.  We are not at our max capacity, we have 400 students to show up.  Feeding went great; bus route was a little mixup; Lakeside, Webster, Phillips, Browning and NW High School, and Minden High Leap Remediation.  First Fantastic Friday, we have signed up 555 students Oreata Banks stated.  They are excited about it.  Mr. Rowland wanted to publicly thank churches and businesses that let them use their places for pick-up routes.  Crevonne Odom came forward and explained that this agenda item will be on the July agenda – Plan Document and Summary Plan Document.  Mr. Rowland explained that he and Mr. Washington were able to attend all the high school graduations.  To the students, our parents, teachers, and administrative staff:  thank you for a job well done.  He paraphrased the letter that he sent to all the staff members for a job well done.  We are hoping for the best in the next school year 2021-2022.  Again he says thank you, and thank you to the board for being so supportive.   Remarks were made about the sales tax.  Our next board meeting will be on July 12^th due to the July 4^th holiday.  Frankie Mitchell wanted to know about the retreat for board members.  He informed her it will be in October.  Remarks were given by Michelle Finley, Principal at Richardson Elementary School, about a Minden High graduate­ who plays professional football coming to their school. 

ITEM #40 - Announcements

·         Attached are the Balance Sheet and the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures for the General Fund, Consolidated 3 Maintenance Fund, Minden School Building Fund, and District #6 Sales Tax (1/2 Cent) Fund.  These funds represent our largest fund balances to date.  The Statement Of Revenues and Expenditures gives a budget versus actual comparison.

·         Sales Tax for the month of April 2021

·         Sales Tax for the month of May 2021

·         June 2021 Sales Tax Supplement

Professionals       $8,709.36 (Teachers)

Non-Professionals      $5,007.29 (Maintenance, SFS, School Secretaries, Bus Mechanics & Custodians)

Bus Drivers           $1,211.45

The supplement will be distributed to the eligible employees on June 18, 2021.

·         Next Board Meeting July 12, 2021

No further business, the meeting ended at 7:01 P.M.

___________________________________

FRED V. EVANS, PRESIDENT

____________________________________________

JOHNNY R. ROWLAND, JR., SECRETARY