Michael Ward, Retired Teacher
1
April 5, 2016
The Morehouse Parish School Board meeting was held on April 5, 2016 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was held at Bastrop City Hall Council Chambers, located at 202 East Jefferson Avenue, Bastrop, LA 71220. The following members were present: Louis Melton, Colby Daniels, Rick Hixon, Chip Rawls, Chastity Kennedy, and Rose Thompson. Absent: Karen Diel
Rick Hixon, President, called the meeting to order and Mr. Hixon gave the invocation. A moment of silence was observed for the following who died recently:
Michael Ward, retired teacher
Jessie Harper, retired maintenance worker
Juanita Mitchell, retired counselor
Debra Lacy, retired secretary
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Hixon.
On a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Mr. Daniels, the agenda was unanimously approved.
The next item on the agenda was Recognitions and Presentations. Mrs. Sellers recognized the BHS Girls Basketball Teamand Coach Emma Brooks for their successful year.
Mrs. Sellers recognized the Delta Dazzlers Dance Line for their recent performance at the New Orleans Pelican basketball game.
Mrs. Sellers presented the high attendance awards for the month of February. Bastrop High School was recognized forthe highest attendance for faculty and staff. Morehouse Magnet School was recognized for the highest attendance for students.
The next item on the agenda was Recognitions and Awards. Mrs. Williams stated that three employees who were to be named Employee of the Month for their dedication to their job as bus driver. These bus drivers have each only missed one day in the past four years. Those bus drivers are as follows: Vicki McHenry, Katie Bowe and Donald Cephas.
Mrs. Sellers presented Board Member Training Certificatesthat were received from the Louisiana School Board Association. Certificates were presented to Karen Diel, Louis Melton, Colby Daniels, Rick Hixon, Chip Rawls, Chastity Kennedy, RoseThompson.
The next item on the agenda was approval of minutes. On a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Mr. Melton, minutes were unanimously approved for the Regular School Board meeting held on March 1, 2016 and the Specially Called Board meeting held on March 29, 2016.
On a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Mr. Melton, bus requests were unanimously approved.
On a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded by Mr. Rawls, monthly travel was unanimously approved.
The next item on the agenda was Communication to the Board. Mrs. Norwood presented information regarding the mid-year MFP adjustment. She stated that notification has been received from the Louisiana Department of Education that according to the February 1 child count, there is a loss of 170 students from the school system. Mrs. Norwood reported that the amount of money the school board will receive in the MFP will be reduced by $1.2 million beginning in March through. This enrollment will also be used to compute MFP funding for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. There was discussion relative to the declining enrollment and the reasons the students withdrew from the system. The Board requested a report from the Child Welfare and Attendance Department which will provide information that identifies the students that have dropped and the reasons for dropping from Morehouse Parish School District.
The next item on the agenda was to consider granting Lijo Thomas permission to use Morehouse Jr. High School gym for DREAMS Summer Camp. Reverend Thomas was not present at the meeting.
The next item on the agenda was to receive information regarding flood insurance coverage. Mr. Gatlin, a representative from Brown and Brown Insurance, presented a breakdown of flood insurance coverage for the Central Office location and Delta Magnet School, which are the two properties that does not currently covered under flood insurance. Mr. Gatlin stated that the Board should consider flood coverage for the Satellite portable buildings at Delta Magnet School as stipulated in the contract with Satellite. Mr. Hixon stated that this item would be included on the next Finance Committee meeting.
The next item on the agenda was to consider entering into an agreement with Northeast Louisiana Workforce Centers to participate in the Work Experience Program. Mrs. Katie McCarty presented information regarding the program and requested the approval of the agreement. There was discussion regarding a portion of the agreement relating to the Grievance Procedure that was not included in the document presented to the Board. Mrs. McCarty stated that this was an oversight and a copy of the procedure would be forwarded to Mrs. Sellers and Mr. Katz. On a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded by Mrs. Thompson,and a unanimous vote, approval was granted to enter into an agreement with the stipulation that the Grievance Procedure is approved by Mrs. Sellers and Mr. Katz.
The next item on the agenda was to consider making application to FEMA for damages received as a result of the recent flooding. Mrs. Norwood addressed the Board and stated that she attended meetings relative to making application to FEMA for disaster relief. She stated that a representative from FEMA advised making application. This would allow the system the opportunity to possibly apply for other grant monies made available to those affected by the recent flooding. Mr. Rawls moved, and Mr. Melton seconded to make application with FEMA with the stipulation that the system has the right to refuse the funds if penalties are attached. The motion passed unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was to approve the Financial Statements for General Fund and Lunch Fund for the month of February, 2016. Mrs. Norwood presented information regarding the Financial Statements for February and recommended their approval. This recommendation was unanimously approved on a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded by Mr. Rawls.
The next item on the agenda was to consider a revision to the 2015-2016 School Calendar. Mrs. Sellers stated that according to the 2015-2016 SchoolCalendar, Friday, April 8, 2016, is scheduled as a professional development day. She stated that it was her recommendation that the calendar be revised to make this an instructional daybecause of the instructional days that were missed during the recent flooding. On a motion by Mr. Melton and seconded by Ms. Kennedy, this recommendation was unanimously approved.
The next item on the agenda was to adopt the 2016-2017 School Calendar. Mrs. Sellers presented information regarding the development of the calendar and recommended that the 2016-2017 be adopted as presented. This recommendation was unanimously approved on a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded by Ms. Kennedy,
Mrs. Sellers presented the2016-2017 School Board/Committee Meeting Calendar. On a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded by Ms. Kennedy, the 2016-2017 School Calendar was unanimously approved.
The next item on the agenda was to consider for a 1st Reading a revision to the Student Dress Code Policy. Mr. Davenport reported that the Discipline Review Committee met and developed a revision to the Student Dress Code policy to be considered by the Board. Mr. Davenport outlined the revisions that were being proposed and recommended the approval of the policy revision for a 1st Reading. On a motion by Ms. Kennedy, and seconded by Mr. Rawls, the policy revision was unanimously approved for a 1st Reading.
The next item on the agenda was to consider for a 2ndReading a policy revision to the Travel for Morehouse Parish School Board – Policy D-10. After discussion, the following policy was approved for a 2nd Reading on a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Mrs. Thompson,with Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Melton voting in opposition.
D-10
TRAVEL POLICY FOR MOREHOUSE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Reimbursement for Transportation, Lodging, Meals and Other Expenses
Morehouse Parish will follow the State of Louisiana, Louisiana Travel Guide for out of parish travel.
Reimbursement for National School Board Association Conventions
School board members and approved staff members attending a National School Board Association Convention located out-of-state may be reimbursed actual expenses for lodging. Additionally, they may be reimbursed actual expenses for meals not to exceed $50 (plus tax) per day. Receipts will be required and shall be submitted and attached to the travel reimbursement voucher.
Submitting Travel Reports for Reimbursement
All travel reports for reimbursement should be in the business office no later than the 20th of the month. Any reports requesting reimbursement received after the 20th will not be paid until the following month. Any travel reports exceeding three (3) months period of time will not be reimbursed by the Board. Travel reports will be turned in using the form provided by the School Board Office.
Limitation on Board Member Travel
Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, beginning July 1, 2016 and until an amended policy is passed by the Morehouse Parish School Board, the Morehouse Parish School Board shall pay the legally allowable travel expenses for each member of the school board to attend one, and only one, out of parish conference, seminar or meeting per school year which meeting, conference or seminar must be conducted in the State of Louisiana. Further, should a school board member register for a meeting, conference or seminar and not attend, he/she shall reimburse the Morehouse Parish School Board all nonrefundable expenses paid by it unless the nonattendance was a result of a family emergency of the school board member which is defined as an unforeseen circumstance regarding the school board member or a member of his/her family which requires immediate attention. The Morehouse Parish School Board shall not pay any travel expenses for an out of parish meeting to or for a board member if the member has not reimbursed the Morehouse Parish School Board all funds owed it pursuant to this policy.
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Mrs. Yeldellpresented a proposed Pupil Progression Plan Committee for approval. The Pupil Progression Plan Committee was unanimously approved on a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded by Mr. Rawls.
The next item on the agenda was to authorize a piggyback bid with Monroe City Schools for bid opening on April 5th for commercial kitchen equipment; specifically two warmers, one steamer and one milk box as needed due to flooding at Delta. Mrs. Temple reported that this action is needed due to damage to cafeteria equipment at Delta. She stated that although the bid opening has been conducted in Monroe City, results would not be determinedfor several days. She stated that she has been in contact with Mr. Katz who recommended that three quotes also be obtainedfor the equipment. Once those quotes are received, the vendor be selected based on the lowest cost between Monroe City bid and the three quotes. On a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded by Ms. Kennedy, permission was unanimously granted to piggyback bid with Monroe City Schools with the stipulation that the three quotes are obtained and the piggy back bid is lower than the quotes.
The next item on the agenda was to award the bids for lease of properties for hunting purposes. Mrs. Norwood stated that no bids were received for the lease of Section 16, Township 23, North, Range 6 East and Section 33, Township 22 North, Range 6 East. She stated that one bid was received from AIM Corporation for the lease of Section 16, Township 21 North, Range 8 East for $4,000 per year. On a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded byMr. Rawls, the bid was unanimously awarded to AIM Corporation as presented. Mr. Katz suggested that an item be added to the agenda for the next FinanceCommittee meeting to consider a recommendation to have the two small tracts of property appraised and advertised for sale.
The next item on the agenda was to award the bid for the sale of the Old Personnel Property. Mrs. Norwood reported that no bids were received. Mr. Katz stated that the property has been advertised both for 85%and 80% of the appraised value. He stated that the Board can now advertise for bids with no minimum bid required. On a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Mr. Melton, permission was unanimously granted to advertise for bids for the sale of the Old Personnel Property with no minimum bid required. The motion passed unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was to award the bid for the sale of the Carver Elementary Property. Mrs. Norwood stated that one bid was received from Angela Robinson in the amount of $25,000 and recommended the bid be awarded to the sole bidder in the amount of $25,000.00. Mr. Katz stated that the bid was actually submitted on behalf of theRobinson/Williams Restoration of Hope Community Center. There was discussion relative to cleaning the building out prior to the sale. On a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded by Ms. Kennedy, and a unanimous vote, the bid was awarded to Robinson/Williams Restoration of Hope Community Center with the stipulation that closing is done within 90 days.
The next item on the agenda was to consider the approval of the E-rate vendor recommendation for WAN/Internet beginning July 1, 2016. Mr. Winston and Mr. Lautigar presented information regarding the approval of the E-rate vendor and recommended the bid be awarded to Nexus for a five year contract. This recommendation was unanimously approved on a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded by Mr. Rawls.
Mr. Lautigar recommended upgrading wireless at Bastrop High School, Cherry Ridge Elementary, Delta Magnet School, Morehouse Magnet School, and Morehouse Jr. High at a cost of $30,000 to the system with E-rate to fundthe remaining 85%. Mr. Melton moved, and Ms. Kennedy seconded that this recommendation be approved. The motion passed unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was Public Comments. Ms. Mary Cooper addressed the Board and presented a breakdown ofenvironmental services and costs thatPAC Environmental Specialist could provide for Morehouse Parish Schools.
Mr. Ezekiel Anderson addressed the Board regarding School Property from/in Bonita, LA. Mr. Anderson stated that he would like to offer his service to clean the Old Bonita Elementary property and expressed any interest in possibly leasing the property. On a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Mr. Daniels, and the following roll call vote, the agenda was amended to add an item to grant the staff permission to advertise for bids for lease of property for one year and to advertise for sale the property at 85% of the appraised value.
Yeas:Louis Melton, Colby Daniels, Rick Hixon, Chip Rawls, Chastity Kennedy, Rose Thompson
Nays:None
Absent:Karen Diel
Mr. Rawls moved, and Mr. Melton seconded to grant the staff permission to advertise the Bonita School Property for lease and to advertise for sale at 85% of the appraised value. The motion passed unanimously.
Patsy Washington addressed the Board regarding student behavior on the buses and the lack of any action taken when students are written up. Mrs. Sellers stated that she would like to sit down with the transportation staff to develop a plan of action.
Robin Rios addressed the Board regarding the old school board building located at 710 S. Washington. Mr. Rios stated that he owns Bastrop Beauty School and requested permission to do a walk-through of the building to see if it would meet his needs for a cosmetology school. If the building meets his needs, he would possibly want to purchase the building. An item will be added to the agenda for the April Finance Committee meeting to consider a recommendation to grant permission to advertise the property.
The next item on the agenda was a request from Earley Armstrong to address the Board regarding his grandson’s lunch tray that was taken away. Mr. Armstrong was not present at the time this item was to be heard.
Mrs. Sellers presented the following Personnel Report:
Resignations:
Jennifer Kimble, teacher, Bastrop High School, effective 2/29/2016
Jerry Ward, discipline facilitator, Suspension School, effective 2/12/2016
Harvey Ramshur, part time custodian, Bastrop High School, effective 3/3/2016
John Banovic, computer support specialist, Central Office, effective 4/1/2016
Dana Alden-Arthur, teacher, Cherry Ridge Elementary, effective 5/25/20156
Retirements
Mary Jane White, librarian, Bastrop High School, effective 5/26/2016
New Hires
James Morgan, bus driver, effective 2/29/2016
Russell Canley, custodian, Morehouse Magnet School, effective 3/28/2016
James Lee, custodian, Bastrop High School, effective 3/28/2016
Spencer Montgomery, custodian, Morehouse Jr. High, effective 3/28/2016
Rotena Russell, teacher, Bastrop High School, effective 3/28/2016
On a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Mr. Melton,personnel actions taken by the Superintendent of Schools and stated on and/or attached to the agenda of April 5, 2016 were unanimously ratified.
The next item on the agenda was to consider bringing the candidates for superintendent to the community before the school board makes the final vote. Ms. Kennedy stated that she requested that this item be added to the agenda and stated that she felt the community should be included in the process. Mr. Melton moved that the candidates be brought before the community. Ms. Kennedy seconded the motion and it failed based on the following roll call vote: