TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

 

January 22, 2002

 

            The Tangipahoa Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, January 22, 2002, at 6:30 p.m., in the School Board Meeting Room, School Board Office, 313 East Oak Street, Amite, Louisiana, with President Al Link, Presiding.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Sandra Bailey, Tony P. Ardillo, Jr., Robert Caves,  Al Link, Carl Bardwell, Jimmy Richardson, Donnie Williams, Maxine Dixon,  and Leroy Hart

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:            None

 

            Katie Arnold, Secretary, Ponchatoula High School FFA Chapter, gave the invocation. CC Dubois, President, Ponchatoula High School FFA Chapter, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

            Mrs. Denise Holly spoke in public input regarding arts in the Tangipahoa Parish School System schools and invited the Board Members and others to come to the Hammond Downtown  Art Walk, which will be held on April 19, 2002.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Williams, to approve the Board Minutes of January 8, 2002 as distributed. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously  adopted.

 

            Mr. Daniel Keen, Vocational Coordinator, presented awards to the Ponchatoula High School FFA Chapter for obtaining Gold Chapter status and earning the Agriculture Literature Ward.

 

            Ms. Victoria Ott, and Mrs. Elmira Wilkerson, Curriuculm and Instruction Supervisors, presented awards to the parish level winners of the Louisiana School Boards Association Art Contest. The winners are listed below:

 

            1st Place Winners

 

            Destin Kuhn, Natalbany Elementary – Grades K-4

            Kevin Louth, Martha Vinyard Elementary – Grades 5-8

            LeBrian Patrick, Amite High School, Grades 9-12

 

            2nd Place Winners

 

            Chelsea Dugruy, SLU Lab School, Grades K-4

            Talor Drinkard,  Ponchatoula Jr. High, Grades 5-8

            Ronald Putmon, Kentwood High School, Grades 9-12

 

            3rd Place Winners

 

            Samantha Edwards, Amite Elementary, Grades K-4

            Kimberly Guidroz, SLU Lab School, Grades 5-8

            Chris Guagliardo, Hammond High School, Grades 9-12

 

            Mrs. Victoria Ott recognized the winner and finalists in the Tangipahoa Parish School System Logo Contest. Patrice Doolittle, (former student at Loranger High School; presently attending Southeastern Louisiana University) designed the winning logo. She was presented with a plaque and $100.00 donated by Cashe, Lewis, Moody and Coudrain and Board Member Sandra Bailey. The finalists were LeBrian Patrick – Amite High School, David Wilkerson – Ponchatoula High School, Sarah Badon – Ponchatoula High School, and Brandi Kugler – Ponchatoula High School. The finalists received plaques and a gift from Tangipahoa Parish School System.

 

            It was moved by Ms. Dixon, seconded by Mr. Williams, to approve the Capital Outlay and Maintenance Committee Report of  January 16, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved:

 

Approved the renewal of the contract with Morgan Mechanical Services on preventive maintenance inspections at Hammond Eastside, Hammond High, Ponchatoula High, Tangipahoa Parish Special Services Center, Midway Elementary, Natalbany Elementary, and the Loranger Schools, with a 2-year option to renew at the current price.

           

It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Caves, to approve the Finance Committee  Report of  January 8, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved:

 

1.                  Approved the Accounts Payable Check Register dated 11/29/01 – 12/20/01.

2.                  Mr. John Norris addressed the committee regarding the Third Party Administrator’s Service. After discussing the issue, the committee decided not to make a recommendation and refer this item to the full Board for its consideration.

3.                  Approved the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the period July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001.

4.                  Approved bid #01-41, Purchase of School Furniture for 2002.

5.                  Approved the staff recommendation to retain T.A. Harris, Inc., CPA, as the independent auditor for financial and single audits for 6/30/02 year-end, at a cost of $32,000.00.

 

At this point, Mr. Lavern Meades and Mr. A. J. Bodker spoke in public input regarding the football coaching position at Ponchatoula High School.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Hart, to approve the Personnel Committee Report of  January 16, 2002 and Addendum #1 and #2. At this point, Mr. Bardwell indicated that he would like to pull Item 1, part 2 of Addendum #2 (Scott Martin, Teacher/Head Football Coach – Ponchatoula High School) and vote on it separately. It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Hart, to approve the Personnel Committee Report of January 16, 2002, Addendum #1, and #2 with the exception of Item 1, part 2 of Addendum #2. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

            The Board recognized Mr. Sammy Messina, newly appointed Teacher/Head Coach at Loranger High School. Mr. Messina thanked the Board and Mrs. Theriot, Principal at Loranger High School, for their support and the opportunity to serve as football coach at Loranger High School.

 

It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Caves, to approve Item 1 part 2 of Addendum #2 (Scott Martin, Teacher/Head Football Coach – Ponchatoula High School). There was discussion on the item. Mr. Bardwell indicated that he had questions that he would like to address to the attention of Mr. Scott Martin. President Link informed Mr. Martin that he could choose to have the discussion held in either open or closed session. Mr. Martin chose to speak in open session. The Board Attorney indicated that if the character or competence of an individual is to be discussed, the law requires that they be given twenty-four hours written notice. This option can be waived if the person involved chooses to do so. At this point, Mr. Martin indicated that he wished to waive his right to twenty-four hours written notice. Mr. Bardwell addressed several questions to Mr. Martin’s attention, after which President Link called for a vote on Item 1 part 2 of Addendum #2, there was opposition. An electronic vote yielded the following results: eight (8) Yeas and one (1) Nay. Voting yeas were:  Mr. Caves, Mr. Hart, Mr. Williams, Ms. Dixon, Mr. Link, Mrs. Bailey, Mr. Richardson, and Mr. Ardillo; voting Nay: Mr. Bardwell. The motion was adopted. Following are the reports as approved:

 

January 16, 2002

 

LEAVES, RESIGNATIONS, RETIREMENT:

 

Leaves:

Kelli Colona, Teacher – Hammond Westside Primary, Extended sick leave using sick days first due to maternity – May 31, 2002, effective February 22, 2002

Henry Ledbetter, Teacher – Ponchatoula High, Straight leave without pay – May 31, 2002, effective January 22, 2002

 

Resignations:

Mark Colona, Custodian – Loranger High, effective January 22, 2002

 

Retirements:

Charles Baglio, Sr., Custodian – Independence High, effective January 22, 2002

 

ADDENDUM #1

 

1.            TEACHER – NEW HIRE

Deirdra Crane, Teacher – Independence High, effective January 22, 2002, Substitute

 

2.            TEACHER – REHIRE/TRANSFER

Carolyn Ross, From: Special Education Teacher – Independence Elementary To: Speech Therapist – Loranger Middle, effective January 22, 2002, Substitute

 

3.            SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE  EMPLOYEES

Lavern Blevins, From: 4 hour Food Service Worker – Westside Middle,  To: 7 hour Food Service Worker – Westside Middle, effective January 14, 2002

Mary Blevins, From: 4 hour Food Service Worker – Westside Middle,  To: 7 hour Food Service Worker – Amite High, effective January 14, 2002

Rhonda Newman, From 4 hour Food Service Worker – Hammond High,  To: 7 hour Food Service Worker – Hammond Westside, effective January 14, 2002

Brooksie Williams, From: 4 hour Sub Pool – Amite High, To: Permanent 4 hour Food Service Worker – Westside Middle, effective January 14, 2002

Kathy Smith, rehire 4 hour sub pool – Amite High, effective January 16, 2002

Mureal Bridges, new hire 4 hour sub pool at Ponchatoula High, effective January 18, 2002

 

4.            LEAVES – RESIGNATIONS – RETIREMENTS

 

Leaves:

Leola Seals, Teacher – Woodland Park Early Learning Center, Extended sick leave using sick days first due to illness – May 31, 2002, effective January 17, 2002

Tammie Roberts, Teacher – Chesbrough Elementary, Extended sick leave using sick days first due to illness – undetermined, effective January 28, 2002

Michelle Dees, Teacher – Amite Elementary, Straight leave without pay due to personal reasons – May 31, 2002, effective January 22, 2002

Siltanise Montgomery, Teacher – Hammond Jr. High, Extended sick leave using sick days first – May 13, 2002, effective January 31, 2002

Phyllis McCraney, Teacher – Champ Cooper, Extended sick leave using sick days first due to surgery – undetermined, effective January 7, 2002

Maya Levy, Teacher – Westside Middle, Extended sick leave using sick leave days first – May 31, 2002, effective January 7, 2002

 

Retirements:

Robert Greer, Principal – Amite Elementary, effective March 31, 2002

Joan Gabriel, Librarian – Amite High, effective June 2, 2002

 

Resignations:

Sean Baglio, Custodian – Independence Middle, effective January 7, 2002

 

ADDENDUM #2

 

1.      TEACHER – NEW HIRE:

Trenier Mabry, Teacher – Westside Middle, effective February 1, 2002, Substitute “T”

Scott Martin, Teacher/Head Football Coach, Ponchatoula High

 

2.      TEACHER – TRANSFER/RECLASSIFICATION:

Sammy Messina, From: Teacher/Coach – Independence High School, To: Teacher/Head Football Coach – Loranger High

 

3.      SUPPORT PERSONNEL – NEW HIRE:

Chris Moore, Child Specific Aide – 7 hours – Hammond High, effective February 1, 2002

John Fryson, 4 hour sweeper – Nesom Middle, effective February 1, 2002, 6 months probation

 

4.      LEAVES, RESIGNATIONS, RETIREMENTS:

 

 Leaves:

Allison Williams, Paraprofessional – Woodland Park Early Learning Center, Straight leave without pay using sick leave days first due to surgery – March 2, 2002, effective January 16, 2002

 

Resignations:

Angie Bickham, Food Service Worker – Natalbany Elementary, effective January 18, 2002

Beverly Cathy, Teacher – Roseland Elementary, effective January 25, 2002

 

            The Board recognized Mr. Scott Martin, newly hired coach at Ponchatoula High. Mr. Martin thanked the Board, his family, and his other supporters,  for their support and confidence in him and pledged to do a good job at Ponchatoula High School.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to approve the Amite Delegation Report of  January 16, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved:

 

1          Mr. Tony P. Ardillo will remain committee chairman for the year 2002.

 

2.            Approved the low quote of Tangi Construction of LA, Inc., in the amount of $18,676.00 for selective demolition at Roseland Elementary School from Bond Fund 642.

 

3.            Authorized Mr. Mark Kolwe, Administrative Director of Finance and Business Affairs, to obtain prices for clearing  the recently purchased Ponder property adjacent to Amite Elementary School.

 

It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Ardillo, to approve the Independence Board Delegation Committee Report of January 16, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved.

 

1.         Mr. Donnie Williams will remain committee chairman for the year 2002.

 

2.            Authorized the reimbursement of Midway Elementary for the barricade purchased to assist with transportation/bus safety, at a cost of $1,646.00, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

 

3.            Approved the request of Independence Middle School for covered walkways at an estimated cost of $32,600.00 from Bond Fund 645.

 

4.            Approved the replacement of carpet with tile at Midway Elementary School in three (3) offices and a hallway, at an estimated cost of $3,100.00, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

 

5.            Approved the low bid of Brunt Construction for re-roofing of Independence High School, at a cost of $173,300.00, from Bond Fund 645 (prior appropriation  $175,000.00).

 

6.            Approved the low bid of  Roof Masters of America Ltd., LLC, for re-roofing of Midway Elementary School at a cost of $160,318.00 from Bond Fund 645.

 

7.            Approved the low bid of EMC Inc., for re-roofing of the main classroom and cafeteria buildings at Natalbany Elementary School at a cost of $57,000.00 from Bond Fund 645 (prior appropriation $75,000.00).

 

8.            Authorized Mr. Mark Kolwe to have the school system attorney review the proposal to purchase land adjacent to the south property line of Natalbany Elementary School.

 

9.            Authorized the architect to advertise for bids on the following projects from Bond Fund 645:

 

a.                  Nesom Elementary  four (4) classroom addition ($400,000.00 budget)

b.                  Midway Elementary four (4) classroom addition ($480.000.00) budget

c.                  Independence Elementary four (4) classroom addition and office renovations ($498,000.00 budget)

 

10.            Approved the request of Midway Elementary School for computer wiring school-wide (25 classrooms, principal’s office and library) at an estimated cost of $7.500.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds. Work must be completed before March  2002.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mr. Hart, to approve the Loranger Board Delegation Report of January 16, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved.

 

1.         Mrs. Sandra Bailey will remain committee chairman for the year 2002.

 

2.         After lengthy discussion between delegates, principals, community committee and staff, regarding the location of the new school, it was decided to remain with the original 16th Section Land proposal.

 

3.            Authorized the architect to proceed with advertising for bids on the permanent restroom building for Loranger Elementary School, with an estimated budget of $100,000.00.

 

4.         Set an estimated budget of $4,000.00, plus engineer’s fees, per State Fire Marshal’s directive, to provide a fire alarm system at the  Loranger High School Agriculture Building, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

 

5.         Set an estimated budget of $8,500.00, plus engineer’s fees, per State Fire Marshal’s directive, to provide a fire alarm system at the  Loranger Middle School Gymnasium, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

 

It  was moved by  Mr. Hart, seconded  by  Mr. Richardson, to  approve  upgrading the

networking resources used to deliver content and remediation in classrooms, labs and library at Chesbrough Elementary School, in the amount of $3,303.30. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to waive the rules, to discuss the Logo Contest. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

            It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to approve the letterhead with the new logo design with lines down the side of the page. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

President Link spoke during personal privilege and indicated that Mr. Weber would be at the Central Office on January 28, 2002 to discuss redistricting.

 

            President Link indicated that the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Central Office/Maintenance Complex would be held on Saturday, February 2, 2002 at 11:30 a.m. at the building site.

 

            Mrs. Sandra Bailey, spoke in personal privilege and presented information on an “In God We Trust” Poster. She indicated that she would like the Board to encourage the schools to display this poster. This item will be placed on the agenda for the next Board Meeting.

 

            Mr. Bardwell spoke in personal privilege and pledged his continued support of the Tangipahoa Parish School System and Ponchatoula High School.

 

            The Board entered Executive Session.

 

            The Board returned to Open Session.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Ardillo, to authorize the Board Attorney to continue to negotiate a settlement in the case of Patrick Daniel Foster vs Tangipahoa Parish School System. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to authorize the Board Attorney to continue to negotiate a settlement in the case of Karen Thompson and her husband John R. Thompson vs Tangipahoa Parish School System. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Ms. Bailey, to authorize the Board Attorney to appeal the judgment in the case of Dolly Gill vs Jeanette Dees, et al. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

            The case of Frances Chester vs Tangipahoa Parish School System was deferred to a later date.

 

            It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mr. Hart, to adjourn (8:12 p.m.).  Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                Al Link, President

 

Virgil Allen, Secretary-Treasurer

Recorded By: Jo-Ann L. Frazier (1/22/02)