TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

 

February  5, 2002

 

            The Tangipahoa Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, February 5, 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, Donnie Williams, Maxine Dixon,  and Leroy Hart

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:            Jimmy Richardson

 

            Thaddeus Richardson, student – Kentwood High School, gave the invocation, and Brandon Brumfield, student – Kentwood High School, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

            Mrs. Sandra Giannobile spoke in public input regarding changing the date of the Tangipahoa Parish School Board Meetings, and a program called Words Can Heal. This program is a national campaign to eliminate verbal violence, curb gossip and promote the healing power of words to enhance relationships at every level.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to approve the Board Minutes of January 22, 2002 as distributed. Hearing no objection, the motion was  adopted, with Mr. Richardson absent.

 

Administrative Director Mark Kolwe introduced Mr. Mike Parnham of Johnson Controls. Mr. Parnham gave the Board a report on the Energy Management Program. Through Johnson Controls, Inc., a performance contractor, utility costs are saved by analyzing the new air/heat control systems, and educating teachers, students, and other employees about energy conservation measures. The costs for the performance contractor are paid through the energy savings.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Hart, to approve the low bid of Wehrlin Construction co. Inc. for the construction of the Amite High School Auditorium and Music Facilities, in the amount of $2,165,500.00. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Richardson absent.

 

            Mrs. Bailey introduced State Representative A. G. Crowe, who spoke regarding the “In God We Trust” Poster. Representative Crowe donated 100 Posters to the Tangipahoa Parish School System. It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mr. Caves, to direct the Superintendent to encourage principals to display these posters in their schools. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Richardson absent.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Hart, to approve the Personnel Committee Report of  February 5, 2002.  Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Richardson absent. Following is the report as approved:

 

February 5, 2002   

 

  1. SUPPORT PERSONNEL – NEW HIRE

 

Sonja Jackson, Child Specific Attendant – 7 hours – Perrin Early Learning Center, effective February 1, 2002

Victor Noto, Custodian – 8 hours 9 months – Independence Middle, effective February 1, 2002

 

  1. SUPPORT PERSONNEL – TRANSFER/RECLASSIFICATION

 

Cleo Bridges, From: Special Education Paraprofessional – 7 hours – Westside Middle, To: Special Education Paraprofessional – 5 ½ hours – Amite High, effective January 22, 2002

  1. SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE EMPLOYEES

 

Barbara Anthony, From: Sub-pool Natalbany Elementary, To: 7 hour permanent position at Natalbany Elementary, effective February 1, 2002

Theresa Coleman, new hire 4 hour sub at Amite High School, effective January 31, 2002

 

  1. LEAVES, RESIGNATIONS, RETIREMENT:

 

Leaves:

 

Anita Johnson, Teacher – Ponchatoula High, Extended Medical Leave using sick days first due to maternity – April 15, 2002, effective February 8, 2002

Kristi McDonald, Teacher – Midway Elementary, Extended Medical Leave using sick days first due to maternity – August 2002, effective April 25, 2002

Pearlie James, Monitor & Janitor – Chesbrough Elementary, Straight Leave without pay using sick days first due to illness – August 2002, effective January 28, 2002

Tammy Gautier, Paraprofessional – Vinyard Elementary, Straight Leave without pay due to professional reasons – January 2003, effective January 2002

 

Resignations:

 

Nora McDaniel, Intake Specialist – WIA Program, effective January 20, 2002

 

Retirements:

 

Bonnie Greene, School Psychologist, effective January 30, 2002

Barbara Collura, Billing Clerk, Woodland Park Early Learning Center, effective June 1, 2002

Velma Wagner, Food Service Worker – Hammond Westside Primary, effective May 31, 2002

Judith Recotto, Paraprofessional – Woodland Park Early Learning Center, effective May 31, 2002

  

  1. SUBSTITUTE TEACHER LIST

 

It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to approve the Amite Delegation Report of  January 29, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Richardson absent. Following is the report as approved:

 

1.            Approved the cancellation and return of prior appropriated monies to Fund 620 for the following projects at Amite High School:

 

            a.      Toilet Facility Band Building                                    $20,000.00

            b.      Re-roof Ag Building                                             35,000.00

                  Architect Fees                                                                 3,294,00

                                                                        TOTAL      $58,294.00

 

2.            Deferred the item regarding the Amite High School Auditorium and Music Facilities for post-bid information.

 

It was moved by Ms. Dixon, seconded by Mr. Williams, to approve the Hammond Board Delegation Committee Report of January 22, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Richardson absent. Following is the report as approved.

 

  1. Ms. Maxine Dixon will remain as chairperson of the Hammond Delegation Committee for the year 2002.

 

2.            Authorized the staff to establish a budget for upgrading the air conditioning and heating systems at  Woodland Park Early Learning Center.

 

3.            Approved the computer wiring for the Library and Room 138 with power poles in the center of the room at Hammond Eastside Upper Elementary School, at an estimated cost of $2,800.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

 

4.            Approved relocating the chain link fence to include the storage building into the secured area at Crystal Street, at an estimated cost of $3,800.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

 

5.            Deferred item regarding having culvert installed to allow access to the property adjacent to Wal-Mart. Architects to obtain more specific information and report back to delegation at its next meeting.

 

6.         Set a budget of $1,600.00 to purchase equipment for a counseling lab at Hammond Westside Upper Elementary School.

 

7.            Deferred the item regarding the purchase of a commercial water heater for Hammond High School until an assessment of need and usage is completed.

 

It was moved by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. Williams, to approve the items listed below.

Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Richardson absent.

 

1.         Provide covered walkway from south annex building to old agriculture building at an estimated cost of $10,000.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

 

2.         Provide fire alarm system in old agriculture building as per State Fire Marshal at an estimated cost of $3,000.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

 

3.         Provide fire alarm system in the gymnasium as per State Fire Marshal at an estimated cost of $8,500.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

 

4.         Provide storage building for Chesbrough Elementary at an estimated cost of $6,000.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

 

5.         Provide one (1) modular classroom building for Sumner High School at an estimated cost of $45,000.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Caves, to grant permission for Mrs. Rene` Durio, 504 Coordinator, to attend the National Dyslexia Conference in New York. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Richardson absent.

 

            President Link spoke in personal privilege and requested an update on the Seven (7) Period Day. This report will  be placed on the agenda for the March Board Meeting.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to enter Executive Session to discuss the case of Frances Chester v Tangipahoa Parish School System. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Richardson absent.

 

            The Board entered Executive Session.

 

            The Board returned to Open Session.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Caves seconded by Mr. Williams, to authorize the Board’s attorney to proceed with a settlement in the Case of Frances Chester v Tangipahoa Parish School System. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Richardson absent.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, to adjourn (7:15 p.m.).  Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Richardson absent.

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                                                Al Link, President

 

Virgil Allen, Secretary-Treasurer

Recorded By: Jo-Ann L. Frazier (2/05/02)