The Tangipahoa
Parish School Board met in regular session on
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jimmy
Richardson, Tony Paul Ardillo, Jr., Al Link,
MEMBERS
ABSENT: Leroy Hart, Donnie
Williams, Sr., and
President Link expressed appreciation to Mrs.
Sandra Bailey for graciously accepting the responsibility for preparing and
coordinating the program in memory of the tragic events of
It will be remembered forever, that on
Over 2500 people lost
their lives in the collapse of the
Also, tragically, many
fire fighters, policemen, and others gave their lives in trying to rescue those
trapped in the
To begin the ceremony, Miss Brooke Alston, student,
Posting of the Colors was
done by members of the Amite High School Jr. R.O.T.C. The Pledge of Allegiance
to the Flag was led by Miss Amanda Sciortino,
student,
Miss Lindsey Cardinale, student,
Miss Whitney
Boudreaux, student,
a safer environment. She also
thanked the Tangipahoa Parish School Board for all they have accomplished for
the schools. Miss Boudreaux stated that the memory of the twin towers crashing
to the ground is imbedded in the memory of all who witnessed this in
The Preamble to the Constitution of the
Master Sergeant Marvin Vernon, Senior Marine
Instructor with Amite High School Jr. R.O.T.C spoke in regard to the importance
of the support of freedom by all citizens. Master Sergeant Vernon stated it
would be fitting; as we memorialize the events of
sergeant Michael Barnes of the United States Marine Recruiting Office, who administered the Oath of Commitment. to all. present.
The Board recognized fire fighters and law enforcement officers present at this meeting, as well as all fire fighters and law enforcement personnel in the parish, for their service and dedication. They received a standing ovation from all present in the meeting room.
Fire Chief Bruce Cutrer of
Fire District No.1 in Amite, representing the Fire Service of Tangipahoa
Parish, expressed appreciation that the Board had seen fit to memorialize the
events of
At this time all present stood in a moment of silence
in memory of JOE WAYNE CUTRER, fire fighter/operator with the Amite Fire
Department, who died on
The ceremonies came to a close with the singing of a
medley of "God Bless
President
Link, on behalf of the School Board, expressed appreciation to all police
officers and fire fighters, who
willingly place themselves in harm's way for their communities.
Mrs. Bailey
thanked all present for their cooperation and participation in the
commemorative ceremonies.
President
Link stated the Board would now observe a short recess.
Upon returning to open session, President Link
recognized Mr.
Mr. Bosch stated that at this time of commemoration
of a time of sadness, when many loved
ones were taken away, he recalled the names of members of the. school community who were taken by death also, including
principals, supervisors, board members, teachers, and others, and the
difficulty we have in understanding the loss and bearing the grief. He read the
following in tribute to our dead, with the thought that this will give some
solace to family and friends.
DEATH OF A LOVED ONE
Grief is overwhelming when a loved one dies.
We turn our faces upward with tears forming in our eyes. "Oh, God, why did this good person's life end this day, When you allow evil persons upon our earth to stay?"
This eternal question shows man's foolishly short vision, And our fickle forgetfulness of Christ's grand provision.
A little boy once asked his mother, "What's it like to die"?
She thought a moment before she gave her well-thought-out reply. "Son do you remember when you fell asleep on Grandma's rug,
And you woke up the next morning in your own bed all safe and snug? Well, your Daddy picked you up in his arms with loving care,
He carried you home and tucked you in with your cuddly Teddy Bear. Son, dying is a lot like falling asleep at Grandma's house, you see Except that Jesus comes to take you home with him for all eternity."
This mother's simple explanation to her little son,
Tells the story of the victory that
Jesus Christ has won.
We can all
take comfort in the knowledge of His act of love, And
rejoice that we will one day see our loved ones in Heaven up above.
By Joe Bosch,
A tiny, well-pruned twig grafted onto His vine.
********
Mr. Bosch also shared with the Board, and all
present, the following, in tribute to
our teachers, who are dedicated and untiring in their service to our children,
our communities and our country.
GOD CREATED THE FIRST TEACHER
On the 6th day, God created men and women.
On the 7th day, He rested. Not so much to recuperate,
but rather to prepare Himself for the work He was going to do on the next day.
For it was on that day, the 8th day, that God created the FIRST TEACHER.
This TEACHER, though taken from among men and women,
had several significant modifications. In general, God made the TEACHER more
durable than other men and women. The TEACHER was made to arise at a very early
hour and go to bed no earlier than
Yes, God made the TEACHER tough...but gentle, too. The TEACHER was equipped with soft hands to wipe away the tears of the neglected and lonely student...and the tears of the sixteen-year-old girl who was not asked to the prom.
And into the TEACHER God poured a generous amount of patience. Patience when a student asks to repeat the directions the TEACHER has just repeated for someone else. Patience when the kids forget their lunch money for the fourth day in a row. Patience when one-third of the class fails the test. Patience when the textbooks haven't arrived yet, and the semester starts tomorrow.
And God gave the teacher a heart slightly bigger than the average human heart. For the TEACHER’S heart had to be big enough to love the kid who screams, “I hate this class—it’s boring,” and to love the kid who runs out of the classroom at the end of the period without so much as a “good-bye,” let alone a “thank you.”
And lastly, God gave the TEACHER an abundant supply
of HOPE. For God knew that the TEACHER
would always be hoping. Hoping that the kids would someday learn how to
spell...Hoping not to have bus duty. Hoping that Friday would come...Hoping for
a free day...Hoping for deliverance...
When God finished creating the TEACHER, He stepped
back and admired the work of His hands. And God saw that the TEACHER was good.
Very Good! And God smiled, for when He looked at the TEACHER, He saw
into the future. He knew that the future is in the hands of the TEACHERS. And because God
loves TEACHERS so much, on the 9th day God created "Summer Vacation!"
Author Unknown
Lament of an Ancient Teacher
In the wee hours of the morning when sleep won't return. When my back begins to ache, and I fretfully toss and turn review life's inventory of people's lives touched by me.
I taught
My students taught me much about life and all its quirks, About how the slowest student is capable of great works.
My Sixth Grade students, in the passage of the years, Have known successes, and stand tall among their peers. Doctors, lawyers, businessmen, nurses, and great teachers, A police chief, deputies, and even missionaries to all creatures.
In the wee hours of the morning when sleep won't return. When my back begins to ache, and I fretfully toss and turn.
In my solitary contemplation, I wipe a tear from each flowing eye, When I remember my dear students who early had to die. I wish someone had called me to come stand by their side, I think I could have saved the two who committed suicide.
In the wee hours of the morning when sleep won't return. When my back begins to ache, and I fretfully toss and turn.
I think about the life I've led, and my many bad mistakes, And I thank God for Jesus who came to die for all our sakes. I pray that I will have the strength to follow God's plan for me And that I have been a Christian light for all my kids to see.
Written in the wee hours of the morning by Joe Bosch
************
President Link expressed appreciation to Mr. Bosch for sharing the foregoing tributes.
President Link noted that there were no requests for public input at this meeting.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mrs.
Bailey, that the minutes of
Mrs. Bailey requested that Superintendent Allen send
a letter to principals at each school, recommending that they have some type of
memorial of
President Link announced that a public hearing would now be held for input from anyone wishing to speak regarding the proposed budget of the Tangipahoa Parish School Board, for the
fiscal year 2002-2003.
There were no speakers.
It was moved by Mr. Richardson, seconded by Mrs. Dixon, that the proposed budget of the Tangipahoa Parish School Board for the fiscal year 2002-2003 be approved as presented by the staff. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart, Mr. Williams and Mr. Caves absent.
Mr. Mark Kolwe, Administrative Director of Business Affairs, encouraged the Board and citizens in the community to review the budget, which gives a good picture of the financial condition of the school system and its operations.
President
Link expressed the Board's appreciation and confidence in the staff in
preparation of the budget.
BUDGET RESOLUTION
The following resolution was offered by Mr.
Richardson and seconded by
Mrs. Dixon:
A resolution adopting,
finalizing and implementing the General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Capital
Projects Fund Budgets of the Tangipahoa Parish School Board for the fiscal year
beginning
WHEREAS, Virgil Allen, in his capacity as chief administrative officer of the Tangipahoa Parish School Board prepared, with the assistance of Mark Kolwe, Administrative Director of Finance & Support Services, proposed General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Capital Projects Fund Budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2002 and ending June 30, 2003, which was accompanied by a budget adoption resolution; and
WHEREAS, the proposed General Fund, Special
Revenue Fund, and Capital Projects Fund Budgets and the accompanying budget
adoption resolution have been submitted to this School Board for review and
consideration; and
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing on the
proposed General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Capital Projects Fund Budgets,
notice of the availability of the proposed budgets for review at such hearing
and a general summary of the proposed budgets have been timely published in the
Daily Star; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing on the proposed
General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Capital Projects Fund Budgets has now
been reviewed and considered; now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board
that the proposed General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and Capital Projects Fund
Budgets are hereby approved, adopted, and finalized subject to the following
changes.
1.
2.
3.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the
Secretary-Treasurer of the School Board, Virgil Allen, or his successor, is
hereby authorized and in his sole discretion, to make such changes within the
various budget classifications as he may deem necessary provided that any
reallocation of funds affecting in excess of five percent (5%) of the projected
revenue collections must be approved in advance by action of the School Board
at a meeting duly noticed and convened.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the
Superintendent of the School Board, Virgil Allen, or his successor, in his
capacity as chief administrative officer of the School Board, is hereby
directed to advise the School Board in writing when:
1.
Revenue
collections plus projected revenue collections for the remainder of the year,
within a fund are failing to meet estimated annual budgeted revenues by five
percent (5%) or more.
2. Actual expenditures plus projected expenditures for the remainder of the year, within a fund, are exceeding the estimated budgeted expenditures by five percent (5%) or more, or
3. The actual beginning fund balance, within a fund, fails to meet the estimated beginning fund balance by five percent (5%) or more, and the fund balance is being used to fund current year expenditures.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
that the Secretary-Treasurer of the School Board, Virgil Allen, or his
successor, shall certify completion of all actions required by Louisiana R.S.
39: 1306 by publishing a notice of the minutes of the meeting in the Daily
Star.
This Resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was
as follows:
YEAS: Jimmy Richardson, Tony P. Ardillo, Jr., Al Link,
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Leroy Hart, Donnie Williams, Sr., and
Budget Summary
of All Funds
Fiscal Year
2002-2003
Total
Budget
Special Debt Capital
General Revenue Service Projects
Revenues Fund Fund Fund Fund Total
Local Revenues $14,462,433 $5,873,859 $6,955,364 $2,553,157 $29,844,813
State Revenues 68,990,447 2,554,862 0 0 71,545,309
Federal Revenues 152,257 23,653,293 0 0 23,805,550
Total Revenues 83,605,137 32,082,014 6,955,364 2,553,157 125,195,672
Expenditures
Regular Programs 45,443,812 7,890,909 24,991 53,359,712
Vocational Education Programs 2,198,291 261,905 2,460,196
Special Education Programs 11,307,646 1,880,076 13,187,7'22
Special Programs 1,235,169 1,235,169
Adult Education Programs 4,841 375,179 380,020
Pupil Support Services 2,982,733 928,896 3,911,629
Instructional Staff Services 2,309,358 1,515,925 3,825,283
General Administration 807,108 50,263 134,875 992,246
School Administration 4,935,642 155,702 5,091,344
Business Services 730,347 41,192 771,539
Maintenance of Plant 3,539,168 4,960,402 8,499,570
Student Transportation Services 6,703,588 349,585 7,053,173
Central Services 944,932 109,576 1,054,508
Child Nutrition Program 78,000 7,401,138 7,479,138
Community Services 7,650 5,594,079 5,601,729
Debt Service 533,125 7,021,111 7,554,236
Facility Acquisition & Construction 3,858,596 610,697 0 8,112,121 12,581,414
Total Expenditures 86,384,837 33,360,693 7,155,986 8,137,112 135,038,528
Other Sources of Funds 765,963 1,896,584 0 18,221 2,680,768
Other Uses of Funds 1,844,859 1,307,803 0 43,460 3,196,122
Total Other Sources & Uses (1,078,896) 588,781 0 (25,239) (515,354)
EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) (3,858,596) (689,898) (200,622) (5,609,194) (10,358,310)
Beginning Fund Balance 10,590,473 7,564,721 3,153,932 15,362,913 36,672,039
Ending Fund Balance $6,731,877 $6,874,823 $2,953,310 $9,753,719 $26,313,729
Mr. Carl
Bardwell, Chairman of the Finance Committee, reported that a meeting of the
committee had been held at
Mr. John
Norris, Insurance Consultant, discussed renewal quotations received for
liability, workers comp and student insurance policies, as presented to the
Board in a memorandum dated
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, that the Board approve the recommendation of Mr. John Norris, Insurance Consultant, for renewal of Property and Liability insurance coverage for 2002, with Emory James/St. Paul, at $ 578,213.00. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart, Mr. Williams and Mr. Caves absent.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Richardson, that the Board accept the recommendation of Mr. John Norris, Insurance Consultant, regarding the G-16 Exclusion on
terrorism, mold, and computer virus. Hearing no objection the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart, Mr. Williams and Mr. Caves absent.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Richardson, that the Board approve the recommendation of Mr. John Norris, Insurance Consultant, for renewal of workers compensation insurance for 2002, with RSL Safety National, at $ 22,499.00. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Caves absent.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, that the Board accept the recommendation of Mr. John Norris Insurance Consultant, for Non-Athletic Student Activity Insurance for $ 1,610.00, and Blanket Field Trip Insurance for $ 4,500.00, for 2002, with Taylor & Sons Insurance/Guide One. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart, Mr. Williams and Mr. Caves absent.
Superintendent Allen and President Link expressed appreciation for the services of Mr. John Norris, Insurance Consultant.
The Personnel Committee report of
Following is the
Personnel Committee Report of
1. Teacher – New Hire
2. Teacher Rehire
Schellia Wright,
Teacher – Hammond Jr. High, effective
Patricia Braase, Teacher – Natalbany
Elementary, effective
3. Teacher – Rehire/Transfer
Sherri
Weymouth, From: Special Education Teacher – Hammond Westside Upper, To: Special
Education Teacher – Hammond Jr. High, effective
4. Support Personnel – New Hire
Charles Taylor, Janitor (6 hours 9
months) – Sumner High, effective
Toni Fitzgerald, ISSP Monitor –
Sumner High, effective
Owen Huren, III, Custodian – (7 hours 11 months) – Amite
Elementary, effective
Sharon Smith,
Lunchroom Monitor – 3 hours – Champ Cooper Elementary, effective
5. Support Personnel New Hire
Toni Kanter, Title 1 Computer Lab Paraprofessional – Natalbany Elementary, effective
6. School Food Service Employees
Shalonda Williams, New Hire 4 hour Sub-pool Hammond
High, effective
Kathy Smith, New Hire 4 hour
Sub-pool Amite High, effective
Colleen Gelvins,
New Hire 4 hour Sub-pool
Amite High, effective
Shawandra Cooper,
New Hire 4 hour Sub-pool Hammond High, effective
Glenda Smith, New Hire 4 hour
Sub-pool Hammond High, effective
Cindy Crowe,
New Hire 4 hour Sub-pool Loranger Elementary, effective
Ethel Ferdinand, New Hire 4 hour
Sub-pool Kentwood High, effective
Elizabeth Williams, New Hire 4 hour
Sub-pool Nesom Middle, effective
Heidi Andrews, New Hire 4 hour
Sub-pool Ponchatoula High, effective
Vonda Smith, New Hire 4 hour
Sub-pool Sumner High, effective
Debra Kimble, New Hire 4 hour
Sub-pool Sumner High, effective
Lillie Pines, New Hire 4 hour
Sub-pool Ponchatoula High, effective
Elaine Davis, From:
7 hours Loranger, To: 4 hours – Loranger, effective
Elaine
Rogers, From: 7 hours – Hammond Westside Elementary,
To: 7 hours Natalbany Elementary, effective
Juanita
Danna, From: 8 hour Manager – Independence High, To: 7
hour Production Manager – Independence High, effective
7. Substitute Teacher List
1. TEACHER -NEW HIRE:
Ashley
Fletcher, Speech Therapist,
2. TEACHER -REHIRE
Tracey
Sanders, Special Ed. Teacher, Chesbrough Effective
Elizabeth
Daniels, Special Ed. Effective
Dana Bickford, Special Ed. Teacher, Effective
3. SUPPORT PERSONNEL- NEW HIRE
Levar James,
Programmer/Analyst, Central Office, Effective
4. SUPPORT PERSONNEL -REHIRE
Ellender Tillis, Child Specific Attendant, Ponchatou1a Junior High,
Effective
5. LEAVES, RESIGNATIONS, RETIREMENTS
LEAVE:
Angela Fletcher, Teacher, Loranger E1em.-(Jan. 6,
2003) Effective
RETIREMENT:
Phyllis Edwards, Teacher, Westside Middle Effective
1. TEACHER -NEW HIRE
Angelle Sims,
Teacher,
2. SUPPORT
PERSONNEL - NEW HIRE
Dorothy
Williams, Child Specific Aide,
3. SUPPORT PERSONNEL -TRANSFER
Jeri Hinson, From School Secretary, Perrin Early L.C.
to School Secretary,
Sharon Dupuy,
From Office Ass't.
4. TRANSPORTATION
-NEW HIRE
Devoria Brown, Bus Aide, 4
hours,
5. Transportation
- Transfer
Cynthia Baglio, From Bus 9-1 to Bus 13-1 Independence Schools
6. LEAVES/RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS
LEAVES:
Irma Evans, School Food Worker, Chesbrough E1em. Sick
Leave, using sick days first (undetermined) Eff.
James Keith, Bus Driver 21-H, Straight Leave Without
Pay 2002-2003
RESIGNATIONS:
Charles Thomas. Teacher Ponchatou1a High,
Debora Faye Gordon, School Food Service Sumner High,
Sandra Henderson, Paraprofessional, FPJDC,
Landry Kinchen, Custodian,
RETIREMENT:
George Gerald Hyde, Teacher, Sumner High,
The 16th
Section Ad Hoc Committee report of
Mr. Kolwe brought to the Board's attention, the
matter regarding property purchased by the Board
It was moved by Mr. Ardillo, seconded by Mrs. Bailey, that the Board approve the following:
a. Substantial completion of Nesom 4-classroom addition
b. Substantial completion
of Kentwood Elementary Modular Toilet/Changing Facility
c. Substantial completion of
Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart, Mr. Williams and Mr. Caves absent.
Speaking in personal privilege, Mr. Tony Ardillo
inquired regarding his request made at the
Mr. Allen reported that personnel in the State Dept. informed him that the guidelines are self-explanatory, and all they could do would be to come over and read what they have. If there is a need for them to send further written statements they would do so. Mr. Mabry is working with Ms. Ott to make certain we are within the guidelines. Mr. Allen stated there has been much scrutiny by parents. The staff is following the guidelines to the letter.
Speaking in personal privilege, Mr. Jimmy Richardson called the attention of the Board and
Superintendent Allen to the problems of 4th and 8th grade teachers, who receive
students at
those levels who have not learned what they should have at previous grade levels. These teachers are having to make up the difference by teaching students what they should have already learned in prior grades. He inquired as to what is being done to insure that students are learning what they must.
Superintendent Allen stated that every effort is being made, and funds utilized, to add teachers in K-1-2-3, to keep the teacher-pupil ratio at 20-1. All other grades have higher ratios. Objectives have been aligned with textbooks and supplemental materials are also being provided.
Parents are
notified when tests will be given. Some children did not come to summer
remediation. We must stress to parents that they must send their children.
Mr.
Richardson recommended that the general public needs to be made aware that
measures are being put in place to insure that students will be capable of
successful completion of the LEAP tests.
Orientation programs are held for teachers who teach in summer remediation to make certain that all are teaching the same material, so that every student will have the same advantage.
With regard to high school programs, schools are being encouraged to share successful programs with other high schools.
Mr. Allen stated that programs are in place to help schools improve the performance of students. Letters are mailed to every parent for every child.
Mr.
Richardson called attention to the matter that some teachers are putting in
extra hours at the schools, without air conditioning, and it is extremely hot.
Superintendent Allen stated that teachers or janitors can override the air conditioning management controls in the school, when needed. They should make certain, however, that not all of the air conditioners in the school are operating only those needed.
It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mrs. Dixon that the Board enter executive session to consider the following:
Audrey Self vs TPSB
Debra Taylor on behalf of her minor child Brent Taylor vs TPSB
Denise Bellazen on behalf of Her minor children Rosilyn Bellazen and
Melody Bellazen vs TPSB
Chandra Patrick vs TPSB
Marena Montelone Donaldson vs TPSB
Albert J. Toups III etal vs TPSB and Dora Warren
Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Caves absent.
The Board returned to open session.
It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mrs. Dixon, that the Board approve the recommendation of its Attorney, Mr. Chris Moody, that he be authorized to settle in the matters regarding Audrey Self vs TPSB, and Chandra Patrick vs TPSB, with terms as discussed in executive session. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Caves absent.
It was moved by Mrs. Bailey, seconded by Mrs. Dixon, that the Board approve the recommendation of its Attorney, Mr. Chris Moody, that he be authorized to take the following matters to court:
Debra Taylor on behalf of her minor child Brent Taylor vs. TPSB
Denise Bellazen on behalf of her minor children Rosilyn Bellazen and
Melody Bellazen vs TPSB
Marena Montelone Donaldson vs TPSB
Albert J. Toups, III et al vs TPSB and Dora Warren
Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Hart, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Caves absent, and with Mr. Tony Ardillo abstaining from voting on the matter of Debra Taylor on behalf of her minor child Brent Taylor vs TPSB.
It was moved by Mr. Carl
Bardwell, and duly seconded, that the meeting be
Respectfully Submitted,
Al Link, President
VIRGIL ALLEN
Secretary-Treasurer
Recorded by Margaret Lee, Substitute Recorder