TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

 

December 9, 2003

 

            The Tangipahoa Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, December 9, 2003, at 6:30 p.m., in the School Board Meeting Room, School Board Office, 59656 Puleston Road, Amite, Louisiana, with President Robert Caves, Presiding.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:           Robert Caves,  Al Link,  Carl Bardwell, Sandra Bailey-Simmons, Leonard Genco, Robert Potts,  Donnie Williams, Jimmy A. Richardson, I and  Maxine Dixon 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:             None   

           

Mrs. Sandra Bailey-Simmons, Board Member – District H, introduced students from Northwood High School. The students gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Also, Northwood High School rendered several musical selections.

 

It was moved by Mr. Genco, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to approve the Board Minutes of November 4, 2003 as distributed. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

           

            Mrs. Karen Bell, President of Tangipahoa Association of Educators (TAE), addressed the Board during public input. She thanked the Board for the Supplementary check that was recently given to Tangipahoa Parish School System employees.

 

Mrs. Doris Flanagan, Tangipahoa Parish Federation of Teachers Representative, spoke in public input regarding the National Board Certified Teachers. She requested that a local supplement be given to teachers who earn this certification.

 

The Board requested that the Superintendent submit a report to them regarding implementing a supplement for National Board Certified Teachers.

 

Students from Westside Middle School spoke in public input regarding “Prayer in the Schools.”

 

            Mr. Bardwell spoke regarding establishing an Enos “Jake” Bailey Memorial. As proposed by Mr. Bardwell, by joint motion and second, the Board proposed naming the Executive Session Meeting Room, the Enos “Jake” Bailey Meeting Room. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

            Mr. Tim Bailey thanked Mr. Bardwell for the kind words regarding his father. He stated that he was deeply honored and grateful to have the Executive Session Room named after his father.

 

            Mrs. Rachel Bailey Robbins also expressed her gratitude for the honor bestowed on her father. She stated that her father always said that it was all about the children – children were fragile and precious.

 

            Mrs. Sandra Bailey-Simmons spoke regarding her late husband, “Mr. Enos “Jake” Bailey and his dedication to the Tangipahoa Parish School System.

 

The Parish School Board for the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana, the governing authority of School District No. 39A (Independence) of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana, met in regular session on Tuesday, December 9, 2003, at 6:30 o'clock p.m., at the regular meeting place of said School Board, the School Board Office, 59656 Puleston Road, Amite, Louisiana, pursuant to notice duly posted in the manner required by law.

 

The following members were present:    Mrs. Sandra Bailey-Simmons, Mr. Carl Bardwell,

Mr. Robert Caves, Mrs. Maxine Dixon,

                                                                        Mr. Leonard Genco, Mr. Al Link, Mr. Robert Potts,

Mr. Jimmy Richardson, and Mr. Donnie Williams

 

 

 

The following members were absent:     None

 

The meeting was called to order and the roll called with the above result.

 

The President then announced the next item on the agenda was to adopt a resolution authorizing the adoption and distribution of a covenant with the voters of School District No. 39A of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana, on the proposition to issue not to exceed $3,200,000 of general obligation bonds for the purpose of renovating, constructing and acquiring additions and improvements to the Independence Middle School and purchasing land within the District. The following resolution, copies of which were made available to all members of the School Board and all other persons present who desired a copy, was presented and explained by bond counsel and discussed fully by the Board. The President then called for pubic comment on the said resolution in compliance with L.R.S. 42:5.1. After everyone wishing to speak had been heard and full discussion had by the School Board, the following resolution was offered by  Mr. Genco, seconded by Mr. Link, and adopted by the following vote:

 

YEAS:             Mrs. Sandra Bailey-Simmons, Mr. Carl Bardwell, Mr. Robert Caves,

Mrs. Maxine Dixon, Mr. Leonard Genco, Mr. Al Link, Mr. Robert Potts,

Mr. Jimmy Richardson, and Mr. Donnie Williams

 

NAYS:             None

 

ABSENT:        None

 

And the resolution provides as follows:

 

RESOLUTION

 

A Resolution adopting an official statement of covenants and conditions on which the voters may rely in determining how they will cast their votes in the bond election set for January 17, 2004, the proceeds of which will be used to pay a portion of the costs of renovating, constructing, and acquiring additions and improvements to the Independence Middle School in School District No. 39A (Independence) of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana, together with other school related facilities and equipment and furnishings therefor, including acquiring the land within the District.

 

WHEREAS, the renovating, constructing and acquiring of additions and improvements to the Independence Middle School and other school related facilities in School District No. 39A (Independence) of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana (the "District"), is necessary to provide for the increasing numbers of public elementary and secondary school children of the District; and

 

WHEREAS, after careful study and review, and after receiving and considering public input, it has been determined that the plan for the improvement of the school buildings of the District should provide for the renovating, constructing and acquiring of additions and improvements to the Independence Middle School and other school related facilities, together with all necessary equipment and furnishings therefor, including acquiring land within the District; and

 

WHEREAS, the cost of said plan of improvement and land acquisition is estimated to be not less than $3,200,000 which includes costs of land acquisition, construction, materials and site work; engineering and professional fees; legal fees, publication fees and other costs of issuance; and

 

WHEREAS, the Parish School Board for the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of School District No. 39(A) (Independence) (the "Governing Authority") has determined that the proposed $3,200,000 general obligation bond issue (the

 

 

 

 

"Bonds") should be proceeded with, and accordingly, has adopted a resolution calling a special election to issue the Bonds, as set forth in the following proposition:

 

PROPOSITION SUMMARY: AUTHORITY TO ISSUE $3,200,000, 20-YEAR, GENERAL OBLIGATION SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 39A OF THE PARISH OF TANGIPAHOA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING THE COST OF ACQUIRING LAND WITHIN SAID DISTRICT AND PAYING A PORTION OF THE COST OF RENOVATING, CONSTRUCTING AND ACQUIRING ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO INDEPENDENCE MIDDLE SCHOOL, TOGETHER WITH OTHER SCHOOL RELATED FACILITIES, AND EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGS THEREFOR.

 

Shall School District No. 39A (Independence) of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana (the "District"), incur debt and issue bonds in the amount of $3,200,000 to run twenty (20) years from the date thereof, with interest at a rate not to exceed eight percent (8%) per annum, for the purpose of paying the cost of acquiring land within the District, and paying a portion of the cost of renovating, constructing and acquiring additions and improvements to Independence Middle School, together with all the necessary equipment and furnishings therefor, title to which shall be

in the public, which bonds shall be general obligations of the District and will be payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied and collected in the manner provided by Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 and statutory authority supplemental thereto?

 

and

 

WHEREAS, the resolution calling the election on January 17, 2004, provides that all registered voters in the District will be entitled to vote on the said election day between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and voting machines will be used to conduct the election, and all regular voting precincts will be used, as more fully set forth in the Notice of Special Election to be published in the Hammond Daily Star, once a week for four consecutive weeks;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Authority, as follows:

 

SECTION 1. Covenants with the Voters. The Governing Authority does hereby obligate itself and its successors in office to carry out the following covenants with the qualified electors of the District with respect to the expenditure of the proceeds of the Bonds as set forth in the proposition submitted to the voters for approval in the special election to be conducted on January 17, 2004, and as set forth in the Covenant attached hereto as Exhibit A:

(1)        Proceeds of the Bonds will be expended to construct new classrooms and administration areas for Independence Middle School.

 

(2)        The existing gymnasium, dining area and certain classroom wings will remain in use as part of Independence Middle School.

 

(3)        The oldest classroom building and administration area will be demolished.

 

(4)        The new classrooms at Independence Middle School will include classroom space for special education, general studies and an in-school suspension program.

 

(5)        The administration areas will include: principal's office, general office, waiting areas, teacher's lounge, nurses station, work room and other necessary spaces.

 

(6)               Renovations include six classrooms and toilet wing, dining area and gymnasium.

 

(7)               Proceeds of the Bonds will be used for the acquisition of land within the District.

 

(8)               Proceeds of the Bonds will be expended for site work including: Covered walks, bus drop, off, parent drop off, driveways, parking, fencing and other features as necessary.

 

(9)        The proceeds of the Bonds will be expended for the purposes stated in, and in compliance with, the proposition presented to the voters in the January 17, 2004 election as set forth above.

 

SECTION 2. Proposition controlling. Nothing contained in the covenants contained in this resolution shall be construed as amending the general obligation bond proposition to be voted on in the election of January 17, 2004.

 

SECTION 3. Changes in Plan of Improvement. It is anticipated that changes in the school facilities needs of the District may occur that cannot be presently foreseen. Accordingly, the power to make changes in the above describe plan of improvement is reserved to the Governing Authority, but the Governing Authority may authorize only such changes as are consistent with the above described proposition. Substantial or material changes to the above described plan will be made only after the holding of a public hearing.

 

SECTION 4. Plans and Specifications. The additions and improvements to the Independence Middle School will be constructed pursuant to plans and specifications prepared by the District's architect and approved by the Governing Authority, and said plans and specifications will be made available for public inspection and comment. The construction contract will be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder after receipt of sealed bids, pursuant to advertisement, in strict compliance with the Public Bid Law of the State of Louisiana.

 

SECTION 5. Execution of Covenants. The President and Secretary shall cause signed copies of this resolution, together with signed copies of the Covenant-2004 School District No. 39A of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana, attached hereto as Exhibit A, (and other facts relevant to the January 17, 2004 election) to be made available to all members of the public.

 

And the resolution was declared adopted on this the 9th day of December, 2003.

 

PARISH SCHOOL BOARD FOR THE PARISH OF TANGIPAHOA, STATE OF LOUISIANA

 

 

 

____________________________________            ____________________________________

Louis L. Joseph, Secretary                                                        Robert Caves, President

 

           

EXHIBIT A

 

 

COVENANTS

 

FOR THE

 

INDEPENDENCE MIDDLE SCHOOL

 

BOND PROPOSITION DISTRICT 39 A

 

JANUARY 17, 2004

 

 

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

 

 

 

LEONARD "TANK" GENCO

AL LINK

REV. JIMMY A. RICHARDSON

DONNIE WILLIAMS

 

 

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

MALCOLM "MICKEY" MIZELL, PRINCIPAL

INDEPENDENCE MIDDLE SCHOOL

 

 

 

 

TANGIP AHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

LOUIS JOSEPH, SUPERINTENDENT

 

COVENANT -2004

SCHOOL DISTRICT No. 39A OF THE PARISH OF TANGIPAHOA, STATE OF LOUISIANA

 

Statement of Intention

 

 

It is the intention of the Tangipahoa Parish School Board (the "School Board") to provide the voters with official binding commitments with respect to the use of the proceeds of $3,200,000 of general obligation bonds of Independence School District 39A of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana (the "District") if the proposition to authorize said Bonds is approved by the voters at an election to be held in the District on January 17, 2004. To set forth the binding commitments, the School Board adopted the following resolution on December 9, 2003, which is intended to constitute a contract between the voters of the District and the School Board of the Parish of Tangipahoa, Louisiana acting as the Governing Authority of the District, as. presently and hereafter constituted, enforceable in a court of law to the fullest extent authorized by law, said resolution providing as follows:

 

RESOLUTION

 

A Resolution adopting an official statement of covenants and conditions on which the voters may rely in determining how they will cast their votes in the bond election set for January 17, 2004, the proceeds of which will be used to pay a portion of the costs of renovating, constructing, and acquiring additions and improvements to the Independence Middle School in School District No. 39A (Independence) of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana, together with other school related facilities and equipment and furnishings therefor, including acquiring the land within the District.

 

WHEREAS, the renovating, constructing and acquiring of additions and improvements to the Independence Middle School and other school related facilities in School District No. 39A (Independence) of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana (the "District"), is necessary to provide for the increasing numbers of public elementary and secondary school children of the District; and

 

WHEREAS, after careful study and review, and after receiving and considering public input, it has been determined that the plan for the improvement of the school buildings of the District should provide for the renovating, constructing and acquiring of additions and improvements to the Independence Middle School and other school related facilities, together with all necessary equipment and furnishings therefor, including acquiring land within the District; and

 

 

WHEREAS, the cost of said plan of improvement and land acquisition is estimated to be not less than $3,200,000 which includes costs of land acquisition, construction, materials and site work; engineering and professional fees; legal fees, publication fees and other costs of issuance; and

 

WHEREAS, the Parish School Board for the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of School District No. 39(A) (Independence) (the "Governing Authority") has determined that the proposed $3,200,000 general 9bligation bond issue (the "Bonds") should be proceeded with, and accordingly, has adopted a resolution calling a special election to issue the Bonds, as set forth in the following proposition:

 

PROPOSITION

 

SUMMARY: AUTHORITY TO ISSUE $3,200,000, 20-YEAR, GENERAL OBLIGATION SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 39A OF THE PARISH OF TANGIPAHOA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING THE COST OF ACQUIRING LAND WITHIN SAID DISTRICT AND PAYING A PORTION OF THE COST OF RENOVATING, CONSTRUCTING AND ACQUIRING ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO INDEPENDENCE MIDDLE SCHOOL, TOGETHER WITH OTHER SCHOOL RELATED FACILITIES, AND EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGS THEREFOR.

 

Shall School District No. 39A (Independence) of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana (the "District"), incur debt and issue bonds in the amount of $3,200,000 to run twenty (20) years

from the date thereof, with interest at a rate not to exceed eight percent (8%) per annum, for the purpose of paying the cost of acquiring land within the District, and paying a portion of the cost of renovating, constructing and acquiring additions and improvements to Independence Middle School, together with all the necessary equipment and furnishings therefor title to which shall be in the public, which bonds shall be general obligations of The District and will be payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied and collected in the manner provided by Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 and statutory authority supplemental thereto?

 

and

 

WHEREAS, the resolution calling the election on January 17, 2004, provides that all registered voters in the District will be entitled to vote on the said election day between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and voting machines will be used to conduct the election, and all regular voting precincts will be used, as more fully set forth in the Notice of Special Election to be published in the Hammond Daily Star, once a week for four consecutive weeks;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Authority, as follows:

 

SECTION 1. Covenants with the Voters. The Governing Authority does hereby obligate itself and its successors in office to carry out the following covenants with the qualified electors of the District with respect to the expenditure of the proceeds of the Bonds as set forth in the proposition submitted to the voters for approval in the special election to be conducted on January 17, 2004, and as set forth in the Covenant attached hereto as Exhibit A:

 

(1)        Proceeds of the Bonds will be expended to construct new classrooms and administration areas for Independence Middle School.

 

(2)        The existing gymnasium, dining area and certain classroom wings will remain in use as part of Independence Middle School.

 

(3)        The oldest classroom building and administration area will be demolished.

 

(4)   The new classrooms at Independence Middle School will include classroom space for special education, general studies and an in-school suspension program.

 

(5)        The administration areas will include: principal's office, general office, waiting areas, teacher's lounge, nurses station, work room and other necessary spaces.

 

(6)        Renovations include six classrooms and toilet wing, dining area and gymnasium.

 

(7)        Proceeds of the Bonds will be used for the acquisition of land within the District.

 

(8)        Proceeds of the Bonds will be expended for site work including: covered walks, bus drop off, parent drop off, driveways, parking, fencing and other features as necessary.

 

(9)        The proceeds of the Bonds will be expended for the purposes stated in, and in compliance with, the proposition presented to the voters in the January 17, 2004 election as set forth above.

 

SECTION 2. Proposition controlling. Nothing contained in the covenants contained in this resolution shall be construed as amending the general obligation bond proposition to be voted on in the election of January 17, 2004.

 

SECTION 3. Changes in Plan of Improvement. , It is anticipated that changes in the school facilities needs of the District may occur that cannot be presently foreseen. Accordingly, the power to make changes in the above describe plan of improvement is reserved to the Governing Authority, but. the Governing Authority may authorize only such changes as are consistent with the above described proposition. Substantial or material changes to the above described plan will be made only after the holding of a public hearing.

 

SECTION 4. Plans and Specifications. The additions and improvements to the Independence Middle School will be constructed pursuant to plans and specifications prepared by the District's architect and approved by the Governing Authority, and said plans and specifications will be made available for public inspection and comment. The construction contract will be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder after receipt of sealed bids, pursuant to advertisement, in strict compliance with the Public Bid Law of the State of Louisiana.

 

SECTION 5. Execution of Covenants. The President and Secretary shall cause signed copies of this resolution, together with signed copies of the Covenant-2004 School District No. 39A of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana, attached hereto as Exhibit A, (and other facts relevant to the January 17, 2004 election) to be made available to all members of the public.

 

And the resolution was declared adopted on this the 9th day of December, 2003.

 

PARISH SCHOOL BOARD FOR THE PARISH OF TANGIPAHOA, STATE OF LOUISIANA

 

 

___________________________________  _________________________________________

Louis L. Joseph, Secretary                                            Robert Caves, President

 

A Summary of the Proposed Improvements and Site Plan showing the location of all improvements on the campus of the School when all improvements are placed into service, are attached hereto and made a part of this Covenant - 2004

 

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS

 

GOAL:             TO CONSTRUCT NEW CLASSROOMS AND ADMINISTRATION AREAS ON AN EXISTING ADJACENT SITE.

 

 

THE EXISTING GYMNASIUM, DINING AREA AND CERTAIN CLASSROOM WINGS, WILL REMAIN IN USE AS A PART OF THIS SCHOOL.

 

THE OLDEST CLASSROOM BUILDING AND ADMINISTRATION AREA WILL BE DEMOLISHED.

 

PROGRAM:

 

A.        Classrooms

1.         Five (5) Special Education

2.         Eleven (11) General Studies

3.         One (1) In School Suspension Program

 

B.         Administration

1.         Principal's Offices (2)

2.            General Office

3.            Waiting

4.            Teacher Lounge

5.            Nurses Station

6.            Work Room

7.         Other Necessary Spaces

 

C.        Renovation (Existing Building).

1.         Six (6) Classroom and Toilet Wing

2.            Dining Area

3.            Gymnasium

 

D.        Site Work

1.         Covered Walks

2.         Bus Drop Off

                        3.         Parent Drop Off

4.            Driveways

5.            Parking

6.            Fencing

7.         Other Features as necessary

 

STATE OF LOUISIANA

 

PARISH. OF TANGIPAHOA

 

I, Louis L. Joseph, do hereby certify that I am the duly appointed and qualified Superintendent of Schools and ex-officio Secretary-Treasurer for the Parish School Board of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), the governing authority of School District No. 39A of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana.

I do further certify that the following pages are a true and correct copy of an excerpt of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Governing Authority conducted December 9,2003, and of a resolution adopted by said Governing Authority entitled:

 

A Resolution adopting an official statement of, covenants and conditions on which the voters may rely in determining how they will cast their votes in the bond election set for January 17, 2004, the proceeds of which shall be used to pay a portion of the costs of renovating, constructing, and acquiring additions and improvements to the Independence Middle School in School District No. 39A (Independence) of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana, together with other school related facilities and equipment and furnishings therefor, including acquiring the land within the District.

 

 

 

IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature and the official seal of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana, at Amite, Louisiana, on this the 9th day of December, 2003.

 

 

 

________________________________

                                     Louis L. Joseph, Secretary-Treasurer

 

 

            Superintendent Joseph recognized Mrs. Sandra Bailey-Simmons, Board Member District H, for being appointed to serve as a member of the Federal Relations Network for 2004.

 

            The Board heard a presentation from Dr. J. L. Garrett regarding sponsoring a benefit in honor of Mr. Louis Joseph, the first black Superintendent of Tangipahoa Parish School System.

 

            Superintendent Joseph thanked Dr. Garrett for his kind words and the honor he was bestowing on him.

 

            Superintendent Joseph recognized teachers and administrators from Hammond Eastside Primary, Hammond Westside Primary, and Woodland Park Early Learning Center. These schools received a Reading First Grant in the amount of $821,427,75. Mrs. Teresa Domiano spoke for the group and gave the Board an overview of the Reading First Grant and thanked the Board for its support.

 

            Mrs. Doris Flanagan, Tangipahoa Parish Federation of Teachers Representative,  spoke in public input regarding the One Cent Sales Tax.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Bardwell to approve the Finance Committee Report of December 1, 2003, with the exception of Item #2 (Revenues available for staffing schools and Review 2003-2004 Annual Budget). Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Mrs. Dixon, to table Item #2 (Revenues available for staffing schools and Review 2003-2004 Annual Budget). Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as adopted.

 

1.                  Approved the Accounts  Payable  Check  Register dated 10/30/03 – 11/24/03.

 

2.                  Approved the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for July 1, 2002 – June 30, 2003.

           

It was moved by Ms. Dixon, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to approve the Personnel Committee Report of December 9, 2003 and Addendum #1 and Addendum #2, with the exception of Item #3, line Item #1 on the original agenda.  Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to enter Executive Session to discuss the scores for the candidates for the position involved in Item #3, line Item #1. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Dixon, seconded by Mr. Link, to approve the position involved in Item #3, line Item #1. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved.

 

 

1.         Support Personnel – New Hire

 

Jermaine Washington, Child Specific Aide – 7 hours, Natalbany Elementary, effective November 4, 2003

Tracy Butler, Computer Technician – Central Office (Fund OOE – Grade 7), effective December 10, 2003

 

2.         School Food Service Employees

 

Linda McDaniel, From: Manager “B” Grade 7 – Step 3, Sumner High School Child Nutrition Manager, To: Manager “A” Grade 9 – Step 1, Sumner High School Child Nutrition Manager, effective November 1, 2003

Jackie Stilley, From: 4-hour permanent position – Spring Creek, To: 4-hour permanent position – Sumner High, effective November 18, 2003

Josie Accamondo, New hire, 4-hour sub Hammond High sub pool, effective November 11, 2003

Rebecca Simmons, From: 4-hour sub – Sumner High, To: 4-hour permanent – Spring Creek, effective November 18, 2003

Beth Tycer, From: 4-hour sub – Independence Satellite System sub pool, To: 7-hour permanent position – Loranger cafeteria, effective November 17, 2003

Sharon Lee, From: 4-hour sub – Independence Satellite System sub pool, To: 4-hour permanent position – Loranger cafeteria, effective November 17, 2003

Elnora James, New hire, 4-hour sub pool – Independence Satellite System, effective November 17, 2003

Vera Gilmore, New hire, 4-hour sub pool – Independence Satellite System, effective November 17, 2003

Sheree Jones, New hire, 4-hour sub pool – Independence Satellite System, effective November 17, 2003

Rebecca Pond, New hire, 4-hour sub pool – Ponchatoula High School, effective November 17, 2003

Reba Flynn, New hire, 4-hour permanent position – Independence Satellite System, effective November 17, 2003

Tammy Dempster, From: 4-hour sub pool at Hammond High School, To: 7-hour permanent position at Hammond Jr. High, effective November 18, 2003

 

3.         Administrative – Transfer/Reclassification

 

Lynell Higgenbotham, From: Principal – O.W. Dillon Elementary, To: Elementary Supervisor of Instruction – Central Office, effective January 20, 2003, 2-year contract

Homer Lea, From: Assistant Principal – Sumner High, To: Interim Principal – Spring Creek, effective January 20, 2003

 

4.         Leaves, Resignations, Retirements

 

            Sabbatical Leave:

 

Shana Puma, Teacher – Hammond Eastside Upper, P. & I 2nd Semester 2003-2004 school session

Tara Kinchen, Teacher – Loranger Middle, P. & I 2nd Semester 2003-2004 school session

Harold Polk, Teacher – Ponchatoula Jr. High, P. & I 2nd Semester 2003-2004 school session

Melinda Ladner, Teacher – Tucker Elementary, P. & I 2nd Semester 2003-2004 school session

Jeanne Vampran, Teacher – Ponchatoula High, P. & I 2nd Semester 2003-2004 school session

Michele Mayberry, Teacher – D.C. Reeves, P. & I 2nd Semester 2003-2004 school session

Stephanie Ciresi, Teacher – Hammond Eastside Upper, P. & I 2nd Semester 2003-2004 school session

Ursula Campo, Teacher – Natalbany Elementary, 2nd Semester 2003-2003, Medical

 

            Leaves:

 

Ora Smith, Speech Therapist – Hammond Eastside Primary (Extended Sick Leave due to maternity using sick days first – December 1, 2003), effective November 13, 2003

Aimee Freeman, Teacher – Ponchatoula High (Extended Sick Leave due to illness using sick days first – May 28, 2004), effective January 20, 2004

Victor Noto, Janitor – Independence Middle (Straight Leave without pay due to illness – undetermined), effective November 11, 2003

Michelle Sykes, Paraprofessional – Hammond Westside Upper (Straight leave without pay due to illness – May 27, 2004), effective December 8, 2003

 

Resignations:

 

Linda Grant, Bus Attendant – Hammond High, effective November 11, 2003

Brenda Grant, Bus Attendant – Hammond High, effective November 12, 2003

 

Retirements:

 

Janet DeArmond, Teacher – Vinyard Elementary, effective January 17, 2004

Cindy Knight, Teacher – Champ Cooper Elementary, effective May 29, 2004

 

(Correction on Date)

Patricia Mabry, Teacher – Sumner High School, effective December 19, 2003

 

3.         Substitute Teacher List

 

Addendum #1

 

1.         Leaves, Resignations, Retirements

 

            Resignation:

 

Victoria Bethel, Teacher – Spring Creek, effective December 12, 2003

 

Addendum #2

 

1.         Support Personnel – New Hire

 

Lorrie Gay, Receptionist/Switchboard Operator – Central Office, effective January 5, 2004

Lorie Williams, Receptionist/Switchboard Operator – Central Office, effective January 5, 2004

 

            The Board recognized Ms. Lynell Higginbotham, newly appointed Elementary Supervisor at the Central Office.

 

            Ms. Higginbotham thanked the Board for its support and giving her the opportunity to serve as Elementary Supervisor.

 

            The Board recognized Mr. Homer Lea, newly appointed Interim Principal at Spring Creek Elementary School.

 

            Mr. Lea thanked the Board for its support and indicated that he was honored and grateful to be able to serve as Interim Principal at Spring Creek Elementary School.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to approve the Policy Committee report of November 18, 2003. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved.

 

           1.          Approved re-establishing the policy to allow scoliosis screening in the schools. Screening will be done in the 7th grade beginning the 2004-2005 school session.

 

2.         Approved a policy change that will allow dental inspection by the school nurses      as required by various grants, etc.

 

It was moved by Mr. Williams, seconded by Mr. Genco, to approve the Independence Board Delegation Report of November 18, 2003. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved.

 

1.         Approved the request of Independence High School for new library shelves, in the amount of $7,500.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

2.         Approved the request of Independence Elementary School for the purchase of new computers in the amount of $19,686.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

3.         Approved the request of Independence High School for five (5) computers in the amount $4,922.00 from Pay-As-You-Go Funds.

4.                  Authorized Director Bernie Shontell to contact Mr. J. Matheau to obtain an appraisal on three (3) acres of property adjoining the south boundary line of Natalbany Middle School.

 

It was moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Mr. Genco, to waive the rules to consider an item from the Hammond Board Delegation Meeting held prior to the Board Meeting. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Mr. Genco, to approve the purchase of a sprinkler system for Hammond High School Baseball Field, set a budget of $3,000.00.  Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Richardson, seconded by Mr. Genco, to waive the rules to consider an item from the Amite Board Delegation Meeting held prior to the Board Meeting. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Richardson, seconded by Mr. Genco, to approve the items listed below:

 

            1.         Accept the low quote of $77,500.00 from Sun Electrical & Instrumentation, Inc., with Alternate No. 1 of $2,800.00 for Amite High School Baseball Field Lighting.

 

            2.         Approve Change Order #6, Amite High School Classroom Addition Project.

 

            3.         Accept the Substantial Completion, Amite High School Classroom Addition Project.

 

Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

Mr. Bardwell spoke in personal privilege and indicated that he was a candidate for the position of Mayor of Ponchatoula.

 

Mr. Richardson announced in personal privilege that he was the proud grandfather of  Erin Taylor Sutton, his first grandchild.

 

            President Caves wished all the employees and the audience a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to enter Executive Session to discuss the cases of Danny Banks, Jerrica Steward, Larry Gordon, Marcus Banks, Crystal Banks, Theresa Harrison, Larry Harrison, Joshua Mitchell, and Robert Mitchell v. TPSB, Glenn Fortinberry v. TPSB,  the ACLU v. TPSB. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

            The Board entered Executive Session.

 

            The Board returned to Open Session.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to authorize the attorney to settle the case of  Danny Banks, Jerrica Steward, Larry Gordon, Marcus Banks, Crystal Banks, Theresa Harrison, Larry Harrison, Joshua Mitchell, and Robert Mitchell v. TPSB. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

            It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to authorize Trinity Insurance Services to settle the case of Glenn Fortinberry v. TPSB. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.

 

            No action was taken in the case of the ACLU v. TPSB.

 

It was moved by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, seconded by Mr.Genco, to adjourn (8:25 p.m.).  Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted, with Mr. Richardson absent.

 

 

 

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                Robert Caves, President

 

Louis L. Joseph, Secretary-Treasurer

 

Recorded By: Jo-Ann L. Frazier (12/09/03)