2014-01-07

PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF EAST FELICIANA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 7, 2014

Revised: January 4, 2014

PROPOSED AGENDA FOR

EAST FELICIANA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Central Office Board Room, located at

12732 Silliman Street, Town of Clinton, Louisiana

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014 - 5:00 P.M.

1. Call to order

2. Approval of the agenda

3. Approval of the minutes of December 3, 2013, regular meeting

4. Special Recognitions

A. Edna Thomas, Director presentation on Employee of Month

B. Edna Thomas, Director presentation of National Board Certified Teacher

5. Communications/Reports

(1) Expression of sympathy to the Family of Mrs. Evelyn Goen Kline, wife of Judge William F. Kline, Jr., and former Special Education Teacher, Clinton Elementary; in her passing on Thursday, December 12, 2013

(2) Expression of sympathy to the Family of Mr. Hubert L. “Coach” Polk, Jr., former Coach and Teacher, Clinton High; in his passing on Friday, December 13, 2013

(3) Expression of sympathy to the Family of Mr. H. Toler Hatcher, former School Board Member; in his passing on Wednesday, December 18, 2013

(4) Expression of sympathy to the Family of Mrs. Ethel Nesbitt Bowie, sister of Board Member Rufus Nesbitt; in her passing on Thursday, December 26, 2013

A. Sales Tax Collections Report

B. Superintendent's Report

(1) Receive minute entry to reflect the following Board Members completion of The Jason Foundation® In-Service Program entitled “Awareness And Prevention of Youth Suicide”, for the following:

(a) Mitchell Harrell, Vice-President 11/05/2013

(b) Richard Terrell 11/05/2013

(2) Receive Board ratification of Dr. Lewis, using his discretion on behalf of the East Feliciana Parish School Board, in receipt and distribution of $500.00 donation from Mrs. Rose Doolittle to Clinton Elementary for Positive Behavior Program

(3) Receive Board ratification of Dr. Lewis, using his discretion on behalf of the East Feliciana Parish School Board, in receipt and distribution of various donations to Slaughter Elementary for playground equipment

6. Old Business

A. Request authorization for Board President Michael Bradford and Vice-President Mitchell Harrell to offer a 24-month extension on Dr. Lewis’ Superintendent’s Contract, being July 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2017.

B. Receive Board minute entry reflecting Secretary of State’s Office stating Reapportionment Plan A, as re-adopted, is now in compliance La. R.S. 17:71.3.

7. New Business

A. Finance Committee Report

B. Receive Audit Report prepared by Postlethwaite & Netterville APAC for Fiscal Year Ending 06/30/2013

C. Receive request for out-of-state travel for the EFHS Marching Band to participate in Martin Luther King Festival scheduled January 17^th - 20^th, 2014, Houston, Texas.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Henderson Lewis, Jr., Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools at (225) 683-3040, describing the assistance that is necessary.

There were present: School Board Members Olivia Harris, Elizabeth Dawson, Melvin L. Hollins, John Benjamin Cupit, Paul Kent, Mitchell Harrell, Michael Bradford, Debra Haynes, Broderick Brooks, Sr. and Rhonda Matthews. Board Member Richard Terrell joined the meeting at Item 4.B. Board Member absent: Rufus Nesbitt. Other Attendees: Henderson Lewis, Jr., Ph.D., Superintendent, Irma Lee Bendily, Admn. Asst., Samuel D’Aquilla, 20^th JDC District Attorney and other attendees.

Board President Michael Ray Bradford opened and chaired the meeting and turned the floor over to Board Member Melvin L. Hollins to give the prayer. Board President Bradford then lead reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag in unison.

The Parish School Board of the Parish of East Feliciana, State of Louisiana, was duly convened as the governing authority of said Parish for school purposes by Michael Ray Bradford, Board President, who announced the purposes of said meeting in accordance with the aforesaid written notice thereof. Board President Bradford stated the Board was ready for transaction of business.

Item 2. Board President Bradford then called for any additions to the above revised agenda dated January 4, 2014. Board President Bradford requested addition of Item 7.D. Receive written request for use of facilities by Clinton Community Football League of EFMS Cafeteria and upper restrooms for Annual Athletic Banquet on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 4:00 P.M. until 10:00 P.M. Further requesting waiver of any and all fees in connection with this request. Board President Bradford then called for a motion to approve the above agenda with requested addition.

Motion by Mr. Cupit, seconded by Mr. Kent to approve the above agenda, with oral request for addition as set out above.

Board President Bradford then asked for any public comment before a vote is taken on this motion. Receiving none, Board President Bradford then proceeded with the vote. All yeas. The motion carried. Absent: Terrell and Nesbitt.

Item 3. Motion by Mr. Brooks, seconded by Miss Matthews, to approve the minutes of December 3, 2013, regular meeting, published in the official journal.

Item 4.A. Board President Bradford turned the floor over to Mrs. Edna Thomas.

Edna Thomas, Director presented as Employees of the Month for January, 2014 - Ms. Susie Smith, Paraprofessional, Slaughter Elementary. A representative of Taylor & Sons presented Ms. Susie Smith with appreciation plaques and related items.

Board President Bradford extended his congratulations to Miss Smith and called for a photo opportunity with Ms. Susie Smith, Board Member Haynes, Dr. Lewis and Vice-President Harrell.

Item 4.B. Board President Bradford turned the floor over to Mrs. Edna Thomas.

Edna Thomas, Director presented Mr. Jonathan Loveall, Teacher, Jackson Elementary as our newest National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Generalist/Middle Childhood.

Board President Bradford extended his congratulations to Mr. Jonathan Loveall and called for a photo opportunity with Mr. Loveall, Dr. Lewis, Board Member Kent and himself.

Board Member Dawson questioned JES Principal Megan Phillips who are our other NBC Teachers?

JES Principal Phillips related herself, Leslie Birdon and now Jonathan Loveall.

Board President Bradford then recognized our newly elected East Feliciana Parish Policy Jury President Louis Kent who is in the audience this evening.

Dr. Lewis then recognized one of our School Board Members Mr. Melvin Hollins on his recent engagement to Miss Brittani Lewis.

Board Member Dawson asked Mr. Hollins to explain his recent promotion in education.

Board Member Melvin Hollins announced he recently accept a position as Instructional Leader and Assistant Dean at Baton Rouge Charter Academy at Mid-City.

Board Member Debra Haynes announced that she introduced Melvin to Miss Brittani Lewis!

Item 5. Board President Bradford turned the floor over to Dr. Lewis for his communications.

Dr. Lewis noted expressions of sympathy on behalf of the Board to the families on the above agenda.

Board President Bradford requested a moment of silence. Amen.

Item 5.A. Board President Bradford turned the floor over to Dr. Lewis.

Dr. Lewis turned the floor over to Mrs. Ruth Dart.

Mrs. Dart related to Board Members present that the December, 2013 Sales Tax Report reflects collections at 5% of $573,264.65 and delinquent sales tax collections of $30,640.23.

Board President Bradford called for any questions or comments. Receiving none, Board President Bradford proceeded with the agenda.

Item 5.B. Board President Bradford turned the floor over to Dr. Lewis.

Dr. Lewis related to Board Member present about confirming their attendance or non-attendance to the upcoming LSBA and/or NSBA Conventions.

Dr. Lewis reviewed with Board Members his school closure for students on today, Tuesday, January 7, 2014, due to cold weather conditions and that all classes will resume on tomorrow. He noted he will have an item on the February Board Agenda to change the Professional Development Day on Friday, February 28, 2014 to a regular school day for students to attend.

Dr. Lewis noted on Monday, January 6, 2014 we held our professional development for all employees at the ECLC and kicked off our plans for the 2^nd Semester of the 2013-2014 SY. He noted several Board Members attended namely, Mrs. Olivia Harris and Mrs. Beth Dawson. He related a cd of the event is being edited and a copy of same will be afforded to all School Board Members.

Item 5.B.(1) Motion by Mr. Terrell, seconded by Mr. Brooks to authorize a minute entry to reflect the following Board Members completion of The Jason Foundation® In-Service Program entitled “Awareness And Prevention of Youth Suicide”, for the following:

(a) Mitchell Harrell, Vice-President 11/05/2013

(b) Richard Terrell 11/05/2013

Item 5.B.(2) Motion by Mr. Terrell, seconded by Mr. Brooks to ratify Dr. Lewis, using his discretion on behalf of the East Feliciana Parish School Board, in receipt and distribution of $500.00 donation from Mrs. Rose Doolittle to Clinton Elementary for Positive Behavior Program.

Item 5.B.(3) Motion by Mr. Brooks, seconded by Miss Matthews to ratify Dr. Lewis, using his discretion on behalf of the East Feliciana Parish School Board, in receipt and distribution of various donations to Slaughter Elementary for playground equipment.

Item 6. Board President Bradford related to Board Members present that Request authorization for Board President Michael Bradford and Vice-President Mitchell Harrell to offer a 24-month extension on Dr. Lewis’ Superintendent’s Contract, being July 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2017.

Motion by Mr. Brooks, seconded by Mrs. Dawson to authorize Board President Michael Bradford and Vice-President Mitchell Harrell to offer a 24-month extension on Dr. Lewis’ Superintendent’s Contract, being July 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2017.

Board President Bradford then asked for any public comment before a vote is taken on this motion. After some discussion by Board Members Kent, Terrell, Dawson and Vice-President Harrell, along with responses by Board President Bradford, D.A. D’Aquilla and Board President Bradford stated for the record all terms are the same, the base salary is the same and all incentives are the same with nothing changed, Board President Bradford then proceeded with a roll-call vote, as follows:

Yeas: Harris, Dawson, Hollins, Cupit, Kent, Harrell, Bradford, Haynes, Brooks and Matthews

Opposed: Terrell

Absent during vote: None

Absent and not voting: Nesbitt

Board President Bradford announced by a majority vote of 10 to 1, with 1 absent and not voting, the motion carried.

Board President Bradford turned the floor over to Dr. Lewis for any comments.

Dr. Lewis stated he would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Board and just as he mentioned in the meeting yesterday to all employees, for just taking a chance on me. When I applied to come to East Feliciana, of course you all knew nothing about me, I pretty much stood right there and shared with you what I said we could do for this School District and what we are going to do and I know in the very beginning some tough decisions were made where and just being honest I know some of the decisions were probably questioned and those types of things, but as we went through time and we were able to see the big picture. We all I think started to trust those things that changing our School District for the better. He noted again, yesterday was a very rewarding day for me as Superintendent here, just to be with all of the employees, but also to have the employees to come together and really feel a sense of unity. As I said before in coming into the School District, I know there was a lot of division in various places and so as employees for us to show unity and then as we are showing unity and working with schools for the betterment of the organization and then on top of that I must say I have to thank each and everyone of you as Board Members because when this journey started back in 2012, you said what you wanted to happen - academics needed to change, finances needed to change and of course we will be going over the audit shortly and then dealing with the community component and we are working each and every day to do exactly what you are asking us to do. To look at those three (3) major areas and to make this a better East Feliciana Parish Public School System and I truly believe that we are doing that at this time and I will just sum up my comments at this time as far as all of our employees who are even seated here, the Central Office Staff that is here, the Supervisors just for the support that is given to me because even as Mrs. Dawson mentioned the program yesterday, but that program could have never taken place if I would have tried to do it all by myself and it takes many people for us to experience success and in my daily messages to the employees and mainly administrators, I always put positive quotes and I always put quotes out there to let everybody know it is all about teamwork and we all have to work together and if we can work together and put our doubt issues on the side and as employees here of this School System do right by our children, everything else is going to take care of itself and that is what we have committed ourselves to doing. So again, I thank each and everyone of you for your support.

Board President Bradford related whenever we hired you Dr. Lewis, I called you a franchise player and have lived up to being a franchise player! Board President Bradford then proceeded with the agenda.

Item 6.B. Motion by Mr. Terrell, seconded by Vice-President Harrell to authorize a Board minute entry reflecting Secretary of State’s Office stating Reapportionment Plan A, as re-adopted, is now in compliance La. R.S. 17:71.3.

Item 7.A. Board President Bradford turned the floor over to Mr. Richard Terrell.

Richard Terrell, Finance Chairman proceeded with the following presentation from the Finance Committee Meeting held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, January 3, 2014 (a copy of which is attached hereto for reference). He noted Items 1., 2. 3. and 4., as informational items and called for motions on Items 5. and 6.

Motion by Mr. Kent, seconded by Mr. Cupit to accept the Finance Committee recommendation in connection with Item 7.A.(5) the Board accept Dr. Lewis’ recommendations and authorize disbursement of $225,000.00 of the funds set out on the report prepared by C.P.A. LeJeune entitled “East Feliciana Parish School Board Ad Valorem Tax” to all eligible employees. Further the East Feliciana Parish School Board will distribute a pay supplement in a one-time payment on January 17, 2014 to those eligible employees who are actively employed on January 17, 2014. The amount to be paid eligible employees will be based on a percentage and according to their base pay earned January through December, 2013. Applicable federal and state taxes, Medicare tax and pension contributions will be deducted from the gross amount.

Board President Bradford then asked for any public comment before a vote is taken on this motion. After a clarification by Mr. Kent on the disbursement amount of $225,000.00, along with confirmation by Chairman Terrell, Board President Bradford then proceeded with the vote. All yeas. The motion carried. Absent: Nesbitt.

Finance Chairman Terrell then returned to Finance Committee Agenda Item 6. regarding litigation reviewed and called for a motion.

Motion by Mr. Brooks, seconded by Mr. Kent to accept the Finance Committee recommendation in connection with Item 7.A.(6) the Board authorize Dr. Lewis, to use his discretion on behalf of the East Feliciana Parish School Board, in authorizing legal counsel to negotiate a settlement in connection with litigation entitled “Maurene Collins Selders et. al. vs. The Gillis W. Long Center, et. al., Suit # 066556, Division A, 18^th JDC, Parish of Iberville, State of Louisiana,” served: June 10, 2008, Date of Incident: June 1, 2007 while Parent Volunteer at Army JROTC Camp for an amount less than amount offered in the Insurance Carrier’s e-mail dated December 5, 2013 (a copy of which is attached hereto for reference).

Board President Bradford then asked for any further public comment before a vote is taken on this motion. After some discussion by Board Members Dawson, Kent, Vice-President Harrell, along with responses by Board President Bradford and D.A. D’Aquilla, Board President Bradford then proceeded with the vote. All yeas. The motion carried. Absent: Nesbitt.

Item 7.B. Board President Bradford turned the floor over to Dr. Lewis.

Dr. Lewis turned the floor over to Tiffany Dorsa, C.P.A. with Postlethwaite & Netterville APAC.

Tiffany Dorsa, C.P.A. with Postlethwaite & Netterville APAC presented Board Members present and Dr. Lewis with copies of their Audit Report for Fiscal Year ending 06/30/2013 and reviewed same.

D.A. D’Aquilla left the meeting at this time.

Board Member Brooks left the meeting at this time.

After some discussion by Board Members Terrell and Dawson and Board President Bradford, along with responses by P&N C.P.A. Dorsa and F&W C.P.A. LeJeune, Kent, Board President Bradford called for a motion to adopt the audit as presented.

Board Member Brooks rejoined the meeting at this time.

D.A. D’Aquilla rejoined the meeting at this time.

Motion by Mr. Terrell, seconded by Mr. Kent to adopt the audit report prepared by Postlethwaite & Netterville APAC for fiscal year ending 06/30/2013.

Board President Bradford then asked for any public comment before a vote is taken on this motion. After some discussion by Marilyn Goff, Reporter for The Advocate, along with responses by Board President Bradford, Board President Bradford then proceeded with the vote. All yeas. The motion carried. Absent: Nesbitt.

Item 7.C. Motion by Mr. Brooks, seconded by Mr. Terrell to approve the request for out-of-state travel for the EFHS Marching Band to participate in Martin Luther King Festival scheduled January 17^th - 20^th, 2014, Houston, Texas.

Board President Bradford then asked for any public comment before a vote is taken on this motion. Receiving none, Board President Bradford proceeded with the vote. All yeas. The motion carried. Absent: Nesbitt.

Item 7.D. Motion by Mr. Brooks seconded by Mr. Terrell to approve the written request for use of facilities by Clinton Community Football League of EFMS Cafeteria and upper restrooms for Annual Athletic Banquet on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 4:00 P.M. until 10:00 P.M. Further requesting waiver of any and all fees in connection with this request.

There being no further business to come before the Board, a motion for adjournment by Mrs. Dawson, seconded by Mr. Terrell, prevailed until the next regular meeting unless called into special session by the President.

___________________________________

HENDERSON LEWIS, JR., Ph.D., MICHAEL RAY BRADFORD,

SECRETARY-TREASURER BOARD PRESIDENT