Bastrop, Louisiana

October 6, 2015

The Morehouse Parish School Board meeting was held on October 6. 2015 at 5:30 p.m at Bastrop City Hall Council Chambers, located at 202 East Jefferson Avenue, Bastrop, LA 71220. The following members were present: Karen Diel, Louis Melton, Rick Hixon, Chip Rawls, Chastity Kennedy, Rose Thompson Absent: Colby Daniels

I. Call to Order by President Karen Diel

II. Invocation by Dr. Nordman – a moment of silence observed for the following who died recently:

 Cathy Coleman, retired secretary.

III. Pledge of Allegiance, by President Karen Diel

IV. Roll Call and Establish a Quorum: Karen Diel- Present, Louis Melton- Here, Rick Hixon- Here, Chip Rawls- Here, Chastity Kennedy- Here, Rose Thompson- Here. V. Approval of Agenda: On a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded by Mr. Rawls (Colby Daniels absent, all said yes, motion carries.

VI. Approval of Minutes - Regular School Board meeting held on September 1, 2015 On a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Mr. Melton. No opposed, motion carries

VII. Recognitions and Presentations A. Employee of the Month (Shonda McCoy Banks, presented by Mrs. Williams ) B. New Hires Presented by Mrs. Sellers, COC Ersula Norwood 10-12-15 Business Manager, CRE Thomesa A. Johnson 9-16-15 Teacher 1st Grade, PG Penny Brown 8-10-15 Teacher 5th Grade-Math, BCS Danielle Joy Kendrick 9-8-15 Cafeteria Manager, MJH Cassandra Jo Sutton 9-14-15 Cafeteria Manager C. Retirees, PG Stephanie Brooks 9-16-15 Paraprofessional 16 years, COC Derenda Flowers 9-8-15 Business Manager 30.55 years

VIII. Approval of Bus Requests. (Mrs. Sellers) On a motion by Mr. Rawls, seconded by Ms. Kennedy, all said yes, no opposed, motion carries. IX. Monthly Travel Report (Mrs. Sellers) On a motion by Mr. Rawls, seconded by Mr. Melton, all said yes, no oppose, motion carries

X. Old Business A. Status of repairs at South Side (Requested by Mrs. Sellers, presented by Mr. Roberts) Mr. Roberts reported the past three weeks work has been going on at South Side. Thanks to Mrs. Thompson and the inmates on helping get everything cleaned up at the school, now they can get quotes on putting the windows back in at the building.

XI. New Business Mr. Katz and Mrs. Diel mentioned public comment can only be entertained if the items require a vote. A. To discuss Dr. Noflin’s time as Superintendent. (Mrs. Thompson) will discuss all 3 items A-C at one time. She has worked with all past superintendents -Mr. Faulk, Mr. Thrower, Mr.Hartley. Never once did she say she supported any of those superintendents at one time. She grew up poor and believes in everyone getting the right education because she did not get the full education. She is going to speak out for people that do not know how to speak for themselves.

Mrs. Thompson will never forget the time they marched from Bonita to Bastrop, because of the injustice done to the children. Not only did they spray the children with Lysol in their hair, they had hard feelings toward the children. She fought for all the years of her life in the community.

If Dr. Noflin has did wrong rather white or black, she is going to speak because right is right and wrong is wrong. If she sees something wrong, she is going to stand and tell the truth. The people put her in the board seat, because they know she is going to speak for what is right or wrong. She had to address Mrs. Diel at one time, because it’s all about respect. It’s not about white or black, the board system needs to move forward together and whoever is along will come along. Mrs. Thompson said she is fighting for people at the bottom to get a $10, 000 raise. They deserve respect. She looked at the salaries and some are extremely under paid and this is disheartening. Enforcing this is not about race. We agree to disagree.

B. To discuss Racial Division in the Community. (Mrs. Thompson)

C. To discuss the Morehouse Parish School Board, past and present. (Mrs. Thompson)

D. Finance Committee Reports ( Mrs. Diel will read the report for Mr. Hixon) 1. Held on September 29, 2015 The Finance Committee met on September 29, 2015 and recommends the following:

The agenda was amended to revise Item #3 to read “To consider a recommendation granting permission to advertise and obtain quotes and purchase with East Morehouse District Tax Funds. (Requested by Mr. Roberts, presented by Mr. Roberts) 1) The committee discussed to receive a report from a representative of Brown & Brown Insurance regarding the Southside Elementary vandalism.

“Presented by John Caro” - Brown and Brown wanted to make sure our buildings are covered properly. They were not sure as to how much vandalism had been done. The policy was approved in July 2015 which saved $9700 in premiums. The policy has been the same the past six years. Mr. Roberts and Mr. Caro toured the school and the damage is around $70,000 in damage rough estimate by Mr. Roberts. The deductible is around $100,000 per occurrence. The claim will not be filed until we find out if it’s worth filing a claim. Brown and Brown held off filing a claim since it was under $100,000. Recommendation by Brown and Brown, Mr. Caro, preserve and protect the building by boarding up the building, to prevent further damage. Future losses may not be covered if it’s not preserved and protected. Most coverage does not cover vandalism or mischief on vacant properties. This policy MPSB has, does cover vandalism or mischief on vacant properties. Certain requirements are required and MPSB has met those, such as keeping electricity, running water etc. There was discussion about wireless motion detectors. $27,000 grant was given this past year and another this year and it has to be used for safety programs. Per Mr. Caro there is about two more weeks left to file a claim on the vandalism. Debris removal coverage is included in MPSB policy. There is liability coverage on all properties. There is roughly $161 million dollars total for all insured properties.

Eastside has computers and other equipment on the policy for that property. The equipment is no longer at Eastside and has to be removed from the policy and updated on with the new locations on their policy. $800,000 in equipment is being insured at Eastside. (This is for audit information) The electronic equipment is estimated separately from the building itself, on the annual renewal policy (Statement of Value) Mr. Caro will check to see if a claim was filed on the fire at Bonita Elementary, with Brown and Brown and follow up with Mrs. Sellers and Mr. Roberts. Bonita Elementary has 6.7 million dollar in coverage. There is no coverage on Baron Ball Park. Mr. Katz said the document needs to be found explaining coverage for Baron Ball Park.

This is a report only and requires no action.

2) The committee discussed maintenance service trucks. Mr. Roberts, presented pictures of the vehicles that need to be replaced and gave descriptions. There is a reduction in repair cost from MJH work ($234,000) this is less than the $300,000 allocated. The service truck suggested by Mr. Roberts would be $29,000. These are state contract prices. Please add to the board agenda for October 6, 2015 (To discuss the purchasing of two service trucks on state contract for the maintenance department. Need the description for the two new service trucks from Mr. Roberts.

3) The committee discussed to consider a recommendation granting permission to advertise for bids for awnings at Delta Magnet School. (Requested by Mr. Roberts, presented by Mr. Roberts)

On a motion by, Ms. Kennedy and seconded by Mrs. Diel: The Committee recommends to amend the agenda to “replace advertise bids” with “request for quotes”. Roll Call: Rose Thompson, Chastity Kennedy, Karen Diel, Rick Hixon

All voted yes and motion carries. Mr. Roberts said the cost for the four awnings for the portable buildings is $30,000. The estimate was given by Keith Reynolds and this is needed to complete the project. Mrs. Diel recommendation for Mr. Roberts to request for quotes for awnings at Delta Magnet School.

On a motion by Mrs. Diel, seconded by Mr. Melton. Opposed by Mr. Rawls, since he has been against the portable buildings from the beginning. Motion carries.

E. To receive October 1 enrollment comparison and suspension report for the 2014- 15/2015-16 School Years. ( Mr. Davenport) (There has been a loss of 31 students and this may increase, we have 30 days to clean up the MFP count. A student can’t be enrolled in two different schools in the same state. We may lose a few students due to duplicate error. Compared to previous school years, if there is a duplicate error in 30 days the parish must verify who the child belongs to. The state is having system problems as of October 1, they advised not to run reports due to the malfunction. )

F. To discuss the advertising and hiring for a new superintendent and to take any action necessary for the hiring. (Mrs. Diel) (Mrs. Diel stated that we need to get an advertisement into the paper. The last time an ad was ran was November 2012, and new questions need to be formulated. A committee needs to be formulated with suggested dates and should come back to the board with this information. Get with Mrs. Sellers to make sure it fits in with the school calendar; the committee does not have to be just board members. ) Discussion: Mr. Melton said we need a date before the ad can take place. Mr. Katz stated to table this until the November board meeting.) On a motion to table per Mr. Rawls, seconded by Mr. Melton, all said yes, no opposed motion carries.

G. To consider a recommendation to create the following position: 1. One Curriculum Coordinator. (Mrs. Sellers) This department has been under staffed. In the past we have had up to 2 facilitators in the curriculum department. Pre K-2nd or 3rd grade at this time. If we ask for more it would hurt our schools. We don’t want to hurt our schools. This will help us move forward with our vision for MPSB. Mr.Melton said last week we were going to save about 80,000. Where is the money going to come from and we need a job description for the curriculum coordinator. He needs more information.

Mrs. Sellers, There is no one else to move up at the Central Office. There is a lot of information that has to be submitted to the state on a monthly basis and other important information (other programs). Example,( DCS & TS Gold). Mr. Winston, Mrs. Williams, and Mrs. Pirtle would not know anything about this. However, a Pre-k- 3rd grade teacher does. Mr.Melton - would this coordinator be doing what she use to do, going out to the schools? They will be qualified to observe but not to evaluate, per Mrs. Sellers.

Aren’t there instructional facilitators at the schools, can they do this job? (Mr. Melton) Mrs. Sellers, Instructional facilitators already have enough to do, at times she has called upon the facilitators to assist with certain projects. She feels at a district level it may be too much. Mr. Melton where is the money going to come from, are we going to lay off someone to fill this position? Mrs. Sellers, we will have a new business manager as of October 12th. We will look at the budget to see how we can get this position filled. We want our district to grow; we have to do something to get our schools “out of the D bracket”. Directors aren’t able to always go out to the schools, because of their other duties. Mrs. Thompson asked if Mrs. Sellers if she ever got a raise, while being the curriculum supervisor. Mrs. Sellers responded she got a cut not a raise. Mrs. Kennedy asked if Mrs. Sellers is asking for a relief or clarification on this position (Curriculum Coordinator) or is someone needed to work with her to get the job done.

Mrs. Sellers stated that this is the relief that has always been needed the past 3-4 years. Ms. Kennedy asked how much are we willing to pay for this position. Mrs. Thompson stated she does not have a problem with the curriculum department getting a curriculum coordinator.

Mr. Hixon said when they were sworn in that was one of the biggest concerns was the poor grades. This is due to lack of help in the curriculum department. Mr. Hixon motion to hire, seconded by Mrs. Thompson. Discussion: Ms. Kennedy wants to know why wasn’t this placed on the finance committee agenda last week. Is Mrs. Sellers going to get with the business manager to discuss the budget? Is this another item that we are going to vote on and not know the amount? Mr. Katz said there is a salary for this position. Mrs. Thompson comment, all of a sudden there is a question or problem about where the money is coming from now. There was no problem previously; we have been in a bad deficit. If we can find the money in the budget to help the curriculum department we should.

Mr. Melton, these jobs were eliminated before Dr. Noflin came into office. The previous board started eliminating jobs. Mr. Melton wants to know where is the money is coming from. There should be a job description and salary for this curriculum position. Can we see where the money is coming from? Mr. Rawls asked can this be funded out of Title I. Per. Mr. Winston Title I used to supplement curriculum. The Math coordinator, Science, Social Studies and ELA use to be paid for by Title I. Mr. Winston stated the curriculum coordinator position has to be paid out of general fund. Mr. Winston stated that Master teacher was paid for out of general fund. Mr. Winston said he could check to see if Junior and High School can be funded by Title I. On a motion by Mr. Hixon to add one curriculum coordinator seconded by Mrs. Thompson. All in favor, Karen Diel, Rick Hixon, Chip Rawls, Rose Thompson Opposed Chastity Kennedy and Louis Melton.

H. To name a Research Properties Group. (Mrs. Sellers) We have been paying insurance on properties that aren’t being used averaging around $800, 000 worth of technology at Eastside Elementary. We will get a breakdown of the cost. The group will look at all the properties and get back to the board, with possible savings. Comment Mr. Hixon, it is possible we are paying a significantly large amount of money for the past few years. An audit is required by the insurance company and this wasn’t being done properly. We need to insure only what we have.

I. Advertise for bids for the property at 718 South Washington St. Bastrop, LA 71220. (Old personnel building) (Requested by VaRhonda Burrell, presented by Mrs. Sellers) Comment: By Mrs. Burrell How many times has this property been advertised? Mr. Katz first advertise minimum bid was the appraise value 100% . Second time would advertise at 85%. If more than once it can advertise at 80%. Advertise at the lowest legal percentage at the appraised value. On a motion by Mr. Melton for the lowest allowed value based on the appraisal, seconded by Mr. Hixon. All said yes, no oppose, motion carries.

J. To consider Option 1 of the Proposed School Consolidation Plan for future schools in Morehouse Parish. (Requested by Mr. Hixon, presented by Mr. Hixon) Consider adopting option 1 to present to the community for further discussion and to get input from community in a public forum. Mrs. Thompson - Are we jumping the gun on consolidation for the proposed school plan? Are there any other options that we can approve right now? Mr. Hixon - Consolidation of the school system will not be until the school is built, consolidation will consist of all elementary and junior high on the same campus. Mr. Hixon is asking the board to say yes, we want to move forward to consolidate the school plan. This does not consist of Delta. MJH and all current elementary schools on one campus and would become one school district instead of 6 districts. BCS, BHS, MMS, and Delta district lines will stay the same. The children will be in their current school for 3-4 years until everything is complete.

A feasibility study will have to be done for the cost. The school system will save a lot of money if all schools are consolidated together. This is a long process. The first step is for the board to support the idea. Ms. Kennedy agrees with Mrs. Thompson in regards to this is moving fast. This seems to be similar to Mr. Blackett’s idea. Mrs. Diel - you can’t apply for a grant without a plan that has to be presented. Ms. Kennedy- What are we going to take to the community if we don’t have anything laid out? Will a tax have to be passed, or will this be done with all grant money? Mr. Hixon - We qualify for grants because we are an economically depressed parish. Something has to be done before we apply for a grant. Mr. Hixon we have to get the children out of the worn out buildings. Mrs. Diel - This is an ongoing battle to keep the buildings up with heating and air repairs along with other issues. Mr. Melton - There should be town hall meetings at different schools; someone else may have some options that can be better. A survey should be done in the community to see if this is something that they really want. Mr. Melton thinks this plan is moving too fast, we should reach out to the community first. Mrs. Diel stated this has been mentioned since August this is nothing new. Ms. Kennedy - We understand this isn’t new, but some of the community is having trouble believing in the board due to all the previous issues. She understands that the mayor and city council are for this plan. Mrs. Thompson - We as a board, should call a meeting at the middle school or BHS and let the community come out and listen to them for feedback on this idea. Mr. Hixon stated we need to do this quickly. Mrs. Thompson said the presentation is fine with her because she knows there is a need for a newer facility for the children. The plan is good, but she has run into opposition regarding this option 1 plan. People are still breaking into schools, even while school is in. The heat and air at the schools is being wasted for the past 10 or 15 years. We are still in the unfit buildings. Mr. Rawls A new school will not help your children to learn better. Examples, the classroom size decreasing and being able to hire more teachers. Teachers would be able to spend more time with the student’s one on one (Student teacher ratio). We can approve the idea so this can start the movement and still have the community meeting in the meantime. This will not be written in stone. Mr. Hixon the location will be decided by the community. The presentation he presented had a few options for locations, but that does not mean that’s where it will be. Ms. Kennedy when the rezoning committee was going, she mentioned that Southside needed to be reopen in 2016 possibly. In the meantime what will be done right now with South Side? Mr. Hixon this is farther on down the road not at the current time. Ms. Kennedy Southside is one of the biggest schools to use in the current time for 2016. Mrs. Thompson - From day one she has been an advocate for re-opening Southside and she spoke with the previous superintendent due to the overcrowding in the schools. The enrollment is now dropping. Mr. Hixon stated this is another reason why we need new schools because people are taking their children to other parishes with new schools. There has to be a starting point, the plan may change two or three times. If we build a new school we would save about 42 million or 36 a year. Mr. Melton - If we vote on this tonight this will be binding the board and this board does not stick with what they say. He has a problem with this because he feels it’s going too fast. Mr. Hixon is in favor of going to the schools to have forums and explain to the community regarding what’s going on with this. Mr. Katz - If the board adopts this the way it is, there is nothing saying the option can’t be changed later, after the community input.

Amend item J…..To consider all the options of the proposed school consolidation plans presented in August. On a motion by Mr. Rawls, seconded by Mr. Hixon. Karen Diel- I, Rick Hixon- I, Chip Rawls-I, Rose Thompson-I, Nay by Louis Melton and Chastity Kennedy.

K. To discuss purchasing two service trucks for the Maintenance Department on state contract. (Requested by Mr. Roberts, presented by Mr. Roberts) On a motion by Mr. Rawls, seconded by Mr. Hixon, all in favor no oppose, motion carries. 1. Two 2016 Dodge Service Trucks @ $29,135.00 each

XII. Public Comment

A. Presentation concerning AAU basketball. ( Miss Javia Kennedy, Ambassador for Bastrop Female Basketball) Ms. Javia Kennedy would like to thank the Board, Interim Superintendent, Former superintendent Dr. Nolfin and wants to give a brief report on her summary. She plays for a Mississippi AAU basketball team, and wants to positively represent Bastrop as a student athlete. She’s trying to get college coaches to come here and scout girl basketball players. She raised $2,000 from donations given by family members, friends and community leaders. Publicly she would like to thank Mr. Melton and Dr. Noflin for their donations. Ms. Javia Kennedy received offers from University of Tennessee, Henderson State, Mississippi State, Mississippi College and Jackson State. She has a successful summary.

B. Lease with intent to purchase of Southside School (Accord Healthcare Group, Dr. A. Spires) ( requested to be placed on the agenda for November meeting)

C. Request to lease Eastside property for 1 year at $800.00 per month. (Mike Shalabi)(The board has to advertise for bids first per Mr. Katz) Mr. Shalabi will need to be contacted, because we have to advertise for bids, the building can’t be leased for one year.

Mr Katz had to explain the difference between the 2 different types of public comment forms. The public comment on the agenda has to be turned in the Thursday before the board meeting to be placed on the agenda. Next meeting…..Motion has to be made to add Unification by Pastor Ron Wiliams to the agenda, Amends the agenda motion by Ms. Kennedy and seconded by Mr. Melton by Roll Call: Karen Diel-yes, Louis Melton- yes, Rick Hixon-yes, Chip Rawls – no, Chastity Kennedy- yes, Rose Thompson-yes Motion failed

XIII. Personnel A. Termination of Michelle Hobbs, probationary school bus driver, based on the written recommendation from Superintendent to the School Board. (Requested by Mrs. Sellers)

Public Comment from Ms. Maxon- our number one concern is safety and we treat our own children as their own. Last year Ms. Hobbs was a bus driver that saved a child’s life. This year Ms. Hobbs left 2 children on the bus, with a 2 day suspension, she was asked to come in to sign papers to resign. She does not understand the suspension and resign portion of the policy. She does not understand that this has happened before but the person was able to come back to work. This bus driver came back and she resigned on her own. She wants to know the difference, and she wants to see Ms Hobbs to get her job back. She wants clarification in regards to the bus policy. Ms. Maxon checked to see if this is really in the policy, please have forms made since this is a big issue, and have them to sign the form. She wants the board to consider these things.

Mrs. Sellers, I realize this was not done on purpose, however two four year olds were left on the bus. She recommends the board not to retain Ms. Hobbs, Mrs. Sellers read the letter sent to the board with the policy that was broken by the bus driver. There is a policy that the bus drivers have to sign off on. When the mother came to the school board office that is when the system was alerted the children were left on the bus. The children were left on the bus with the windows up. Ms. Hobbs was suspended with pay at first, and Mrs. Sellers could not allow Ms. hobbs to come back to drive a bus until the board approves the termination. This is a recommendation to terminate per page 16e on bus safety,( states the duty of the bus driver checking to make sure the children aren’t left on the bus). The bus driver was given the opportunity to resign, but was not asked to resign. Mrs. Thompson, said the driver was freed up to explore other employment opportunities, as stated by previous superintendent. It seemed as if Ms. Hobbs was terminated; however, another email was sent saying that she was suspended for five days. Mr. Katz, does not have the answer because he was not there, the policy clearly states that if the bus driver does not do the duty and the superintendent does not terminate the employee. The board has to approve this based on the policy. Mr. Katz is guessing that the last paragraph was added to the policy and put in the bus driver handbook at that time, he wasn’t sure of the time frame. Ms. Kennedy said Ms. Hobbs reached out to her when the other incident happened, Giving her the information on this incident. Ms. Kennedy reached out to Mrs. Sellers. Ms. Kennedy asked if she should abstain from this since the person of interest contacted her.

On a motion by Mr. Rawls to accept the superintendent recommendation, seconded by Mr. Hixon. Roll Call Roll Call: Karen Diel-yes, Louis Melton- abstain, Rick Hixon-yes, Chip Rawls – yes, Chastity Kennedy-abstain, Rose Thompson-yes Mr. Melton stated his reason for abstaining is because Ms. Hobbs is his granddaughter.

B. Personnel Report (See Attachment)

C. To consider adopting a motion to ratify personnel actions taken by the Superintendent of Schools and stated on and/or attached to the agenda of October 6, 2015. On a motion by Mr. Rawls, seconded by Mr. Hixon, no opposed, motion carries.

XIV. Future Agenda Items ( Forms available)

XV. Adjournment

Pursuant to the requirements of LSA-R.S. 42:19, no matter may be discussed by the Morehouse Parish School Board unless it appears on the agenda published at least twenty-four hours prior to the meeting unless a unanimous vote of the members of the school board votes to take up the matter. Agenda Attachment 10/6/2015

Morehouse Parish School Board Personnel Report for October, 2014

Resignations MJH Adaryll T. Moore 8-28-15 Teacher 6 years OH Catherine Wooten 9-25-15 Teacher 1 year CRE Lana M. Brock 9-21-15 Teacher

Retirements PG Stephanie Brooks 9-16-15 Paraprofessional 16 years COC Derenda Flowers 9-8-15 Business Manager 30.55 years

New Hires COC Ersula Norwood 10-12-15 Business Manager CRE Thomesa A. Johnson 9-16-15 Teacher 1st Grade PG Penny Brown 8-10-15 Teacher 5th Grade-Math BCS Danielle Joy Kendrick 9-8-15 Cafeteria Manager MJH Cassandra Jo Sutton 9-14-15 Cafeteria Manager

Position Change Pine Grove Elementary – Teri Carson – Teacher to Instructional Facilitator Cherry Ridge Elementary- AmyNason- Teacher to Instructional Facilitato