PUBLIC NOTICE
In accordance with Louisiana R.S. 39:1301-1314, the 2022-2023 proposed budget of the Lincoln Parish School Board will be available for inspection at its office at 410 S. Farmerville St., Ruston, LA on Monday August 22, 2022, during regular business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A public hearing will be held on the proposed budget on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Parish School Board Office located at 410 S. Farmerville St., Ruston, LA. The Board will consider adoption of the proposed budget immediately after the conclusion of the hearing.
/s/ Ricky Durrett
Superintendent
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Kim McCormack at (318) 255-1430 if special assistance is needed.
Published in the Ruston Daily Leader, Ruston, La, on August 21,2022.
LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Ruston, Louisiana
REGULAR SESSION
Tuesday, August 2, 2022 6:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Parish School Board, 410 S. Farmerville Street, Ruston, Louisiana. Members present were Ms. Debbie Abrahm, Mr. Otha Anders, Ms. Lisa Best, Mr. Clark Canterbury, Ms. Donna Doss, Mr. Danny Hancock, Ms. Lynda Henderson, Mr. George Mack, Jr., and Mr. Joe Mitcham.
Mr. David Ferguson, Mr. Hunter Smith, and Ms. Susan Wiley were absent. Mr. Smith attended remotely by Zoom and Ms. Wiley attended remotely by telephone; neither were able to vote.
President Mitcham called the meeting to order and welcomed guests to the meeting. Mr. Anders gave the invocation, and Mr. Mack led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Ms. Doss, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the agenda as presented. Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Mr. Canterbury, the Board unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the Regular Session held on July 12, 2022, as submitted. Superintendent Ricky Durrett introduced interim Simsboro principal Lacy Holcomb. He shared that in the spring, interviews were held to fill Simsboro Elementary Director Angela Hoffman's position, who will be retiring soon. Ms. Holcomb was selected for that position however in late July Principal Rusty Farrar resigned leaving a vacancy in the principal position. In an effort to have a smooth transition, and after listening to the faculty, staff, and community, Administration made the decision to move Ms. Holcomb to interim principal. In the short time she has been there, she has assembled a great staff and garnered much community support. Ms. Holcomb said she is very excited about her new position at a school that she loves so much. She is looking forward to a great school year and a bright future at Simsboro. Mr. Ricky Edmiston, Supervisor of Auxiliary Services, reminded board members that authorization was given at the May board meeting to advertise for bids for fuel and diesel for the 2022-2023 school year. He shared that the bid opening was held July 26, 2022, as stipulated in the advertisement. Hill Oil was the only bid received. Mr. Edmiston recommended that the Board accept the bid for the 2022-2023 school year and commented that there was no increase in cost since last year's bid. Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Mr. Hancock and Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to accept the only bid submitted which met specifications for the purchase of fuel and diesel for 2022-2023 as shown below:
COMPANY SUBMITTING BID Fuel
Hill Oil Company Unleaded Regular $.135
James Norwood Unleaded Plus $.135
103 Ward Chapel Rd. Unleaded Premium $.135
Farmerville, LA 71241 Low sulfur road use diesel $.158
318-368-3101 Regular No. 2 grade diesel $.158 John Young, Assistant Superintendent, shared with the Board that several policy revisions and two new policies were recommended due to outcomes of the Regular Session of the 2022 Louisiana Legislature. He gave a brief explanation of the revisions and new policies. Because these all became law yesterday, August 1, he recommended Policy BD temporarily be suspended and immediately approve the revisions and additions.
Upon a motion by Ms. Doss, seconded by Mr. Hancock, the Board unanimously voted to temporarily suspend Policy BD- School Board Policy, which requires the introduction of policies and revisions at one meeting and approval at the next. Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve the revisions of BH - School Board Ethics, EDD - School Bus Scheduling and Routing, GAAA - Equal Employment Opportunity, JAA - Equal Education Opportunities, JCDB - Student Dress Code, JCDAF - Bullying and Hazing, JBD - Student Absences and Excuses, JQE - Expectant and Parenting Students, JD - Discipline, JDE - Expulsion, JGC - Student Health Services, JGCD - Administration of Medication, and the addition of JM - Student Voter Registration, and GAMB - Employee Dress Code.
Juanita Duke, Chief Financial Officer, presented the following resolution for the Board's consideration for the upcoming renewal of the school system's automobile insurance coverage:
Therefore, be it resolved, that the Lincoln Parish School Board hereby authorizes Superintendent Ricky Durrett to sign the required Louisiana Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist form reflecting the rejection of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Coverage for the October 1, 2022 to October 1, 2023 coverage period.
Upon motion by Ms. Henderson, second by Mr. Anders, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the Resolution to authorize the Superintendent to sign the required Louisiana Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage form, as presented. Motion passed by majority of members present. Ms. Duke reported that the State Legislative Auditor's Office requires all Louisiana governmental units to complete a System's Survey & Compliance Questionnaire and provide it to the independent auditors at the beginning of the financial and compliance audit. She requested approval of the questionnaire presented for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Upon a motion by Ms. Best, seconded by Ms. Abraham, the Board unanimously voted to approve the System's Survey & Compliance Questionnaire as presented for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Mr. Durrett stated that there are currently five various video camera systems in our schools. Some individual schools have as many as two or three different systems operating on their campus. The camera systems have been valuable in assisting school administration in identifying, reporting, and monitoring Òclose contactsÓ during the Covid-pandemic. Due to the age of the camera systems with frequent breakdowns, the number of different systems, and limited scope of visibility in some areas on campuses, the ability to efficiently and effectively conduct contact-tracing and mandatory reporting to health authorities is inhibited. Updating and expanding the current camera systems in classrooms and throughout school campuses to one uniform system districtwide will streamline the identification and reporting process and greatly assist in the effort to keep our faculty and students safe.
The request for proposals will include updating system networking, uniformity of camera system equipment throughout the district, and ongoing maintenance and service of equipment. Mr. Durrett stated that federal funding has been set aside in the district's ESSER III award to fund this project. He said he would report to the Board when the work is complete. He recommended the Board authorize to advertise requesting vendor proposals for a new camera system.
Upon a motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Canterbury, the Board unanimously voted to authorize the advertisement to request vendor proposals for a new camera system in all schools and to grant the Superintendent permission to accept and sign the contract for the best proposal. The following personnel items were shared by Dr. Doris Lewis, Human Resources Director:
1. Resignation of the following effective May 28, 2022: Christina Johnston, teacher at Choudrant Elementary;
Michael Sutton, math teacher at Ruston High; Ashton Guin, math teacher at Ruston High; Sandy Lipscomb, English teacher at Ruston Junior High; Erin Nevala, science teacher at Ruston Junior High; and Adrian Hester, health and physical education teacher at Simsboro School.
2. Employment of the following effective August 15, 2022, unless noted otherwise:
Simone Mhire, ESL Interventionist at central office, due to a new position (ESSER III EB funds); Tara Ryan Turner, ESL Interventionist at central office, due to a new position (ESSER III EB funds);
Haley Kemp, special education teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Stacy Tassin who was reassigned;
Chelsea Johnson, teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Robin Collinsworth who was reassigned;
Hailey Aycock, teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Helen Trahan who was reassigned; Emily Little, teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Christina Johnston who resigned; Ashley N. Smith, in-school suspension proctor at Choudrant High, due to a new position:
Malori Moody, teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Clara Rugg who retired; Whitney Porter, speech therapist at Cypress Springs, replacing Melissa Jackson who transferred;
Alexis Thompson, special education teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Antwanette Lewis who resigned; Molly McCormick, teacher at Cypress Springs, replacing Shavonda Washington who was reassigned; Rebekah Martindale, teacher at Dubach School, replacing Katie Pyles who resigned; Garielle Dupree, teacher at Glen View, replacing Ashlynn Barr who resigned; Alisha Eppinette, special education teacher at Glen View, due to a new position; Sonya Blondin, teacher at Glen View, replacing Emilee Waltman who resigned;
Tanya Welch, teacher at Glen View, replacing Karen Taylor who retired; Grace Borden, teacher at Glen View, replacing Pamela McFarland who resigned; Samantha Lantrip, teacher at Glen View, replacing Morgan Songer who resigned; Sarah Pender, teacher at Glen View, replacing Emily McGrew who transferred; Mary Haulcy, special teacher at Glen View, replacing Victoria Kent who transferred; Erica White, teacher at Glen View, replacing Hannah Doss who was reassigned; Shena Henderson, special education teacher at Glen View, replacing Carrie M. Williams who transferred; Lindsay Cavin, teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Leslie Thomas who transferred; McKenzie Rhodes, music teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Laura Lovell who resigned; Sarah McWilliams, teacher at Hillcrest, due to a new position; Lauren Jones, school mental health counselor at Hillcrest, due to a new position (ESSER III Incentive funds); Amber Lovitt, teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Roselyn Henry who resigned; Madison Frith, teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Ashley T. Smith who transferred; Destiny Chebny, teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Theresa Nichols who retired; Jennifer Ramsey, teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Lauren Casey who transferred; Krystin Bruno, teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Crystal Pugh who was reassigned; Naomi Owen, teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Kim Anderson who was reassigned; Richard Herron, health & physical education teacher/coach at I.A. Lewis effective July 18, 2022, replacing Rodney Holland who transferred; Rachel Brown, teacher at LPECC, replacing Maggie Graham who resigned;
Kara Giddings, special education paraprofessional at LPECC, replacing Vivian Franklin who retired; Stefanie Parker, special education teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Laurie Fernandez who transferred to general education; Jamiya Williams, special education teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Michelle Scott who resigned; Brandon Mitchell, in-school suspension proctor at Ruston High, due to a new position; Morgan Smith, science teacher/coach at Ruston High, replacing Emilee Pate who resigned; John Gleason, math teacher at Ruston High, replacing Emily Littlefield who resigned; Zandria Guidry, English teacher at Ruston High, replacing Amber Williams who resigned;
Steven Ensminger, health & physical education teacher/coach at Ruston High effective July 18, 2022, replacing Cody Taylor who resigned; David Mahaffey, science teacher at Ruston High, replacing Charity Patricola who resigned; Mary Fowler, math teacher at Ruston High, replacing Courtney Martin who transferred; Danielle Nash, copy room aide at Ruston High, replacing Betty Allen who retired; Caitlin White, math teacher at Ruston High, replacing Kelli Edwards who resigned; Abigail Ambrose, English teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Margaret-Rose Legler who resigned; Jackie Flournoy, business teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Angie Brewer who was reassigned; Shadd Pittman, special education teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Shelley Henry who was reassigned;
Demetria Johnson, health & physical education teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Cheryle Buggs who retired; Joshua Russell, science teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Erin Nevala who resigned;
Kristy Morgan, teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Karla Doss who was reassigned;
Elizabeth Bonnett, special education paraprofessional at Simsboro School, replacing Evelyn Levingston who retired; Alexis Barton, teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Claire Haight who was reassigned;
Randall Carlisle, health & physical education teacher/head basketball coach at Simsboro School effective July 18, 2022, replacing Josh Brown who resigned; Aaron Norris, special education teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Adrian Hester who resigned; Paula Lee, in-school suspension proctor at Simsboro School, due to a new position; Lee Pilgreen, math teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Jonathan Hood who was reassigned;
Jonathan Kelly, math teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Logan Sims who resigned; Angelia Jones, teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Darmecia Crane who transferred; Mary Russell, English teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Latisha Robinson-Vernon who transferred; Emily Everett, English teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Betsy McCaslin who transferred; Octave Perot, English teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Brienna Dugdale who resigned; and Anthony Weaver, special education teacher at Youth Rescue Center, due to a new position.
3. Faculty Points of Reference/Transfers of the following effective August 15, 2022, unless noted otherwise:
Shannon Tatum, from teacher at Simsboro School to teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Allison Milstead who was reassigned; BreAnn Rushing, from special education teacher to general education teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Gloria Miller who retired;
Haley McHale, from teacher at Simsboro School to library media specialist at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Johnnie Simon who resigned; Kristen Telford, from kindergarten teacher to first grade teacher at Choudrant Elementary due to a new position; Ashley T. Smith, from teacher at Hillcrest to teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Kristen Telford who was reassigned; Lauren Casey, from teacher at Hillcrest to teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Stacy Martin who resigned; Helen Trahan, from teacher to English teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing Augustine Moore who retired;
Kimberly Sutton, from teacher at Hillcrest to special education teacher at Choudrant Elementary, replacing BreAnn Rushing who transferred to general education teacher;
Robin Collinsworth, from teacher to elementary math coach at Choudrant Elementary, due to a new position;
William Bandy, from teacher to special education teacher at Choudrant High, replacing Amber Devaux who resigned; Shavonda Washington, from teacher to curriculum strategist at Cypress Springs effective August 8, 2022, replacing Brandie Watson who resigned;
Darmecia Crane, from teacher at Simsboro School to coordinating teacher at Dubach School effective August 1, 2022, replacing Tiffany Curry who was promoted;
Leslie Thomas, from teacher at Hillcrest to teacher at Glen View, replacing Janet Davis who resigned; Deidra Dunbar, from teacher at LPECC to teacher at Glen View, replacing Brooke Hoefler who transferred; Lauren Hull, from teacher to ELA/social studies coach at Glen View, replacing Meredith Whitaker who was reassigned; Hannah Doss, from teacher to enrichment teacher at Glen View, replacing Lauren Hull who was reassigned; Jeanetta Roberson, from teacher to curriculum strategist at Hillcrest effective August 8, 2022, replacing Debbie Conn who retired; Kim Anderson, from teacher to elementary ELA coach at Hillcrest, replacing Rebecca Sutherland who was reassigned; Crystal Pugh, from general education teacher to special education teacher at Hillcrest, replacing James White who transferred;
Victoria Kent, from special education teacher at Glen View to special education teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Kimberly Sutton who transferred;
Megan Sutherland, from teacher at Glen View to teacher at Hillcrest, replacing Jeanetta Roberson who was reassigned;
James White, from special education teacher at Hillcrest to special education teacher at I.A. Lewis, due to a new position;
Melissa Jackson, from teacher at Cypress Springs to speech therapist at LPECC, replacing Katie Dupuy who transferred; Katie Dupuy, from speech therapist at LPECC to speech therapist at Pupil Appraisal, replacing Morgan Northern who resigned; Laurie Fernandez, from special education to general education teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Elaine Beavers who retired; Shauna Vallery, from teacher to curriculum strategist at Ruston Elementary effective August 8, 2022, replacing Dr. Shontrece Dupree who was reassigned; Halie Martin, from teacher at Glen View to teacher at Ruston Elementary, replacing Shauna Vallery who was reassigned; Roxanne Holton, from social studies teacher at Ruston Junior High to social studies teacher at Ruston High, replacing Andre'a Metoyer who resigned; Monika Locke, from school counselor to school testing coordinator at Ruston High effective July 18, 2022, replacing Angelia Borden who was reassigned; Shelly Henry, from special education teacher to social studies teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Roxanne Holton who transferred; Betsy McCaslin, from English teacher at Simsboro to English teacher at Ruston Junior High, replacing Sandy Lipscomb who resigned;
Angie Brewer, from business teacher to in-school suspension proctor at Ruston Junior High, replacing Donna Ashley who retired; Emily McGrew, from teacher at Glen View to teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Haley McHale who transferred; Claire Haight, from teacher at Glen View to teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Amy Carter who was reassigned;
Karla Doss, from general education teacher to special education teacher at Simsboro School, replacing Kelly Hammond who transferred; Amy Carter, teacher at Simsboro School reassigned to a different grade level, replacing Shannon Tatum who transferred; and Angelia Borden, from testing coordinator at Ruston High to online administrator /credit recovery at Youth Rescue Center/Ruston High.
4. Resignation of Paula Lott, custodian at Ruston Elementary effective June 7, 2022.
5. Employment of Tyhesia Woodard, custodian at Hillcrest effective August 8, 2022, replacing Sharon Farris who resigned.
6. Resignation of Lisa LaMay-Gaines, bus operator in the transportation department effective May 27, 2022.
7. Employment of the following effective August 15, 2022 Jonathan Bonner, bus operator in the transportation department, replacing Jo Givens who resigned; and
LaMonta Hill, bus operator in the transportation department, replacing Lisa LaMay-Gaines who resigned.
8 Employment of the following effective August 15, 2022:
Rex Schuttler, cafeteria technician, replacing Mary Walker who was terminated;
Jo Foster, cafeteria technician, replacing Stephanie Dutton, who was reassigned;
Lawana Davis, cafeteria technician, replacing Chencia Bryan who resigned;
Ruby Jackson, cafeteria technician, replacing Quintana Atkins who transferred; and
Wanda Jackson, cafeteria technician, replacing Chandani Pelfrey who was reassigned. Ms. Duke delivered the sales tax collection report for the period ending July 31, 2022. She was pleased to report that collections for the first month of the fiscal year were $2.45 million, which was a 1.14% increase over July 2021. These collections include the June 2022 Department of Motor Vehicle collections. The one month of collections represents 8.95% of total collections received in 2021-22.
Moving on to the financial statement for the month ending June 30, 2022, Ms. Duke stated that this is a preliminary fiscal year-end report because closing adjustments are still being made. A final report would be presented after the financial audit is complete. Total General Fund revenues collected for the fiscal year were $53.4 million; total expenditures were $52.5 million, with an ending total fund balance of $22.8 million. The total unassigned General Operating funds balance was 25.4%. The Special Revenue funds had revenues of $33.1 million, total expenditures of $27 million, with a total ending fund balance of $20.4 million. Overall total revenues collected were $86.5 million, total expenditures for operations across all funding sources was $79.6 million, with a total ending fund balance combined of $43.3 million.
The June 2022 health insurance fund had a negative change in net assets of $969,000. Ms. Duke reminded board members that in June the employer portion of premiums was waived to meet federal compliance regulations. This was a one-time adjustment. Total expenses for the first six months of the plan year were $6.5 million; which is an increase of $657,000 in expenses compared to the first six months of 2021. The increase is primarily due to an increase in large claims reaching the plan's ÒspecificÓ coverage limit. Total change in net assets for the six-month period was a decrease of $388,000.
James Payton, New Construction Coordinator, narrated several photographs and gave the following construction update:
1. Two old portable buildings at Choudrant Elementary should be moved by next week.
2. Repairs have been made on the 50-year-old tar and gravel roof at Dubach School.
3. An area behind the McLane Center and Bobby James Gym has been cleared of all trees. The District has access to soil, at no charge, which will be used to bring the ditch up to grade. The area can be utilized as a parking lot or for a new building in the future.
4. The home side reserved seating at the Ruston High School football stadium is getting an update. The old aluminum bench seating is being replaced with chair back seats complete with armrests and cupholders. The seats are being installed now and will be ready before the season begins. The majority of the project was financed by private donations.
5. The Lincoln Parish Police Jury is building a new road alongside the Simsboro baseball and softball fields. The road will extend all the way to the water well at the back of the property so the Village of Simsboro will benefit from the road also.
In a Report of the Superintendent, Mr. Durrett said:
1. Prep Day and Open House schedules have been placed in board members portfolios.
2. A safety audit of every school, done with the Sheriff's department, has been completed. They met with principals for suggestions who will now meet with their faculty regarding safety issues. Tim Nutt will attend a safety summit held by the State Department of Education on Thursday in Baton Rouge. He will report any ideas and suggestions that they share.
3. The Administrator workshop will be tomorrow at the New Tech building at Ruston High. Supervisors, principals, assistant principals, and coordinating teachers will attend the all-day meeting.
4. A new student advisory committee will be formed this fall. One student from each school starting with 5th grade, and two from Ruston High will meet with the superintendent every other month. The students can share their perspectives and ideas that affect the quality of student life at schools. Mr. Durrett and Mr. Young will meet with a newly revived Teacher Advisory Committee to get direct feedback from educators. That group will meet three times a year.
5. He plans to film monthly update videos for employees after each school board meeting. The videos will keep employees informed of any changes occurring in the district. He feels that it is important for employees to hear directly from him. He hopes to have these ready the Friday after the board meetings.
6. LEAP scores will be made public tomorrow. He feels very confident about the district's scores. We have had growth at every school, 3rd grade - 8th grade. He is very proud of students, parents who have supported them, and teachers and administrators. School Performance Schools should be released later this fall.
7. NISH is a national website that does research on education. Our district was ranked No. 2 in the state in their latest publication. There being no further business, upon a motion by Ms. Best, the meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
________________
Ricky Durrett, Secretary Joe E. Mitcham, Jr., President
Published in the Ruston Daily Leader, Ruston, La, on August 21,2022.