CLAIBORNE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
April 13, 2023
The Claiborne Parish School Board met in a regular session at the Homer High Cottage in Homer, Louisiana, at six o’clock, April 13, 2023, with the following members:
Present: Patricia Stevens, Stewart Griffin, Yolanda Coleman, Perry Anderson, Linda Knox, William Maddox, Roy Mardis, Tommy Davidson, David Nokes
Absent: Mark Perot
There was also present Mr. William Kennedy, Secretary of the Board.
Mr. Davidson, Board Member, opened the meeting with prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held March 16, 2023, which had been emailed to the Board Members previously, were approved.
Superintendent Kennedy stated a portion of the school district’s Strategic Plan is to build leaders from within our district. Ms. Heather Brooks, Haynesville Elementary Principal, is the leader of this initiative and developed the first L.E.A.D. Claiborne program. This program was designed for individuals who have a desire to potentially move into a leadership role in their careers. Ms. Brooks explained this is a 9-month program concentrating on topics, such as, school finances, practicing communication with adults, and handling human resource issues. The main goal being where to begin as a new administrator and giving real-world scenarios and sharing real-world advice with the participants. In addition, she has asked the Cohort 1 graduates to nominate teachers they feel are future potential leaders for the next Cohort. Ms. Brooks thanked the principals and administrators who helped with sessions and stated it was definitely a team effort, with this being a new program and the first cohort. Ms. Brooks presented the awards honoring and celebrating the Haynesville campus participant graduates: Ms. Judy Holly, Ms. Stacy Rogers, Ms. Tinique Beene, and Ms. Monica Beene-Ridley. Dr. Alyson Perry, Homer Elementary Principal, presented awards to the Homer Elementary graduates: Ms. Ashley Wafer and Ms. Laura Gryder. Ms. Kelli Tims, Homer Jr. High Principal, presented awards to the Homer Jr. High participant graduates: Ms. Amanda Manuel, Ms. Christy Coleman, and Ms. Alex Feaster. Each principal praised these graduates for their character, eagerness to help, and willingness to always step-up in any circumstance, which are exceptional leadership qualities exhibited. Ms. Feaster spoke about how thankful she was for the experience and stated how important teachers are. She believes Claiborne Parish has some of the best teachers. Superintendent Kennedy reminded everyone is welcome to attend a reception immediately following the board meeting to celebrate and honor the Cohort 1 L.E.A.D. graduates.
Superintendent Kennedy requested the Board to consider giving financial support to the students and sponsors who will be attending the FBLA National Convention. There are 17 individuals who qualified in 8 events at the FBLA State Convention. Mr. David Robinson, Homer High Assistant Principal and FBLA Sponsor, introduced Andrevious Buggs, Homer High junior, who was recently elected District I Vice President. Mr. Buggs commended his fellow teammates, several who were also present, on their hard work and dedication. He also stated he is honored to be serving alongside his sister, Z’riah Buggs, Homer High sophomore, who was recently elected State Reporter. Mr. Buggs thanked the Board for their support through the years and asked for financial assistance this year as well. Mr. Robinson stated Mr. Brendon Harris, Homer High senior, placed 1st in the Richard D. Clanton Memorial Scholarship Award. In order to win this award, you have to be a top student and Mr. Harris is an exceptional student. He expressed how proud he is of these students and their accomplishments. Superintendent Kennedy reminded the Board this year’s convention will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, from June 27th – June 30th. In previous years the Board has typically supported the FBLA sponsor(s) and students who have qualified for the national events by approving $600 per person. There was discussion about increasing the amount, due to the rising costs of travelling expenses. These students will also be fundraising to supplement their trip. Mr. Anderson made a motion to provide financial support to the 17 students and 2 sponsors in the amount of $1,000 each. Mr. Griffin seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 9 yes, 0 no.
Ms. Amanda Manuel, Instructional Coach, recognized the district Zearn winners. Zearn is an online math learning platform designed so that students work through engaging digital content at their own pace. The curriculum is designed for grades 1st – 5th. She said the competition is a way of encouraging students and teachers to use this helpful tool and gives students a boost, especially before testing. Ms. Manuel presented certificates to the tied Elementary Division winners: Ms. Melissa McEachern accepted the certificate for Haynesville Elementary and Ms. Lori Lewis accepted the certificate on behalf of Summerfield. Next, she presented a certificate to Ms. Amber Staggs on behalf of Haynesville Jr./Sr., as the Junior High division winner (5th Grade). Continuing, Ms. Manuel added this year they wanted to recognize the teachers who are working extra hard with these students in Zearn. She presented certificates to Ms. Lori Lewis (Summerfield), Ms. Amber Staggs (Haynesville Jr./Sr.) and Ms. Melissa McEachern accepted on behalf of Ms. Tammi Click (Haynesville Elementary).
Due to a Finance Committee meeting being held prior to the Regular Called meeting this evening in which the financials were discussed and reviewed; Superintendent Kennedy asked the Board if they had any further questions. No board members had questions.
Superintendent’s Report:
1. Miss Adyline Tinsley, 5th grader at Haynesville Jr./Sr., is in the top 8 in the state of Louisiana for Student of the Year Award. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana Department of Education is hosting an awards program and reception honoring the Students of the Year on April 19th, where the winners will be announced. Claiborne Parish is so proud of Miss Tinsley and wishes her the best of luck!
2. Reminder – Tier 3 Personal Financial Disclosure Statements are due to the Louisiana Board of Ethics by May 15th.
3. EOC testing will begin in the upcoming weeks for students.
4. Retirees will be recognized at the May board meeting. A reception will be held before the board meeting.
5. A Finance Committee meeting will be scheduled for a date in May.
6. Current LAMP interest rates are 4.88%. Superintendent Kennedy would like to have discussion about possibly moving additional funds to LAMP.
7. Reminder there is a reception following the meeting honoring the Cohort 1 L.E.A.D graduates.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
William Maddox, President
Claiborne Parish School Board
ATTEST:
William Kennedy, Secretary
Claiborne Parish School Board
(April 21, 2023)
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