NOVEMBER 9, 2023
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. PRESIDENT JIM SEAMAN CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
District One:
KELLY KAIAMA GOODWIN
RHONDA MORRISON
ROBERT PYNES, JR.
JIM SEAMAN
District Two:
ANGIE DAVIS
District Three:
DEIDRA SHELL
District Four:
RANDY MARTIN
District Seven:
JOHN BLANKENBAKER
ABSENT:
Jackie Self District One
Shad Stewart District Five
Col. Clifton Lopez, Jr. Fort Johnson Garrison Commander
There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by: Kelly Kaiama Goodwin
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: Kelly Kaiama Goodwin
Item #1: Approval of Minutes
On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the November 2, 2023 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: Head Start Policies /Procedures
On motion of Rhonda Morrison, seconded by Deidra Shell, the Board voted to approve Head Start policies/procedures presented to the Board at the November 2nd meeting.
Item #3: Budget Amendments Related to Personnel Changes
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Angie Davis, the Board voted to approve the budget amendments related to personnel changes.
Item #4: Authorization to Pay the Claims
On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.
Item #5: Recognition of Employee of the Month
Tim Ward, Director of Finance, welcomed Rodney Taylor with Taylor and Sons Insurance to introduce our Employee of the Month to the Board. Taylor and Sons Insurance sponsors this program for the Vernon Parish School Board. The November Employee of the Month is Jamie Bjornberg, counselor at Rosepine High School. Principal, Joseph Bartz and Rodney Taylor spoke to the Board about Ms. Bjornbergs outstanding skills and what makes her a great counselor. Ms. Bjornberg works well with students, faculty and the administration at her school. She is always available to assist in anything she is asked to do. Ms. Bjornberg is kind, patient and she finds ways to benefit her students. She is a great asset to Rosepine High School
Item #6: 4H Update
Lisa Lohman, Curriculum Director introduced Lori Marto, Nutrition Agent for the LSU AgCenter in Vernon and Allen Parishes to the Board. Ms. Marto explained to the Board that she is responsible to instruct nutrition education and physical education to our children by teaching how to improve nutrition environments Healthy communities is an LSU AgCenter program that makes Louisiana towns healthier placed to live, work, and play. There are several programs provided such as SNAP, HEALTHY Communities, EFNEP, and Flavors of Health.
Item #7: Food Service Update
Food Service Supervisor, Raymond Jones presented the Board with a chart on the comparison of free and reduced lunch calculations between the 22-23 and 23-24 school years. Mr. Jones informed the Board that there has been a 10% increase in savings due to free and reduced lunch applicants which means a savings of $750,000 to $1,000,000 for our school system.
Item #8: Superintendents Remarks
Superintendent James Williams welcomed all to the meeting and informed the Board that Friday, November 10th is Veterans Day. Vernon Parish schools observed programs today to celebrate our veterans and tomorrow will be a holiday for our students and faculty.
The Board observed a zoom meeting hosted by Simbli, a Board Management Software company.
This software tool can manage the boards business and streamline activities such as meetings, documents, evaluations, planning, communications and policies.
Mr. Williams informed the Board that they would receive the Strategic Plan for 2023-2024 next month.
He reminded the Board that the board president and board vice president positions will be decided next month.
Mr. Williams gave an update on the LAMP conference he and Finance Director Tim Ward attended last week.
Athletic Director, Hub Jordan presented the Board with printouts on classifications and discussed the upcoming changes.
Superintendent Williams reminded the Board that the DCIP Buildings Ribbon Cutting will be next week 11-16-23 at 11:00 AM at Leesville High School in the STEAM Building. Join us for STEAM demonstrations and a tour of the new facilities.
The meeting was turned over to President, Jim Seaman.
Item #9: Memorial Resolutions
On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Judge Lee Youngblood, Jr. who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Judge Youngblood is the brother of Elsee Clay computer lab teacher at Parkway Elementary and brother-in-law of Curtis Clay, Head Start Director, and
WHEREAS, Judge Youngblood was a resident of Desoto Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
Item #10: Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Authorized Officer
____________________
JIM SEAMAN, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
____________________
JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT
9624513 12/15/23