NOVEMBER 12, 2024
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. PRESIDENT SHAD STEWART 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
JACKIE SELF
District Two:
ANGIE DAVIS
District Three:
DEIDRA SHELL
District Four:
RANDY MARTIN
District Five:
SHAD STEWART
District Six:
VERNON TRAVIS
District Seven:
JOHN BLANKENBAKER
District Eight:
CANDACE BLACK
Fort Johnson Garrison Commander:
COL. CLIFTON J. LOPEZ
ABSENT:
Fort Johnson Garrison Commander:
COL. CLIFTON J. LOPEZ
There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by: Candace Black
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: Candace Black
Item #1: Approval of November 7, 2024 Minutes
On motion of Jackie Self , seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2024 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: Head Start Policies /Procedures
On motion of Kelly Goodwin, seconded by Rhonda Morrison, the Board voted to approve Head Start policies/procedures presented to the Board at the November 7th meeting.
Item #3: Budget Amendments Related to Personnel Changes
On motion of Jim Seaman, seconded by Deidra Shell, the Board voted to approve the budget amendments related to personnel changes.
Item #4: Authorization to Pay the Claims
On motion of Angie Davis, seconded by John Blankenbaker, 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 Dr. Gwile Freeman with Pelican Benefits Insurance to introduce our Employee of the Month to the Board. Pelican Benefits Insurance sponsors this program for the Vernon Parish School Board. The November Employee of the Month is Sherrie Martin, Early Head Start teacher at North Elementary. Principal, Ramona Bennett spoke to the Board about Ms. Martins outstanding teaching skills and what makes her an excellent teacher. Ms. Martin 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. Martin is kind, patient and finds ways to benefit her students. She is a great asset to North Elementary and the Vernon Parish School Board. Again, we thank Ms. Martin for her positive and contagious personality.
Item #6: Agriculture Day Report
Assistant Superintendent/Curriculum Director, Lisa Lohman introduced Bryan Churchman, Rosepine High School AG teacher to Board and asked him to report to the Board about the Agriculture Day held on October, 10th at the Porter Ranch. Mr. Churchman reported that the AG Day was a great success with 170 students in attendance. The students are from Vernon Parish high schools, local private schools, home school students and Oak Hill high school in Rapides Parish.
Mr. Churchman not only is the Ag Teacher at RHS, he is the Vice President of the Cattlemans Association and the RHS FFA program instructor.
Also in attendance were members of the Cattlemans association, a spokesperson from LSUA, McNeese, LA Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, and several other community leaders and business sponsors. Mr. Churchman presented a video of the during the Board meeting about
Item #7: Transportation Committee Report
Deidra Shell, Transportation Chairperson reported to the Board on the discussion during the 9:30 meeting:
Supervisor of Transportation, Raymond Haymon informed the Board on the following items discussed:
1. A list of savings on quotes from vendors
2. Maintenance and inspection on buses during Christmas break
3. All routes filled
4. Facility for buses (Mr. Haymon provided a print-out of a new facility)
5. Quotes, location, lease on present building.
6. New mechanic hired in transportation
7. Cost and location of facility will be discussed at a later date (only two quotes at this time)
Item #8: Simbli Board Management Software Update
Joseph Bartz, Personnel Director updated the Board on the progress with the Simbli Program. He said it takes time to adjust to something new, but the Board Members are catching on quickly using their chrome books. This software tool can manage the Boards business and streamline activities such as meetings, documents, evaluations, planning, communications and policies.
Item #9: Superintendents Remarks
Superintendent James Williams welcomed all to the meeting.
Mr. Williams reminded the Board that Jon Guice would be conducting the Board training after the meeting today.
Mr. Williams also asked for Item #10 and Item #11 to be added to the 11-12-24
Agenda.
Item #10: Advertise for Pitkin High Principal Position
On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by Vernon L. Travis, Jr. the Board voted to add to the 11-12-24 agenda for approval to advertise for Pitkin High School Principal position.
Item #11: Advertise for Rosepine High Assistant Principal
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Vernon L Travis, Jr. the Board voted to add to the 11-12-24 agenda for approval to advertise for Rosepine High School Assistant Principal position.
Item #12: 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 Brenda White who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Whites sister is Mary Johnson, cook at Parkway Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Ms. White was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to her family at this time of sadness.
Item #13: Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Authorized Officer
__________________
SHAD STEWART, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
__________________
JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT
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