FEBRUARY 11, 2025
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. PRESIDENT VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
District One:
RHONDA MORRISON
ROBERT PYNES
JIM SEAMAN
JACKIE SELF
KELLY GOODWIN
District Two:
ANGIE DAVIS
District Three:
DEIDRA SHELL
District Four:
RANDY MARTIN
District Six:
VERNON L. TRAVIS, Jr.
District Eight:
CANDACE BLACK
Fort Johnson Garrison Commander:
Col. Clifton J. Lopez, lll
ABSENT:
Shad Stewart - District Five
There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by: John Blankenbaker
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: John Blankenbaker
Item #1: Approval of Minutes
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the February 6, 2025 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: Approval of Budget Amendments/Personnel Changes
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Deidra Shell, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.
Item #3: Authorization to Pay Claims
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.
Item #4: Employee Retirements
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Deidra Shell, the Board voted to accept employee retirements.
Item #5: Leave Without Pay Requests
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to approve leave without pay requests.
Item #6: Headstart Policies/Procedures Approval
On motion of Angie Davis, seconded by Kelly Goodwin, the Board voted to approve the policies and procedures presented to the Board at the February 2nd meeting.
Item # 7: Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance
Assistant Superintendent/Curriculum Director, Lisa Lohman and Curriculum Director Anne Smith introduced Avon Knowlton with the Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance, previously known as Fort Polk Progress, to the Board. Ms. Knowlton presented the Vernon Parish School Board with a check in the amount of $20,000 which is used to purchase technology and curriculum materials for students.
Item #8: Employee of the Month
Dr. Gwile Freeman, with Pelican Benefit Insurance, sponsor of the Vernon Parish School Board Employee of the Month, introduced Februarys Employee of the Month to the Board. Ms. Casey Basco, Attendance Clerk at Simpson High School was selected as Employee of the Month for February, 2025. Kayla Hopkins, Simpson High School Principal, praised Ms. Basco for her excellence as an employee and always willing to go the extra mile in her duties.
Item #9: Black History Month Overview
Curriculum Supervisors Karen Robertson and Jerome Henson presented the Board with the events planned for Black History Month from all 18 schools in Vernon Parish. Vernon Parish has a rich history of celebrating Black History Month. We recognize that our diversity contributes to our strengths. In your folder is a summary of the events scheduled for each school.
Item #10: Report from Transportation Committee
Deidra Shell, Chairperson for the Transportation Committee informed the Board on the topic of discussion from Raymond Jones, Transportation Director, during the 2-11-25 meeting. The committee presented the members with several quotes and options pertaining to the bus barn facility which was discussed during the meeting. On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Kelly Goodwin the Board voted to postpone a decision on plans for the bus facility until further discussion.
Item #11: Superintendents Remarks
Superintendent Williams welcomed all to the meeting and asked Fort Johnson Garrison Commander, Col. Clifton Lopez for an update on events at Fort. Johnson.
Col. Lopez informed the Board that at this time the Star Base project will continue through May 23rd with funding from the DOD. At this time the renovation on the after school location renovation is still in progress and invited the Board Members to stop by and visit the facility.
Mr. Williams reminded the Board of the invitation to attend the Vernon Quiz Bowl on February 20th beginning at 8:00 am at Leesville High School. This inclusive competition promises to be a stimulating display of knowledge and teamwork, highlighting the exceptional education standards upheld across the Vernon Parish district.
Item #12: Memorial Resolutions
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the
following memorial resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Cassandra Wilson who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Ms. Wilsons sister is Castine Porche, retired Vernon Parish teacher and presently a tutor teacher and her brother is Carlton Wilson, bus driver for West Leesville Elementary; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Wilson 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.
On motion of Jim Seaman, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Thomas Patrick Paddy who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Mr. Paddys daughters are Lori Partridge, Educational Diagnostician at ELE, Kristi Paddy, Head Start Specialist, and his son is Thomas Jeff Paddy, former bus driver for PES; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Paddy 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 his family at this time of sadness.
Item #13: Adjournment
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned by President
Vernon L. Travis, Jr.
Authorized Officer
__________________
VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR., PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
__________________
JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT
11126238 3/14/25 ($122.96)