MARCH 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:
PRESENT:
District One:
Kelly Goodwin
Rhonda Morrison
Robert Pynes, Jr.
Jackie Self
Jim Seaman
District Two:
Angie Davis
District Three:
Deidra Shell
District Four:
Randy Martin
District Five:
Shad Stewart
District Six:
Vernon L. Travis, Jr.
District Seven:
John Blankenbaker
District Eight:
Candace Black
Fort Johnson Garrison Commander:
Col. Clifton J. Lopez, III
ABSENT:
There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by: Rhonda Morrison
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: Rhonda Morrison
Item #1: Approval of Minutes:
On motion of Rhonda Morrison, seconded by Deidra Shell, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the March 6, 2025 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: Approval of Employee Retirements:
On motion of Jim Seaman, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve employee retirements.
Item #3: Head Start Policies/Procedures:
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to approve Head Start policies and procedures presented to the 3-6-25 board meeting.
Item # 4: Authorization to Pay Claims
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Angie Davis, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.
Item #5: Approval of Budget Amendments
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Kelly Goodwin, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.
Item #6: Approval of Policies
On motion of Deidra Shell, seconded by Jackie Self, the Board voted to approve updated board policy - Electric Devices FILE: JCDAE Cf: IFBGA, JD presented at the 3-6-25 meeting.
Item #7: Public Announcement Renewing Existing Millages
Tim Ward, Director of Finance read the following Public Announcement to the Board:
Notice is hereby given that at its meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Parish School Board Office, 201 Belview Road, Leesville, Louisiana, the Parish School Board of the Parish of Vernon, State of Louisiana, plans to consider adopting a resolution ordering and calling elections to be held in (i) Ward Three Wardwide School District No. 160 of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, (ii) Ward Seven Wardwide School District of Vernon Parish, Louisiana, (iii) Hornbeck School District No. 143 of the Parish of Vernon, Louisiana, (iv) Ward Eight Wardwide School District No. 161 of the Parish of Vernon, Louisiana and (v) Ward Eight Wardwide School District No. 151 of the Parish of Vernon, Louisiana, to authorize the renewal or continuation of ad valorem taxes therein.
A resolution will be adopted April 8, 2025.
Item #8: Employee of the Month
Director of Finance, Tim Ward introduced Rodney Taylor with Taylor and Sons Insurance, sponsor of Employee of the Month to the Board. Mr. Taylor introduced Karen Smith the Employee of the Month. Mrs. Mawae, AHS Principal spoke to the board about what an amazing employee Mr. Ward is and that she is proud to have him as an employee at her school. Mr. Taylor presented Mr. Ward with a plaque as a token of Taylor and Sons appreciation for the outstanding performance completing his duties and his dedication to his principal, co-workers and students.
Item #9: Recognition of PCAL Bus Driver of the Year
Supervisor of Transportation, Raymond Haymon introduced Tina Sanchez, Board Owned Bus Driver as the 2024-2025 Parish PCAL (Property Casualty Alliance of Louisiana) Bus Driver of the Year. Ms. Sanchezs school base is Pickering Elementary School. Principal, Dana Donaldson spoke to the Board about what an excellent employee Ms. Sanchez is and how well she relates to the students who ride her bus. She is an excellent driver and always reports to work. Ms.Sanchez was presented with a certificate along with other awards from Malcolm Morris, Morris Insurance and Lauren Young, Property Casualty Alliance of Louisiana.
Item #10: Transportation Committee Report
Deidra Shell, Transportation Committee Chairperson reported to the Board on the topics discussed during the 9:30 Transportation Committee Meeting.
Transportation Supervisor, Raymond Haymon discussed the 3 options previously discussed about the bus facility.
Item #11: Superintendents Remarks
Superintendent James Williams welcomed all to the meeting and asked Garrison Commander, Col. Clifton J. Lopez, III for a report from Fort Johnson. Col. Lopez informed the Board of the following:
1. Education Summit will be March 21, 2025 at the Warrior Center from 9-11 am
2. Star Base will be running until the end of May
3. 310 and families continuing to return
Mr. Williams asked Curriculum Supervisors Karen Robertson and Jerome Henson for an update on their recruitment day at NSU. Ms. Robertson and Mr. Henson said they had some very informative interviews with possible certified teacher applicants. The applicants were impressed with Vernon Parishs Top 10 A Rated Academic District and #1 in LA on ACT/WorkKeys.
Mr. Williams congratulated the Simpson High School girls basketball who won class C State Championship, Anacoco High School girls basketball top 28 finals, and Rosepine High School boys and girls basketball top 28 finals.
Mr. Williams announced that the Special Olympics will be held March 28th at LHS track and field from 9:30 1:00.
Mr. Williams reminded the Board Member of the LSBA Capitol Conference in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, April, 30th.
Personnel Director, Joseph Bartz discussed the proposed school calendars. Employees will be given a copy to vote on and choose the calendar for next school year.
The meeting was turned over to the president.
Item #12: Memorial Resolutions
There were no memorial resolutions.
Item # 13: Adjournment
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Authorized Officer
VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR., PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT
11222118 4/16/25 ($120.08)