AUGUST 12, 2025
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:
Rhonda Morrison
Robert Pynes, Jr.
Jim Seaman
Kelly K. Goodwin
District Two:
Angie Davis
District Three:
Deidra Shell
District Four:
Randy Martin
District Seven:
John Blankenbaker
District Eight:
Candace Black
ABSENT:
District One: Jackie Self
District Five: Shad Stewart
District Six: Vernon L. Travis, Jr.
Fort Polk Garrison Commander: Col. J. Adam Barlow
There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by: JIM SEAMAN
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: JIM SEAMAN
Item #1: Approval of Minutes
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Kelly Goodwin, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the August 7, 2025 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: Budget Amendments Related to Personnel Changes
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Angie Davis , the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.
Item #3: Pay the Claims
On motion of Jim Seaman, seconded by Randy Martin , the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.
Item #4: Policy Updates
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Candace Black, the Board voted to approve the policy updates and revisions presented to the Board on August 7, 2025
Item #5: Approve Pupil Progression Plan
On motion of Candace Black , seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve the pupil progression plan for the 25-26 school year.
Item #6: Approve Performance Contracts
On motion of Angie Davis, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board, the Board voted to approve Performance Contracts presented at the 8-7-25 board meeting.
Item #7: Parish Dress Code Adjustments
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Kelly Goodwin , the Board voted to approve the parish dress code adjustments as follows: Articles of Clothing:
Delete bullet point #7 and reword bullet point #8 to read as:
Shorts, skirts, skorts, dresses, and jumpers are permitted and should cover the majority of the thigh and not surpass mid-thigh when seated. They should not have holes or tears that expose any skin, undergarment, or layers underneath. (Keep all other language about miniskirtrs, sarongs, backless/strapless, etc. being prohibited)
Item #8: Recognition of Food Service Managers/Safety
Director of Food Service, Raymond Jones and Food Service Secretary, Lillie Allen presented the Cafeteria Managers with an award for three years accident free.
Item #9: Special Education/Title One Programs Update
Director of Special Education and Title One Programs, Leslie Ortiz, presented the Board with a copy of the 2023-2024 IDEA monitoring results and announced that the LEA has sufficiently addressed all findings identified in the monitoring report.
Ms. Ortiz also presented the 2025-2026 pupil appraisal assignments and the special education list by school names and special education employee name.
Item #10: School Safety Update
Director of Maintenance, Raymond Jones informed the Board that school security measures are in place for all 18 schools in the parish. Digital mapping has been initiated to secure warnings of fires, violence, and hurricane threats in our schools. There are also
Law Enforcemnt Officers have been hired at each school for added protection.
We will continue to have ongoing meetings with the sheriffs department, city police, homeland security, Fort Polk law enforcement, and other agencies to provide safety in our schools.
Item #11: Superintendents Remarks
Superintendent Williams discussed the following:
1. Sub training at LHS from 9:00 to 11:00 today
2. Reminder for Board Members to complete their family disclosure statement
3. Back to school
Item #12: Memorial Resolutions
There were no memorial resolutions on 8-12-25.
Item #13: Adjournment
On motion of Johnblankenbaker, seconded by Kelly Goodwin,
there being no other business the meeting was adjourned
Authorized Officer
__________________
VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR., PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
__________________
JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT
11671227 9/17/25 ($93.44)