OCTOBER 7, 2025
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR. CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
District One:
Kelly K. 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 L. Travis, Jr
District Seven:
John Blankenbaker
District Eight:
Candace Black
Absent :
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: Vernon L. Travis, Jr.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: Vernon L. Travis, Jr.
Item #1: October 2, 2025 Minutes
On motion of Jackie Salf, seconded by Deidra Shell, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the October 2, 2025 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: Retirements
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to accept employee retirements.
Item #3: Amendments related to Personnel Changes
On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.
Item #4: 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: Leave Without Pay Requests
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by Kelly Goodwin, the Board voted to approve Leave Without Pay Requests.
Item #6: VPSB Meeting Dates for 2026
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to approve the VPSB meeting dates for 2026.
Item #7: Motion to advertise for Promotional Principal position at LJHS
On motion of Kelly Goodwin, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to advertise for the promotional position of Principal at LJHS.
Item #8:Motion to form a Policy Committee
On motion of Deidra Shell, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted form a Policy Committee.
Item #9: Motion to approve the contract for AES Assistant Principal position
On motion of Angie Davis, seconded by Candace Black, the Board voted to approve the contract for the AES Assistant Principal position.
Item #10:Motion of approve the contract for Transportation Supervisor/Optional Program Coordinator
On motion of Deidra Shell, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to approve the contract for Transportation Supervisor/Optional Program Coordinator.
Item #11: Employee of the Month
Director of Finance, Tim Ward introduced Jeff Taylor, Pelican Benefit Advisors, sponsor for Employee of the Month.
Mr. Taylor introduced the Employee of the Month Tasha Robertson. Ms. Robertson is a Title 1 Paraprofessional at Simpson High School.
Mr. Taylor shared with the Board qualities written by her Principal, Sherre Morse, about Ms. Robertson. There are many reasons why Ms. Robertson was nominated as Employee of the Month. Tasha helps with all grade levels in elementary as well as coordinates Title 1, assists with testing, helping organize technology and helps with anything else she is needed for. Tasha co-sponsors cheer and often stays many late evenings with sports activities. She contributes her time to accomplish all these tasks without any complaints. She is a blessing to our staff, students and campus.
Item #12: Vernon Ministerial Alliance Food Drive
Superintendent Williams welcomed LAMA President, Pastor Carl Clark, Sr. to the meeting. Pastor Clark informed the Board that it is that time of the year for Operation We Care Christmas food drive. Once again we thank you for your support allowing students to assist with packing boxes at the Leesville Fairgrounds being distributed to families in need for the holidays. We are requesting the students help again on Wednesday, December 3rd. I would like to thank the Board again for your continued support.
Item #13: Head Start Update
Head Start Director, Cheree Atkins gave an update on enrollment at each school and progress on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. This program began September, 2024 in partnership with Merchants and Farmers Bank and The Rapides Foundation to encourage early childhood literacy across the parish.
As of September, 2025 over 1,100 books are being mailed out monthly in Vernon Parish. In the last 12 months, approximately 11,000 books have been mailed to the homes of Vernon Parish families who registered online to participate in the program.
Item #14: October 1, 2025 Enrollment Update
Director of Finance, Tim Ward presented the Board members with the following enrollment information in chart forms:
1. Total Difference Year and MFP Difference Year (October, 2011 through October, 2025) to compare changes in enrollment.
2. VPSB Military Student Count from 10-1-11 through 10-1-25
3. MFP and total enrollment of each Vernon Parish school for 10-1-24, 2-1-25, and 10-1-25
Item #15: Superintendents Remarks
Superintendent Williams welcomed all to the meeting. Mr. Williams reminded the Board members that following the meeting, Mr. Jon Guice will be conducting the LSBA ACT 705 School Board Member Training and Instruction. Mr. Williams also reminded everyone to vote on November 6th for tax renewals.
District One Board Member, Kelly Goodwin reminded the Board about the Annual Conzuelo Monique Guzman Ball on October 14th. The ball will begin at 10:00 AM and end at 1:00 PM at Celebrations on 3rd street in Leesville. All Board members and the Superintendent are invited to attend.
This ball is held to honor the memory of Conzuelo Monique Guzman, a former Leesville High School special needs student.
Item # 16: Memorial Resolutions
There was no memorial resolutions presented to the Board.
Item # 17: Adjournment
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned.
Authorized Officer
VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR., PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT
11/19/25 ($122.72)