MARCH 10, 2026
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA.
PRESIDENT DEIDRA SHELL CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
PRESENT:
District One:
Kelly Goodwin
Rhonda Morrison
Robert Pynes, Jr.
Jim Seaman
District Three:
Deidra Shell
District Four:
Randy Martin
District Five:
Shad Stewart
District Eight:
Candace Black
Absent :
Angie Davis District Two
Vernon Travis District Six
John Blankenbaker District Seven
Col. J. Adam Barlow Fort Polk Garrison Commander
There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by: Jim Seaman/Terry Ward
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: Jim Seaman
Item #1: Approval of Minutes:
On motion of Jim Seaman, seconded by Kelly Goodwin, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the March 5, 2026 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: 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 # 3: Authorization to Pay Claims
On motion of Candace Black, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.
Item #4: Approval of Budget Amendments
On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.
Item #5: H.S. Grant/Budget for 2026-2027
On motion of Rhonda Morrison, seconded by Kelly Goodwin, the Board voted to approve the H.S. Grant/Budget for 2026-2027
Item #6: Employee of the Month
Director of Finance, Tim Ward introduced Scott Walker with Pelican Benefits Advisors. Pelican Benefits Advisors is the sponsor of Employee of the Month. for the Vernon Parish School Board. Mrs. Summer Peters, Vernon Middle School Assistant Principal, recommended Mr. Charles Thomas, custodian at Vernon Middle School as Employee of the Month. In her recommendation, Mrs. Peters described Mt. Thomas as a dedicated custodian where he exemplifies the highest standards of work ethic, responsibility, and positivity, making a lasting impact on both staff and students alike.
Item #7: Recognition of PCAL Bus Driver of the Year
Supervisor of Transportation, Sedric Clemons introduced Mary Maricle, Board Owned Bus Driver as the 2025-2026 PCAL (Property Casualty Alliance of Louisiana) Bus Driver of the Year. Ms. Maricles school base is Pitkin High School. Mr. Clemons spoke to the Board about what an excellent employee Ms. Maricle is and how well she relates to the students who ride her bus. She is an excellent driver and always reports to work. Ms. Maricle was presented with a certificate along with a check from PCAL. Malcolm Morris and Logan Morris with Morris Insurance attended the Board meeting along with Lauren Young and Paige Prothro with Property Casualty Alliance of Louisiana to present Ms. Maricle with this award.
Item #8: Go Tell America Project
Rodney Helton and Terry Ward presented the Board with an agenda of the upcoming Billy Graham crusade to be held at 11 schools in Vernon Parish on April 13, 14, and 15. The speaker will be Rick Gage. Bill Freeman will also be speaking at schools on the subject of Good Choices.
Item #9: Transportation Committee Report
Jim Seaman, Transportation Committee Chairperson reported to the Board on the topics discussed during the 9:00 Transportation Committee Meeting.
Transportation Supervisor, Sedric Clemons discussed options previously discussed about the bus facility. On motion of Deidra Shell, seconded by Rhonda Morrison, the Board voted to receive quotes on building costs to construct a new complete transportation building.
Item #10: Superintendents Remarks
Superintendent, James Williams welcomed all to the meeting. Mr. Williams congratulated Simpson High (Class C), Rosepine High division 3 select), and Pitkin High (Class B) girls basketball teams winning state championships.
The Pitkin High boys also played in the playoffs.
The injunction has been lifted on the implementation of H.B. 71, Act 676, which addresses the display of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms. There are still a few more matters to resolve before the decision is complete.
The meeting was turned over to the president.
Item #11: Memorial Resolutions
There were no memorial resolutions.
Item # 12: Adjournment
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Authorized Officer
__________________
DEIDRA SHELL, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
__________________
JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT
12258989 4/19/26 ($98.96)