JUNE 4, 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:

District One:

Kelly Goodwin Rhonda Morrison Robert Pynes, Jr. Jim Seaman

Mark H. Smith

District Two:

Angie Davis

District Three:

Deidra Shell

District Four:

Randy Martin

District Six:

Vernon L. Travis, Jr.

District Seven:

John Blankenbaker

District Eight:

Candace Black

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: Rhonda Morrison

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: Rhonda Morrison

Item #1: Approval of Minutes

On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Kelly Goodwin, the Board voted 11 yeas, 1 abstain, to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2026 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes. Mark H. Smith voted to abstain from voting to approve the

5-12-26 minutes; not sworn in as 1/6 Board Member replacing Jackie Self, deceased, at that meeting.

Item #2: Student Recognition

Curriculum Supervisor, Karen Robertson introduced the following students to the Board who were

recognized for their accomplishments:

Anacoco High School students:

State Track

Girls: Riley Draughn, Brylee Goins, Kylie Harbin, Tinslee Imotichey, Natalie LeBlanc, Cadynce Lewis, Madison Midkiff, Kinsley Patin, Hayley Smith, Lacey Smith, Madi Stanley

Boys: Cade Airhart, Tanner Dowden, Conner Gilbert, Layton Kay, Ethan Prichard, Greyden Reese, and Landon Tinsley

Hornbeck High School students:

Kyra Hardy, Averi Ellzey, McKenzie Deshautelle,

Trevor Owens, Alexis Doyle, Hadlee LeBlanc

Leesville High School students:

State Track

Girls 4X8 2nd place: Scott Fortner, Anna Fontaine, Janiya James, Brookly Burch

Girls 4x4 2nd place: Janiya James Xzyria James, Brooklyn Burch, Jaida Ortiz

Girls 4x2 3rd place: Jaiya James, Jaida Ortiz, Aaleyiah Pollard, Brooklyn Burch

Girls 4x1 6th place: Jakylan Tucker, Asleyiah Pollard, Candela Escribano Mayoral, Xzyria James

Boys 4x4 2nd place: Kaii Iverson, Orlan Humes, Daeleion Barbour, Javon Edwards

Boys 4x2 6th place: Marquale Williams, Orlan Humes, Daeleion Barbour, Javon Edwards

Rosepine Elementary students:

4th grade, Jaelyne Marrero 1st place group anthropology

4th grade, Quinn Turcotte 1st place group anthropology

Vernon Middle School students:

State Social Studies Fair

Trip Clemmons 2nd place political science individual

Tristan & Tyler Palsis 3rd place geography- group

Item #3: Head Start

Head Start Director, Cheree Atkins updated the Board on the Directors Report given on 6-2-26

at the Head Start Birth to Five Policy Council meeting.

Content Areas: ERSEA, funded family and community partnerships, health services, fiscal,

licensing, education, disabilities and meal by USDA

Item #4: Motion to introduce applicants for Superintendent position

On motion of Rhonda Morrison, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to introduce applicants

for Superintendent position. The following applicants were introduced in alphabetical order by

name:

Joseph Bartz, Lori Lemons, Lisa Lohman, and Karen Ray.

Item #5: Motion to enter Executive Session Pursuant to LA R.S. 42:17 for discussion of personnel matters (we will conduct interviews for Superintendent applicants)

On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by Candace Black, the Board voted to enter into

Executive Session Pursuant to LA R.S. 42:17 for discussion of personnel matters (conduct

interviews for Superintendent applicants)

Vernon L. Travis, Jr. called for a discussion on the Law to enter Executive Session to conduct

interviews. After discussion the Board entered Executive Session and to conduct the

interviews.

Item #6: Motion to nominate an applicant and call for a vote for new Superintendent

On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by Angie Davis the Board voted to exit

Executive Session and continue with regular 10:00 meeting.

Upon request of a Public Comment Card, Hornbeck Principal, Charlotte Hooks spoke

to the Board about her opinion for considering the Superintendent position.

On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by Mark H. Smith, Lisa Lohman was

nominated for the Superintendent position. A full board vote was called: the vote

was 3 yeas and 9 nays.

On motion of Rhonda Morrison, seconded by Randy Martin, Joseph Bartz was

nominated for the Superintendent position. A full board vote was called: the vote

was ll yeas and 1 nay.

Mr. Joseph Bartz was named Vernon Parish School Board Superintendent.

Item #7: Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Authorized Officer

DEIDRA SHELL, PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT

6/19/26 ($103.52)