JULY 9, 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:
KELLY GOODWIN
MARK H. SMITH
ROBERT PYNES, JR.
JIM SEAMAN
RHONDA MORRISON
DEIDRA SHELL
RANDY MARTIN
SHAD STEWART
VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR.
JOHN BLANKENBAKER
CANDACE BLACK
ABSENT:
ANGIE DAVIS District Two
JOHN BLANKENBAKER District Seven
There was also present, Mr. Joseph M. Bartz, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by: ROBERT PYNES, JR.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: ROBERT PYNES, JR.
Item #1: Approval of Minutes
On motion of Kelly Goodwin, seconded by Shad Stewart, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the June 9, 2026 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: Motion to adopt a resolution to approve the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the Vernon Parish School Board and the Vernon Parish Sales Tax Agency
On motion of Jim Seaman, seconded by Mark Smith, the Board voted to adopt a resolution to approve the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the VPSB and the VPST agency
Item #3: Motion to approve 12 month employee contracts
On motion of Rhonda Morrison, seconded by Candace Black, the Board voted to approve 12 month employee contracts.
Item #4: Motion to receive bids for athletic bus for PHS
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Kelly Goodwin, the Board voted to receive bids to purchase an athletic bus for PHS. Ross Bus Company submitted 5 bids. A full board vote way called and the vote was 10 yeas, 0 nays.
Item #5: Pay the Claims
On motion of Candace Black, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.
Item #5: Rapides Foundation Update
On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by Kelly Goodwin, the Board voted to
add to the Tuesday, July 14th meeting to approve the Resolution to authorize the Superintendent to negotiate and execute grant agreements on behalf of the Board with The Rapides Foundation. Representing The Rapides Foundation, Mrs. Ashley Stewart discussed the 3 grants that the VPSB receives and Mrs. Dana Talley discussed Strategic Planning for 2026-2027 for VP schools.
Item #6: 2026 Legislative Update New Laws
Personnel Director, Leigh Lansdale discussed the 2026 Legislative update new laws: SB 157, HB 568, HB 137, HB 352, HB 342, HB 406, HCR 27, and
HCR 28
Item #7: Report from Curriculum Committee
On motion of Rhonda Morrison, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to elect Candace Black as Curriculum Committee Chairperson.
Ms. Black reported to the Board on The Rapides Foundation discussion and the topics discussed by Curriculum Director, Anne Smith. Ms. Black also reported on the discussion by Ashley Stewart and Dana Talley from The Rapides Foundation.
Item #8: Report from Salary/Personnel
Chairperson, Kelly Goodwin reported to the Board on topics discussed during the Salary/Personnel meeting at 9:00 am by Personnel Director, Leigh Lansdale.
Mrs. Lansdale discussed the personnel changes for July and vacancies still left to fill for the 2026-2027 school year. Mrs. Lansdale also introduced the new Curriculum supervisors; Lisa Haymon, Kayla Hopkins and Jennifer Wilbanks.
She informed the Board that Roger Atkins will also serve as Athletic Director, AP positions will be announced next week, and bus driver vacancies will be discussed on Tuesday.
Item #9: Superintendents Remarks
Superintendent, Joseph Bartz welcomed all to the meeting and thanked Tiffany Koch for filling in for the Fort Polk Garrison Commander J. Adam Barlow. He informed the Board that the Central Office has been very busy filling vacancies and transferring staff. He welcomed our visitors to the meeting and thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication for opening schools in August.
Item #10: Memorial Resolutions
On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Sharon McCullough who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School Board; Mrs. McCulloughs husband is retired Pitkin teacher, Riley McCullough and her son is retired Pitkin custodian, Johnny McCullough; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. McCullough was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to her family at this time of sadness.
Item #13: Adjournment
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned
Authorized Officer
__________________
DEIDRA SHELL PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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JOSEPH M. BARTZ, SUPERINTENDENT
12525208 8/5/26 ($102.08)