AUGUST 6, 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:
DEIDRA SHELL
CANDACE BLACK
RANDY MARTIN
KELLY K. GOODWIN
SHAD STEWART
VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR.
MARK H. SMITH
ROBERT PYNES, JR.
JOHN BLANKENBAKER
RHONDA MORRISON
JIM SEAMAN
ANGIE DAVIS
COL. J. ADAM BARLOW
ABSENT:
ANGIE DAVIS DISTRICT TWO
SHAD STEWART DISTRICT FIVE
There was also present Mr. Joseph Bartz, 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: Approval of Minutes
On motion of Kelly Goodwin, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the July 14, 2026 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: Approve 2026-2027 Salary Schedule
On motion of Jim Seaman, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to approve the 2026-2027 salary schedule.
Item #3: Approve stipends for all VPSB employees
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Mark Smith, the Board voted to approve stipends for all VPSB employees.
Item #4: Vernon Parish School Board Policy Updates
Personnel Director, Leigh Lansdale discussed the print-out received from Forethought about the 2026 Regular Session/ Acts effective 8-1-26:
ACT 821, 738, 981, 823, 625, 744, 737, 539, 496, 237, 631, 548, 259, 545, 645, 461, 233.
She also presented the August Personnel Changes and asked for a motion to approve on Tuesday.
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Randy Martin the Board voted to add to Tuesdays meeting for approval.
Mrs. Lansdale reminded the Board Members to complete their disclosure forms due
9-15-26.
Performance contracts are being issued to new administrators.
Interviews will begin today for IT Coordinator.
Item #5: Head Start Update
Head Start Director, Cheree Atkins updated the Board on new hire Head Start teachers and paraprofessionals. She presented the Board with a calendar of special dates for Early Childhood-Head Start and Birth to Five, a list of procedures for Head Start registration, school locations, safety procedures and reporting to the government.
Item #6 Food Service Update
Director of Food Service, Raymond Jones gave an update on the CEP program which will be in place for four years. The Vernon Parish Food Service has been granted free meals under this program.
Item #7: Transportation Update
Supervisor of Transportation, Sedric Clemons gave an update on new hired bus drivers, bus aides, route changes, pre and post bus checks, and camera installation in buses.
Item #8: Technology Update
Assistant Superintendent, Lisa Lohman gave an update on completed projects from the Technology Department along with school start up information.
Item #9: Report from Salary/Personnel Committee
Salary/Personnel Chairperson, Kelly Goodwin reported to the Board on topics discussed during the 9:30 committee meeting:
1. Personnel transactions for August 2026
2. Family Disclosure Statement Reminder
3. Performance Contracts for new administrators
Item: #10 Superintendents Remarks
Superintendent Bartz welcomed all to the meeting and asked for an update from Col. Barlow on Fort Polk events. Col. Barlow reported that the Town Hall meeting was a great success and would like to plan another meeting in the future. Col. Barlow enjoyed visiting LHS and having lunch there. He informed the Board that JRTC rotation will begin next week. Back to school movie night has been set up at Head Quarter Field.
Superintendent Bartz invited the Board Members to attend open house at all schools.
He informed them that new hiring, sign up, technology solutions being resolved in all schools, and transportation routes and issues being resolved.
Mr.Bartz turned the meeting over to the President, Deidra Shell.
Item #11: Memorial Resolutions
On motion of Candace Black, 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 James Freddie Monroe who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Mr. Monroes wife is Phyllis Monroe, retired Simpson Cafeteria Manager and his daughter is Ramona Bennett, Principal of East Leesville Elementary and North Elementary; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Monroe 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 his family at this time of sadness.
On motion of Randy Martin, 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 with to express their sympathy to the family of Homer Frederick Wentzel, Sr. who recently passed away: and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Mr. Wentzels son is David Wentzel, retired PHS Assist Principal and teacher; daughter Dianna Kampfer, VPSB Sales Tax clerk, daughter-in-law, Barbara Wentzel, retired teacher and grandson, Jacob Kampfer, former PES teacher; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wentzel 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 his family at this time of sadness.
Item #12: Adjournment
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned
Authorized Officer
__________________
DEIDRA SHELL, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
__________________
JOSEPH BARTZ, SUPERINTENDENT
12558641 8/16/26 ($118.64)