PARISH OF DESOTO

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Mansfield, Louisiana

July 1, 2021

The DeSoto Parish School Board met in regular session at the DeSoto Parish School Board Instructional Materials Center, 523 Oxford Road, Mansfield, Louisiana, on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. with the following members present:

Dudley M. Glenn, Dr. Neil Henderson, Donald Dufour, Alice Thomas, Coday Johnston, Dale Morvan, Mark Ross, Bobby Boyd, Rosie Mayweather, and Clay Corley, Superintendent.

            Absent: Jeffrey Dillard and Thomas Craig, Jr.

            Item 1:  Call to order

            President Morvan called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone.  Mr. Corley and Board Members asked to remember the families of Bonnie Green, Clay Clark and Anna Dunn; also those suffering health issues.  Mr. Boyd gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

            Item 2:  Revisions to the agenda.

            There were no revisions to the agenda.

            Item 3: Approval of minutes of the regular Board meeting of June 3, 2021.

Motion was made by Mr. Boyd, seconded by Dr. Henderson, to approve the minutes of the June 3, 2021, Board meeting as presented.  The vote was taken and the President stated the motion carried with the following votes – Yes = 9, No = 0, Absent = 2, and Abstentions = 0.

            Item 4:  To consider and take action with respect to adopting a resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in School District No. 3 of the Parish of DeSoto, State of Louisiana, to authorize the incurring of debt and issuance of bonds therein; making application to the State Bond Commission; and providing for other matters in connection therewith. 

            Mr. Corley introduced bond counsel, Mr. Grant Schlueter of Foley Judell, and consultant Mr. Nnamdi Thomas of Government Consultants, who were both in attendance at the meeting.  Mr. Schlueter stated that the resolution to be voted on calls for a special election on November 13, 2021, with the amount not to exceed $8.5 million.  The estimated millage associated with this resolution would be approximately 16 mils for School District No. 3, which is Stanley School District.  Mr. Johnston, Board Member representing Stanley School District gave additional information regarding the reason for the bond issue.  The passage of this bond issue would provide funds to make needed upgrades to the gymnasium and also to provide some additional classroom space at the school.

            Motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Dr. Henderson to adopt the resolution as presented. The vote was taken and the President stated the motion carried with the following votes – Yes = 9, No = 0, Absent = 2, and Abstentions = 0.

            *Resolution to be published separately.

Item 5:   Presentation by DeSoto Regional Health System

Mr. Corley introduced Mr. Ken Eppler, CEO of DeSoto Regional Health System.  Mr. Eppler outlined details of how a partnership between the School System and DeSoto Regional Health System could provide virtual telehealth visits with local doctors for students and staff within the school facility.  Plans are being made to move forward and pilot this program at Logansport High School and Stanley High School in the upcoming year.  Parental consent will be required in order for students to participate.

            Item 6:  Provide information and timeline on reapportionment

            Mr. Corley introduced Mr. Mike Hefner of Geographic Planning & Demographic Services.

Mr. Hefner provided a timeline and information regarding the upcoming reapportionment required by law for DeSoto Parish School Board.

Item 7:   Report of the Finance & Operations Committee meeting held on June 17, 2021.

Motion was made by Mr. Glenn, seconded by Mr. Boyd, to approve the minutes of the June 17, 2021, Finance & Operations Committee meeting as presented.  The vote was taken and the President stated the motion carried with the following votes – Yes = 9, No = 0, Absent = 2, and Abstentions = 0.

Motion was made by Dr. Henderson, seconded by Ms. Thomas, to approve the following action from the June 17, 2021, Finance & Operations Committee meeting:

·         Approve budget revisions to the Special Revenue Funds as presented

The vote was taken and the President stated the motion carried with the following votes – Yes = 9,

No = 0, Absent = 2, and Abstentions = 0.

            Item 8:  Review and consider approval of revised Salary Schedule

            Mr. Corley explained that the State of Louisiana is giving certified personnel a raise in the amount of $800/year and support personnel a raise in the amount of $400/year.  DeSoto Parish School Board is adding $200/year to the State’s amount, bringing the total amount to $1,000/year for certified personnel and $600/year for support personnel.  The Salary Schedule has been revised to reflect these changes.

            Motion was made by Ms. Thomas, seconded by Mr. Glenn, to approve the revised salary schedule as presented.  The vote was taken and the President stated the motion carried with the following votes – Yes = 9, No = 0, Absent = 2, and Abstentions = 0.

Item 9:  Board policy for approval

Policy GBRH, Employee Leaves and Absences, was presented for approval.

Motion was made by Mr. Glenn, seconded by Mr. Boyd, to approve Policy GBRH as presented.  The vote was taken and the President stated the motion carried with the following votes – Yes = 9, No = 0, Absent = 2, and Abstentions = 0.

Item 10:  Strategic Plan Presentation

Mr. Corley presented the School System’s Strategic Plan that outlines each department’s plan for the next five years as it relates to student support, performance, literacy outcomes, parent and community engagement, as well as other items.  Each department has worked hard during the past few weeks to develop an effective plan to continue supporting all students as we move forward as a District.

Item 11:  Comments

Superintendent Corley made the Board Members and public aware:

·         Mrs. Mayweather and Ms. Thomas visited Camp DeSoto at one of our schools and were able to see firsthand how the students responded

·         Summer projects at schools are coming along

·         Staff reports to schools on Monday, August 2

·         Students report to schools on Wednesday, August 4

·         Board training will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2021, prior to the Board meeting.  More information will be shared at a later date.

Item 12: Adjournment 

On a motion by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Ms. Thomas the Board voted to adjourn at 7:23 p.m.

Dale Morvan, President                                                             Clay Corley, Secretary

DeSoto Parish School Board                                                     DeSoto Parish School Board