The Natchitoches Parish School Board met Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 5:00 pm with the subject on quite a few community member’s minds being pushed to a special called meeting rather than being discussed at this regular meeting. The questions surrounding any potential student moves from the Magnet School building will be discussed at a specially called meeting to be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 5:00 pm at the School Board Office.
After the meeting was called to order with all board members present, two students from Goldonna, Miss Hannah Walker and Miss ZaNiyah Grayson, both spoke as to why their “school is cool.” Next, the State Champion 5-A NCHS basketball team, their coaches, manager and trainer were individually honored by the board and each presented with a certificate.
There was no old business to discuss and all items on the Finance, Facilities, Services & Insurance Report were passed with unanimous yea votes.
On the Personnel Report, Board Member Mr. Metoyer proposed holding off on new hires until the new school year starts so the board could have a better idea of whether the positions were necessary, especially the Central Office positions. Superintendent Skinner replied that the hiring was carefully looked at and that the system had not hired anyone that was not needed.
The Executive Report drew the most discussion with item #1 concerning test scores from the Magnet School being returned to the student’s domiciled schools. This item will be discussed at next month’s meeting. Board member Ms. Wilson stated that the Federal Judge’s order neccessitated it. Board member Mr. Hilton cited the reference from BESE rules that do not allow this and stated he wanted to have the actual law and judge’s order before voting on this item.
Two parents commented on the item. Ms. Sabrina Sarpy wanted to know if the Magnet School’s scores went back to the home school, would the Magnet School have a score of its own? She also questioned who would be responsible for the scores as the school getting the scores would not be the school that taught the students. Ms. Trish pointed out that returning the scores to the domiciled schools would skew their scores.
Discussions on the playground proposal for L.P.Vaughn were moved to next month’s meeting.
The Board also considered approving the 2016-2017 Natchitoches Parish Student Handbook. Mr. Solomon, Director of Finance, stated that the first half of the book, dealing with students, was ready to be voted on. The second half of the book, intended for parents, was still in process. Board member Ms. Wilson questioned not allowing younger students to wear sandals. That was the only discussion and the student portion of the handbook was unanimously passed with the second part to be voted on next month when it is ready.
After that, the meeting was adjourned.
NOT THE OFFICIAL MINUTES
