Mr. Hixon, President, Called the Meeting to Order and Dr. Nordman Led the Prayer

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Bastrop, Louisiana

July 7, 2016

The Morehouse Parish School Board met in regular session July 7, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was held at Morehouse Student Services Center with the following members present: Karen Diel, Louis Melton, Colby Daniels, Rick Hixon, Chip Rawls, Chastity Kennedy, and Rose Thompson. Absent: None

Mr. Hixon, President, called the meeting to order and Dr. Nordman led the prayer.

Mr. Hixon led the pledge of allegiance.

On a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Mr. Daniels, the agenda was unanimously approved.

On a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Mr. Daniels the minutes were unanimously approved for the Regular School Board meeting of May 3, 2016 and the Regular School Board meeting of June 7, 2016 with the addition of the attachedwritten statement by Ms. Kennedy.

On a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Mr. Daniels, travel requests were unanimously approved.

Rose Thompson spoke regarding the role of School Board Members.

The next item on the agenda was to supplement the minutes of School Board meeting held on April 6, 2016 to attach resolution authorizing the sale of Carver Elementary School. Mr. Katz stated that a resolution was not adopted at that time. He stated that action should be taken to adopt the resolution to be attached to the April 6, 2016 minutes. On a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Ms. Diel, the resolution authorizing the sale of Carver Elementary was unanimously approved and to be attached to the minutes of the April 6, 2016 School Board meeting.

The next item on the agenda was to consider a recommendation to award bid for the sale of timber. Mrs. Norwood presented bid tallies for the sale of timber and recommended that the bid be awarded to the highest bidder, Hunt Forest Products in the amount of $254,500.00 and that the President beauthorized to sign the deed. On a motion by Ms. Diel, and seconded by Mrs. Thompson, this recommendation was unanimously approved.

The next item on the agenda was to consider a recommendation regarding property insurance coverage. Mr. Chris Gatlin, a representative from Brown & Brown Insurance presented information regarding the renewal of the property insurance. On a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded by Mr. Daniels, and a unanimous vote, property insurance was renewed for the 2016-2017 School Year as proposed.

The next item on the agenda was to consider the renewal of Workers Compensation Insurance. A representative of Files Insurance, Mr. John Benson, presented information regarding the renewal of Workers Compensation. Ms. Diel moved, and Mr. Rawls seconded to continue with LUBA as the provider of Workers Compensation coverage for the 2016-2017 school year. The motion passed with Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Melton voting in opposition.

The next item on the agenda was to consider a recommendation for the renewal of Surety Bond/Self-Insurance by Morehouse Parish School District. Mrs. Norwood stated that the renewal is required as a part of the JROTC program at Bastrop High School and recommended the renewal of the Bond. This recommendation was unanimously approved on a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded byMr. Rawls.

Mrs. Norwood presented the Financial Statements for General Fund and Lunch Fund for the month of May, 2016 and recommended the approval of the Financial Statements. This recommendation was unanimously approved on a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Mr. Daniels.

The next item on the agenda was to consider an adjustment to the number of Athletic Directors in the district. Mrs. Norwood presented information regarding the number of Athletic Directors in other school districts which would compare to this district. Mrs. Norwood recommended that the number of Athletic Director positions be reduced to one position. Mr. Rawls moved, and Ms. Diel secondedto reduce the number of Athletic Director positions to one Athletic Directorand thatall other Athletic Directors in the district to be grandfathered in at the same salary theynow receive as an Athletic Director and will serve as Assistant Athletic Directors. After discussion, the motion passed with the following roll call vote:

Yeas:Karen Diel,Colby Daniels,Rick Hixon, Chip Rawls, Rose Thompson

Louis Melton, Chastity Kennedy

Nays:None

Absent:None

The next item on the agenda was to consider the approval of the 2016-2017 NCLB and IDEA Consolidated Application. Mrs. Pirtle presented information regarding the application and recommended approval of the 2016-2017 NCLB and IDEA application. On a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded by Mr. Rawls, this recommendation was unanimously approved.

The next item on the agenda was to consider the appointment of the School Board Representatives to the Sales Tax and Use Commission. On a motion by Mr. Melton, and seconded by Mr. Rawls Ersula Norwood and Lisa Spikes were appointed as the Board’s representatives to the Commission with Evelyn Harden and Barbara Smith to serve as alternates.

The next item on the agenda was to discuss and consider action regarding 25 students who had applied to go to Delta Magnet School for the 2016-17 School Year and who had not yet attended. Mr. Melton had requested that this item be added to the agenda and presented for approval to allow the 25 students who had applied to go to Delta Magnet School for the 2016-2017 School Year prior to the approval of the Consolidation Plan. Mr. Melton moved, and Mrs. Thompson seconded to allow the 25 students to attend Delta Jr. High School for the 2016-2017 School Year. The motion passed with Mr. Rawls voting in opposition.

The next item on the agenda was to consider the purchase of used buses from Monroe City School Board. Mr. Melton had requested that this item be added to the agenda and made a motion to purchaseup to 10 used busesfrom Monroe City School Board with Mr. Muhammad’s inspection and approval and at a cost of no more than $4,000 per bus. Ms. Kennedy seconded the motion and it passed with the following roll call vote:

Yeas:Karen Diel, Louis Melton, Colby Daniels, Rick Hixon, Chastity Kennedy, Rose Thompson

Nays:Chip Rawls

Absent:None

The next item on the agenda was to consider entering into a contract and lease agreement with Head Start for the use of the Oak Hill Elementary Property. Mr. Katz presented information relative to entering into a contract and lease agreement with Head Start for the use of the Oak Hill Elementary School. Mr. Katz stated that the property would have to be advertised for bids according to bid laws. There was discussion regarding the property that now houses the Head Start program in Mer Rouge that is owned by Morehouse Parish School Board. Mr. Rawls moved, and Ms. Diels seconded to enter into a contract and lease agreement with Head Start once the property is advertised according to bid laws and to authorize the appraisal of the property currently being occupied by Head Start in Mer Rouge. The motion passed with Chastity Kennedy voting in opposition.

The next item on the agenda was to consider granting a right of way to Claude Murry Crow and Shelia Collins Crowe across Section 16, Township 23 North, Range 10 East, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. Mr. Katz presented information relative to the granting of the right of way. Mr. Katz stated that the current tenant has no objections to granting the right of way. Mr. Rawls moved, and Mr. Daniels seconded to grant the right of way subject to the approval by legal counsel and the current tenant. The motion passed unanimously.

The next item on the agenda was to consider the creation of the followingpositions: 1) Assistant Principal at Morehouse Jr. High School; 2) Dean of Student at Morehouse Jr. High School, and 3) Curriculum Coordinator. Mrs. Sellers presented information regarding this item and recommended the approval of the positions. Mr. Rawls moved and Mr. Daniels seconded to approve the addition of these positions. The motion passed unanimously

The next item on the agenda was to consider for a 2ndReading the Policy for Transgender Students – H-27. On a motion by Mr. Rawls, and seconded by Mrs. Thompson, the following policy was approved for a 2nd Reading with Mr. Melton abstaining.

H-27

TRANSGENDER STUDENTS

The district seeks to provide all students a safe and tolerant learning environment that is free from illegal discrimination and harassment. This policy addresses the measures the district will take to meet the needs of transgender students. Additional measures may be taken at the discretion of the superintendent or designee depending on the needs of the individual student, the needs of the school community and the district's legal obligations.

Definitions

Accommodations -Measures the district will take to meet a transgender student's needs for the purposes of complying with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. A student's transgender status alone is not a medical condition that qualifies as a legal disability that requires accommodation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Gender Assigned at Birth -The gender designation listed on the student's original birth certificate or other documentation of birth.

Gender Identity -A student's inner sense of being male or female, regardless of the student's gender assigned at birth. A student's gender identity must be consistently and uniformly asserted by the student, or there must be other evidence that the student's gender identity is sincerely held as part of the student's core identity, such as medical documentation or documentation that legal action has been taken to legally change the student's name or birth certificate.

Transgender Student -A student whose gender identity does not correspond with the gender the student was assigned at birth. Medical treatments or procedures or legal actions are not required for recognition as a transgender student.

Consultation with Parents/Guardians and Students

Parents/Guardians and students are encouraged to notify a district administrator or counselor of a student's transgender status. The principal, counselor or other relevant staff members will meet with the student's parents/guardians and, when appropriate, the student to discuss the student's needs and district accommodations.

In general, the district will only consider accommodations requested or discussed with the student's parents/guardians. However, the district may provide accommodations to a student without the consent of the parents/guardians if the student is 18 or older, is not dependent upon his or her parents/guardians or is determined by the district, after consulting the district's attorney, to have a legal entitlement to accommodations.

Privacy

A student's transgender status will be shared only with staff members and district officials who need to know, as determined by the district. The information will not be shared with students or other individuals without written permission of the parents/guardians unless disclosure is required or allowed by law. These privacy rules apply regardless of whether the parent/guardian or student decides to keep the student's transgender status private or openly discuss the student's status.

The district may provide students, staff and the public educational information regarding the needs of transgender students in general and the district's legal obligations without identifying a particular student.

Records

The student's legal name will be used in the district's official records including, but not limited to, the student's official transcript. If the parent/guardian or student legally changes the student's name or birth certificate and provides proof of the change, the district will change the official record.

Upon request, the district will use a name chosen by the parents/guardians and student that corresponds with the student's gender identity when the district is not required to use the student's legal name on a document or when a document is created for internal or ceremonial purposes only. Therefore, grade cards, diplomas (if the student requests) and certificates will use the student's chosen name.

District records regarding gender will reflect the gender provided by the parents/guardians and student and may be changed upon request.

Names and Pronouns

Upon request, district staff will address a transgender student using the student's preferred name, if different than the legal name, and will refer to the student using the pronouns the student prefers.

Bathroom and Locker Room Access

Transgender students may use the restroom or locker room that conforms with the student's gender assigned at birth, or they may use any unisex facilities available to students. The district will also, upon request, designate separate facilities for transgender students to use if unisex facilities are not available to students.

Classes and Academic Activities

The district does not typically segregate courses by gender, but there are some classes and activities, such as physical education and health, where students are sometimes divided by gender. In those situations, transgender students will be allowed to participate in the class or activity that conforms with the student's gender identity as long as they are otherwise qualified.

Extracurricular Activities and Athletics

The district will abide by Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) rules regarding transgender student participation for any activity governed by LHSAA. For all other district activities in which gender is a participation factor, transgender students will be allowed to participate based on the gender with which they identify.

Dress

A transgender student will be allowed to dress in a manner that conforms with the student's gender identity and will be subject to the rules applicable to dress associated with that gender.

Disruption, Illegal Discrimination and Illegal Harassment

The district does not tolerate bullying or misbehavior directed at an individual student, disruption to the district's education environment or illegal discrimination or harassment. 1f the behavior could constitute illegal discrimination or harassment of a transgender student, the behavior must be reported to the appropriate administrator in accordance with policy. All other incidents must be reported to the principal.

Students who violate this or other district policies may be disciplined. Employees may be disciplined or terminated.

Training and Education

Employees

Regular training on the prevention of illegal discrimination and harassment will include information on the district's obligations to accommodate transgender students. Staff members who are informed of the identity of a specific transgender student will receive additional training and direction as necessary.

Students

Students who are taught about illegal discrimination and harassment as part of an approved course curriculum may also be provided information about legal obligations to accommodate transgender persons. In addition, the district may provide age-appropriate information to students regarding transgender persons when considered necessary or appropriate, particularly when a transgender student is enrolled in the class or grade level.

Parents/Guardians and Community

While the district will respect the privacy of individual transgender students, if a parent/guardian or community member requests information on the district's accommodation of transgender students, the district will provide a copy of this policy as well as additional information regarding the needs of transgender students and the district's legal obligations.

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Mrs. Sellers presented the following Personnel Report

New Hires

Jarvis Brown, Teacher, Delta Jr. High, effective 8/10/2016

Jerri Carroll, Teacher, H. V. Adams Elementary, effective 8/10/2016

Rae Christian, Teacher, Delta Jr. High, effective 8/10/2016

Andrea Cooper, Teacher, Morehouse Magnet School, effective 8/10/2016

Darryl Gordon, Teacher, Morehouse Jr. High, effective 8/10/2016

Rachel Harris, Teacher, Bastrop High School, effective 8/10/2016

Mary Heisler, Teacher, H. V. Adams Elementary, effective 8/10/2016

Rona Lewis, Teacher, H. V. Adams Elementary, effective 8/10/2016

Karen Luzader, Teacher, Bastrop High School, effective 8/10/2016

Debra Minton, Teacher, Morehouse Jr. High School, effective 8/10/2016

Alexandra Nichols, Teacher, Morehouse Jr. High School, effective 8/10/2016

Kristi Rawls, Teacher, H. V. Adams, effective 8/10/2016

Parris Reese, Teacher Morehouse Magnet School, effective 8/10/2016

Tiffanie Rucker, Teacher, H. V. Adams Elementary, effective 8/10/2016

Brittany Scott, Bus Aide, effective 8/10/2016

Audrey Stringfellow, Teacher, Pine Grove Elementary, effective 8/10/2016

Verdie Vann, Jr., Teacher, Morehouse Jr. High, effective 8/10/2016

Danny Watson, Teacher, Morehouse Jr. High, effective 8/10/2016

Candice Whitton, School Psychologist, effective 7/18/2016

Marcus Yanez, Teacher, Bastrop High School, effective 8/10/2016

Taneka Yanez, Teacher, H. V. Adams Elementary, effective 8/10/2016

Ashley Yelverton, Teacher, H. V. Adams Elementary, effective 8/10/2016

Debra Reese, Acting Assistant Principal, Delta Jr. High School for the 2016-17 school year only

Resignations

James Cobbs, Maintenance Skilled Worker, Child Nutrition, effective 7/29/2016

Jennifer Hickman, Teacher, Bastrop High School, effective 5/25/2016

Shadonna Bethea, Teacher, Delta Jr. High School, effective 6/30/2016

Crystal Washington, 21st Century Grant Director, Central Office, effective 6/30/2016

Kathy Parrott, School Secretary, Morehouse Magnet School, effective 6/09/2016

Amy Wiggins, Speech/Language Pathologist, PAIS Department, effective 6/24/2016

Sandra Boyd, Teacher, Oak Hill Elementary, effective 5/25/2016

Tessa Holyfield, Teacher, Morehouse Magnet School, effective 5/25/2016

Donna Alford, Teacher, Oak Hill Elementary, effective 5/25/2016

Alton Mcgee, Iii, Assistant Principal, Morehouse Jr. High School, effective 6/10/2016

Kara Hawkins, Teacher, Cherry Ridge Elementary, effective 5/25/2016

Heather Chappell, Teacher, Morehouse Jr. High School, effective 5/25/2016

Rhonda Renee Townsend, Bookkeeper, Morehouse Jr. High School, effective 6/20/2016

Brandi Blakely, Paraprofessional, Oak Hill Elementary, effective 5/25/2016

Shelia Minor, Principal, Morehouse Jr. High, effective 6/30/206

Helen Smith, Principal, Delta Magnet of Fine Arts, effective 6/30/2016

Transferred

Kathy Adcock-Fonte, from Principal of Cherry Ridge Elementary to Principal of Morehouse Jr. High Effective 7/1/2016

Georgia White, from Principal of Oak Hill Elementary, to Principal of Delta Jr. High, effective 7/1/2016