The Baker School Board approved contracts at its July 31 meeting with Thinking Maps Inc., Cary, N.C., to provide training and follow-up for teachers on how to implement the Thinking Maps program in classroom instruction.

Board members Shona Boxie, Dana Carpenter and Elaine Davis voted for; Doris Alexander and Troy Watson voted against approval.

Last year consultants came from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond to implement the program, Watson said.

To continue the program this year, travel expenses will be paid for Leanna Brown, California, and Andy Matthews, Maine, and each will receive $1,500 a day. Brown’s contract is for two days. Matthews and a third consultant, Brad Brinkley, one day each. No travel expenses were shown for Brinkley.

Iris Walker, elementary education director, and Samantha Williams, federal programs supervisor, were attending other meetings and could not be present to answer questions.

Thinking Maps helps kids organize materials, Josie Williams, Baker Middle School principal, said.

“It’s just another tool,” Superintendent Ulysses Joseph said.

Since “a lot of money is involved,” Watson moved to table the matter until background information could be provided by responsible staff. Approval at this time would be “highly unprofessional,” she added.

Her motion failed and the contracts were approved.

In other business:

UNIFORMS: Alexander raised concern for parents who are getting free shirts from St. Vincent de Paul and some churches, but cannot get the necessary patches or badges to apply because the shirts are used. The issue was not resolved.

NURSING STUDENTS: The board approved a memorandum of agreement with Southern University School of Nursing to enable nursing students to gain clinical experience in an approved nursing educational program in the schools.

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS: The board approved the Seclusion/Restraint Procedures for the education of students with a disability, impairment or condition that impedes educational progress after a review by Winston G. Decuir Sr., board attorney.

The procedures address the statutory requirements of La.R.S.17:416.21 (Louisiana Act 328 of 2011) and Louisiana Bulletin 1706, revised 2012.

NEXT MEETING: The next meeting of the school board will be Tuesday, Aug 7.