PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA - Meeting of October 15, 2009
The Chair called the meeting to order and read the following call:
HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD
Parish of St. John the Baptist
Dear Board Member:
Upon call of the President, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board will meet
in regular session at Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria, 1600 Highway 44, Reserve, Louisiana, at 6:00 p.m., on Thursday October 15, 2009.
An agenda for the meeting is attached.
Sincerely,
s/Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D.
Superintendent/Secretary
The Chair called for a moment of silent meditation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Messrs. Burl, Sanders, Madere, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Ory, Triche, Keller.
ABSENT: Messrs. Jack, Jones.
There were 9 members present and 2 absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meeting of October 1, 2009. A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Triche, to accept the minutes of October 1, 2009 as printed and published. There were no objections and the motion to approve the minutes carried. Messrs. Jack and Jones were absent.
Dr. Keller advised the Board that ITEM 7g would be moved up at this time.
ITEM 7g. Mr. Hugh Martin – Request approval of the following resolution regarding advertising for sealed bids for the purchase of Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000) of General Obligation School Bonds (Requires action by the Board).
The following resolution was offered by ____________ and seconded by ______________:
RESOLUTION
A resolution authorizing the advertising for sealed bids for the purchase of Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000) of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2010, of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, that:
SECTION 1) The President of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority") is hereby empowered, authorized and directed to advertise in accordance with the provisions of law for sealed paper or electronic bids via PARITY7 for the purchase of Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000) of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2010 (the "Bonds") of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Issuer"), being the second emission of bonds authorized at a special election held in the Issuer on November 4, 2008, for the purpose of acquiring and/or improving lands for building sites and playgrounds; including construction of necessary sidewalks and streets adjacent thereto; purchasing, erecting and/or improving school buildings and other school related facilities within and for the District, and acquiring the necessary equipment and furnishings therefore, title to which shall be in the public, under the authority conferred by Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, Sub-Part A, Part III, Chapter 4, Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority. The Bonds will be initially issued in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee for The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), as registered owner of the Bonds, and held in the custody of DTC. The Issuer and the Paying Agent acknowledge that they have executed and delivered a Letter of Representation with DTC and that the terms and provisions of said Letter of Representation shall govern in the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of this resolution and said Letter of Representation. A single certificate will be issued and delivered to DTC for each maturity of the Bonds. The Beneficial Owners will not receive physical delivery of Bond certificates except as provided herein. Beneficial Owners are expected to receive a written confirmation of their purchase providing details for the Bonds acquired. For so long as DTC shall continue to serve as securities depository for the Bonds as provided herein, all transfers of beneficial ownership interest will be made by book-entry only, and no investor or other party purchasing, selling or otherwise transferring beneficial ownership of Bonds is to receive, hold or deliver any Bond certificate.
For every transfer and exchange of the Bonds, the Beneficial Owner may be charged a sum sufficient to cover such Beneficial Owners allocable share of any tax, fee or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto.
Bond certificates are required to be delivered to and registered in the name of the Beneficial Owner under the following circumstances:
a. DTC determines to discontinue providing its service with respect to the Bonds. Such a determination may be made at any time by giving 30 days= notice to the Issuer and the Paying Agent and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law.
b. The Issuer determines that continuation of the system of book-entry transfer through DTC (or a successor securities depository) is not in the best interests of the Beneficial Owners.
The Issuer and the Paying Agent will recognize DTC or its nominee as the Bondholder for all purposes, including notices and voting.
Neither the Issuer, nor the Paying Agent are responsible for the performance by DTC of any of its obligations, including, without limitation, the payment of moneys received by DTC, the forwarding of notices received by DTC or the giving of any consent or proxy in lieu of consent.
Whenever during the term of the Bonds the beneficial ownership thereof is determined by a book entry at DTC, the requirements of this resolution of holding, delivering or transferring the Bonds shall be deemed modified to require the appropriate person to meet the requirements of DTC as to registering or transferring the book entry to produce the same effect.
If at any time DTC ceases to hold the Bonds, all references herein to DTC shall be of no further force or effect.
SECTION 2. The Bonds will be dated January 1, 2010, will be in the denomination of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) each, or any integral multiple thereof within a single maturity, and will bear interest from date thereof, or the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, at a rate or rates not exceeding six per centum (6%) per annum on any Bond in any interest payment period, said interest to be payable on March 1, 2010, and semiannually thereafter on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The Bonds will mature serially on March 1 of each year as follows, to-wit:
PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL
YEAR AMOUNT YEAR AMOUNT
2011 $580,000 2021 $ 960,000
2012 610,000 2022 1,010,000
2013 645,000 2023 1,060,000
2014 675,000 2024 1,115,000
2015 710,000 2025 1,170,000
2016 745,000 2026 1,235,000
2017 785,000 2027 1,295,000
2018 825,000 2028 1,360,000
2019 870,000 2029 1,435,000
2020 915,000
SECTION 2) Those Bonds maturing March 1, 2021, and thereafter, will be callable for redemption by the Issuer in full or in part at any time on or after March 1, 2020, and if less than a full maturity, then by lot within such maturity, at the principal amount thereof and accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption. Bonds are not required to be redeemed in inverse order of maturity. In the event a Bond is of a denomination larger than $5,000, a portion of such Bond ($5,000 or any multiple thereof) may be redeemed. Official notice of such call of any of the Bonds for redemption will be given by first class mail, postage prepaid, by notice deposited in the United States mails not less than thirty (30) days prior to the redemption date addressed to the registered owner of each bond to be redeemed at his address as shown on the registration books of the Paying Agent.
SECTION 3) The Bonds shall be sold in the manner required by law, and in accordance with the terms of this resolution, the official Notice of Bond Sale herein set forth, and the Official Statement referred to in Section 6 hereof. In advertising the Bonds for sale, the Parish School Board shall reserve the right to reject any and all bids received.
SECTION 4) The President of the Governing Authority is hereby further empowered, authorized and directed to issue a Notice of Bond Sale and cause the same to be published as required by law, which Notice of Bond Sale shall be in substantially the following form:
OFFICIAL
NOTICE OF BOND SALE
$18,000,000 OF GENERAL OBLIGATION SCHOOL BONDS, SERIES 2010
OF THE
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 OF THE PARISH OF
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, STATE OF LOUISIANA
Sealed bids or electronic bids via PARITY7
will be received until 6:00 o'clock p.m., Central Time (Louisiana Time), on Thursday, December 3, 2009
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority") acting as the governing authority of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, will receive sealed bids or electronic bids via PARITY7 at the Emily C. Watkins Elementary, 938 Highway 628, LaPlace, Louisiana 70068 until Six (6:00) o'clock p.m., Louisiana Time, Central Time, on Thursday, December 3, 2009, (or such other date as may be determined by the President and advertised by Manifests Disclosure Service) for the purchase of Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000) of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2010 (the "Bonds") of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Issuer"), being the second emission of bonds authorized at a special election held in the Issuer on November 4, 2008, for the purpose of acquiring and/or improving lands for building sites and playgrounds; including construction of necessary sidewalks and streets adjacent thereto; purchasing, erecting and/or improving school buildings and other school related facilities within and for the District, and acquiring the necessary equipment and furnishings therefore, title to which shall be in the public, under the authority conferred by Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, Sub-Part A, Part III, Chapter 4, Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority.
Electronic bids will be received for the Bonds via PARITY7, in the manner described below, until 6:00 p.m., Louisiana time, on Thursday, December 3, 2009.
Bids may be submitted electronically via PARITY7 pursuant to this Official Notice of Bond Sale until 6:00 p.m., Louisiana time, but no bid will be received after the time for receiving bids specified above. To the extent any instructions or directions set forth in PARITY7 conflict with this Official Notice of Bond Sale, the terms of this Official Notice of Bond Sale shall control. For further information about PARITY7, potential bidders may contact PARITY7 at (212) 849-5021.
Each prospective electronic bidder shall be solely responsible to register to bid via PARITY7 as described above. Each qualified prospective electronic bidder shall be solely responsible to make necessary arrangements to access PARITY7 for the purposes of submitting its bid in a timely manner and in compliance with the requirements of the Notice of Sale. Neither the Issuer nor PARITY7, shall have any duty or obligation to provide or assure access to PARITY7 to any prospective bidder, and neither the Issuer nor PARITY7 shall be responsible for a bidder's failure to register to bid or for proper operation of, or have any liability for any delays or interruptions of, or any damages caused by, PARITY7. The Issuer is using PARITY7 as a communication mechanism, and not as the Issuer's agent, to conduct the electronic bidding for the Bonds. No other form of electronic bid or provider of electronic bidding services will be accepted. The Issuer is not bound by any advice and determination of PARITY7 to the effect that any particular bid complies with the terms of this Official Notice of Bond Sale and in particular the bid requirements hereinafter set forth. All costs and expenses incurred by prospective bidders in connection with their registration and submission of bids via PARITY7 are the sole responsibility of the bidders; and the Issuer is not responsible, directly or indirectly, for any of such costs or expenses. If a prospective bidder encounters any difficulty in submitting, modifying or withdrawing a bid for the Bonds, he should telephone PARITY7 at (212) 849-5021 and notify the Issuer's Bond Counsel, Foley & Judell, L.L.P. at (504) 568-1249.
Electronic bids must be submitted for the purchase of the Bonds via PARITY7. Bids will be communicated electronically to the Issuer at 6:00 p.m., local Louisiana time, on December 3, 2009. Prior to that time, a prospective bidder may (1) submit the proposed terms of its bid via PARITY7, (2) modify the proposed terms of its bid, in which event the proposed terms as last modified will (unless the bid is withdrawn as described herein) constitute its bid for the Bonds, or (3) withdraw its proposed bid. Once the bids are communicated electronically via PARITY7 to the Issuer, each bid will constitute an irrevocable offer to purchase the Bonds on the terms therein provided. For purposes of the electronic bidding process, the time as maintained on PARITY7 shall constitute the official time.
Bids will also be accepted in written form on the Official Bid Form. The Issuer will receive sealed bids at Emily C. Watkins Elementary, 938 Highway 628, LaPlace, Louisiana 70068, for the purchase of $18,000,000 of principal amount of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2010 of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana. Each bid must be in written form on the Official Bid Form in a sealed envelope marked "Proposal for the Purchase of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2010 of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana". For purposes of accepting written bids, the time as maintained on PARITY7 shall constitute the official time.
The Bonds will be dated January 1, 2010, and will be in the denomination of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) each, or any integral multiple thereof within a single maturity. The Bonds will bear interest from date thereof or the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, at a rate or rates not exceeding six per centum (6%) per annum on any Bond in any interest payment period, said interest to be payable on March 1, 2010, and semiannually thereafter on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The Bonds will mature serially on March 1 of each year as follows, to-wit:
PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL
YEAR AMOUNT YEAR AMOUNT
2011 $580,000 2021 $ 960,000
2012 610,000 2022 1,010,000
2013 645,000 2023 1,060,000
2014 675,000 2024 1,115,000
2015 710,000 2025 1,170,000
2016 745,000 2026 1,235,000
2017 785,000 2027 1,295,000
2018 825,000 2028 1,360,000
2019 870,000 2029 1,435,000
2020 915,000
The Bonds will be issued as fully registered bonds in Abook-entry only" form and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York ("DTC"). DTC will act as securities depository for the bonds, and purchasers of the Bonds will not receive certificates representing their interest in the Bonds purchased.
Those Bonds maturing March 1, 2021, and thereafter, will be callable for redemption by the Issuer in full or in part at any time on or after March 1, 2020, and if less than a full maturity, then by lot within such maturity, at the principal amount thereof and accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption. Bonds are not required to be redeemed in inverse order of maturity. In the event a Bond is of a denomination larger than $5,000, a portion of such Bond ($5,000 or any multiple thereof) may be redeemed. Official notice of such call of any of the Bonds for redemption will be given by first class mail, postage prepaid, by notice deposited in the United States mails not less than thirty (30) days prior to the redemption date addressed to the registered owner of each bond to be redeemed at his address as shown on the registration books of the Paying Agent.
The principal of the Bonds, upon maturity or redemption, will be payable at the principal corporate trust office of the Paying Agent upon presentation and surrender thereof, and interest on the Bonds will be payable by the Paying Agent by check mailed by the Paying Agent to the registered owner (determined as of the 15th calendar day of the month next preceding said interest payment date) at the address as shown on the books of said Paying Agent. Said Paying Agent will be a qualified bank or trust company selected by the Issuer.
Except as provided under DTC's book-entry only system, the Bonds may be transferred, registered and assigned only on the registration books of the Paying Agent, and such registration shall be at the expense of the Issuer. A Bond may be assigned by the execution of an assignment form on the Bonds or by other instruments of transfer and assignment acceptable to the Paying Agent. A new Bond or Bonds will be delivered by the Paying Agent to the last assignee (the new registered owner) in exchange for such transferred and assigned Bonds after receipt of the Bonds to be transferred in proper form. Such new Bond or Bonds must be in the denomination of $5,000 or any integral multiple thereof within a single maturity. Neither the Issuer nor the Paying Agent shall be required to issue, register, transfer or exchange (i) any Bond during a period beginning at the opening of business on the 15th day of the month next preceding an interest payment date and ending at the close of business on the interest payment date, or (ii) any Bond called for redemption prior to maturity during a period beginning at the opening of business fifteen (15) days before the date of the mailing of a notice of redemption of such Bonds and ending on the date of such redemption.
In connection with the sale of the Bonds, a good faith deposit of 1% of the principal amount of the Bonds will be required. The manner and timing of such deposit shall be set forth in the Preliminary Official Statement for the Bonds. The good faith deposit of the successful bidder or bidders will be deposited and the proceeds credited against the purchase price of the series of Bonds, or in the case of neglect or refusal to comply with such bid, will be forfeited to the Issuer as and for liquidated damages. No interest will be allowed on the amount of the good faith deposit.
Bidders shall name the rate or rates of interest the Bonds shall bear, not exceeding six per centum (6%) per annum on any Bond in any interest payment period. Bids must stipulate a purchase price for the Bonds of the par value thereof and accrued interest from the date of the Bonds to the date of delivery of the Bonds. No bid which specifies cancellation of the Bonds will be considered. No bids providing for additional or supplemental interest will be considered.
The Governing Authority will meet at the place and time hereinabove set forth for the receipt of bids. The Bonds will be awarded to the bidder whose bid offers the lowest "true interest cost" to the Issuer for the full authorized amount of the Bonds, to be determined by doubling the semiannual interest rate (compounded semiannually) necessary to discount the debt service payments on the Bonds from the payment dates to January 1, 2010, such that the sum of such present values is equal to the price bid, including any premium bid but not including interest accrued to the date of delivery (the preceding calculation is sometimes referred to as the "Canadian Interest Cost Method" or "Present Value Method"). In the case of a tie bid, the winning bid will be awarded by lot. If any bid for the Bonds shall be acceptable, a prompt award of the bonds will be made. The right is expressly reserved to waive any irregularity in any bid or to reject any and all bids received.
The Official Statement containing pertinent information relative to the authorization, sale and security of the Bonds is being prepared and may be obtained upon its completion from the Issuer's Bond Counsel, Foley & Judell, L.L.P., One Canal Place, Suite 2600, 365 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. The Purchaser will be furnished a reasonable number of final official statements on or before the seventh business day following the sale of the Bonds.
The approving legal opinion of Foley & Judell, L.L.P., Bond Counsel, who have supervised the proceedings, the printed Bonds and the transcripts of record as passed upon, will be furnished to the successful bidders without cost to them. Said transcripts will contain the usual closing proofs, including a certificate that up to the time of delivery no litigation has been filed questioning the validity of the Bonds or the respective tax revenues necessary to pay the same.
It is anticipated that the American Bankers' Association Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures (CUSIP) identification numbers will be printed on the Bonds, but the failure to print such numbers shall not constitute cause for refusal by the successful bidder to accept delivery of and to pay for the Bonds. No CUSIP identification number shall be deemed to be part of any Bond or a part of the contract evidenced thereby, and no liability shall hereafter attach to the Issuer or any of the officers or agents thereof because of or on account of such numbers. All expenses in relation to the printing of the CUSIP identification numbers on the Bonds shall be paid by the Issuer. However, the CUSIP Service Bureau charge for the assignment of such numbers shall be the responsibility of and shall be paid by the successful bidder.
In order to assist bidders in complying with S.E.C. Rule 15c2-12(b)(5), the Governing Authority will undertake, pursuant to the resolution providing for the issuance of the Bonds and a Continuing Disclosure Certificate, to provide annual reports and notices of certain events. A description of this undertaking is set forth in the Preliminary Official Statement and will also be set forth in the Final Official Statement.
For information relative to the Bonds and not contained in the Notice of Bond Sale and Official Statement, address Mr. Felix Boughton, Finance Director, St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, 118 W. 10th Street, Reserve, Louisiana 70084, or Foley & Judell, L.L.P, One Canal Place, Suite 2600, 365 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130, Bond Counsel.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED on this, the 15th day of October, 2009.
/s/Gerald Keller
President
/s/Courtney P. Millet
Secretary
SECTION 5) This Governing Authority will meet in open and public session at the time and place set out in the Notice of Bond Sale incorporated herein (or such other date as may be determined by the President of the Governing Authority and advertised by Manifests Disclosure Service), for the purpose of receiving bids for the Bonds, considering and taking action upon the bids, and taking any other action required by this resolution, or necessary to effectuate the issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds. If any award of the Bonds shall be made, such award shall be made for not less than par and accrued interest to the best bidder for the Bonds, such award and best bidder to be determined in accordance with the aforesaid Notice of Bond Sale.
SECTION 6) There shall be prepared an Official Bid Form for the submission of bids and an Official Statement which shall contain complete bidding details, security features and other pertinent information relative to the sale and issuance of the Bonds as may be deemed necessary, advisable or desirable, which Official Bid Form and Official Statement shall be distributed to all prospective bidders and other interested parties.
SECTION 7) In order to assist bidders in complying with S.E.C. Rule 15c2-12(b)(5), the Governing Authority will undertake, pursuant to the resolution providing for the issuance of the Bonds and a Continuing Disclosure Certificate, to provide annual reports and notices of certain events. A description of this undertaking will be set forth in the Preliminary Official Statement and the Final Official Statement.
This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows
MEMBERS: YEAS: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAINING:
Russell Jack, Jr.
Albert "Ali" Burl, III
Gerald J. Keller
Patrick H. Sanders
James Madere
Keith Jones
Phillip Johnson
Russ Wise
Lowell Bacas
Matthew J. Ory
Clarence Triche
And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 15th day of October, 2009.
/s/Gerald Keller
President
/s/Courtney P. Millet
Secretary
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, do hereby certify that the foregoing _______ (__) pages constitute a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by said Parish School Board on October 15, 2009, authorizing the advertising for sealed bids for the purchase of Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000) of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2010 of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature and the impress of the official seal of the Parish School Board on this, the 15th day of October, 2009.
________________________________________
Secretary
A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Sanders to approve the resolution regarding advertising for sealed bids for the purchase of Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000) of General Obligation School Bonds. There were no objections and the motion carried. Messrs. Jack and Jones were absent.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Superintendent.
a. Dr. Millet acknowledged the passing of Mr. Albert T. Becnel, past superintendent of St. John Parish Schools. Dr. Millet shared some thoughts and memories of Mr. Becnel, who was a strong advocate of public schools. Dr. Millet stated that even recently, Mr. Becnel would often call and offer advice. Dr. Millet also acknowledged the passing of Mr. Anderson Perrilloux, a former school bus driver.
Mr. Burl arrived at 6:05 p.m. and was recorded as present.
Mr. Jones arrived at 6:05 p.m. and was recorded as present.
Dr. Millet congratulated Mr. Ali Burl, Board Member, on the recent birth of his daughter.
Dr. Millet announced that three of our district’s social studies teachers are being recognized for outstanding accomplishments in teaching social studies. The Elementary Social Studies teacher was Elizabeth Thompson from East St. John Elementary School. The Middle School Social Studies teacher was Keila Joseph from LaPlace Elementary School and The High School Social Studies teacher was James Kline from West St. John High School. Keila Joseph and James Kline were present and were introduced.
Dr. Millet introduced Ms. Sheila Brown, representative of Ann Harvey and Associates. Ms. Brown presented Dr. Millet with three checks for scholarships supported by Ann Harvey and Associates.
Dr. Millet presented a short PowerPoint on the District’s recently released Performance Scores. Dr. Millet stated that the immediate goal was to break 80, which would bring St. John the Baptist Parish School System out of the unacceptable zone. She stated that she was very pleased with the new score of 81.8; however, new goals would now be set. Dr. Millet stated that she believes it is the people in the school, not programs, which are making the difference.
Dr. Keller congratulated Dr. Millet, all faculties and staff in the schools. Mr. Sanders also commended Dr. Millet and thanked teachers, principals, students and parents for their hard work. Mr. Jones stated he believes it is the sentiment of the entire board that congratulations be extended to Dr. Millet, as well as faculties and staff members at all school sites.
ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF. a. Facilities Plan Update. Mr. Chris Pellegrin of CSRS introduced himself and stated that the first bid opening had occurred earlier in the day and that was on the Playground Project. He stated that the project is currently two months ahead of schedule. Mr. Pellegrin presented the Board with an October 2009 report on all projects. He stated that the architect for the LaPlace Elementary project is currently being advertised and that project would be moved up an entire year, due to the early sale of bonds. Mr. Wise commented that CSRS has been a very professional company and he believes the fact that things are going so well is due to that professionalism.
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS: Dr. Leigh Ann Beard, Director of Human Resources.
a. Personnel Changes (Requires action by the Board). Dr. Beard presented the following Personnel Changes for approval:
I. PROFESSIONAL
A. Retirees
1. Anthony Reynaud, Teacher, Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet School, October 1, 2009
2. Brenda Bardell, Teacher, St. John Child Development Center, January 12, 2010
B. Extended Sick Leave
1. Keisha Daisy-Bolden, Teacher, Milesville, August 25, 2009 - September 29, 2009
2. Rhodie Sims, Teacher, Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet School, September 13, 2009 -
October 31, 2009
3. Kathie Bailey, Teacher, West St. John High, September 30, 2009 - October 16, 2009
II. CLASSIFIED
A. Extended Sick Leave
Sharon Early, Janitor, East St. John High School, September 14, 2009-November 2, 2009
Davanna Tripps, Lunch Technician, John L. Ory, October 1, 2009-October 9, 2009
B. Retirement
1. Ernestine Joseph, Lunch Technician, Lake Pontchartrain Elementary, October 1, 2009
A motion was made by Mr. Ory, seconded by Mr. Jones, to accept the Personnel Changes as presented. There were no objections and the motion passed unanimously.
ITEM 6b. Recommendation to fill the position of special education paraeducator at LaPlace Elementary School (Requires action by the Board). Dr. Beard stated that the following applicants were interviewed for the position of Special Education and Title I Paraeducators:
Ms. Mijah Jasmin
Ms. Daphne Johnson
Ms. Yvette Jack
Ms. Chanel Farria
Mr. Lance Johnson
Ms. Ikena Anthony
Ms. Christy Mitchell
Ms. LaChriesha Williams
Ms. Rajean Populis
Ms. Latoya Lewis
Ms. Martha RAomious
Ms. Charlene Grant
Ms. Natasha McFatter
Ms. Ashanti Lumar
Ms. Laquita Moore
Ms. Nicole Williams
Dr. Beard stated that as a result of the interviews, the committee recommended Ms. Mia Jasmin for the position of special education paraeducator at LaPlace Elementary School.
A motion was made by Mr. Sanders, seconded by Mr. Madere, to accept the recommendations of Ms. Mia Jasmin for the position of Special Education Paraeducator at LaPlace Elementary School. There were no objections and the motion passed unanimously.
ITEM 6c. Recommendation to revise and create policies to be included in the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board Policy Manual as mandated by past legislative sessions (Requires action by the Board). Dr. Keller stated that this item would be voted on globally, with any exceptions Board members would like to discuss separately. Mr. Wise stated that he would like to discuss Policy JJ (Work Permits for Students). Mr. Burl stated that he would like to discuss Policy DJED (Bids and Quotations).
A motion was made by Mr. Bacas, seconded by Mr. Jones, to accept the recommendation to revise and create policies to be included in the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board Policy Manual as mandated by past legislative sessions with the exceptions of Policy JJ (Work Permits for Students) and Policy DJED (Bids and Quotations). There were no objections and the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Wise stated that Policy JJ (Work Permits for Students) is a standard policy for the State of Louisiana. He proposed an amendment that in order to qualify for a work permit issued by St. John the Baptist Parish School System, students must maintain a ”C” average unless said student obtained a waiver from the principal of the school. Mr. Wise stated that all students should be made aware that their primary job is to attend school and receive an education.
A motion was made by Mr. Wise to amend Policy JJ (Work Permits for Students) to include a stipulation that students must maintain a ”C” average or obtain a waiver from the principal in order to qualify to receive a Work Permit. This motion failed for lack of a second.
Dr. Keller stated that he respectfully disagreed because he knows some students must work out of financial necessity and he feels this stipulation may cause students to drop out of school in order to work.
Mr. Burl stated that he wanted to discuss Policy DJED (Bids and Quotations) because he does not want the no-bid process threshold to change from $20,000 to $30,000. Dr. Keller opened the floor for discussion. Mr. Felix Boughton, Executive Director of Business and Finance stated that the Finance Committee had met and was in full support of the increase in the bid threshold. Mr. Boughton told the Board that it is more costly to use the bid process, as opposed to obtaining three quotes. He also stated that the threshold should be raised to match the State of Louisiana, in order to allow for inflation and that items would be received much faster.
Following a lengthy discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Bacas, seconded by Mr. Triche, to end the discussion.
The Chair called for a roll call vote to end discussion on Policy DJED (Bids and Quotations), there were: 11 Yeas and the motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made by Mr. Burl, seconded by Mr. Wise, to maintain Policy DJED (Bids and Quotations) as is with the threshold at $20,000.
The Chair called for a roll call vote to maintain Policy DJED (Bids and Quotations) as is with the threshold at $20,000, there were: 6 Yeas (Jack, Burl, Sanders, Jones, Johnson, Wise), 5 Nays (Madere, Bacas, Ory, Triche, Keller), and the motion carried.
Mr. James Prescott with Forethought Consulting was present. He introduced himself to the Board and thanked the Board for the opportunity to work with them.
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE: Mr. Felix Boughton, Executive Director of Business and Finance. a. Quarterly Budget Report. Mr. Boughton presented the Board with the Quarterly Budget Report. Mr. Boughton stated that we are having to dip into the surplus money and are very fortunate that this surplus is available.
ITEM 7b. Recommendation for life insurance renewal (Requires action by the Board). Mr. Boughton stated that Cigna had offered the renewal for a 0% increase.
A motion was made by Mr. Madere, seconded by Mr. Jones, to accept the recommendation for life insurance renewal. There were no objections and the motion carried. Mr. Jack was not seated.
ITEM 7c. Recommendation for health insurance renewal (Requires action by the Board). Mr. Boughton stated that Blue Cross had offered a renewal for 0% increase. He also stated that SJAE was in approval of this recommendation.
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Madere to accept the recommendation for health insurance renewal. There were no objections and the motion carried. Mr. Jack was not seated.
ITEM 7d. Mr. Chris Pellegrin, CSRS – Request Board approval of the recommendation for Architectural Services (Requires action by the Board). Mr. Chris Pellegrin introduced Mr. David Hughes and Mr. Steve Baker, members of the Architect Selection Committee. Mr. David Hughes stated that CSRS had done a fine job of presenting the Architects. Mr. Hughes stated that the following architects were chosen:
Package No. 1. Intercom upgrades at various sites, JLO Renovations, School Board Office Renovations, and West St. John High School Renovations. Recommended firm: Fusion Architecture, APC
Package No. 2. Fifth Ward Elementary Renovations, Fifth Ward HVAC. Recommended firm: VergesRome Architects, APAC
Package No. 3. Miscellaneous Roofing Projects at various sites. Recommended firm: Perez, APC
Package No. 4. East St. John Elementary Renovations, Lake Pontchartrain Renovations. Recommended firm: HMS Architects, APC
A motion was made by Mr. Bacas, seconded by Mr. Madere to accept the recommendation for Architectural Services. There were no objections and the motion carried ten Yeas and one not seated at table (Mr. Jack).
ITEM 7e. Request Board approval to award contract to apparent low bidder for the Playground at Nine Elementary Schools Project (Requires action by the Board). Mr. Floyd Luster Jr., CSRS Architect, stated that bids were taken today at 2:00 p.m. at the St. John School Board Office. Four bids were received. The apparent low bidder was Stanley Kirklin General Contractors with a Base Bid of $485,000 and an Alternate of $162,700, for a total bid of $647,700. Mr. Stanley Kirklin was present and introduced himself to the Board.
A motion was made by Mr. Bacas, seconded by Mr. Sanders to award the Playground at Nine Elementary Schools Project contract to Stanley Kirklin General Contractors. There were no objections and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Wise asked Mr. Kirklin if the students will have somewhere to play while construction is taking place. Mr. Kirklin assured the Board that there would be adequate space for the students to play during construction. He thanked the Board and assured them that he has never fallen behind on any project.
ITEM 7f. Request permission from the Board to present an information item, Monthly Progress Update on the Master Plan and Program Management Services provided by CSRS, Inc. Mr. Chris Pellegrin provided the Board with an October 2009 Monthly Report, updating all construction projects and timelines.
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS. None.
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS. Mr. Lloyd LeBlanc, Board Attorney, requested ITEM 9b be presented before ITEM 9a. There were no objections.
Mr. LeBlanc introduced to the Board, policy changes submitted by CSRS.
ITEM 9a. Elton Oubre, Director of Safe and Drug Free Schools-Appeal of Expulsion. Item #0910-01-015 - Student from East St. John High School. Mr. Oubre stated that a closed hearing was requested by the parent. The Board went into executive session at 7:10 p.m.
The President called the meeting back to order at 8:20 p.m. A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Triche to reconvene in regular session. There were no objections.
Mr. Madere moved, seconded by Mr. Wise, on Item 0910-01-1015, to uphold the administration’s decision to admit the student to the Redirection Center until December 18, 2009, at which time the student will be readmitted to East St. John High School. Upon roll call vote there were: 7 Yeas (Sanders, Madere, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Triche, Keller), 1 Nay (Ory), and 3 Abstentions (Jack, Burl, Jones), and the motion carried.
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS: a. Committee Reports. None.
ITEM 11. BOARD-RELATED ITEMS OF INTEREST. None.
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT
The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, Mr. Bacas offered a motion for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Johnson. There were no objections. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
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Gerald J. Keller, Ph.D., President
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Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Secretary