PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

RESERVE, LA - Meeting of November 5, 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 November 5, 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.  Sanders, Madere, Jones, Wise, Bacas, Ory, Triche.

 

ABSENT:          Messrs.  Jack, Burl, Johnson, Keller.

 

There were 7 members present and 4 absent.

 

ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meeting of October 15, 2009. A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Bacas, to accept the minutes of October 15, 2009 as printed and published.  There were no objections and the motion to approve the minutes carried.  Messrs. Jack, Burl, Johnson, and Keller were absent.

 

ITEM  4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Superintendent.

Dr. Millet began her report by thanking Ms. Betty Williams for the beautifully decorated Board room and stated that Ms. Betty is collecting food items for Thanksgiving baskets.  She explained that one basket will be delivered to each school to be given to a needy family. 

 

  1. Dr. Millet read the following:  On October 21st, we received a letter from a local referee for one of our middle school football games.  Part of that letter read as follows:  Although your team trailed for most of the game, the players played with the most sportsmanship that I have experienced in my 13 years of football officiating.  They stopped after the whistle, helped the opponents off of the ground, and even spoke complimentary words to the opponents between plays.  Again, they did this while trailing during the entire game.  I am a huge proponent of positive reinforcement and took every opportunity to verbally commend the players each time they showed sportsmanship.  I do understand that intimidation is a strategic part of the game, but sportsmanship should always be a part of competitive sports, especially at the amateur level.  In my opinion, sportsmanship is not a sign of weakness or “being a loser”, but a sign of character.  Too often in society only the bad gets attention; hence, I’m taking the time to write this email to give attention to the good.  Please take the time to commend the team on their sportsmanship.  Sincerely, Keith Poche

     

    This letter is especially noteworthy because this is LaPlace Elementary School’s first year to have a football team.  This 1st year team consists of 29 players ranging from 6th to 8th grades.  At this time we would like to commend the two coaches, Mr. Jason Beber and Mr. Kirwin Jackson, the entire football team and the administration, faculty and staff of LaPlace Elementary School.

     

    Student Geraldo Munez approached the podium and thanked the superintendent for inviting them to the Board meeting to be recognized.  Mr. Munez, on behalf of his team, also thanked his coaches and principal for the opportunity to have a football team at LaPlace Elementary School.

     

    Mr. Burl arrived at 6:08 p.m. and was recorded as present.

     

    Mr. Jack arrived at 6:08 p.m. and was recorded as present.

     

  2. Dr. Millet read the following:  On October 7, John L. Ory Magnet School implemented its first Distinguished Gentlemen’s group to 1) aid in the transition from 5th grade to middle school and 2) prepare the boys for future success.  Every Wednesday, the boys wear white dress shirts and ties with their school uniform pants, shoes, and belt.  They attend enrichment activities and a leadership lunch.  Guest speakers talk about leadership qualities during the lunch.  Guest speakers who have addressed the boys to date are:  Calvin Berry, Bruno Burrell Jr., Vincent Harper, Whitney Joseph Jr., Kendrick Martin, Raffeal Neal, Gerald Poullard, Michael Sylvain, Captain Michael Tregre, and Luke Trosclair.  On October 28th, the boys had the privilege to meet best-selling author and motivational speaker Stephen Peters, at East St. John High School.  Mr. Peters addressed Ory’s Distinguished Gentlemen and stated that he is going to adopt them this year.  Although there is a start-up fee for his Gentlemen’s Clubs, he is going to give Ory’s club all of the rights and privileges of a Gentlemen’s club for FREE!  He is also providing them with his curriculum on etiquette and his Gentlemen’s Club ties, sending them to a dinner at a four star restaurant, encouraging a community service project, and providing the club officers with official Gentlemen’s Club vests.  We would like to publicly thank Mr. Stephen Peters for his support of our students, and we would like to recognize these young men and their club sponsors at this time.

 

Student Austin Brown, on behalf of his classmates, thanked Dr. Millet for inviting them to attend the Board meeting.  Principal of John L. Ory, Mrs. Teri Noel, thanked the Board for the invitation and the opportunity to share a video on the Gentlemen’s Club.  Mrs. Monica Brown stated that the club is a “work in progress” and they are attempting to teach these young men life lessons that will help them in the future.  Mrs. Brown invited the Board to come to John L. Ory to see for themselves all the things the students are learning.  Mr. Wise stated that he was extremely proud of the 2 groups of young men that were presented to the Board.

 

ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF. a.  None

 

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.   New Hires

 

            1.  Kristen H. Labiche, Teacher, West St. John Elementary School

 

      B.   Extended Sick Leave

 

            1.  Angelle Delaneuville, Teacher, West St. John High, Sept. 10, 2009-October 16, 2009

            2.  Noelle Duhe, Teacher, Fifth Ward Elementary, Sept. 29, 2009-November 20, 2009

            3.  Connie Manuel, Teacher, East St. John High, October 19, 2009

           

II.   CLASSIFIED

 

      A.   Extended Sick Leave

 

  1. Kyan Jenkins, Bus Driver, October 5, 2009-January 19, 2010

 

       B.  Leave Without Pay

 

            1.  Donnell Favorite, Custodian, West St. John High, September 2, 2009-August 2, 2010

 

A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Jones, to accept the Personnel Changes as presented.  There were no objections and the motion carried.  Messrs.  Johnson and Keller were absent.

 

ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE: Mr. Felix Boughton, Executive Director of Business and Finance.  a.  Request to waive fees for St. John Association for Retarded Citizens (Requires action by the Board).  Mr. Boughton requested that ADDENDUM ITEM 7g. Request to waive fees for Knights of Columbus at East St. John High School, be moved up on the agenda at this time.  Mr. Boughton stated that he received a Request to waive fees for Beechgrove Baptist Church at East St. John Elementary School and requested that all three items be addressed at this time. 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Madere, to approve the request to waive fees for St. John Association for Retarded Citizens at East St. John Elementary.  There were no objections and the motion carried.  Messrs. Johnson and Keller were absent.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Madere, to approve the request to waive fees for Knights of Columbus at East St. John High School. There were no objections and the motion carried.  Messrs. Johnson and Keller were absent.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Madere, to approve the request to waive fees for Beechgrove Baptist Church at East St. John Elementary.   There were no objections and the motion carried.  Messrs. Johnson and Keller were absent.

 

ITEM 7b.  Mr. Peter Montz, Purchasing Agent – Request Board Approval on Bid 10.25, School Bus with Wheel Chair Lift (Requires action by the Board).  Mr. Montz stated that the recommendation is to award the bid for one bus with a wheel chair lift to Ken Mitchell Bus Sales, at a cost of $71,201.00.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Bacas, seconded by Mr. Madere, to accept the recommendation to award the bid for one bus with a wheel chair lift to Ken Mitchell Bus Sales, at a cost of $71,201.00. There were no objections and the motion carried.  Messrs. Johnson and Keller were absent.

 

ITEM 7c.  Request Board Approval on Bid 10.26, School Bus with Video Camera (Requires action by the Board).  Mr. Montz stated that the recommendation is to award the bid for School Bus with Video Camera to Kent Mitchell Bus Sales, at a cost of $67,700.00.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Madere, seconded by Mr. Bacas to accept the recommendation to award the bid for School Bus with Video Camera to Kent Mitchell Bus Sales, at a cost of $67,700.00.  There were no objections and the motion carried.  Mr. Jones was not seated. Messrs. Johnson and Keller were absent.

 

Mr. Ory asked Mr. Montz if he was aware of the cost of installing air conditioning in the special education buses.  Mr. Montz replied that he did not know the figure, but could investigate it and report back to him.  Mr. Wise questioned why the cost of buses went up almost $20,000 from the last time buses were purchased.  Mr. Montz stated that the new bus was a diesel, ie “greener”, as well as there being a cost adjustment from year to year.  Mr. Jack questioned why we only purchased one bus when we have had problems with several buses.  Mr. Montz stated that there was allocations in the budget for only one bus, and deferred the podium to Mr. Herbert Smith.  Mr. Smith stated that the immediate problem with buses had been addressed and taken care of.

 

The Chair opened the floor for public discussion.  Ms. Patty Catoire approached the podium, identified herself, and questioned why the Board would consider purchasing a bus with a video camera, when, according to Ms. Catoire,  the video cameras on the current fleet are not working.  Mr. Smith stated that some cameras on the buses are outdated and are not working properly.  He added that all buses have recently been equipped with GPS systems.  Mr. Wise requested that a complete evaluation of buses with cameras and the status of each be reported to the Board. Mr. Wise also requested that a maintenance program for the cameras on buses be instituted.

 

ITEM 7d.  Request Board Approval on Bid 10.27, West St. John High School Band Uniforms (Requires action by the Board).  Mr. Montz stated that the recommendation is to award the bid to Demoulin Uniforms, at a cost of $26,872.72.

 

Mr. Wise questioned how many uniforms were being purchased for this price.  Mr. Montz replied that 50 band uniforms, plus 2 drum major uniforms were included in the bid price.  Mr. Jones asked whether the location was included on the band uniform.  Mr. Montz stated that the school location was included on the uniform.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Jack, seconded by Mr. Madere to accept the recommendation to award the bid to Demoulin Uniforms, at a cost of $26,872.72. There were no objections and the motion carried.  Messrs. Johnson and Keller were absent.

 

The Chair recognized Honorable Councilmember Ronnie Smith as being in the audience.

 

ITEM 7e.   CSRS - Request Board approval to award contract to apparent low bidder for the East St. John Field House Renovations Project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements (Requires action by the Board).  Mr. Floyd Luster, Architect with CSRS, stated that bids were opened at 2:00 p.m. at the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board Office.  There were a total of 10 bids submitted.  The apparent low bidder was Bryan Bush Construction at a cost of $1,230,100.00, which includes all three alternates.  Mr. Luster stated that all numbers were within budget and this renovation would be adding approximately 8,700 sq. ft. to the existing Field House.  Mr. Luster introduced Cassie Ragan, Project Manager with Holly & Smith (architect) and Sam Prudhomme, Project Manager with Bryan Bush Construction.

 

A motion was made by Mr. Madere, seconded by Mr. Bacas to award the East St. John Field House Renovations Project to Bryan Bush Construction.  There were no objections and the motion carried.  Messrs. Johnson and Keller were absent.

 

ITEM 7f.  Request Board approval of policy changes submitted by CSRS (Requires action by the Board).  This item was deferred to a later date.

 

ADDENDUM ITEM 7g.  This item was handled with ITEM 7a.

 

ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS. None.

 

ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS. a.  Introduce schedule of School Board meetings for 2010 - Dr. Gerald Keller, Board President.  This item was for review only at this time.

 

ITEM 9b.  Mr. Albert Burl, III, Board Member - Truancy Report on the 2009-2010 school year.  Mr. Perry DiCarlo, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance presented the Board with a Truancy Report as of October 29, 2009.  Mr. DiCarlo briefly explained the numbers and percentages contained in the report.  Mr. Ory questioned why the drastic difference from last year to this year.  Mr. DiCarlo stated that last year was a particularly good year as far as discipline is concerned.  Mr. DiCarlo added that the H1N1 virus has not impacted the attendance rates at St. John Parish schools. Mr. Wise asked Mr. DiCarlo to explain the Action Plan, Connect-Ed and when he expected these items to be put in place.   Mr. DiCarlo explained that the Truancy Research should be completed by the end of this year.  Dr. Millet explained that Connect-Ed will take the students on the Truancy List and call the homes every morning to remind them to go to school that day and how important it is for them to attend.  She stated that this could be put into place by next Friday.  Mr. Wise questioned whether or not there is a some type of feedback for this program. Dr. Millet stated that there is a daily report generated by the program.  Mr. Wise questioned whether or not the district meetings mentioned in the report are recorded with minutes, and if so, would it be possible for the Board to receive copies.  Mr. DiCarlo stated that minutes are taken and the Board would be provided with copies.  Mr. Wise requested that Mr. DiCarlo create an annual report on truancy that would include the last five years.

 

ITEM 9c. Executive Session - Pending Litigation - Mr. Albert A. Burl, III, Board Member.  Mr. Lloyd LeBlanc requested the Board not go into Executive Session to discuss this matter.  There were no objections and the Board remained in regular session.  Mr. Tom Daley, St. John Parish District Attorney addressed the Board.  Mr. Daley stated that the Attorney General’s opinion was very clear that it is within the parameters of the law that the St. John School Board could compensate Mr. Ali Burl for legal fees incurred relative to alleged criminal conduct and the domiciliary matter filed in the 40th District Court.  Mr. Daley stated that his office is of the opinion that the amount of time spent on this case by Mr. Burl’s attorney is reasonable.  He also stated that the maximum hourly rate approved by the Attorney General is $175.00 per hour and if the Board voted to pay the legal fees, then the $175.00 per hour amount should be adhered to. 

 

A motion was made by Mr. Wise to approve reasonable attorney’s fees, based on the Attorney General’s determination in the case of Ali Burl and any overlap would be up to Mr. Burl to pay.  Mr. Ory offered to amend that motion to include “upon the recommendation and legal information provided by the Attorney General and the local District Attorney, the Board approve the reimbursement of Mr. Burl the amount recommended”.  Mr. Madere stated that he cannot vote for this motion because although the District Attorney said that Mr. Burl has a domicile in St. John Parish, Mr. Burl still resides in St. James and he could not vote to spend tax-payers’ money on this.  Mr. Jack seconded the motion.  The Chair called for a roll call vote.  Upon roll call, there were 6 Yeas (Jack, Sanders, Jones, Wise, Bacas, Ory), 1 Nay (Madere), 2 Abstentions (Burl, Triche), and 2 Absent (Johnson, Keller) and the motion carried.

 

ITEM 9d.  Mr. Lloyd LeBlanc, Board Attorney - Legal Update.  Mr. Jack requested information on the 2nd Ward High School property from Mr. LeBlanc.  Mr. LeBlanc stated that he would have a report at the next Board meeting.

 

Mr. Jones requested that Mr. LeBlanc clarify what action School Board must take regarding financial disclosures, if anything.  Mr. LeBlanc stated that the last census was done in the year 2000.  The need to disclose financial data is based on the electoral population of the district each represents, and as of the last census, none of the School Board members were in the tier that required financial disclosures.  Mr. Sanders requested a written explanation from Mr. LeBlanc stating the regulations regarding financial disclosures.  Mr. LeBlanc assured the Board that they are currently in compliance.

 

ITEM 10. ADMINSTRATIVE 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. Jack offered a motion for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Madere. There were no objections.  Messrs. Johnson and Keller were absent. The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.

                                   

 ________________________________

Gerald J. Keller, Ph.D., President

________________________________

Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Secretary