PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

RESERVE, LA - Meeting of May 6, 2010

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 special session at Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria, 1600 Highway 44, Reserve, Louisiana, on Thursday, May 6, 2010, at 6:00 p.m.

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, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Ory, Triche, Keller.

ABSENT: Messrs. Jack and Burl.

There were 9 members present and 2 absent.

ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meetings of April 15, 2010. A motion was made by Mr. Bacas, seconded by Mr. Triche, to accept the minutes of April 15, 2010 as printed and published. There were no objections and the motion to approve the minutes carried. Messrs. Jack and Burl were absent.

ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Superintendent.  Dr. Millet announced  the 2010 High School Graduation Dates:

East St. John High School Graduation Ceremony

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Pontchartrain Center, Kenner

Ceremony Begins: 7:00 p.m.

Seniors Report at 6:00 p.m.

West St. John High School Graduation Ceremony

Saturday, May 22, 2010

West St. John High School Gymnasium

Ceremony Begins:  10:00 a.m.

Seniors Report:  9:15 a.m.

Dr. Millet read the following report:  LEAP SUMMER SCHOOL:  “Summer school for St. John Parish LEAP 4^th and 8^th grade will take place at the following four sites:  Emily C. Watkins, East St. John Elementary School, Garyville Mount Airy Math and Science Magnet School and West St. John High School.  Summer school will begin on Monday, May 31^st and will be held Monday through Thursday.  We are currently updating the curriculum for summer school in order for it to be more infused with technology.

2010-2011 BUDGETARY AND STAFFING:   As you are aware, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board is facing serious financial concerns for the upcoming school year.  It is with much regret that we must notify the board, our employees, and the public that a reduction in force may be necessary.

SUPRIYA JINDAL FOUNDATION, GMMS AND MARATHON PARTNERSHIP: This spring, Louisiana’s First Lady visited Garyville Mt. Airy Magnet School.  Her foundation, along with Marathon, donated six Promethean boards to elementary classrooms.  We just received this great video from Marathon.”

Mr. Jack arrived at 6:14 and was recorded as present.

Mrs. Kelli Joseph, principal of GMMS introduced a video featuring Mrs. Jindal’s visit to GMMS.  The video was then shared with the audience.

Dr. Millet introduced Ms. Ambres, who shared a video on the Emily C. Watkins Elite Ladies Club.  Ms. Ambres explained that the Ladies Club is an organization that has adopted some of the procedures from the Peters Group and that this unique program was founded to empower girls to be their own best friends and inspires them to discover and be proud of whom they are.  Ms. Ambres expressed how very proud Emily C. Watkins is of this elite group of young ladies.

Dr. Millet thanked Nadine Stewart, John Cunningham and David Hand for submitting and receiving a Donors Choice Grant in the amount of $500.00 to plant a garden in Joe Parquet Circle. The grant was entitled "We Want Green Thumbs".

Mr. Burl arrived at 6:35 and was recorded as present.

ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF. a. Dr. Millet introduced Mrs. Precious Joseph, who presented the following awards:

District Social Studies Fair Winners - 2010 ~ Division I

History                                                              Sociology

1^st-James Perilloux -JLO                                    1^st-Jared Remondet - LES

2^nd-Arielle Jasmine- LPE                                    2^nd-Kasia Lewis - WSJE

3^rd- Fred Turner -JLO                                        3^rd-Taylor Griffin - ECW

HM- Vontre Miller -WSJE

HM - Seth Williams - LES

Geography                                                        Political Science

1^st- Justin Brown - JLO                                      1^st-Jaiden Casiano -GMMS

2nd- Anaya Henry - JLO                                      2^nd- Jarrion Frank - FW 

3^rd- Melvin Bates  - JLO                                      3^rd-Immanuel Mamou - GMMS

HM-Elijah Mickens - FW

Anthropology                                                     Economics

1^st- Tyrin Johnson - WSJE                                  1^st - Nia Smith - ECW

2^nd-Donovan Stevenson - JLO                             1^st - ILona Smothers - LES

3^rd-Tania Higginbotham  - LES                            2^nd - Ryan Fobb - LES

HM-Katelyn Kramer - GMM                                 3^rd - Keyshaun Holmes - GMM

                                                                                Brittany White - JLO

HM - Jasmine Williams - LPE

Division II

History                                                              Sociology

1^st-Briana Bartholomew - JLO                             1^st. Natasha Wieland - JLO

2nd- Asante Jackson - JLO                                2^nd. Brandon McMullen - JLO     

3^rd- Koran Blackman - LES                                 3^rd. Amanda Duhe - GMM          

HM-Haylee Eldridge - JLO                                  HM Jhai Smith - JLO

Geography                                                        Political Science

1^st-Cheyenne Ortiz- JLO                                    1^st-Leonard Harris - LPE

2^nd-Raymond James - LPE                                 2^nd- Tia Mitchell - JLO

3^rd-Nicole Lorenzo - JLO                                    3^rd- Angel Robinson - LES

HM- Derek Simoneaux - GMM                            HM- Trevell Fenroy - GMM

HM-Tanner Lawson JLO

Anthropology                                                     Economics

1^st. Madison King -JLO                                      1^st. Jay Gros - JLO

2^nd. Kaylon Taylor - LPE                                    2^nd. Phil Adams - LES

3^rd. Kaitlin Lacour - FEW                                   3^rd. Joseph Williams - JLO

HM Abby St. Amant - LES                                 HM Shaina Griffin - LPE

Division III

History                                                              Sociology

1^st- Tyron Tatum - ESJ                                       1^st-Valyncia Smothers-ESJ

2^nd-Kreig Chadwick - ESJ                                  2^nd-Kindra Hargrave-ESJ

3^rd-Jasmine Stewart - WSJ                                3^rd- April Lee-ESJ

HM- Devonta Morris - WSJ                                HM-Gionne Burke-WSJ

HM-Jordan Triche - WSJ                                  

Geography                                                        Political Science

1st - Alexa Mora - ESJ                                      1^st. Jonathan Sandolph-WSJH

2^nd - Aiwa Miller & Danaya Andrews -ESJ          1^st. Keidra Opperhammer-ESJ

3^rd - Bianca Cook - ESJ                                    3^rd. Terynek Grover - ESJH

HM - Diamond Bright - WSJ                              HM Na’Kia Ricks - ESJH

Anthropology                                                     Economics

1^st - Bria Branch - ESJH                                   1^st. Jacob King & Cassidy Stephan-ESJH

                                                                        2^nd. Frederick Dudley- ESJH

                                                                        3^rd. Lester Rainey- WJJH

                                                                        HM Brandon Schexnayder-WSJH

District Science Fair- 2010 ~ Division I (4 - 8^th)                 

Chemistry                                                         Zoology

1^st - Phil Adams - LES                                       1^st - Madison King - JLO

2^nd - Cheyenne Ortiz - JLO                                2^nd - Perry Hanna - LES

2^nd - Amanda Duhe - GMM                                 3^rd - Rachel Abraham - JLO

3^rd - Sarah Lacayo JLO                                     HM - Victor Negron - JLO

HM- Alexander Navarro - LPE                            HM - Tazman Anderson - LPE

Behavioral/Social Sci                                         Medicine/Health

1^st - Stephanie Richardson - LES                       1st - Justin Brown - JLO

1^st  - Darius Adams - LES                                  2^nd - Judy Chen - LES

2^nd - Kyla Holmes - GMM                                   3^rd - Amanda Bordelon - JLO

3^rd - Goldie Howard - JLO                                  HM - Addie Wetzel - JLO          

HM - Brittany Pollard - LES

Earth/Space Science                                         Botany

1^st - Chris Sermersky - LPE                               1^st - Nicole Lorenzo - JLO

2^nd - Kandis Caston - LPE                                 2^nd - Darius Rixner - GMM

3^rd - Larry Snyder - LES                                    3^rd - Billy Knowles - JLO

HM - Kirone Watkins- FW                                 HM - Christian Baile - JLO

Physics/Astronomy                                            Engineering E/M

1^st - Briana Bartholomew - JLO                          1^st - Leonard Harris - LPE

2^nd - Janay Major - LES                                     2^nd - Corinne Weckler - LES

3^rd - Alex Ivey - LES                                          3^rd - Marissa Price - LES

HM - Gabrielle House - LES                               HM - Tyler Moore - LES

HM - Timothy Robinson - FW

Division I – Cont.

Microbiology                                                     Mathematics

1^st - Zharya Johnson - LES                                1^st - Kaleb Clement - LES

2^nd - Crysten Price - JLO                                   2^nd - Alasia Narcisse - WSJE

3^rd - Markell Francois - WSJE                            3^rd - Sydnei Young - WSJE

HM - Victoria Mason - LES

HM - Daryl Bowman - LES

Environmental Science                                       Engineering

1^st - Amber Howard - WSJH                              1^st - Hannah Williams - JLO

2^nd - Ronnie Feist - WSJH                                 1^st - Brendon Bowser - JLO

2^nd - Samantha Trench -WSJH                           2^nd - Darwin Romious - JLO

3^rd - Marvin Pierre - WSJH                                 3^rd - Eugene Keller - GMM

                                                                        3^rd - Melvin Bates - JLO

                                                                        HM - Devon Millender - GMM

Computers                                                        Physical Science

1^st - Jarron Williams - JLO                                 1^st - Elexi Bailey - WSJH

                                                                        2^nd - Justice Feist - WSJH

Cellular/Molecular Biology                                  Environmental Sciences

1^st- Dareyona Reed - LES                                1^st - Marvin Pierre - WSJH

2^nd - Raven Pigee - LES                                    2^nd - Nikolai Wagner - JLO

                                                                        3^rd - Crystal Dabney - LPE

                                                                        3^rd - Joshua Reynolds, - ESJE

                                                                        3^rd - Chase Henderson - GMM

                                                                        HM - Gill Jasmine - ESJE

                                                                        HM - Treyvianne Love - ESJE

                                                                        HM - Loumouth Jack - WSJH

Team Projects

1^st - Dow’nesha Anderson & Kacie Onzime   ESJE

        Kameryn Poullard & Tia Mitchell   JLO

2^nd - Clifton Thibodaux & Juwan Simmons   ESJE

3^rd - Trevell Fenroy & Dejuan Stewart   GMM

HM - Joshua Chewning & Azrian Watkins   ESJE

HM - Domonique Travis & Bishan Caston  ESJE

Division II ( 9^th -12^th)

Chemistry                                                         Behavioral Sciences

1^st - Diamond Bright - WSJH                             1^st - Arnell Jack - WSJH

2^nd-Rasheda Julien - WSJH                              Asianee Chopin - WSJH

                                                                        Brittany Tuco - WSJH

Medicine/Health                                                 Physics/Astronomy

1^st- Dashera Gros - WSJH                               1^st - Austin Terry - WSJH        

Megan Jackson - WSJH                                    2^nd - Chasity Everson - WSJH

Braci Barnes - WSJH                                                                                       

Environmental Science                                       Cellular/Molecular Biology

1^st- Amber Howard - WSJH                              1^st - Jennika Jones - WSJH

2^nd - Ronnie Feist - WSJH                                2^nd - Jalen Adams - WSJH

3^rd - Samantha Trench - WSJH                         3^rd - Ronisha Smith - WSJH

District Spelling Bee – 2010

*Returning Winning Spellers

STATE SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS

March 29, 2010

SPECIAL AWARD

REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR ~ NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY

Friday, March 12, 2010

REGIONAL SOCIAL STUDIES FAIR

NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The President called for a brief recess at 7:22 p.m.

At 7:27 p.m. the President called the meeting back to order.  A motion was made by Mr. Madere, seconded by Mr. Ory, to reconvene in regular session.  There were no objections and the Board reconvened in regular session.

ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS: Dr. Leigh Ann Beard, Director of Human Resources.

Personnel Changes (Requires action by the Board). Dr. Beard presented the following Personnel Changes for approval:

I.  PROFESSIONAL

      A.   Extended Sick Leave

            1.  Douglass Lawson, Pupil Appraisal, Milesville, Jan. 25-26; March 10; March 12-June 4, 2010

            2.  Kim Reulet, Teacher, Fifth Ward, March 9-10, 2010

            3.  Henry Knight, Teacher, East St. John Elementary, March 22-May 21, 2010.

            4.  Carla Hellmers, Teacher, LaPlace Elementary, March 23-24, 2010

II.  CLASSIFIED

      A. Extended Sick Leave

            1.  Eloise Dixon, Lunch Technician, East St. John High, April 1-April 21, 2010

      B. Leave Without Pay

            1.  Eloise Dixon, Lunch Technician, East St. John High, April 22-May 20, 2010

A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Madere, to accept the Personnel Changes as presented. There were no objections and the motion carried.

ITEM 7a.  BUSINESS AND FINANCE:  Mr. Felix Boughton, Executive Director of Business and Finance

a.  CSRS - Request Board approval to award contract to lowest quote received for the East St. John High School Field House - Weight Equipment contingent upon company providing the lowest quote meeting all Contract Documents Requirements.  Mr. Floyd Luster, CSRS, stated that the lowest responsible bidder was Samson Equipment for a total amount of $44,064.00.

Mr. Wise questioned why additional weight equipment was being purchased.  Mr. Boughton stated that the amount of students participating had increased and the additional equipment was needed for the enlarged field house.

A motion was made by Mr. Ory, seconded by Mr. Bacas, to award the East St. John High School Field House, Weight Equipment to Samson Equipment at a cost of $44,064.00.  There were no objections and the motion passed unanimously.

b. CSRS - Request Board approval to award contract to apparent responsible low bidder for the LaPlace Elementary School Demolition project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements.  Mr. Floyd Luster, CSRS, stated that the lowest responsible bidder meeting all Contract Document Requirements was Lanco Construction, Inc. at a cost of $897,100.00.  This total includes the Base Bid Amount, Alternate 1 and Alternate 2.

A motion was made by Mr. Bacas, seconded by Mr. Wise, to award the LaPlace Elementary School Demolition project contract to Lanco Construction, Inc. for a total cost of $897,100.00. There were no objections and the motion passed unanimously.

Dr. Millet read the following statement:  “It is important to note that, with students and the quality of their education at heart, we proposed and were pleased that voters overwhelmingly approved a bond renewal in the fall of 2008 designed to renovate and upgrade our existing facilities and is dedicated for that purpose.  The voters understood and endorsed the facilities and education plan, which clearly outlined the ways in which the proceeds would be used to support our children’s education, and they approved our approach, which restricted funds from being used to offset shortfalls in other areas.”

ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS. a.  None 

ITEM 9.   NEW BUSINESS.  a.  Mr. Lloyd LeBlanc - Request to waive fees:  The Lewis Family, St. John Community Art Group, West St. John Elementary School and St. John Arts Festival, West St. John High School.  Mr. LeBlanc stated that an Attorney General’s opinion had been sought regarding the waiving of fees for use by community groups.  Mr. LeBlanc stated that based on the opinion of public counsel that waiving fees would violate statute.  Mr. Wise stated that with all due respect, he suggested that the Board continue to waive fees for certain board-approved organizations and he fees the Board should continue to do so until they are made to stop.

A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Jack, to proceed with the current policy, thereby granting the requests to waive fees presented by the Lewis Family and the St. John Arts Festival.  There were no objections and the motion to waive fees passed unanimously.

b.  Mr. Felix Boughton, Executive Director of Business and Finance - Executive Session - Update on Negotiations.

A motion was made by Mr. Madere, seconded by Mr. Ory, to go into Executive Session.  There were no objections and the Board went into Executive Session at 7:43 p.m.

A motion was made by Mr. Madere, seconded by Mr. Ory, to reconvene in Regular Session.  There were no objections and the Board reconvened in Regular Session at 9:23 p.m.

Dr. Millet requested that the Chair recognize student Kelvinte Barber.  Kelvinte Barber, a kindergarten student at John L. Ory, won 1^st place in the District Spelling Bee, but arrived late due to his participation in the Oratorical Contest at John L. Ory, which was being held simultaneously with the Board meeting.

c.  Mr. Elton Oubre, Director of Safe and Drug Free Schools; Tonya Harrilal, SJBP Parent - Safe School Environment.  Mr. Oubre stated that the parent, Tonya Harrilal, was not present, so he would address Board regarding Safe and Drug-Free Schools.  Mr. Oubre stated that with the heightened attention of bullying in schools and its destructive outcomes, House Current Resolution No. 149 of the 2009 Legislative Session urges and requests the governing authority of each public elementary and secondary school to develop and implement a comprehensive anti-harassment, intimation, and bullying program. The St. John the Baptist Parish School System is committed to maintaining a safe, orderly, civil and positive learning environment so that no student feels threatened while in school or participating in school-related activities.  This commitment is exemplified in board policy JCDAF cf: JCEA (BULLYING, INTIMIDATION, HARASSMENT, AND HAZING).  He further stated that in our effort to create safe learning environments, all schools in St. John the Baptist Parish is proactive regarding the issue of safety on their campuses, rather than being reactive in the approach to keeping all schools safe for all students.  

d. Mr. Lloyd LeBlanc, Board Attorney -Legal Update. None.

Dr. Keller addressed the audience in reference to the Executive Session. He stated that the Board would take no action at this time.  He further stated that there is no easy solution to the current budget predicament, but the Board is working diligently to make the least possible impact on employees. He went on to say that, unfortunately, when a parish brings in additional funding through sales tax, as we have enjoyed over the last two years, the state penalizes that parish by reducing the MFP.  In addition to the loss of funding from the state MFP, the Board’s contribution to the retirement fund is increasing.

Mr. Ory stated that he appreciated all those dedicated employees who were in attendance and wanted to let them know that the Board members take to heart the decisions that will have to be made.  He further stated that the entire Board understands what a paycheck means to all employees and promised that they will work diligently to ensure the impact to employees is as minimal as possible.

ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS: a. Committee Reports. None.

ITEM 11. BOARD-RELATED ITEMS OF INTEREST.  Mr. James Ray Madere stated that due to personal issues, he will resign his seat on the School Board effective May 10, 2010.

Dr. Keller stated that a special meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. to accept the resignation and to hear Mr. Madere’s recommendation for a replacement.

Dr. Millet thanked Mr. Madere for his support and that she appreciated his insight and input on maintenance and construction issues.

Dr. Keller stated that the Senate Bill 489 by Senator Nevers will be heard in Senate Finance on Monday, May10, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in Room A-B.  The stated that this bill requires the Department of Education to reimburse local school boards for salary supplements paid to certain nationally board certified school personnel.

ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT: The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, Mr. Sanders offered a motion for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Ory. There were no objections. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

                                                         /s/Gerald Keller                    

Gerald J. Keller, Ph.D., President

St. John the Baptist Parish School Board

                     /s/Courtney P. Millet              

Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D.Secretary/Treasurer

St. John the Baptist Parish School Board