2010-05-20

PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

RESERVE, LA - Meeting of May 20, 2010

In the absence of the President, Vice-President Patrick Sanders presided. 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 20, 2010, at 4:00 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.

Mr. Sanders asked that Ms. Allene Gregoire, retired teacher, be remembered in prayer at this time.

ITEM 2a. ** SWEARING IN OF BOARD MEMBER **

Mrs. Eliana DeFrancesch, St. John the Baptist Parish Clerk of Court, administered the oath of office to Mrs. Sherry DeFrancesch.

b. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:

PRESENT: Messrs. Jack, Sanders, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Triche, and Mrs. DeFrancesch.

ABSENT: Messrs. Burl, Ory, Keller.

There were 8 members present and 3 absent.

Mr. Ory arrived at 4:10 p.m. and was recorded as present.

ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meetings of May 6, 2010 and May 11, 2010. A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to accept the minutes of May 6, 2010 and May 11, 2010 as printed and published. There were no objections and the motion to approve the minutes carried. Messrs. Burl, Ory and Keller were absent.

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

Dr. Millet stated the following: “As many of you are aware, this past Tuesday, May 18, 2010, the Louisiana State Department of Education sent all districts a preliminary report of LEAP and GEE test scores. At the same time, schools also received individual student score reports and they were distributed to the students this week. The scores are embargoed at this time, therefore, I am bound by a signed contract with the state not to share the scores until notified by the Louisiana Department of Education. All test information and date must remain secure and confidential until the embargo has been lifted. As I reviewed the preliminary data reports, I saw improvements on both the LEAP and GEE across all areas at all levels: 4^th, 8^th, and high school. The district’s largest improvements seem to be an increased number of students scoring basic, mastery, and advanced. As soon as the embargo has been lifted, more information will be provided about specific test, grade level, and school improvements.”

ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF. a. Dr. Millet read the following report: “We were recently notified that Coach Curtis Tsuruda, a football coach at East St. John High School, was selected by the Professional Football Strength and Conditioning Coaches society to receive the 2009 High School Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year. I would like to personally congratulate him on this wonderful achievement at this time.

GMMS - CARGILL: In fiscal year 2009, Cargill contributed more than $58 million dollars to nonprofit and/or nongovernmental organizations, schools and local community organizations in locations where their business is present. Their giving is aligned with their business objectives which are to help build sustainable communities where we live and work.

A portion of their contributions were allocated to St. John the Baptist Parish Public School System. They have donated not only their resources but their time as well, to improve the conditions of our schools and to help improve student achievement in the classroom.

Specifically, their contributions to Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School have been tremendous. They have provided resources, funds, manpower, and most importantly, time to the faculty and student body of GMMS. With a volunteer base of over 30 participants that include their plant manager, shift managers, office staff and laborers; their relationship has lasted over ten years and we look forward to many more.

Most recently, Cargill has beautified the school by painting all of the hallways at GMMS and replaced all of the baseboards. As a result, the entire student body has a new sense of pride at the school. Although this activity may sound simple, the impact on the school environment has been huge. The drab gray walls have been replaced with a bright homespun yellow that feels inviting. Cargill provided all the labor, supplies and funding to complete this four-day task done over the Christmas holidays.

We are very proud of our relationship with Cargill and want to take this opportunity to thank them for all that they’ve done for the students and faculty at GMMS.

Mr. Pat Gathman, Cargill representative, introduced himself and stated that Cargill is proud to partner with Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet School. He also stated that Cargill volunteers their time, not for the volunteer hours, but for the future of our children and the opportunity to be a part of that future.

Dr. Millet continued her report:

MAKING THE GRADE: Ms. Nelann Taylor, a first year Spanish teacher at WSJH was chosen as one of the recipients for the Making the Grade Competition sponsored by Drew Brees. The camera crews were on campus on May 18^th to film her Spanish classes. Ms. Taylor’s submission was a children’s book project completed by her Spanish I class. The students’ books were all written in Spanish.

8^th GRADE ACADEMY WASHINGTON, D.C. TRIP: The WSJH 8th Grade Academy took 13 students on a field trip to Washington D.C. April 25-30th of this year: Kylon Adams, Koi Rainey, Loumonth Jack, Justice Feist, Ebonie Bethancourt, Elexi Bailey, Dehaven Rousseve, Marvin Pierre, Shalacey Sterling, Damond Pierce, Eric Bell, Lester Rainey, Jr. and Dajanee Bethancourt. This experience connected students to units they completed in Social Studies, Science, and English. Each child experienced first-hand the facets of government that run while also visiting museums that connected them to past histories of the Holocaust and the advancement of the human race in science and technology. While in D.C, they also visited Howard University to get a taste of the college life and to excite them about their post-high school opportunities.

STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Congratulations to the following West St. John High School students for their accomplishments:

Amber Howard, Jordain Bellaire, and Brandon Schexnayder attended the Youth Leadership Conference in Washington, DC.
Xavier Pierre attended President Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration.
Ronnie Feist attended a trip to Europe last summer through the People to People Organization.”

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. Retirement

Joseph Torregano, Teacher, East St. John High, April 27, 2010
Constance Bazile, Teacher, Fifth Ward Elementary, May 22, 2010
Jermaine Roussel, Teacher, West St. John High, May 22, 2010
Donna Russell, Teacher - East St. John High, May 22, 2010
Donna Jackson, Teacher, Leon Godchaux Accelerated Program, May 22, 2010
Gertie Polk, Teacher, Fifth Ward Elementary, June 1, 2010
Mark Larose, Teacher, East St. John High, June 1, 2010

B. Resignations

James Madere, School Board Member , May 11, 2010
Odeal Milton, Teacher, East St. John High, April 19, 2010
Andrew Jennings, Teacher, East St. John High, May 22, 2010
William Conides, Teacher, East St. John High, May 22, 2010
Irene Hebert, Teacher, West St. John High, May 22, 2010
Arthur Bueno , Teacher, East St. John High (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Nicholas Wachtler , Teacher, East St. John High (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Gillian McHale, Teacher, East St. John High (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Taylor Ballinger, Teacher, East St. John High (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Sarah Knox, Teacher, Fifth Ward Elementary (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Rachel Shack, Teacher, Fifth Ward Elementary (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Loretta Johnson, Teacher, Fifth Ward Elementary (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Samantha Lakin, Teacher, Fifth Ward Elementary (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Amy Owens, Teacher, Leon Godchaux (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Elizabeth Michellin, Teacher, Leon Godchaux (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Harpreet Gill, Teacher, Lake Pontchartrain (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Kia Childs, Teacher, Lake Pontchartrain (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Coleen Clark , Teacher, Lake Pontchartrain (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Stephen Pasternak, Teacher, Redirection Center (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Jeffery Weiss, Teacher, Redirection Center (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Bethany Potts, Teacher, West St. John High (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010
Katrina Bissen, Teacher, West St. John High (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 22, 2010

C. Extended Sick Leave

Connie Manuel, Teacher, East St. John High, April 13, 2010
Reina Kennedy, Secretary - Lake Pontchartrain, May 3 - 7, 2010
Carla Hellmers, Teacher, LaPlace Elementary, May 4, 2010
Bonnie Grows, Teacher, St. John Child Development Center, May 10 - May 21, 2010

II. CLASSIFIED

A. Extended Sick Leave

Susan Poree, Bus Driver - Transportation, March 3 - May 20, 2010
Amanda Whitlock, Secretary, Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet, April 1, April 7, and April 9, 2010
Carolyn Lumar, West St. John Elementary, April 9, April 12-16, April 19, April 26-30, 2010
Tessa Lagrande, Bus Driver - Transportation, April 14 - May 20, 2010
Jesstina Allen, Bus Driver - Transportation, April 19, April 23, May 4, and May 6, 2010
Sanovia Nelson, Paraprofessional - East St. John Elementary, April 20 - 23, 2010
Alyce Richardson, Lunch Technician - Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet, May 11 - 21, 2010

B. Resignation

Ivy Cook, Bus Driver - Transportation, January 31, 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.

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

CSRS - Informational Item: Quarterly Progress Update on the Master Plan and Program Management Services provided by CSRS, Inc. Mr. Floyd Luster, CSRS, gave an update on all projects. He stated that all 9 playgrounds are substantially complete. The ESJH Field House is ongoing with a completion date of August 2010. The running tracks and stadium upgrades have a completion date of July 2010. Mr. Luster stated that the LaPlace Elementary School renovations are currently in the construction document phase and the portables are currently being put in place.

Dr. Millet stated that it is important to note that the voters of St. John Parish overwhelmingly approved the bond renewal in the fall of 2008, which was designed to complete these renovations and upgrades and these funds are dedicated to that purpose only.

b. CSRS - Request Board approval to award contract to apparent low bidder for the West St. John Elementary School Renovations and Additions project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid and Contract Document Requirements. Mr. Floyd Luster, CSRS, stated that the lowest responsible bidder meeting all Contract Document Requirements was Lincoln Builders of Baton Rouge at a total cost of $7,766,000. This total includes the Base Bid Amount, Alternate 1, Alternate 2, and Alternate 3.

Mr. Burl arrived at 4:35 and was recorded as present.

After some discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Ory, seconded by Mr. Jack, to award the West St. John Elementary School Renovations and Additions project contract to Lincoln Builders of Baton Rouge for a total cost of $7,766,000. There were no objections and the motion carried. Dr. Keller was absent.

c. Mr. Felix Boughton, Executive Director of Business and Finance - Accept proposal from Rebowe and Company for auditing services.

Mr. Burl stated that he had requested an audit by the Legislative Auditor and asked why that had not happened. Mr. Boughton explained that the Legislative Auditor does not perform financial and compliance audits, that it is the School Board’s responsibility to hire an auditing firm and then submit the report to the Legislative Auditor for approval.

After discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Bacas to accept the proposal from Rebowe and Company for auditing services. Upon roll call there were 9 Yeas (Jack, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Ory, Triche), 1 Nay (Burl), 1 Absent (Dr. Keller), and the motion carried.

d. To consider and take action with respect to adopting a resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, to authorize the renewal of special taxes therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

A motion as made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Triche to take action with respect to adopting a resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, to authorize the renewal of special taxes therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

Mr. Burl asked if was urgent that this be voted on tonight. Mr. Boughton replied that yes, it was urgent so that all paperwork can be completed in time for the election in November and by combining the two propositions, it would save money on election costs. Mr. Boughton explained that this tax has been in existence for over 20 years, but must be renewed every 10 years. He further stated that the tax is dedicated to School Board employee salaries.

A motion was made by Mr. Burl, seconded by Mr. Jack to table this item. Upon roll call, there were 5 Yeas (Jack, Burl, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones), 5 Nays (Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Ory, Triche), and 1 Absent (Keller) and the motion to table failed.

Upon roll call on the original motion, there were 9 Yeas (Jack, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Ory, Triche), 1 Nay ( Burl), and 1 Absent (Keller) and the motion carried.

RESOLUTION

A resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, to authorize the renewal of special taxes therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; 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 (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "District"), that:

SECTION 1. Election Call. Subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, and under the authority conferred by Article VI, Sections 30 and 32 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6-A of the Louisiana Election Code, and other constitutional and statutory authority, a special election is hereby called and ordered to be held in the District on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2010, between the hours of six o'clock (6:00) a.m., and eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, and at the said election there shall be submitted to all registered voters qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and laws of this State and the Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit:

PROPOSITION NO. 1

(MILLAGE RENEWAL)

Summary: 10 year, 3.47 mills property tax renewal for providing additional funds for salaries and fringe benefits for all employees (except for privately contracted services) of the school system but not to supplant current revenues being expended for all employee salaries and benefits.

Shall School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "District"), levy a special tax of three and forty-seven hundredths (3.47) mills on all of the property subject to taxation in said School District (an estimated $1,209,880 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2012 and ending with the year 2021, for the purpose of providing additional funds for salaries and fringe benefits for all employees (except for privately contracted services) of the school system but not to supplant current revenues being expended for all employee salaries and benefit?

PROPOSITION NO. 2

(MILLAGE RENEWAL)

Summary: 10 year, 10.56 mills property tax renewal for providing annual improvement of salaries (including employee health care) of teachers and all other employees of the district.

Shall School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, continue to levy and collect a special tax of ten and fifty-six hundredths (10.56) mills on all of the property subject to taxation in said District (an estimated $3,681,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2014 and ending with the year 2023, for providing annual improvement of salaries (including employee health care) of teachers and all other employees of the District?

SECTION 2. Publication of Notice of Election. A Notice of Special Election shall be published in the L'Observateur, a bi-weekly (Wednesday and Saturday) newspaper of general circulation within the District, published in LaPlace, Louisiana, and being the official journal of the District, once a week for four consecutive weeks, with the first publication to be made not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the date of the election, which Notice shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as "Exhibit A" and incorporated herein by reference the same as if it were set forth herein in full.

SECTION 3. Canvass. This Governing Authority shall meet at its regular meeting place, the Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria, Reserve, Louisiana, on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2010, at SIX O'CLOCK (6:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the said special election.

SECTION 4. Polling Places. The polling places set forth in the aforesaid Notice of Special Election are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, will be the same persons as those designated in accordance with law.

SECTION 5. Election Commissioners; Voting Machines. The officers designated to serve as Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners pursuant to Section 4 hereof, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, shall hold the said special election as herein provided, and shall make due returns of said election for the meeting of the Governing Authority to be held on Thursday, October 21, 2010, as provided in Section 3 hereof. All registered voters in the District will be entitled to vote at the special election, and voting machines shall be used.

SECTION 6. Authorization of Officers. The Secretary of the Governing Authority is hereby empowered, authorized and directed to arrange for and to furnish to said election officers in ample time for the holding of said election, the necessary equipment, forms and other paraphernalia essential to the proper holding of said election and the President and/or Secretary of the Governing Authority are further authorized, empowered and directed to take any and all further action required by State and/or Federal law to arrange for the election, including but not limited to, appropriate submission to the Federal Department of Justice under Section 5 of the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended.

SECTION 7. Furnishing Election Call to Election Officials. Certified copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Parish Custodian of Voting Machines of St. John the Baptist Parish and the Registrar of Voters of St. John the Baptist Parish, as notification of the special election, in order that each may prepare for said election and perform their respective functions as required by law.

SECTION 8. Application to State Bond Commission. Application is made to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority to hold the special election as herein provided, and in the event said election carries for further consent and authority to continue to levy and collect the special taxes provided for therein. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the State Bond Commission on behalf of this Governing Authority, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this application.

This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:

MEMBERS: YEAS: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAINING:

Russell Jack

Albert “Ali” Burl, III

Gerald J. Keller

Patrick H. Sanders

James R. Madere

Keith Jones

Phillip Johnson

Russ Wise

Lowell Bacas

Matthew J. Ory

Clarence Triche

And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 20^th day of May, 2010.

/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

EXHIBIT "A"

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION

Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by 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 (the "District"), on May 20, 2010, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held within the District on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2010, and that at the said election there will be submitted to all registered voters in the District qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit:

PROPOSITION NO. 1

(MILLAGE RENEWAL)

PROPOSITION NO. 2

(MILLAGE RENEWAL)

Summary: 10 year, 10.56 mills property tax renewal for providing annual improvement of salaries (including employee health care) of teachers and all other employees of the district.

The said special election will be held at the following polling places situated within the District, which polls will open at six o'clock (6:00) a.m., and close at eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, to-wit:

POLLING PLACES
Ward	Precinct	Location
01	01	Pleasure Bend Fire Station, 1200 Hwy. 643, Vacherie
01	02	Edgard Courthouse, 2393 Hwy. 18, Edgard
01	03	Edgard Courthouse, 2393 Hwy 18, Edgard
01	04	John L. Ory Elementary School, 182 West 5^th Street, LaPlace
01	05	Milesville Special School, 538 West 2^nd Street, LaPlace
02	01	Garyville Magnet School, 240 Hwy. 54, Garyville
02	02	Garyville Magnet School, 240 Hwy. 54, Garyville
02	03	St. Peter’s School, 188 West 7^th Street, Reserve
02	04	St. Peter’s School, 188 West 7^th Street, Reserve
03	01	Parish Health Unit, 473 Central Avenue, Reserve
03	02	Fifth Ward Elementary School, 158 Panther Drive, Reserve
03	03	Fifth Ward Elementary School 158 Panther Drive, Reserve
03	04	East St. John High School, 3000 Airline Hwy., Reserve
04	01	St. Joan of Arc School Family Life Center, 529 West 5^th Street, LaPlace
04	02	St. Joan of Arc School Family Life Center, 529 West 5^th Street, LaPlace
04	03	St. Joan of Arc School Family Life Center, 529 West 5^th Street, LaPlace
04	04	St. Joan of Arc School Family Life Center, 529 West 5^th Street, LaPlace
04	08	LaPlace Elementary School, 393 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace
04	09	St. Joan of Arc School Family Life Center, 529 West 5^th Street, LaPlace
05	01	John L. Ory Elementary School, 182 West 5^th Street, LaPlace
05	02	St. John Baptist Parish Library, 2920 Hwy. 51, LaPlace
05	03	St. John Baptist Parish Library, 2920 Hwy. 51, LaPlace
05	04	St. John Baptist Parish Library, 2920 Hwy. 51, LaPlace
05	05	John L. Ory Elementary School, 182 West 5^th Street, LaPlace
05	06	John L. Ory Elementary School, 182 West 5^th Street, LaPlace
05	07	John L. Ory Elementary School, 182 West 5^th Street LaPlace
06	01	Arcuri Center, 1020 Cambridge Drive, LaPlace
06	03	Arcuri Center, 1020 Cambridge Drive, LaPlace
06	04	Arcuri Center, 1020 Cambridge Drive, LaPlace
07	02	LaPlace Elementary School, 393 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace
07	03	LaPlace Elementary School, 393 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace
07	04	LaPlace Elementary School, 393 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace
07	05	LaPlace Elemenetary School, 393 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace
07	07	LaPlace Elementary School, 393 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace

The polling places set forth above are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law.

The said special election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said election, as provided in this Notice of Special Election, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, the Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria, Reserve, Louisiana, on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2010, at SIX O'CLOCK (6:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the said special election. All registered voters of the District are entitled to vote at said special election and voting machines will be used.

THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Reserve, Louisiana, on this, the 20^th day of May, 2010.

ATTEST:

/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

e. Recommendation on health insurance. No action taken on this item.

f. Recommendation on group life insurance. Mr. Boughton explained that this item had already gone before the insurance committee. The committee asked the group life insurance carrier to reduce our rates by 10% and they agreed to a reduction, providing us with a letter of committal.

A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Ory to approve the recommendation on group life insurance. There were no objections and the motion carried. Dr. Keller was absent.

ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS. a. None

ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS. a. Dr. Courtney P. Millet, Superintendent - Discussion and approval of Memorandum of Understanding between St. John Parish School Board and St. James Parish School Board regarding the merging of the Alternative Centers.

Dr. Millet stated that the purpose of this merger is to continue to receive funds for our Alternative Program. The state requires that we work with our neighboring parishes in an effort to obtain this funding. This merger will save both parishes in regards to the budget.

A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Wise, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between St. John Parish School Board and St. James Parish School Board regarding the merging of the Alternative Centers. There were no objections and the motion carried. Dr. Keller was absent.

b. Mr. Russ Wise, Board Member - Proposal to temporarily reduce the salaries of the School Board members. Mr. Wise made a motion, seconded by Mr. Ory, for Board members to voluntarily reduce their salaries from the current $800.00 per month down to $1.00 per month during this fiscal year beginning July 2010.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to table this item, pending negotiations. Upon roll call, there were 7 Yeas (Jack, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Bacas, Triche), 3 Nays (Burl, Wise, Ory), 1 Absent (Keller), and the motion to table Item 9b carried.

c. Mr. Russ Wise, Board Member - Proposal to study whether to reduce the size of the School Board starting with the beginning of the next term. Mr. Wise stated that in the interest of saving money, he believes the School Board is too large. Mr. Wise requested that the president look into the possibility of downsizing the School Board. One possibility would be to match the Parish Council’s districts. He further requested that the president form a committee to examine this request over the next three months because qualifying for the election in November is in August.

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

A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Bacas, to go into Executive Session. There were no objections and the Board went into Executive Session at 5:05 p.m.

A motion was made by Mr. Ory, seconded by Mr. Jones, to reconvene in Regular Session. There were no objections and the Board reconvened in Regular Session at 5:56 p.m.

The Chair declared a recess at 5:57 p.m.

A motion was made by Mr. Ory, seconded by Mr. Jones, to reconvene in Regular Session. There were no objections and the Board reconvened in Regular Session at 7:34 p.m.

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

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

ITEM 11. BOARD-RELATED ITEMS OF INTEREST. Mr. Jones asked Mr. Boughton for a round-about figure of how much it would save to implement a 4-day work week. Mr. Boughton replied that although his research and analysis was done quickly, it would save approximately $850,000. Dr. Millet stated that administration is not in favor of a 4 day school week because it is not in the best interest of the students.

ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT: The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, Mr. Wise offered a motion for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Burl. There were no objections. The meeting adjourned at 7:37 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