PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

RESERVE, LA - Meeting of June 3, 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, June 3, 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, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Ory, Triche, Keller.

ABSENT: Messrs. Jack, Burl, Jones.

There were 8 members present and 3 absent.

ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meeting May 20, 2010. A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Triche, to accept the minutes of May 20, 2010 as printed and published. There were no objections and the motion to approve the minutes carried. Messrs. Jack, Burl and Jones were absent.

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

 Dr. Millet shared a Powerpoint Presentation using graphs and charts to demonstrate the improved academic achievement in St. John Parish with the Board and audience members.  She stated:  “I’d like to share St. John’s 2010 district test results with the board members, employees and the public.  As a district, we have improved significantly and have exceeded state averages in many areas.

Our 4^th and 8^th grade students have made significant improvements on LEAP this year. The district is making very good progress where it matters most for our students:  We have more students who have passed the 4^th and 8^th grade LEAP; and we also have fewer students who need LEAP summer school remediation.  In 4^th and 8^th grade, the district is leading or on par with the state in Proficient Scores (Advanced, Mastery, and Basic) in English Language Arts and math.  We have fewer Approaching Basic and Unsatisfactory for ELA and math than the state average as well.

In 4^th and 8^th grades, the LEAP is used as a promotional standard.  Please note that 83% of St. John’s 4^th graders met the promotional standard while only 76% of the state’s 4^th graders met the standard - that’s 7% more than the state’s average.  St. John also exceeded the state’s average of meeting the standard in 8^th grade.  12% more of the district’s 8^th graders met the promotional standard than the state’s 8^th graders.

Please note that we have not only exceeded last year’s state average, but also exceeded last year’s scores as well.  This great progress - that the district is making in meeting promotional standards for both 4^th and 8^th grades - will also help to assure that more students will graduate on time in years to come.  Not only that, it will also reduce the overage population in our schools.

Over the past few years, our district has worked tirelessly to ensure that instruction is focused on teaching and learning in order to have the best impact on student achievement.  We understand that progress is sure to follow those who pursue improvement.  Our teachers’ and administrators’ willingness to grow has brought improvement to our classrooms and to our students.  The district has dedicated both time and resources on this focused instruction.  Its impact is evident by the significant improvements made in most grade levels. 

I believe that the gains in all areas have occurred as a result of our district’s commitment to providing professional development and to implementing the following:  Mindful Teaching strategies, lessons using the interactive white boards and technology, Everyday Math Calendar Counts, Larry Bell’s 12 Powerful Words and UNRAAVEL, and Accelerated Reading and Math among other educational initiatives.  Most scores across all of the grade levels and subject areas of students who scored Basic or above is noteworthy. That is, the district’s students have made double-digit increases in 14 out of 18 areas.

 In disaggregating the data, the state department did a comparison of all districts, all tests (iLEAP, LEAP, and GEE), and all grades over the course of the past three years.  I am very happy to report that St. John’s improvement over the last three years ranked 8^th out of all 71 school districts in the state with an overall 21% improvement since 2007.  The last chart shown is the most important and defines our parish as “one that is moving forward, showing great gains academically across the board.”  It confirms that our concentration on improving teaching and learning is having a significant impact on student achievement.  I credit this Top 10 ranking to our principals, administrators, teachers and staff for their constant dedication and attention to our students’ needs.  I want to thank them for the wonderful service they provide to the students of St. John the Baptist Parish.

It is evident that the district still has areas which need improvement.  We are going to continue to focus on professional development for our teachers and on improved teaching and learning in our classrooms over the summer and during the coming school year.  Overall, we are pleased with the gains that St. John students have made.  I truly believe that this improvement is attributable to our employees who are providing excellent teaching and learning in our schools every day.”

Mr. Jack arrived at 6:02 p.m. and was recorded as present.

Mr. Burl arrived at 6:05 p.m. and was recorded as present.

Mr. Burl requested a school-by-school breakdown of test scores be sent to Board members. Dr. Millet replied that a breakdown had been sent to all Board members but she would re-send it to him.

Mr. Jones arrived at 6:07 p.m. and was recorded as present.

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.

Personnel Changes. None.

A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Sanders, to move Addendum Item 9b (Executive Session:  Update on Negotiations) up at this time. There were no objections and the Board went into Executive Session at 6:14 p.m.

A motion was made by Mr. Bacas, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to reconvene in regular session.  There were no objections and the Board reconvened in regular session at 6:45 p.m.

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

a.  Introduce Amended Budget for 2009-2010.  Mr. Boughton explained that Board policy requires an amended budget be presented for approval if any changes were made.

b. Introduce Original Salary Schedule for 2010-2011. Mr. Boughton explained that the salary schedules will remain the same as 2009-2010 salary schedules.

c. Introduce Original Budget for 2010-2011.  Mr. Boughton introduced and outlined the state of the budget and discussion was held.

d. Adopt the millage rates for the tax year 2010.  Mr. Burl asked Mr. Whitney Joseph, Tax Assessor, who was in attendance, to please approach the podium and give a recommendation on the millage rates.  Mr. Joseph replied that there will be tax decreases, in part due to Marathon expansion ending.  Mr. Triche asked Mr. Joseph how St. John compared with neighboring parishes.  Mr. Joseph replied that St. John was not even close to St. Charles’ tax base, but would be more evenly compared to St. James.

A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Ory to adopt the millage rates for the tax year 2010 as presented.  There were no objections and the motion passed unanimously.

e. Mr. Peter Montz, Purchasing Agent- Recommendation on the following Bids/Proposals:  Proposal 11.03 Pest Control; Proposal 11.04 Waste Disposal; Proposal 11.06 Consignment Motor Fuelks & System; Bid 11.08 Parts; Bid 11.09 Copier/Computer Paper; Bid 11.10 Office Supplies; Bid 11.11 Instructional Materials; Bid 11.12 General Maintenance; Bid 11.13 Electrical Supplies; Bid 11.14 Air Conditioning/Welding Supplies; Bid 11.15 Plumbing Supplies; Bid 11.16 Custodial Supplies; Bid 11.18 Award/Incentive Items.

A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Sanders to approve the recommendation on the following Bids/Proposals:  Proposal 11.03 Pest Control; Proposal 11.04 Waste Disposal; Proposal 11.06 Consignment Motor Fuelks & System; Bid 11.08 Parts; Bid 11.09 Copier/Computer Paper; Bid 11.10 Office Supplies; Bid 11.11 Instructional Materials; Bid 11.12 General Maintenance; Bid 11.13 Electrical Supplies; Bid 11.14 Air Conditioning/Welding Supplies; Bid 11.15 Plumbing Supplies; Bid 11.16 Custodial Supplies; Bid 11.18 Award/Incentive Items - in globo as presented.  There were no objections and the motion passed unanimously.

f. Mrs. Lorraine Jackson, Director of Child Nutrition – Request Board approval on bid awards for the SY 2010-2011 for Bread Processed Foods, Frozen Foods, Meat/Meat Products, Cleaning Supplies, Paper Supplies, and Small Equipment for cafeterias. 

A motion was made by Mr. Ory, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the bid awards for the SY 2010-2011 for Bread Processed Foods, Frozen Foods, Meat/Meat Products, Cleaning Supplies, Paper Supplies, and Small Equipment for cafeterias in globo as presented.  There were no objections and the motion passed unanimously.

g. CSRS - Request Board approval to award contract to apparent responsible low bidder for the Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School Renovations project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements.  Mr. Mann, CSRS, reported that the apparent low bidder for this project is Tuna Construction at a total cost of $600,065.00.

Mr. Sanders asked what happens to the extra funds when the bid amounts are lower than the budgeted amount.  Mr. Mann, CSRS, replied that they go into a contingency fund.  Mr. Sanders requested a copy of the contingency fund listing.  Mr. Jack asked if there was a way to have the contractors hire locally.  Mr. Floyd Luster, CSRS, replied that he could set up a job fair in St. John Parish and he would set it up and report back at the first Board meeting in July. 

A motion was made by Mr. Ory, seconded by Mr. Bacas, to approve the contract award to Tuna Construction at a total cost of $600,065.00 for the Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School Renovations project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements.  There was no objection and the motion passed unanimously.

h. CSRS - Request Board approval to award contract to apparent responsible low bidder for the East St. John Elementary School Renovations project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements.  The apparent low bidder for this project is Ross A. Grand, Inc. at a total cost of $519,000.00.

A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Sanders, to approve the contract award to Ross A. Grand, Inc. at a total cost of $519,000.00 for the East St. John Elementary School Renovations project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements.  There was no objection and the motion passed unanimously.

i. CSRS - Request Board approval to award contract to apparent responsible low bidder for the John L. Ory  Elementary School Renovations project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements.  The apparent low bidder for this project is K-Belle Consultant, LLC at a total cost of $275,000.00.

A motion was made by Mrs. DeFrancesch, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the contract award to K-Belle Consultant, LLC at a total cost of $275,000.00 for the John L. Ory Elementary School Renovations project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements.  There was no objection and the motion passed unanimously.

j. CSRS - Request Board approval to award contract to apparent responsible low bidder for the West St. John High School Renovations project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements.  The apparent low bidder for this project is Tuna Construction at a total cost of $512,000.00.

Following some discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Jack, seconded by Mr. Burl, to approve the contract award to Tuna Construction at a total cost of $512,000.00 for the West St. John High School Renovations project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements.  There was no objection and the motion passed unanimously.

k. CSRS - Request Board approval to award contract to apparent responsible low bidder for the Intercom Upgrades project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements.  The apparent low bidder for this project is Priority Systems at a total cost of $227,948.00.

Following some discussion regarding the warranty of installed intercoms, and whether our maintenance was including in the planning of these upgrades, Mr. Sanders requested that Mr. Mann, CSRS, inquire into an extended warranty. 

A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Triche, to approve the contract award to Priority Systems at a total cost of $227,948.00 for the Intercom Upgrades project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements.  There was no objection and the motion passed unanimously.

l. CSRS - Request Board approval to award contract to apparent responsible low bidder for the School Board Office Renovations project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements.  The apparent low bidder for this project is Pintail Contracting Services, LLC at a total cost of $213,413.95.

A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Ory, to approve the contract award to Pintail Contracting Services, LLC at a total cost of $213,413.95 for the School Board Office Renovations project contingent upon low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements.  There was no objection and the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Sanders questioned Mr. Mann about the leaking roof at Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet School site.  He stated that the ceiling tiles were changed last year, but there is evidence of the roof leaking now, thus re-staining the tiles just installed last year.  Mr. Floyd Luster, CSRS, replied that they were just made aware of the leak and the roofing experts will be on site next week to make an evaluation.  Mr. Luster further stated that at the time of their initial inspection in 2007, there was no evidence of a problem at the GMMS site, and he assured the Board that the contractors are held liable for one year.

ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS. a.  None 

 ITEM 9.   NEW BUSINESS.  a.  Mr. Lloyd LeBlanc - None.

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

ITEM 11. BOARD-RELATED ITEMS OF INTEREST.  Mr. Sanders asked administration if the students currently enrolled at Leon Godchaux in the 6^th grade will be allowed to take the 8^th grade LEAP test this summer.  Dr. Millet replied that a written report on these students will be provided to all Board members.

ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT: The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, Mr. Ory offered a motion for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. DeFrancesch. There were no objections. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 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