PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA - Meeting June 9, 2011
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, on Thursday, June 9, 2011, 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. Jack, Burl, Jones, Johnson, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.
ABSENT: Keller, DeFrancesch, Wise.
There were 8 members present, 3 absent.
Mrs. DeFrancesch arrived at 6:01 and was recorded as present.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meeting of May 19, 2011. A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Triche, to accept the minutes of May 19, 2011 as printed and published. There were no objections and the motion to approve the minutes carried (9 Yeas, 0 Nays, 2 Absent).
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Superintendent. Dr. Millet gave the following report:
CELEBRATION OF RETIREES
This evening we are recognizing those employees who have retired this school year. These people have dedicated their careers to the students of St. John the Baptist Parish Schools. This is certainly a memorable night for these individuals. Please join me tonight in expressing our appreciation to these employees and friends.
Ms. Malleanor Hall, 5 Years, Teacher; Ms. Darlene Reynaud, 6 Years, Teacher; Ms. Eloise Dixon, 8 Years, Lunch Technician; Ms. Sherial Lewis, 8 Years, Teacher; Mr. Eleno Rodriguez, 9 Years, Teacher; Mr. Charles Lumar, 10 Years, Teacher; Ms. Alyce Richardson, 11 Years, Lunch Technician; Ms. Debora Bourgeois, 11 Years, Paraprofessional; Mr. Dave Roughneen, 14 Years, Teacher; Ms. Doris Poindexter, 16 Years, Paraprofessional; Mr. Dale Cambre, 19 Years, Bus Driver; Ms. Stormy Perry, 20 Years, Executive Secretary; Ms. Dorothy McDonald, 20 Years, Teacher; Mr. Elmo Boudreaux, 21 Years, Teacher; Mr. Stephen Ocmand, 21 Years, Teacher; Ms. Bertha Stein, 23 Years, Teacher; Mr. Kevin Joseph, 23 Years, Custodian; Mr. Dave Duhe, Jr., 26 Years, Special Projects; Ms. Justine Edwards, 26 Years, Lunch Technician; Ms. Toni Ruiz, 27 Years, Assistant Principal; Ms. Patricia Thomas, 27 Years, Teacher; Ms. Margaret Greene, 27 Years, Social Worker; Ms. Katherine Harris, 28 Years, Teacher; Ms. Emma LeRoux, 29 Years, Paraprofessional; Ms. Marian Matthews, 30 Years, Teacher; Ms. Jacqueline James, 32 Years, Teacher; Ms. Claretha Favors, 33 Years, Teacher; Ms. Christine Roybiskie, 34 Years, Teacher; Ms. Joslyn Scott, 35 Years, Teacher; Ms. Janis Freeman, 35 Years, 10 month school secretary; Ms. Donnell Favorite, 35 Years, Custodian; Ms. Rosemary Jones, 36 Years, Teacher; Ms. Jacquline Forest, 38 Years, Principal; Ms. Vernadine Kelly, 39 Years, Counselor; Ms. Felicia Williams, 39 Years, Bookkeeper; Ms. Grace Cook, 48 Years, Coordinator.
The Chair declared a recess at 6:09 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Burl, seconded by Mr. Jack, to reconvene in regular session. There was no objection and the Board reconvened in regular session at 6:22 p.m.
Mr. Jack left the meeting at 6:31 p.m.
ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF.
Dr. Millet reported the following:
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 four years. I am very happy to report that St. John’s improvement over the last three years ranked 12th out of all 73 school districts in the state with an overall 11% improvement since 2007.
This chart is the most important and defines our parish as ”r;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. The report shows that the percentage of St. John students scoring ”r;basic and above” on LEAP/iLEAP/GEE is growing at a rate outpacing the state average. This data confirms that our concentration on improving teaching and learning is having a major impact on student achievement.
We credit this Top 12 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. Our leadership teams have taken the work of Michael Fullen, Joanne Quinn and Dr. St. Germain and brought it back to their schools. We have seen successful implementation of Mindful Teaching Strategies and the integration of these strategies with our newest technology: both the Promethean Boards and Laptop Computers. Our employees are to be commended for a job well done.
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. Extended Sick Leave
Kristina Miller, Teacher - LaPlace Elementary, March 23, 2011
Beatrice Crosby, Teacher - East St. John High, April 18, 2011 - May 19, 2011
Eric Hancock, Teacher - Lake Pontchartrain, May 5 - 6, 2011
Carla Hellmers, Teacher - LaPlace Elementary, May 6, 2011
Douglass Lawson, Pupil Appraisal - Milesville, May 24 - June 6, 2011
B. Sabbaticals
Cheree Gomez, Teacher - LaPlace Elementary, Fall 2011
Robert Powell, Teacher - West St. John Elementary, Fall 2011 - Spring 2012
C. Retirement
Dorothy McDonald, Teacher - East St. John High, May 20, 2011
Margaret Greene, Social Worker - Milesville, June 7, 2011
Toni Ruiz, Assistant Principal - East St. John High, July 1, 2011
D. Resignation
Arlene Entremont, Teacher - Emily C. Watkins, May 20, 2011
Lauren Jewett, Teacher - Fifth Ward Elementary (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 20, 2011
Emma Donley, Teacher - East St. John High (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 20, 2011
Austin Mierow, Teacher - East St. John High (TFA - Commitment Complete, May 20, 2011
Elizabeth Goodenough, Teacher - East St. John High (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 20, 2011
Anna Collura, Teacher - East St. John High (TFA - Commitment Complete), May 20, 2011
II. CLASSIFIED
A. Extended Sick Leave
Stephanie Smith, Paraprofessional - East St. John High, March 30, 2011
Judith Gaudia, Paraprofessional - West St. John Elementary, March 30 - May 19, 2011
Cynthia Terrio, 10-month Secretary - Fifth Ward Elementary, April 19, 2011
Diana Robertson, Paraprofessional - West St. John Elementary, May 4, 9, 11, 16, 17, 19, 2011
B. Resignations
Ursuleen Stephens, Lunch Manager - Lake Pontchartrain Elementary, May 20, 2011
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Bacas, to accept the Personnel Changes as presented. There were no objections and the motion carried (8 Yeas, 0 Nays, 3 Absent).
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE: Mr. Felix Boughton, Executive Director of Business and Finance
a. Reject bid 12.18 award items and authorize administration to re-bid.
A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Bacas to reject bid 12.18 award items and authorize administration to re-bid. There were no objections and the motion carried (8 Yeas, 0 Nays, 3 Absent).
b. Introduce Comprehensive Amended Budget for 2010-2011. This item was for introduction purposes only.
c. Adopt the millage rates for the tax year 2011.
Mr. Burl asked if the millage rates were increasing and if not, would it be possible to implement an increase for this school year. Mr. Boughton stated that the millage rates were not increasing and any increase in millage rates would have to be decided by a public vote. Mr. Whitney Joseph, Parish Assessor, addressed the Board at this time, discussing the possibility of an increase. Mr. Boughton stated that he would contact Mr. Hugh Martin to have him speak to the Board on this matter.
A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to adopt the millage rates for the tax year 2011. There were no objections and the motion carried (8 Yeas, 0 Nays, 3 Absent).
d. CSRS - Approval of contract for consulting services for Emily C. Watkins Elementary School HVAC issues.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Triche, to approve the contract for consulting services for Emily C. Watkins Elementary School HVAC issues (not to exceed $45,000.00). There were no objections and the motion carried (8 Yeas, 0 Nays, 3 Absent).
e. Mr. Peter Montz, Purchasing Agent - Request Board approval to solicit proposals on student and athletic insurance and on property and casualty insurance for the next fiscal year.
A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the request to solicit proposals on student and athletic insurance and on property and casualty insurance for the next fiscal year. There were no objections and the motion carried (8 Yeas, 0 Nays, 3 Absent).
f. Mr. Peter Montz, Purchasing Agent - Recommendation of the following bids/proposals: Bid 10.08 Bus Parts; Bid 10.16 Custodial Supplies.
A motion was made by Mr. Bacas, seconded by Mr. Triche, to accept recommendations on the following bids/proposals: Bid 10.08 Bus Parts; Bid 10.16 Custodial Supplies as presented. There were no objections and the motion carried (8 Yeas, 0 Nays, 3 Absent).
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS. a. None
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS. a. Dr. Courtney P. Millet, Superintendent - Request Board approval of Central Office Reorganization 2011-2012. Dr. Millet stated that the major changes in the chart include:
• Kellie Joseph, principal of Garyville Magnet, has accepted a position with St. Helena Parish, therefore
• Mr. Sheldon Smith is being named the principal of Garyville Magnet, but is on out on leave, therefore
• Mr. Glenn Chenier is being named acting principal of Garyville Magnet.
Mr. Burl stated that he would like to find out if the Board can ”r;buy” sick leave days from employees that are current employees, but have not actually worked, to enable administration to fill those positions. Mr. Bob Hammonds, Special Council to the School Board, addressed the Board on this issue. Following discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Bacas, seconded by Mr. Triche, to approve the Central Office Reorganization 2011-2012. There were no objections and the motion carried (8 Yeas, 0 Nays, 3 Absent).
b. Mr. Elton Oubre, Director of Safe and Drug Free Schools/CWA - Request Board approval of Revisions to the 2011-2012 Student Code of Conduct and Attendance Handbook. Mr. Oubre stated that he would request approval at the next meeting, due to some of the language being changed.
c. Mr. Russ Wise, Board Member - Consideration of adoption of Coalition for Louisiana Public Education Resolution.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Triche, to adopt the Coalition for Louisiana Public Education Resolution. There were no objections and the motion carried (8 Yeas, 0 Nays, 3 Absent).
d. Dr. Gerald Keller, Board Member - Review of redistricting plan by/for St. John the Baptist Parish School Board. This item was carried over in the absence of Dr. Keller.
e. Tenure Hearing. The President asked the employee to advise the Board if he wishes to have a public or private hearing. The employee opted for a private hearing. The president declared a closed session at 7:24 p.m.
A motion was made by Rev. Nicholas, seconded by Mr. Jones, to reconvene in regular session. There were no objections and the Board reconvened in regular session at 10:01 p.m.
The president read the following questions and asked for a roll call vote on each:
Do you find that the Superintendent has demonstrated by a preponderance of the evidence that the employee is guilty of the facts stated in Charge No. 1?
Upon roll call, there were 8 Yeas (Burl, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders), 0 Nays, 3 Absent (Jack, Keller, Wise).
Do you find that the facts, as proven, constitute willful neglect of duty on the part of Mr. Courduries? Before voting on this question, I will ask Mr. LeBlanc to give you a definition of willful neglect of duty taken from the case law.
Mr. LeBlanc read the following definition: ”r;willful neglect of duty” has been defined in the jurisprudence as ”r;a specific action or failure to act in contravention of a direct order or identifiable school policy.” Howard v. West Baton Rouge Parish School Board, 793 So.2d 153 (La..6/29/01). In other words, a teacher may be found by a school board to be guilty of willful neglect of duty if he/she has been intentionally insubordinate or has violated a policy of the Board. A teacher may also be found guilty of willful neglect of duty if he/she did not conduct himself/herself ”r;according to dictates of professionalism and common sense, even in the absence of a policy prohibiting certain conduct.” Spurlock v. East Feliciana Parish School Board, 885 So.2d 1225 (La. App. 1 Cir. 6/25/04), writ denied, 885 So.2d 591 (La. 10/29/04).
Upon roll call, there were 8 Yeas (Burl, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders), 0 Nays, 3 Absent (Jack, Keller, Wise).
Mr. Sanders continued:
On the basis of the findings of fact and conclusions of law made above by the Board, do you feel that disciplinary action should be taken against Mr. Courduries? Upon roll call, there were 8 Yeas (Burl, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders), 0 Nays, 3 Absent (Jack, Keller, Wise).
Mr. Jones stated that before voting on the disciplinary action, that court decisions in Louisiana have concluded that School Board Members should be advised that termination is not the only disciplinary action that can be taken against an employee. Other types of disciplinary action that can be taken against an employee include letters of reprimand, placing an employee on probation, stripping an employee of tenure, suspending an employee with or without pay, and/or other types of disciplinary action short of termination. Of course, termination is also an option available to the Board.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Rev. Nicholas, that Mr. Denis Courduries be suspended without pay for 1 month, effective June 10, 2011 through July 10, 2011, along with a 6 month probation period to end on December 31, 2011. Upon roll call, there were 8 Yeas (Burl, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders), 0 Nays, 3 Absent (Jack, Keller, Wise), and the motion carried.
Administration asked for clarification of the 1 month suspension without pay, due to the fact that teachers are paid for 10 months, but the salary is spread over 12 months. Administration was advised to not issue the employee a check for the month of July.
f. Lloyd LeBlanc - None.
ITEM 10. ADMINSTRATIVE MATTERS: a. Committee Reports. None.
ITEM 11. BOARD-RELATED ITEMS OF INTEREST. Mr. Sanders stated that a Special Board Meeting will take place next Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. for the purpose of adopting the amended budget presented.
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT: The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, Mr. Jones offered a motion for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Bacas. There were no objections. The meeting adjourned at 10:09 p.m.
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Patrick H. Sanders, President
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Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Secretary