PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

RESERVE, LA - Meeting of October 20, 2011

ITEM 1:  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, October 20, 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.  Dr. Keller stated that Ms. Wilda Works had recently passed away and that she be remembered in prayer.

ITEM 2.  ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:

PRESENT: Messrs. Jack, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Sanders.

ABSENT:  Burl, Triche.

There were 9 members present, 2 absent.

ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meetings of October 6, 2011. 

Mr. Bacas stated that although it would not change the outcome, he would like the minutes to reflect a change in his vote to a ”r;Yea” regarding Item 6d (scheduling a tenure hearing) on the agenda of October 6, 2011. In addition, Dr. Keller asked that the record show that had he been in attendance, his vote would have been a ”r;Yea” regarding the same tenure hearing item.

A motion was made by Mr. Bacas, seconded by Rev. Nicholas, to accept the minutes of the October 6, 2011 meeting as printed and published. There were no objections.

The motion carried.

9 Yeas - Jack, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Sanders

2 Absent - Burl, Triche

ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Superintendent.  Dr. Millet read the following report: 

GRADUATION RATE SHOWS IMPROVEMENT

The State Department of Education released graduation rates this week. We are pleased to report that more students are graduating on time in St. John the Baptist School District. The on-time graduation rate for SJBP was 63.7% for the class of 2011, which is an increase of more than 3% annual growth and 5.5% for the 2011 cohort class.

District Graduation Rates

(2007-2008 to 2010-2011)

SJBP primarily attributes the improved graduation rate to educators who have focused on keeping students on track to graduation, and their hard work is paying off. It is imperative that we keep this positive momentum going so all students can graduate and find success in college and careers. Strategies that appear successful in addressing these issues include more focus on preventing dropouts and improving graduation rates at the two high schools, as well as new and enriched resources and tools to support early intervention and more accurate data collection and analysis. Initiatives at one or both of the high schools such as JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates), ASAP (Accelerated Student Achievement Pathway), Everybody Graduates!, the Freshman Success Academy, and Dual Enrollment have helped the schools make these significant gains. These initiatives help students clearly see the role that high school plays in their journey to a future career.

St. John Parish has significantly increased the number of students who are earning college credits in high school over the past several years. Many of the students are receiving enough college credits to be able to skip one or more semesters of their freshman year of college, a great incentive to keep them enrolled in the dual enrollment courses. Our district is one of the fastest-growing districts in the state in the scope and breadth of dual enrollment credits. Four years ago, the district offered two dual enrollment courses from one college. This year, dual enrollment has increased to over 26 courses from more than 5 post-secondary institutions, including South Central Louisiana Technical College, Louisiana Technical College, River Parishes Community College, Southeastern Louisiana University, and Southern University-New Orleans.

RACHEL’S CHALLENGE

The Rachel’s Challenge event has been going very well.  We are working to improve the culture of our schools to one free of bullying, to one of service and compassion toward others.  We are so pleased that our district’s academic achievement and graduation rates continue to improve and, now we are sharpening our focus on character education.  If you have not had an opportunity to attend a Rachel’s Challenge event, you still have many opportunities: 

Rachel’s Challenge—End of Week 1:

Rachel’s Challenge—Week 2:

UPCOMING FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Tomorrow night, both of our high school games will be played ”r;away.” The West St. John High School Rams take on the White Castle High School Bulldogs in White Castle while the East St. John High School Wildcats will take on the Destrehan High School Wildcats in Destrehan. ESJHS’s game is the Cox Game of the Week. As part of being the game of the week, the school was challenged to collect more pounds of canned goods than Destrehan High School. The winner will be announced tomorrow night; the donated goods were picked up by the Second Harvest Food Truck this morning to be weighed in. ESJH was informed this afternoon that they collected 9,142 pounds of canned goods! Good luck tomorrow night to our Wildcats and Rams!

WEST ST. JOHN ELEMETARY RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

St. John the Baptist Parish School System announces and invites all to attend the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at West St. John Elementary School on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 12 noon.

ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF.  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. Lou Noles, Teacher - Adult Education

      B.   Extended Sick Leave

1. Kim Moliere, Teacher - Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet, Sept. 16-Oct. 14, 2011

2. Jasmine Porter, Teacher, Lake Pontchartrain, Sept. 30-Oct. 28, 2011

II.    CLASSIFIED

      A.   Extended Sick Leave

1. Judith Trench, Janitor - West St. John Elementary - Aug. 31-December 29, 2011

2. Cindy Terrio, Secretary - Fifth Ward Elementary - Sept. 2, 26-30, 2011

      B. New Hires

                  1.  Gaynell James, Paraprofessional, East St. John High

                  2.   Irita Navarre, Paraprofessional, Adult Education

A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the Personnel Changes as presented in globo.  There were no objections.

The motion carried.

9 Yeas - Jack, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Sanders

2 Absent - Burl, Triche

b.  Recommendation to fill the vacant position of 12 Month School Secretary/Bookkeeper at West St. John Elementary School.  Dr. Beard read the following:

On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, Ms. Serina Duke, Principal, Mr. Herbert Smith, Asst. Superintendent, and I met as a committee to interview for the position of 12 Month School Secretary/Bookkeeper at West St. John Elementary School.   The following were interviewed:  Ms. Jena’ Johnson, Ms. Dawn Cook, Ms. Tonia Watson.  As a result of the interviews, the committee recommended Ms. Jena’ Johnson to fill this position.

A motion was made by Mr. Jack, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the recommendation of Ms. Jena’ Johnson  to fill the position of 12 Month School Secretary/Bookkeeper at West St. John Elementary School. There were no objections.

The motion carried.

9 Yeas - Jack, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Sanders

2 Absent - Burl, Triche

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

a. CSRS - Monthly Progress Update on the Master Plan and Program Management Services.  Mr. Floyd Luster, CSRS, gave an update on all ongoing projects.  He stated that the completion date for LaPlace Elementary School was December 19, 2011 and the project is on target for completion on that date.

b. Authorize administration to accept proposals for group health.  Mr. Boughton stated that the current provider, United Health Care is proposing a 35% increase in rates for the upcoming year.  He is requesting the board’s permission to accept proposals for this reason. 

A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Johnson to authorize administration to accept proposals for group health. 

The president opened the floor for public participation.  Mr. Charles Kennedy introduced himself to the board and asked if administration will accept proposals only through the current agent of record.  Mr. Wise asked for clarification on whether or not the Board has an agent of record from Mr. Lloyd LeBlanc, Board Attorney.  Mr. LeBlanc stated that as of November 10, 2010, the board had an agent of record, Mr. Wayne Franciques and yes, all proposals would be submitted through this company.

Mr. Wise offered a substitute motion to accept proposals from any and all companies who will represent themselves and/or companies in order to receive the best possible price.  Following discussion, Mr. Wise withdrew this motion.

Mr. Wise offered a substitute motion to receive proposals from any and all companies through any and all agents that those agents may select.  Dr. Keller seconded this motion.

Mr. Jones offered a substitute motion, seconded by Rev. Nicholas, to accept proposals as written and recommended by the Insurance Committee and as written in the original agenda item.  Upon roll call, there were:

7 Yeas - Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnsn, Bacas, Nicholas, Sanders.

1 Nay - Wise

1 Abstention - Jack

2 Absent - Burl, Triche

The motion carried.

Dr. Millet asked that Mr. Lloyd LeBlanc verify that the substitute motion voted on also follows the recommendation of Mr. LeBlanc’s office, as well as the Insurance Committee.  Mr. LeBlanc verbally verified that the motion voted on does follow his recommendation, as well as the Insurance Committee’s recommendation.

c.  Quarterly Budget Report - Mr. Boughton stated that administration is currently holding expenses to the budget, but cautioned the board that next fiscal year (2012-2013) will be a huge challenge to balance without major cuts. 

ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS.

ITEM 9.   NEW BUSINESS.  a.  Mr. Patrick Sanders, Board President - Introduce School Board Meeting Calendar for 2012. Mr. Sanders stated that this item was for introduction only and will be brought to the board for approval at the next meeting.

St. John the Baptist Parish School Board Meeting Dates

January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012

b.  Mr. Elton Oubre, Director of CWA/Hearing Officer - Appeal Hearing:  1112-01-1020.  Parents request a closed hearing.  Mr. Sanders declared a closed hearing at 6:40 p.m.

A motion was made by Rev. Nicholas, seconded by Mr. Bacas, to reconvene in regular session. There were no objections and the board reconvened in regular session at 7:29 p.m.

A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by the entire board, to uphold administration’s recommendation for expulsion.

The motion carried.

9 Yeas - Jack, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Sanders

2 Absent - Burl, Triche

c.  Mr. Albert Burl, Board Member - Joe Keller Stadium Updates. 

In the absence of Mr. Burl, Rev. Nicholas led discussion on this item.  Rev. Nicholas stated that it is his opinion that the board gave the superintendent clear directions on the use of Joe Keller Stadium.  Rev. Nicholas stated that in spite of those directions, the superintendent sent a letter to the 3 private organizations suspending the use of Joe Keller Stadium.  Dr. Millet responded that she is the person the board has placed in charge of maintaining our facilities, and as that person, it is her duty to maintain and protect our school facilities. 

Dr. Millet then read the letter that was mailed to the private organizations:

Due to the recent and past failure to supervise workers during games, which resulted in damage to school facilities at Joe Keller Memorial Stadium, I am suspending the use of the stadium facility by any outside organizations for the rest of the school year effective immediately. However, please be aware that you may continue to work out a schedule with Coach Phillip Banko for use of the practice field located on the high school’s campus. In addition, the Leon Godchaux football field is also available for your use.

Recently, multi-million dollar upgrades and repairs were completed at that stadium, yet this morning, the maintenance department found oil/grease on the track, apparently from a fish fry held when one of the private football teams used the field this past weekend.

In order to ensure that our middle and high school athletes have access to a well-maintained facility which meets Louisiana High School Athletic Association Regulations, only St. John the Baptist Parish School District teams will have access to this high school field and facility. 

Therefore,  because of the field, track, and stadium upgrades and the district’s budget issues this school year, administration is immediately suspending the use of the Joe Keller Memorial facility by any outside organization.  Please note that the two facilities mentioned above are available for your use.  Your cooperation and understanding is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Millet further stated that administration is requesting that if the board chooses to override the decision to suspend the use of Joe Keller Stadium, that the board require the private organizations to use and pay for a maintenance personnel to oversee and maintain the facilities while in use.  Mr. Sanders opened the floor for public participation.  Mr. Raphael Neal, head coach of the ”r;Heat”, introduced himself and requested that the  board allow the leagues to use Joe Keller Stadium.  Mr. Neal’s wife, Tina Neal, also addressed the board on this item, supporting Mr. Raphael Neal’s opinion that someone else caused the damage to the track.  Mr. Larry Snyder also addressed the board on this item.

Following further discussion, a motion was made by Rev. Nicholas, seconded by Mr. Jack, to uphold the agreement that the board had with this league to finish out this season and uphold the agreement to allow them the use of Joe Keller Stadium 10 times in the following years.  Dr. Keller asked that Rev. Nicholas amend this motion to include that a St. John the Baptist Parish School maintenance employee be a 2 hour ”r;on call” to open and then to inspect the facilities before locking up and the board would pick up the cost of this employee.  SJAE reminded the board, from the audience, that the contract requires a 4 hour minimum be paid on callouts. 

The amended motion by Rev. Nicholas, seconded by Mr. Jack reads:  Motion to uphold the agreement that the board had with this league to finish out this season (2 games) and uphold the agreement to allow them the use of Joe Keller Stadium 10 times in the following years and that a school board maintenance employee be on call (4 hour minimum) to open and then to inspect the facilities before locking up and said employee’s cost would be paid for by the Board. Upon roll call, there were:

9 Yeas - Jack, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Sanders

2 Absent - Burl, Triche

The motion carried.

d. Mr. Albert Burl, Board Member - Redirection Admission Policies.  In the absence of Mr. Burl, this item was deferred to a later date.

e.  Mr. Albert Burl, Board Member - Schedule a seminar for children with disabilities, behavioral problems and children referred to the Redirection Center to be informed of their rights.  This seminar will be conducted by the State Department of Education. In the absence of Mr. Burl, this item was deferred to a later date.

f. Executive Session - Mr. Kevin Klibert, pending litigation. In the absence of Mr. Klibert, this item was deferred to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

g.  Lloyd LeBlanc, Board Attorney - Legal Update. None.

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

ITEM 11. BOARD-RELATED ITEMS OF INTEREST.  Dr. Millet stated that a working lunch meeting will be held in the Media Center on November 10, 2011 from 12:00-1:00 p.m.  This will be a Head Start Management Training Meeting for all Board Members.

ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT: The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, Mr. Jones offered a motion for adjournment, seconded by Rev. Nicholas. There were no objections. The meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.

________________________________                                        ________________________________

Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Secretary                                           Patrick H. Sanders, President