PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

RESERVE, LA - Meeting of January 12, 2012

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 West St. John Elementary School, Edgard, Louisiana, on Thursday, January 12, 2012, 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.  

ITEM 2.  ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:

PRESENT: Messrs. Jack, Burl, Keller, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.

ABSENT:  DeFrancesch, Jones.

There were 9 members present, 2 absent.

ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meetings of December 1, 2011 and December 14, 2011. 

A motion was made by Mr. Jack, seconded by Mr. Triche, to accept the minutes of the December 1, 2011 and December 14, 2011 meetings as printed and published. There were no objections.

The motion carried.

9 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.

2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Jones.

Mrs. DeFrancesch arrived at 6:10 p.m. and was recorded as present.

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

Dr. Millet reported the following:  Louisiana has been awarded a $17.4 million Round Three Race to the Top (R2T) grant.  The state is among seven states that will share the $200 million, according to the announcement made by the U.S. Department of Education.  Louisiana’s application, the Louisiana Education Reform Plan, addresses standards and assessments, the collection and use of data, school turnaround strategies, and effective support for teachers and school leaders.  The four-year plan also outlines strategies to enhance the state’s current STEM program.  Reform activities already underway and detailed in the state’s R2T application include the implementation of Act 54 and the state’s adoption and transition to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and CCSS-Aligned Assessments. In Louisiana, 20 districts and 28 charter schools signed on as Participating Local Education Agencies (LEA’s) in Round Three.   St. John is one of the 20 districts participating. Our school system wants to win the real race to the top – the one that ensures all students are achieving at high levels.  St. John submitted a signed Partnership Agreement on January 10, 2010, which included approval from the president of the school board and the signature of the local teacher union representative.  In fact, at the January 7, 2010 school board meeting, a motion was made by Mr. James Madere, and was seconded by the entire Board, to approve the Race to the Top Partnership Agreement.  There were no objections and the motion to approve the Race to the Top Partnership passed unanimously.  We are eager to work closely with the Louisiana Department of Education as we continue to work hard to Race to the Top!

Tonight we would like to recognize and congratulate the West St. John High School Football Team and Coach Robert Valdez and his coaching staff, for becoming the Class 1A State Runner Up in the playoffs this past December.  The players on the football team include:  Jarius Moll, Ronnie Feist, Justin Bethancourt, Tristan Farnell, Tevin Smith, Kylum Favorite, Dontre Turner, Austin Terry, Lawrence Williams, Trey Nathan, Javen Toney, Austin Howard, Kylon Adams, Koi Rainey, Brandon Matthews, Steven Brignac, Damond Pierce, Jeremy Jackson, Raymond Draten, Bradley Borne, Jordae Gauthier, Trevon Borne, Jamar Jasmin, Eric Bell, Jimmy Conner, Anfernee Lumar, Craig Hall, Jordan Gauthier, Sean Cannon, Eric Bell, Steven Brignac, Micah Claiborne, Deionta Barre, Jermoine Nora, Dustin Sorapuru, Koi Rainey, Laron Washington, Dontrell Smalls, Willie Youngblood, Shane Gauthier, Marvin Pierre, Laterance Mitchell.  Congratulations on your outstanding performance this season both on and off the field. Also, congratulations to West St. John High School senior Ronnie Feist for being selected as one of 90 All-American high school football players to participate in the Under Armour All-American Game.  The game was played in Tampa Bay, Fla., on Jan. 5, 2012.  Ronnie has committed to playing for LSU next season as a defensive linebacker.   We are so proud of Ronnie’s accomplishments on and off the field.  As good as he is on the football field, he matches academically and we want our students and community to know that we are committed to excellence in the classroom and to developing our students for success at all levels.  Ronnie is a shining example of that. Tonight we are also congratulating  Jairus Moll.  Jairus was named a finalist in the WAFB Warrick Dunn Award.  He is invited, along with WAFB Players of the Week, for a dinner and program. Mr. Warrick Dunn will travel to Baton Rouge and will speak with the young men, spending time with each finalist.  Congratulations Jairus!

Coach Valdez thanked the board and his entire team of students and coaches.  Mr. Herbert Smith presented the coaches and players with t-shirts commemorating their accomplishment.

Dr. Millet also recognized Mrs. Erica Merrick as the High School Principal of the Year for St. John Parish. 

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.       Lavondra McKinley, Teacher - Emily C. Watkins Elementary

2.       Elizabeth Alexander, Teacher - West St. John Elementary

3.       Bonnie Allgood, Teacher - West St. John High

4.       Alvin Garabold, Teacher - West St. John High

5.       Joe Franklin, Teacher - West St. John High (part time to full time)

6.       Jaime Arlie, Part-time Teacher - Emily C. Watkins

      B.   Retirement

1.       Leatrice Arlie, Librarian - East St. John High, December 25, 2011

2.       Lennix Madere, Jr., Teacher - West St. John High, January 6, 2012

3.       Sandra Fernandez, Teacher - LaPlace Elementary, May 25, 2012

      C.   Resignation

1.       Bertha Williams, Teacher - West St. John High, December 18, 2011

2.       John Wahl, Part-time Teacher - West St. John High, December 16, 2011

3.       Ashley Vicks, Teacher - West St. John High, December 16, 2011

      D.   Extended Sick Leave

1.       Jacqueline Cockerham, Teacher - East St. John High, October 31, 2011 - January 15, 2012

2.       Connie Manual, Teacher - East St. John High, November 14, 2011

3.       Monna Green, Teacher - East St. John Elementary, November 28 - December 16, 2011

4.       Cindy Coffey, Teacher - East St. John Elementary, November 27 - December 16, 2011

5.       Annadora Carver, Teacher - LaPlace Elementary, December 5 - 16, 2011

6.       Lacey Crowdus, Teacher - LaPlace Elementary, December 8, 2011 - February 1, 2012

7.       Sybil Burns, Teacher - East St. John High, January 3 - March 14, 2012

      E.   Job Abandonment

1.       Jamie Knight, Teacher - Lake Pontchartrain Elementary,   November 14, 2011

II.    CLASSIFIED

      A.   Retirement

1.       Joyce Lewis, Lunch Technician - Emily C. Watkins, November 8, 2011

      B.   Extended Sick Leave

1.       Cindy Terrio, 12 month School Secretary - Fifth Ward Elementary, November 1 - 30, 2011

2.       Bonnie Whitman, Lunch Manager - Child Nutrition, November 11, 2011 - April 23, 2012

3.       Detrina Bailey, Technician - East St. John Elementary, November 30, 2011 - January 22, 2012

4.       Jesstina Allen, Bus Driver – Transportation, January 3 - February 3, 2012

      C.   Leave Without Pay

1.       Bobbie Turner, Bus Driver – Transportation, December 1, 2011 - February 15, 2012

      D.   Job Abandonment

1.       Davanna Tripps, Lunch Technician - East St. John Elementary, August 5, 2011

2.        

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

The motion carried.

10 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.

1 Absent – Jones.

ADDENDUM ITEM 6b.  Dr. Leigh Ann Beard, Personnel Director – Additional Personnel Changes. Dr. Beard presented the following Additional Personnel Changes for approval:

I.  PROFESSIONAL

A.      New Hire

1.       Amanda Michel, Math Teacher - West St. John High

2.       Weimer, Pat, Part Time Teacher - John L. Ory

3.       Christy Doyle, Teacher - Fifth Ward Elementary

      B.   New Hire Correction (from original Personnel Changes dated January 12, 2012)

1.       Jamie Arlie, Teacher - Lake Pontchartrain

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

The motion carried.

10 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.

1 Absent – Jones.

ADDENDUM ITEM 6c.  Dr. Leigh Ann Beard, Personnel Director – Recommendation to fill vacant position of Guidance Counselor.  Dr. Beard read the following:

On Friday, January 6, 2012, Mr. Stacy Bradford, Assistant Principal, and Ms. Erica Merrick, Principal, met as a committee to interview for the position of Guidance Counselor.  The following were interviewed:  Ms. Chantell Walker, Ms. Chariss Stevenson, Ms. Sharell Warren-Chase, Mr. Torancy Harden, Ms. Donna Mashia, Ms. Lucille Brown, Ms. Yanice Ramos, Mr. Scott Osborne.

As a result of the interviews, the committee recommended Ms. Chantell Walker for the position of Guidance Counselor at West St. John High School.

A motion was made by Mr. Jack, seconded by Mr. Nicholas, to approve the recommendation of Ms. Chantell Walker to fill the vacant position of Guidance Counselor at West St. John High School.  There were no objections.

The motion carried.

10 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.

1 Absent – Jones.

Ms. Chantell Walker was present and introduced herself to the Board.

Mr. Jones arrived at 6:20 p.m. and was recorded as present.

ITEM 7.  BUSINESS AND FINANCE:  a. CSRS – Quarterly 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 new building at LaPlace Elementary School had been open to students on January 4, 2012.  Dr. Millet thanked Mr. Luster and the team at CSRS for working through the holidays to make the move-in so successful.

The president stated that Item 7d would be heard at this time.

d. Mr. Felix Boughton and Mr. Hugh Martin – To consider and take action to call a special election for the issuance of General Obligation Bonds and/or special taxes.

Mr. Boughton stated that there are currently 10 mills dedicated to debt services.  2 mills of that will expire at the end of 2013-2014 unless some action is taken.  Mr. Boughton presented the Board with 4 options:

1.       Do nothing:  Our debt service millage will reduce from 10 mills to 8 mills.  This means our overall millages will reduce from 39.31 mills to 37.31 mills.

2.      Borrow up to $11,600,000 for capital improvements and keep 10 mills for debt service; requires an election called in January 2012 for April 2012 or August 2012 for November 2012.

3.      Rededicate 2 mills from debt services to general fund, and borrow $0 for capital improvements.  Would generate approximately $740,000 to general fund; requires an election called in January 2012 for April 2012 to get this funding for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

4.      Rededicate 1 mill from debt service to pay employee health insurance for 2 years and borrow $6,380,000 for capital improvements.  Would generate approximately $370,000 to general fund; requires an election called in January 2012 for April 2012 to get this funding for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Mr. Boughton stated that whatever action is taken, it must go to the voters.  We can either put it on the ballot for April or wait for the November election.  Administration is recommending to wait for the November election, which would give them time to prepare a plan and present it to the public.

Mr. Boughton stated that the Executive Committee had met regarding this and their recommendation is Option 4 – to rededicate 1 mill from debt service to pay employee health insurance for 2 years, after which it would revert to capital improvements and borrow $6,380,000 for capital improvements with the other mill.  President Patrick Sanders asked Mr. Boughton to clarify the fact that the Executive Committee consists of only 3 people and that he, Mr. Sanders, was in favor of Option 2 - to borrow up to $11,600,000 for capital improvements and keep 10 mills for debt service and the recommendation was not unanimous.

Mr. Boughton stated that administration is recommending Option 2 - leave the 2 mills dedicated to debt services and borrow up to $11,600,000 to use for capital improvement. Administration strongly recommends that the 2 mills be used for capital improvements and maintaining the facilities and would like it put on the November 2012 ballot.

A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Triche, to go forward with Option 4 - to rededicate 1 mill from debt service to pay employee health insurance for 2 years, after which it would revert to capital improvement and borrow $6,380,000 for additional capital improvements with the other mill. 

A substitute motion was made by Dr. Keller, seconded by Mr. Bacas, to go forward with Option 2 - leave the 2 mills dedicated to debt services and borrow up to $11,600,000 to use for capital improvement.

Mr. Jones called for question.  Upon roll call to end discussion, there were:

11 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.

The motion to end discussion carried.

Upon roll call on the substitute motion to go forward with Option 2 - leave the 2 mills dedicated to debt services and borrow up to $11,600,000 to use for capital, there were:

9 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Bacas, Nicholas, Sanders.

2 Nays – Wise, Triche.

The motion carried.

Dr. Millet stated that administration would prefer to have the election in November 2012, which would afford administration the opportunity to inform the public of which capital improvements would be targeted with the bond money.

A motion as made by Dr. Keller, seconded by Mr. Nicholas, to adopt 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 incurring of debt and issuance of bonds therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; and provid­ing for other matters in connection there­with.  Subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, and under the authority conferred by Article VI, Section 33 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, APRIL 21, 2012, between the hours of six o'clock (6:00) a.m., and eight o'clock (8:00) p.m.  There were no objections.

The motion passed unanimously.

11 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.

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 incurring of debt and issuance of bonds 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, Section 33 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, APRIL 21, 2012, 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 proposition, to-wit:

PROPOSITION

(BOND)

Summary:         To authorize not exceeding $11,600,000 of not exceeding 20 year General Obligation School Bonds for the purpose of acquiring and/or improving lands for building sites and playgrounds, including construction of necessary sidewalks and streets adjacent thereto; purchasing, erecting and/or improving school buildings and other school related facilities within and for the district and acquiring the necessary equipment and furnishings therefor, title to which shall be in the public, said bonds to be payable from ad valorem taxes.

Shall School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the “District”), incur debt and issue bonds to the amount of not exceeding Eleven Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($11,600,000), to run not exceeding twenty (20) years from date thereof, with interest at a rate not exceeding eight per centum (8%) per annum, for the purpose of acquiring and/or improving lands for building sites and playgrounds, including construction of necessary sidewalks and streets adjacent thereto; purchasing, erecting and/or improving school buildings and other school related facilities within and for the District and acquiring the necessary equipment and furnishings therefor, title to which shall be in the public; which bonds will be general obligations of the District and will be payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied and collected in the manner provided by Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 and statutory authority supplemental thereto, with no estimated increase in the millage rate to be levied in the first year of issue above the 10 mills currently being levied to pay General Obligation Bonds of the District?

            SECTION 2.      Publication of Notice of Election.  A Notice of Special Election shall be published in the L'Observateur, a 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, MAY 17, 2012, 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, May 17, 2012, 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 issue, sell and deliver the bonds 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.  By virtue of applicant/issuer’s application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval(s) resolved and set forth herein, it resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval(s) are expressly conditioned upon, and it further resolves that it understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the “State Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.”, adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing(s) and other matter(s) subject to the approval(s), including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swap(s) or other product(s) or enhancement(s) covered thereby.

            SECTION 9.      Employment of Bond Counsel.  This Governing Authority finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employ­ment of special counsel in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, LLP, of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Bond Counsel, is hereby employed to do and perform legal work as bond counsel with respect to the issuance and sale of said Bonds.  Said Bond Counsel shall prepare and submit to this Governing Authority for adoption all of the proceedings incidental to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of such Bonds, shall counsel and advise this Governing Authority as to the issuance and sale thereof and shall furnish its opinions covering the legality of the issuance of the Bonds.  The fee of Bond Counsel for each series of bonds shall be fixed at a sum not exceeding the fee allowed by the Attorney General's fee guidelines for such bond counsel work in connection with the issuance of such series of general obligation bonds and based on the amount of said Bonds actually issued, sold, delivered and paid for, plus "out-of-pocket" expenses, said fees to be contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of said bonds.  That pursuant to instruc­tions from the Finance Director, Bond Counsel (in conjunction with Fiscal Services, Inc., of New Orleans, Louisiana, with respect to completion of statistical information) shall cause to be prepared an official statement containing detailed and comprehensive financial and statistical data with respect to the sale of the Bonds and the costs of the preparation and printing of said official statement shall be paid from the proceeds of the issue for which it has been prepared.  Said official statement may be submitted to one or more of the nationally recognized bond rating service or services, together with a request that an appropriate rating be assigned.  Payment for all ratings shall be made by the Finance Director upon presentation of appropriate statements from the particular rating service furnishing the ratings.  A certified copy of this resolution shall be submitted to the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for his written approval of said employment and of the fees herein designated, and the Finance Director is hereby empowered and directed to provided for  payment of the work herein specified upon completion thereof and under the conditions herein enumerated.

            SECTION 10.     Declaration of Official Intent.  Prior to the delivery of the Bonds, the Governing Authority antici­pates that it may pay a portion of the costs of the projects from the General Fund.  The projects include those purposes set forth in the proposition herein.  Upon the issuance of the Bonds, the Issuer reasonably expects to reimburse any such expendi­tures of other available funds from a portion of the proceeds of the Bonds.  Any such allocation of proceeds of the Bonds for reimbursement will be with respect to capital expenditures (as defined in Reg. 1.150-1(b)) and will be made upon the delivery of the Bonds and not later than one year after the later of (i) the date such expenditure was paid or (ii) the date on which the project was placed in service.  This Section is intended to be a declaration of official intent within the meaning of Reg. 1.150-2.

And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 12^th day of January, 2012.

                       /s/ Courtney Millet                                                       /s/ Patrick H. Sanders       

                             Secretary                                                                      President

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 January 12, 2012, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held within the District on SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2012, 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 proposition, to-wit:

PROPOSITION

(BOND)

Summary:         To authorize not exceeding $11,600,000 of not exceeding 20 year General Obligation School Bonds for the purpose of acquiring and/or improving lands for building sites and playgrounds, including construction of necessary sidewalks and streets adjacent thereto; purchasing, erecting and/or improving school buildings and other school related facilities within and for the district and acquiring the necessary equipment and furnishings therefor, title to which shall be in the public, said bonds to be payable from ad valorem taxes.

Shall School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the “District”), incur debt and issue bonds to the amount of not exceeding Eleven Million Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($11,600,000), to run not exceeding twenty (20) years from date thereof, with interest at a rate not exceeding eight per centum (8%) per annum, for the purpose of acquiring and/or improving lands for building sites and playgrounds, including construction of necessary sidewalks and streets adjacent thereto; purchasing, erecting and/or improving school buildings and other school related facilities within and for the District and acquiring the necessary equipment and furnishings therefor, title to which shall be in the public; which bonds will be general obligations of the District and will be payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied and collected in the manner provided by Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 and statutory authority supplemental thereto, with no estimated increase in the millage rate to be levied in the first year of issue above the 10 mills currently being levied to pay General Obligation Bonds 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:

            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, MAY 17, 2012, 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 12^th day of January, 2012.

ATTEST:                                                                                           /s/ Patrick H. Sanders       

                                                                                                                 President

                       /s/ Courtney Millet                      

                             Secretary

STATE OF LOUISIANA

PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), the governing authority of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "District"), do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of the proceedings taken by the Governing Authority on January 12, 2012, 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 incurring of debt and issuance of bonds therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; and provid­ing for other matters in connection there­with.

IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature of the School Board at Reserve, Louisiana, on this, the 12^th day of January, 2012.

b.  Mr. Felix Boughton - Quarterly Budget Report – Second Quarter 2012

c.  Mr. Felix Boughton - Request Board approval to solicit proposals on property insurance.

A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr.  Triche to approve solicitation of proposals on property insurance.  There were no objections. 

The motion carried.

11 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.

e. Mr. Peter Montz – Request Board approval on Proposal 12.27 Internet Services.  Beginning July 1, 2012, Reserve Telephone Company will be our service provider.  This is a 5 year contract.

A motion was made by Dr. Keller, seconded by Mr. Jones to approve Proposal 12.27 Internet Services. There were no objections.

The motion carried.

11 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.

f.  Mr. Bob Bourgeois – Request Board approval for the 2012-2013 Federal E-Rate Grant.

A motion was made by Dr. Keller, seconded by Mr. Jones to approve the 2012-2013 Federal E-Rate Grant. There were no objections.

The motion carried.

11 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.

g.  Mr. Bob Bourgeois – Request Board permission to advertise for RFP for firewall and filtering software/hardware.

A motion was made by Dr. Keller, seconded by Mr. Jones to give permission to advertise for RFP for firewall and filtering software/hardware. There were no objections.

The motion carried.

11 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.

ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS.  a. None

ITEM 9.   NEW BUSINESS.  a.  Dr. Courtney P. Millet, Superintendent - Approve out of state travel for principal to become a Certified Mentor through National Association of Elementary School Principals.

A motion was made by Dr. Keller, seconded by Mr. Burl to extend the out of state travel to all employees and board members, up to $2500 until June 30, 2012.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Nicholas, to approve out of state travel for Ms. Noel to become a Certified Mentor though the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Upon roll call on the substitute motion to approve out of state travel for Ms. Noel to become a Certified Mentor though the National Association of Elementary School Principals, there were:

2 Yeas – Nicholas, Triche.

8 Nays – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Bacas, Sanders.

1 Abstention – Wise.

The motion failed.

Upon roll call on the original motion to extend the out of state travel to all employees and board members, up to $2500 until June 30, 2012, there were:

9 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Bacas, Nicholas, Sanders.

2 Abstentions – Wise, Triche.

The motion carried.

b.  Dr. Leigh Ann Beard and Mr. Elton Oubre - Request approval of new policies:  EBA; JCDAA; GAMA and EB.

A motion was made by Mr. Burl, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the new policies:  EBA; JCDAA; GAMA and EB.  There were no objections.

11 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.

The motion carried.

FILE:  EBA

Cf:  GAMA, JCDAA

                                                         TOBACCO-FREE SCHOOLS

Because tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death, disease, and disability, the St. John the Baptist School Board shall provide a Smoke-Free Campus (Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act) and Tobacco-Free school environment (Louisiana’s Tobacco-Free Schools policy – the Department of Health and Hospitals Tobacco Control Program).

Smoking, or possessing any other form of smoking objects or devices, or possessing any lighted tobacco products (e.g. smoke, smokeless, spit, spitless, etc.) on any school campus, school vehicle, or parish School Board property are prohibited.

>        School campus includes the elementary or secondary school building and buildings on that campus. 

>        School Board property shall include any portable buildings, field houses, stadiums, equipment storage areas, vacant land, or any property owned, operated, or leased by the board.

>        This prohibition on smoking, tobacco, and smoking object/devices shall also apply to all visitors and contractors that enter on School Board property.

All tobacco products are also prohibited at school-sponsored functions (e.g. field trips, athletic events, proms, dances, promotional activities, etc.) including those away from school property.

 Smoking and tobacco advertising shall be prohibited on all School Board property.

STUDENT TOBACCO USE

 Smoking, or possessing any other form of smoking objects or devices, or possessing any tobacco products (e.g. smoke, smokeless, spit, spitless, etc.) on any school campus, school vehicle, or parish School Board property are prohibited.

>        School campus includes the elementary or secondary school building and buildings on that campus. 

>        School Board property shall include any portable buildings, field houses, stadiums, equipment storage areas, vacant land, or any property owned, operated, or leased by the board.

All tobacco products are also prohibited at school-sponsored functions (e.g. field trips, athletic events, proms, dances, promotional activities, etc.) including those away from school property.

Parental permission to smoke does not exempt a student from this policy.  Violations shall subject the student to appropriate disciplinary action.

COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

“Smoke Free/Tobacco-Free” signs shall be displayed on school property.  Notice of this policy shall be posted at the entrances to the grounds of each school and school building, and within school vehicles.

Notice of this policy shall be given to students, all school staff, parents or families through dissemination of the student handbook every year and posted signage at each campus.  The community shall be made aware of the policy by signage and handbooks as needed.

In addition to disciplinary action, those students who are found in violation of this policy shall be referred to the school’s health provider (Nurse, Health Center, or Social Worker) for a tobacco intervention.  The school’s health provider shall have the option of referring the student to the Fax to Quit Louisiana Program, coordinated by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Tobacco Control Program, which refers the student to the Louisiana Quit-line, a free counseling service done over the phone for tobacco cessation.

School employees who violate the Smoke Free and Tobacco-Free School policy shall, in addition to disciplinary action, also be referred to the Louisiana Quit-Line (1-800-QuitNow) which is a free counseling service for tobacco cessation.

COMMUNICATION

At the beginning of each school year the Wellness Committee will share a summary of the School Wellness policy with all school principals. Updates to the policy may be highlighted and discussed.  School principals will then communicate this information to school staff, faculty, students, and parents through various faculty and parent meetings, as well as through the student handbooks provided at each school.  Any special events that the Wellness Policy Committee plans to achieve should be shared with everyone affected and the School Health Advisory Council. 

Visitors and contractors shall also be informed of the Smoke Free and Tobacco-Free Schools policy through posted signs at the entrances to the grounds of each school and school buildings, and within school vehicles.

New policy:  November, 2011

FILE:  JCDAA

Cf:  EBA

STUDENT TOBACCO USE

Smoking, or possessing any other form of smoking objects or devices, or possessing any tobacco products (e.g. smoke, smokeless, spit, spitless, etc.) on any school campus, school vehicle, or St. John the Baptist Parish School Board property are prohibited.

>        School campus includes the elementary or secondary school building and buildings on that campus. 

>        School Board property shall include any portable buildings, field houses, stadiums, equipment storage areas, vacant land, or any property owned, operated, or leased by the board.

All tobacco products are also prohibited at school-sponsored functions (e.g. field trips, athletic events, proms, dances, promotional activities, etc.) including those away from school property.

 Parental permission to smoke does not exempt a student from this policy.  Violations shall subject the student to appropriate disciplinary action.

In addition to disciplinary action, those students who are found in violation of this policy shall be referred to the school’s health provider (Nurse, Health Center, or Social Worker) for a tobacco intervention.  The school’s health provider shall have the option of referring the student to the Fax to Quit Louisiana Program, coordinated by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Tobacco Control Program, which refers the student to the Louisiana Quit-line, a free counseling service done over the phone for tobacco cessation.

Adopted:  September 21, 1978

Revised:  September, 1994

Revised:  November, 2011

FILE:  GAMA 

Cf:  EBA 

EMPLOYEE TOBACCO USE

Because tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death, disease, and disability, the St. John the Baptist School Board shall provide a Smoke-Free campus (Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act) and Tobacco-Free school environment (Louisiana’s Tobacco-Free School Policy – the Department of Health and Hospitals Tobacco Control Program).

Smoking, or possessing any other form of smoking objects or devices, or possessing any lighted tobacco products (e.g. smoke, smokeless, spit, spitless, etc.) on any school campus, school vehicle, or parish School Board property are prohibited.

>        School campus includes the elementary or secondary school building and buildings on that campus. 

>        School Board property shall include any portable buildings, field houses, stadiums, equipment storage areas, vacant land, or any property owned, operated, or leased by the Board.

>        This prohibition on smoking, tobacco, and smoking object/devices shall also apply to all visitors and contractors that enter on School Board property.

>        All tobacco products are also prohibited at school-sponsored functions (e.g. field trips, athletic events, proms, dances, promotional activities, etc.) including those away from school property.

COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

“Smoke Free/Tobacco-Free” signs shall be displayed on school property.  Notice of this policy shall be posted at the entrances to the grounds of each school and school building, and within school vehicles.

Notice of this policy shall be given to students, all school staff, parents or families through dissemination of the student handbook every year and posted signage at each campus.  The community shall be made aware of the policy by signage and handbooks as needed.

In addition to disciplinary action, those students who are found in violation of this policy shall be referred to the school’s health provider (Nurse, Health Center, or Social Worker) for a tobacco intervention.  The school’s health provider shall have the option of referring the student to the Fax to Quit Louisiana Program, coordinated by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Tobacco Control Program, which refers the student to the Louisiana Quit-line, a free counseling service done over the phone for tobacco cessation.

School employees who violate the Smoke Free and Tobacco-Free School policy shall, in addition to disciplinary action, also be referred to the Louisiana Quit-Line (1-800-QuitNow) which is a free counseling service for tobacco cessation.

COMMUNICATION

At the beginning of each school year the Wellness Committee will share a summary of the School Wellness policy with all school principals. Updates to the policy may be highlighted and discussed.  School principals will then communicate this information to school staff, faculty, students, and parents through various faculty and parent meetings, as well as through the student handbooks provided at each school.  Any special events that the Wellness Policy Committee plans to achieve should be shared with everyone affected and the School Health Advisory Council. 

Visitors and contractors shall also be informed of the Smoke Free and Tobacco-Free Schools policy through posted signs at the entrances to the grounds of each school and school buildings, and within school vehicles.

Revised:  December 7, 2006                              

Revised:  November, 2011

FILE:  EB

Cf:  EBA, EBCA, EBG

Cf:  ECF, GAMA

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS MANAGEMENT

It shall be the policy of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board to require that school properties be maintained in good physical condition. The Board, therefore, shall instruct the Superintendent to assure that all normal building and grounds maintenance, repairs and improvement functions are an integral part of the administration of the school system, including the regular evaluation for any safety hazards.

The Superintendent shall be vested with a broad range of administrative and supervisory authority relative to the school system's buildings and grounds program.  Regular reports shall be made available to the Board relative to maintenance needs, safety, utility and attractiveness of school plants and grounds within the school system.

The Board shall not be held responsible for any personal items stolen or damaged on school premises.  The Board shall require principals and/or persons in charge of public school property to prohibit the use, sale, or possession of alcoholic beverages on public school property.

VACANT AND/OR UNOCCUPIED BUILDINGS

Vacant and/or unoccupied premises owned by the School Board shall be properly secured and maintained to prevent unauthorized trespass or injury to the general public.  It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent or his/her designee to assure that any vacant and/or unoccupied property of the School Board has limited access for authorized personnel only and the grounds are maintained regularly.

Revised:  September 21, 1978                            

Revised:  October, 2001                                    

Revised:  December 7, 2006

Revised:  November, 2011

c.  Dr. Leigh Ann Beard – Introduction of policies to be approved:  GBN; GBRA; II.

This item was for introduction only.

d.  Dr. Leigh Ann Beard – Standing Committee Elections.  The president stated that this item will be deferred to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

e.  Lloyd LeBlanc, Board Attorney – Legal Update.  None

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

ITEM 11. BOARD-RELATED ITEMS OF INTEREST.  Mr. Sanders stated that the Board Retreat would be held tentatively on January 31^st and February 1^st.

Mr. Burl stated that he would like to look at the current pest control contract at the next board meeting and would also like a resolution to support the St. John Parish Tax Renewal. 

A motion was made by Mr. Jack, seconded by Mr. Nicholas, to waive policy to allow a parent to address the Board regarding the graduation date at West St. John High School.  Upon roll call, there were:

7 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Nicholas, Sanders.

1 Nay – Johnson.

3 Abstentions – Wise, Bacas, Triche.

The motion failed.

ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT: The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, Mr. Bacas offered a motion for adjournment, seconded Mr. Triche. There were no objections. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

________________________________                                        ________________________________

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