PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA - Meeting of February 16, 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 Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria, Reserve, Louisiana, on Thursday, February 16, 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, DeFrancesch, Jones, Bacas, Triche, Sanders.
ABSENT: Johnson, Wise, Nicholas.
There were 8 members present, 3 absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meeting of February 2, 2012.
A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mrs. DeFrancesch, to accept the minutes of the February 2, 2012 meeting as printed and published. There were no objections.
The motion carried.
8 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Bacas, Triche, Sanders.
3 Absent – Johnson, Wise, Nicholas.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Superintendent.
a. Recognition of Ms. Shanda James – National Board Counselor Certification. Dr. Millet stated the following: “I would like to recognize and congratulate Ms. Shanda James, who has attained certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. (NBCC). She is currently serving as counselor at Fifth Ward Elementary, a position she has held for the past 6 years. National Certification in Counseling promotes professional accountability and ensures that consumers’ rights are protected through the NBCC Code of Ethics. As a newly designated NCC, Ms. James has fulfilled the requirements for the NCC credential. Those requirements include a graduate degree in counseling from a regionally accredited institution, supervised post-master’s counseling experience, and a passing score on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). Congratulations, Ms. James!”
b. St. John the Baptist Parish Students of the Year - Dr. Millet stated the following: “Each school in the district chose a student to represent the school based on the state’s Student of the Year criteria. The school winners then competed at the parish level using the same criteria. Fifth grade criteria included a portfolio of activities, community service, and recognitions, a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher for 3rd through 5th grades, an impromptu writing sample, and an interview. Eighth grade criteria were similar to that of 5th grade; however, leadership was added to the portfolio and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher for grades 6, 7, and 8. The 12th grade criteria included the portfolio (illustrating school involvement, community involvement, and recognitions), a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher for 9th through 12th grades, an impromptu writing sample, and the interview.
Many thanks to Bill Ironside of Reserve Telephone Company for sponsoring our Students of the Year program and for the donations to our students. RTC supplied our students this year with monogrammed tote bags and the three top District Students of the Year are receiving Nooks as well. We are so fortunate to have them as partners. Mr. Ironside and Ms. Phyllis Madere are exemplary examples of great community partners.
Individual school winners include the following:
5th Grade School-Level Student of the Year Winners
East St. John Elementary.................................. Aundreuz Ridgel
Emily C. Watkins Elementary............................ George Louper, III
Fifth Ward Elementary....................................... Erriyel Cemelien
Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet................................... John Askins
John L. Ory Magnet........................................... Ethan Millet
Lake Pontchartrain Elementary.......................... Dermond Jarvis
West St. John Elementary................................. Cairon Becnel
8th Grade School-Level Student of the Year Winners
East St. John Elementary ................................. Kenyatta Cannon
Fifth Ward Elementary....................................... Kirione Watkins
Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet................................... Anaya Askins
John L. Ory Magnet........................................... Justin Brown
Lake Pontchartrain Elementary......................... Arielle Jasmine
West St. John High School................................ Tre’von Barnes
12th Grade School-Level Student of the Year Winners
East St. John High............................................ Bianca Cook
I’d like to present our District Students of the Year; these students will represent St. John Parish at the Regional Competition which will be held February 28th in St. Bernard Parish:
St. John’s 5th Grade Student of the Year is Skiler Cornish from LaPlace Elementary School. Skiler is the daughter of Albert and Andrea Cornish of LaPlace. She has maintained an outstanding academic record at LaPlace Elementary, earning honor roll status every year since kindergarten. She also scored Mastery in three of the four categories on the 4th grade LEAP exam, and Advanced in the subject area. She recently attended a Charm and Modeling Camp, earning a certificate for being a camp mentor. She is a member of her school’s 4-H Club, and she enjoys tutoring younger students at her school in math.
St. John’s 8th Grade Student of the Year is Lori Chen from LaPlace Elementary School. Lori is the daughter of Zhao and Ling Chen of LaPlace. She has received much recognition for her talent as an artist. She has won numerous awards for her artistry, including the 2011-2012 St. John the Baptist Parish School District’s Christmas Card Contest. She is an “A” Honor Roll student, and she serves as treasurer of the Junior Beta Club. She said her sister has had a tremendous influence in her life, encouraging her to read novels and giving her advice and support.
St. John’s 12th Grade Student of the Year is Lester Rainey III from West St. John High School. Lester is the son of Lester and Amita Rainey of Edgard. He is very active in school clubs and activities, and he has won numerous academic and athletic awards. He currently serves as president of the Student Council, captain of the Mock Law Debate Team, senior reporter for the Times Picayune Newspaper for his high school, a board member for the St. John 4-H Advisory Board, reporter for his school’s 4-H Club, and a delegate for the 2011 Louisiana Youth Seminar. Lester said he plans to attend college to pursue a degree in zoology or environmental science in hopes of becoming a research scientist.”
Dr. Millet recognized and thanked Ms. Whitney Jackson, who was the 5th and 8th Grade District Student of the Year when she attended LaPlace Elementary School. Ms. Jackson mentors in our schools and will graduate from Loyola this May.
The Chair declared a five minute recess at 6:20 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Jones, to reconvene in regular session. There were no objections and the board reconvened in regular session at 6:28 p.m.
Mr. Wise arrived at 6:28 p.m. and was recorded as present.
ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF.
Mr. Sanders stated that ITEM 9c would be addressed at this time.
ITEM 9c. Mr. Russ Wise, Board Member – Legislation affecting public schools – Introduction of State senators and State Representatives.
Mr. Sanders stated that Rep. Gary Smith nor Rep. Randall Gaines were able to attend tonight’s meeting, Senator Troy Brown was present, introduced himself to and addressed the board.
Mr. Sanders recognized Councilman Mr. Lucien Gauff, who was in the audience.
Mr. Sanders stated that ITEM 9b would be addressed at this time.
ITEM 9b. Mr. Keith Jones, Board Member - Recognition of Ryan Perrilloux.
Mr. Keith Jones presented Mr. Ryan Perrilloux with a plaque in congratulations and recognition of his recent accomplishments. Mr. Perrilloux is a member of the New York Giants practice squad, who recently won the Superbowl. Mr. Perrilloux addressed the board and thanked them for recognizing his accomplishments.
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. Tasaman Carlin, Part time Teacher, Emily C. Watkins
B. Extended Sick Leave
1. Anya Williams, Teacher, Garyville/Mt. Airy, January 26-April 26, 2012.
2. Connie Manual, Teacher, East St. John High, January 26, 2012
3. Monna Green, Teacher, East St. John Elementary, January 27, 2012
II. CLASSIFIED
A. Extended Sick Leave
1. Zelia Brooks, Paraprofessional, East St. John High, January 20, 2012
2. Bobbie Turner, Bus Driver, Transportation, February 1-March 20, 2012
3. Jesstina Allen, Bus Driver, Transportation, February 7-March 5, 2012
4. Lucilla Arzu, Clerk, Central Office, February 7-19, 2012
A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Bacas, to approve the Personnel Changes as presented in globo. There were no objections.
The motion carried.
9 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wise, Bacas, Triche, Sanders.
2 Absent – Johnson, Nicholas.
Mr. Sanders stated that ITEM 9a would be addressed at this time.
ITEM 9a. Dr. Courtney P. Millet, Superintendent – School Calendar for 2012-2013 school year.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Bacas, to accept the School Calendar for the 2012-2013 school year as presented. There were no objections.
The motion carried.
9 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wise, Bacas, Triche, Sanders.
2 Absent – Johnson, Nicholas.
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE: Mr. Felix Boughton, Executive Director of Business and Finance
a. Mr. Felix Boughton, Mr. Phillip Rebowe – Accept audit report as a public document.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Dr. Keller, to accept the audit report as a public document. There were no objections.
The motion carried.
9 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wise, Bacas, Triche, Sanders.
2 Absent – Johnson, Nicholas.
b. CSRS – Monthly Progress Update on the Master Plan and Program Management Services.
Mr. Floyd Luster presented the board with an update on all ongoing projects. He stated that the LaPlace Elementary Project was substantially complete and an Open House was recently held at the school. He thanked Ms. Kim Scioneaux for her help in the success of the Open House.
c. Mr. Felix Boughton, Mr. Chris Pellegrin – Accept proposal from CSRS for the management and design of the master list of projects for the $11.6 million bond issue.
A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Jones, to accept the proposal from CSRS for the management and design of the master list of projects for the $11.6 million bond issue at a cost of $48,000.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Burl, seconded by Mr. Jack, to table this item and go out for bids on the management and design of the master list of projects for the $11.6 million bond issue.
Following discussion, upon roll call on the substitute motion to go out for bids on the management and design of the master list of projects for the $11.6 million bond issue, there were:
3 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Sanders
6 Nays – Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wise, Bacas, Triche
2 Absent – Johnson, Nicholas
The motion failed.
Upon roll call on the original motion to accept the proposal from CSRS for the management and design of the master list of projects for the $11.6 million bond issue at a cost of $48,000, there were:
7 Yeas – Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wise, Wise, Bacas, Triche, Sanders
2 Nays – Jack, Burl
2 Absent – Johnson, Nicholas
The motion carried.
ITEM 7d. Mr. Felix Boughton, Mr. Chris Pellegrin – Accept proposal from CSRS for the management and design of the master list of projects for the $11.6 million bond issue.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Bacas, to accept the proposal from CSRS for the management and design of the master list of projects for the $11.6 million bond issue.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Burl, seconded by Mr. Jack to seek proposals and hire a program manager to implement the plan that CSRS will create with the $48,000 design of the master list of projects.
Following lengthy discussion, upon roll call on the substitute motion to seek proposals and hire a program manager to implement the plan that CSRS will create with the $48,000 design of the master list of projects, there were:
3 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Sanders
6 Nays – Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wise, Bacas, Triche
2 Absent – Johnson, Nicholas
The motion failed.
Upon roll call on the original motion to accept the proposal from CSRS for the management and design of the master list of projects for the $11.6 million bond issue, there were:
6 Yeas – Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wise, Bacas, Triche
3 Nays – Jack, Burl, Sanders
2 Absent – Johnson, Nicholas
The motion carried.
ITEM 7e. Mr. Felix Boughton – Accept proposal from Louisiana Insurance Service for property insurance.
A motion was made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Triche, to accept the proposal from Louisiana Insurance Service for property insurance. There were no objections.
The motion carried.
9 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wise, Bacas, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent – Johnson, Nicholas
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS. a. None
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS.
d. Mr. Patrick Sanders, Board President – Cancellation of March 1, 2012 School Board Meeting. Mr. Sanders stated that due to calendar conflict with the Louisiana School Board Association’s Annual Conference, he is requested the board vote to cancel the March 1, 2012 meeting.
A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by the Mr. Bacas, to cancel the March 1, 2012 School Board Meeting. There were no objections.
The motion carried.
9 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wise, Bacas, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent – Johnson, Nicholas
e. Mr. Russell Jack, Board Member – Discussion of West St. John High School Graduation. Mr. Taneka Terry addressed the board concerning changing the West St. John High School Graduation date. She stated that she has one child graduating from college and one graduating from West St. John on the same day and is requesting that the Board change the date of the high school’s graudation.
Dr. Millet stated that she had addressed Mr. Terry’s concerns and read the letter that was sent to Ms. Terry on January 5, 2012. It stated:
Dear Ms. Terry,
As you know, West St. John High School’s graduation has been on Saturday for the past 25 years. Furthermore, administration had identified the date of Saturday, May 19, 2012 in the student handbook. A copy of the letter from Mrs. Merrick and the West St. John High School student handbook is also enclosed for your reference. Please note that I support Mrs. Merrick in her decision to maintain the Saturday date for this school year.
Sincerely,
/s/ Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D.
A motion was made by Mr. Jack, seconded by Mr. Wise, to waive policy to make a decision regarding changing the date of graduation for West St. John High School. Board Policy states that a unanimous vote of the present, seated members of the board is necessary to waive policy. Upon roll call, there was a nay vote, therefore the motion failed, negating the continuation of the roll call.
f. Mr. Albert Burl – Resource Officer. This item was not addressed.
g. Lloyd LeBlanc, Board Attorney – Legal Update. None.
ITEM 10. ADMINSTRATIVE MATTERS: a. Committee Reports. None.
ITEM 11. BOARD-RELATED ITEMS OF INTEREST.
Dr. Keller requested a report on bus driver absenteeism. He stated that it had been brought to his attention that bus drivers are calling in too late for substitutes to be secured. Mr. Smith addressed the Board, stating that he had not been made aware of a problem, but would investigate and let the Board know what he finds out.
Mr. Burl asked that the contract with the parish emergency committee be re-visited in an attempt to see how quickly bus drivers can evacuate the schools in a real emergency. Mr. Elton Oubre addressed the board, stating the Office of Emergency Preparedness reviews the plan each year. During school time, the buses will evacuate the schools first and then assist the parish to evacuate the general public.
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 7:56 p.m.
________________________________ ________________________________
Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Secretary Patrick H. Sanders, President